This early injury report covers the key player injuries from the previous week’s NFL action.
QUARTERBACKS
Jay Cutler, CHI â High Ankle Sprain and Strained Groin
Bears’ QB Jay Cutler, who was making his return on Sunday against the Lions from a strained groin, suffered a high ankle sprain in the fourth quarter and he has already been ruled out for Week 11 as a result. Cutler was noticeably limping between plays in the second half indicating that his previously injured groin may have been bothering him and according reports his ankle injury likely occurred while he tried to overcompensate for it. An MRI on Monday revealed that his sprain was of the high ankle nature and team officials are concerned that he could be out for at least a couple of weeks while he recovers. Josh McCown will get the start while Cutler is out.
Jake Locker, TEN â Lisfranc Injury
Titans’ QB Jake Locker will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a Lisfranc injury to his right foot during Sunday’s game against the Jaguars. Locker hurt his foot on an option play in the second quarter and he tried to stay in the game but he fumbled the ball on the very next play. He was having trouble putting weight on his foot so he was pulled from the game and escorted to the locker room where he was examined and treated. He later returned to the sideline on crutches and with his foot in a protective boot indicating that his day was done. An MRI on Monday revealed a Lisfranc injury that will almost certainly require surgery and head coach Mike Munchak confirmed that Locker’s season is over. Look for Ryan Fitzpatrick to take over at QB for the Titans. Â
Peyton Manning, DEN â Sprained Ankle
Peyton Manning appeared to aggravate his right ankle sprain during Sunday’s game against the Chargers, but a precautionary MRI on Monday confirmed that his injury did not get any worse and team officials expect him to play in Week 11. Manning was hit low on a passing play late in the fourth quarter and he had trouble getting to his fit immediately after. He stayed in the game, but his ankle was definitely bothering him and he had trouble moving on the field and walking around on the sideline afterwards. Manning told reporters that he was “pretty sore” on Monday and he will likely be limited in practice this week while he recovers. But unless he suffers some kind of setback this week, he will be under center for the Broncos against the Chiefs.
Terrelle Pryor, OAK â Sprained MCL
Raiders’ QB Terrelle Pryor admitted on Monday that he sprained the medial collateral ligament in his knee back in Week 9 and that it was very sore following Sunday’s loss to the Giants. Pryor did not leave the game but his mobility was definitely compromised being held to his lowest rushing total (19 yards) of the season. According to reports he will likely be limited in practice this week, but team officials still expect him to play in Week 11 against the Texans.
Seneca Wallace, GB â Strained Groin
Packers’ QB Seneca Wallace, who was starting in place of Aaron Rodgers, left Sunday’s game against the Eagles with a groin strain and his status for Week 11 is considered questionable. Wallace was injured while he tried to avoid a sack in the first quarter. He was replaced by Scott Tolzien and kept on the sideline for the remainder of the game. The severity of the groin injury has not been made public, but according to reports even if Wallace is cleared to play this upcoming weekend Tolzien played well enough on Sunday that he will likely get a chance to make his first career start against the Giants.
RUNNING BACKS
Mike James, TB â Fractured Ankle
Bucs’ RB Mike James will miss a significant amount of time after fracturing his left ankle during Monday night’s game against the Dolphins. James, who was hurt on a carry in the first half, was taken to the locker room where X-rays revealed a break in a bone near his ankle. It isn’t clear how severe the injury is and he is scheduled to undergo additional testing today to determine if surgery is needed to repair the damage. There are initial concerns that James will miss the remainder of the season, but we’ll know something more concrete either today or tomorrow.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Michael Floyd, ARI â Sprained AC Shoulder Joint
Cardinals’ WR Michael Floyd suffered a minor acromioclavicular joint sprain in his right shoulder during Sunday’s game against the Texans and the team is listing him as “day-to-day.” Floyd was injured when he landed on his shoulder in the first quarter and he was unable to finish the game. Fortunately the injury does not appear to be serious and there is a chance that he will be able to play in Week 11. He’ll likely miss practice time this week while he recovers and a decision on his availability for the team’s next game probably won’t be made until the weekend.
Percy Harvin, SEA â Recovering from Hip Surgery
Seahawks’ WR Percy Harvin, who has not played this season because he had been recovering from hip surgery, has finally been activated from the PUP list and team officials expect him to play this upcoming week against the Vikings. Harvin suffered a minor setback in his recovery a few weeks ago that delayed his return, but according to reports he is now pain-free and very close to full strength. The plan is for the Seahawks to use him sparingly in Week 11 and bring him a long slowly so that he is 100% when the playoffs begin. So with that being said don’t expect him to be on the field long enough against the Vikings to make a significant fantasy impact.
Stevie Johnson, BUF â Strained Groin
Bills’ WR Stevie Johnson, who has dealt with groin and hip strains on his left side this season, suffered a right groin strain on Sunday against the Steelers and his status for Week 11 appears to be in question. Johnson was hurt and left the game in the fourth quarter and he was later seen walking gingerly around the locker room. He spoke with reporters and said that he wasn’t sure if he would be able to play against the Jets. Johnson did say that he plans on spending a lot of time in the training room this week getting treatment in preparation to play, but a decision on his status probably won’t be made until gameday.
TIGHT ENDS
Vernon Davis, SF â Concussion
49ers’ TE Vernon Davis left Sunday’s game with a concussion and his status for Week 11 remains uncertain. Davis banged his head on the ground after dropping a pass in the second quarter. He looked a bit dazed as he left the field and he had to be escorted back to the locker room where he was evaluated. According to reports he was diagnosed with a concussion and ruled out for the remainder of the game. As expected he complained of a headache and some sensitivity to light on Monday morning. Davis is scheduled to undergo neurological testing today and tomorrow to determine the severity of the concussion and if he will be able to play against the Saints.
Tony Gonzalez, ATL â Undisclosed Toe Injury
Falcons’ TE Tony Gonzalez suffered an undisclosed toe injury during Sunday’s game against the Seahawks and his status for Week 11 is currently unknown. It isn’t clear how or when he hurt his toe but he was seen favoring his left foot in the locker room after the game and he told reporters that he wasn’t able to play at full speed because of it. He underwent an MRI on Monday, however the results have not been made public and his status remains uncertain. Hopefully the team has an update on his injury after practice on Wednesday.
