This injury update covers the key player injuries from the previous week’s NFL action.

RUNNING BACKS

Montee Ball, DEN – Groin Strain

According to reports Broncos’ RB Montee Ball reinjured his groin during Sunday’s loss to the Rams and he’s expected to miss at least 2 weeks while he recovers. Ball, who missed over a month of action because of a groin strain, aggravated the problem on his first play back. He limped off the field and he was seen speaking with the medical staff on the sideline. He tried to return but hurt it again trying to make a reception and he was eventually pulled from the game for good. Ball was obviously upset understandably frustrated following the game and there are reports out of Denver that suggest the team could keep him sidelined for the balance of the regular season as a precaution so that he is as a healthy as possible for the playoffs.

Ahmad Bradshaw, IND – Fractured Fibula

Colts’ RB Ahmad Bradshaw, who has been diagnosed with a fractured left fibula, will almost certainly miss the remainder of the regular season while he recovers and his status for the post-season is very much in doubt. Bradshaw’s ankle twisted awkwardly on a goal line carry in the fourth quarter and he was taken to the locker room where an X-ray revealed a crack in the fibula bone near his left ankle. He left the stadium on crutches and according to reports he underwent additional x-rays and an MRI on Monday. Head coach Chuck Pagano has confirmed that Bradshaw’s fibula is broken and he told reporters that the team has sent him to an orthopedic specialist for a second opinion. Don’t expect him to play again during the regular season.

Antone Smith, ATL – Fractured Leg

Falcons’ RB Antone Smith has been placed on Injured Reserve and will the remainder of the 2014 season after testing on Monday revealed that he fractured his leg on Sunday against the Panthers. Smith was injured while on punt coverage in the fourth quarter. It was initially reported as a serious knee injury, but according to reports X-rays in the locker room during the game showed and additional testing the following day confirmed that he actually suffered a fracture. It isn’t clear if the injury will require surgery, but he definitely wouldn’t have been able to recover in time to play again this season so he has been placed on IR as a result.

WIDE RECEIVER

Larry Fitzgerald, ARI – Partially Torn MCL

Despite being diagnosed with a grade 2 medial collateral ligament sprain in his left knee team officials are still expecting WR Larry Fitzgerald to play this upcoming week against the Seahawks. Fitzgerald was hurt when he took a shot to the knee while trying to make a catch in the second quarter. He was taken to the locker room where he was evaluated and treated. According to reports he was fitted for a brace which was secured with tape and he returned to the field in the third quarter. His production was limited but he did make it through the game. An MRI on Monday reportedly revealed that he suffered a partially torn MCL that typically requires 2 – 4 weeks of rest in order to heal. So not only will he be far from 100% if he plays in Week 12 against Seattle but since the structure of his knee is already compromised he is putting himself at an increased risk of suffering a more serious injury. Right now the Cardinals are saying he will try and play through it, but based on the nature of the injury I’m not sure how smart that is.

Greg Jennings, MIN – Bruised Ribs

Vikings’ WR Greg Jennings was knocked out of Sunday’s game against the Bears after suffering what is being described as bruised ribs and his status for Week 12 is currently unknown. Jennnings was reportedly dealing with soreness in his rib area following the game and team officials expect him to miss practice time this week while he recovers. Fellow WR Jarius Wright was also injured on Sunday, suffering a hamstring strain that will keep him out of practice this week as well. We should know more about their status for the game against the Packers later in the week.

Calvin Johnson, DET – Undisclosed Elbow Injury

Lions’ WR Calvin Johnson, who has dealt with a number of injuries this season, was reportedly getting treatment on his elbow after Sunday’s game. It isn’t clear when he was hurt or what the injury is, but according to reports his elbow was sore and swollen and he was seen with his elbow wrapped in ice immediately after the game. Team officials have not commented on the injury but Johnson has said that it didn’t affect his performance and that he expects to be OK for Week 12.

Emmanuel Sanders, DEN – Concussion

Broncos’ WR Emmanuel Sanders left Sunday’s game against the Rams with a concussion and his status for Week 12 is currently unknown. Sanders was injured when he took a hard shot while trying to make a catch in the third quarter. He was able to walk off the field on his own, but he failed a concussion test on the sideline and he was subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the game. According to reports he seemed OK in the locker room afterwards and team officials are optimistic that he will make a quick recovery. That being said he will be monitored closely over the next of days and we won’t know anything concrete about his status until later in the week.

TIGHT END

Dwayne Allen, IND – Sprained Ankle

According to reports Colts’ TE Dwayne Allen is being listed as “day-to-day” with a sprained ankle and his status for Week 12 is currently a question mark. Allen left the stadium on Sunday with his leg in a protective boot after rolling his ankle in the second quarter. X-rays in the locker room were reportedly negative, but he was having a difficult time putting weight on his leg and he was unable to finish the game. There have been reports that suggest Allen suffered a high ankle sprain and while that has neither been confirmed nor denied by the team Allen did tell reporters on Monday that he was feeling and that he is hoping to play against the Jaguars. We should know more about his injury and status after practice on Wednesday.

Jordan Reed, WAS – Strained Hamstring

Redskins’ TE Jordan Reed, who dealt with a strained hamstring at the start of the season, reportedly strained his hamstring during Sunday’s loss to the Bucs and his status for Week 12 is considered questionable. It isn’t clear when he was hurt or if the injury is related to the one that kept him out for a month earlier in the season, but head coach Jay Gruden has confirmed that he injured his hamstring and team officials expect him to be limited in practice this week as a result. We will keep you posted on his recovery.

Julius Thomas, DEN – Sprained Ankle

Broncos’ TE Julius Thomas left Sunday’s game against the Rams with a sprained ankle and there is concern that he might not be able to play in Week 12 because of it. Thomas rolled his ankle on a two-yard reception in the first quarter and after limping off the field he was escorted to the locker room for treatment. He did not return to the game and according to reports he was having a hard time moving around afterwards.  Thomas underwent an MRI on Monday and while the results have not been made public it does appear that he avoided serious injury. That being said team officials aren’t sure if he will be healthy enough to play in their next game and he is currently being considered questionable. We’ll keep you posted.