Photo Credit: Denis Poroy/Associated Press
Injury Updates
After undergoing a seventh surgery on his foot, New York Giants tight end Daniel Fells has two more surgeries scheduled to control his MRSA infection. Fells agent Ron Slavin talked to ESPN’s Lisa Salters about his current condition saying, future surgeries will clean out the infected area. Since Fells was placed on season-ending injured reserve earlier this month, the Giants have still been supporting him by dedicating their win over the San Francisco 49ers to him and presenting him the game ball over Skype. Fells has been released by the hospital.
Season Ending Injuries
On Monday, the Pittsburgh Steelers placed left tackle Kelvin Beachum on injured reserve. Beachum tore the ACL in his left knee during Sunday’s win over the Arizona Cardinals. The Steelers signed veteran offensive tackle Byron Stingily to replace Beachum.
After sustaining multiple cracked ribs and a partially collapsed lung, Detroit Lions running back Zach Zenner is out for the rest of the season. After getting hit by two defenders in the team’s win against the Chicago Bears, the rookie was taken directly to the hospital.
The Buffalo Bills have placed receiver Marquise Goodwin on season-ending IR after he hurt his ribs returning a kick.
Tennessee Titans center Brian Schwenke suffered a season-ending injury during Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins. The third-year player dislocated his left ankle in the second quarter of the game and was carted off the field. Schwenke thanked fans and teammates for their support and positive words. “I want nothing more than to be playing alongside my teammates,” he said.
Key Injuries
Last week, Bills wide receiver Sammy Watkins was incredibly vocal about wanting more targets. In week five’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals, it looked like Watkins was about to get his wish. Before the end of the first half, Watkins had five targets for 48 yards and a touchdown. It was after the second quarter touchdown that Watkins sustained an ankle injury. While Watkins did travel to London with the team, he was seen wearing a boot on his left foot and using crutches. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported that Watkins’ injury is a sprain, not a break. This leaves some hope for the Bills.
With star quarterback Ben Roethlisberger out, the Steelers are already in new territory with back up Mike Vick. During Sunday’s game, Vick suffered a hamstring injury and will most likely not be ready for this week’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Vick told NFL Media’s Aditi Kinkhabwala on Monday that he will test his torn hamstring but would guess that he’s “at least a week away” from returning. Landry Jones who finished for Vick will make the start if Roethlisberger isn’t ready either.
During the team’s 38-10 loss to the Dolphins, Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota suffered a left knee MCL sprain. An MRI revealed a Grade 2 MCL sprain which typically has a three to four week recovery period.
Other Injuries to Watch
After making 14 catches for 157 yards, Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen suffered a hip flexor injury in the third quarter. Allen is expected to have more tests to confirm the severity of the injury, but ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that it doesn’t appear to be too serious. Allen is currently leading the NFL in receptions.
Denver Broncos linebacker Shane Ray suffered a right MCL sprain early in the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns. Ray is expected to miss four to six weeks, but is scheduled to undergo an MRI to confirm the diagnosis.
Receiver Jeremy Maclin and defensive end Mike DeVito of the Chiefs are currently undergoing the league’s concussion protocol after leaving Sunday’s loss to the Vikings.
Cardinals tight end Darren Fells, brother of Daniel Fells, is expected to miss two to three weeks with a shoulder sprain.
The Jacksonville Jaguars saw two of their key players get banged up on Sunday’s loss to the Houston Texans. Tight end Julius Thomas fell on the ball and suffered a rib contusion. Wide receiver Allen Robinson sustained a lower leg contusion, but the X-rays came back negative.
It looks like Ty Montgomery’s injury wasn’t as serious as initially anticipated. The Green Bay Packers wide receiver injured his ankle when a San Diego Chargers defender rolled up on his leg. The rookie struggled putting weight on his left leg and the team initially feared a high-ankle sprain. Montgomery seems to have a typical ankle sprain and shouldn’t miss much time.
Good News
Persistent as ever, Broncos star receiver Emmanuel Sanders insists that he will play Sunday, Nov. 1 against the Packers. Sanders underwent treatment on his left shoulder but this week’s bye week should give him time to heal.
The New England Patriots also received some positive news after finding out that left tackle Marcus Cannon and defensive end Jabaal Sheard have minor injuries. Cannon will have an MRI on his toe as a precaution.
Be sure to check the comments section for updates throughout the week!
The Bills announced that Tyrod Taylor, Sammy Watkins, and Percy Harvin will not play Sunday’s game in London.