Injury Watch

Arizona Cardinals
Eric Green (CB)	11/15: Starting cornerback Eric Green injured his left foot and/or ankle during Thursday's practice. He was on crutches after practice, and will undergo additional tests. If Green cannot play, Antrel Rolle will start. Update: 11/16: Green suffered a mild sprain, and is considered a game-time decision for Sunday. He did not practice on Friday.
Bertrand Berry (DE)	11/13: (Triceps) A Monday MRI confirmed that Berry will miss the remainder of the season with a torn triceps. Joe Tafoya and Darryl Blackstock will share Berry's responsibilities.
Atlanta Falcons
Martrez Milner (TE)	11/13: The Falcons placed rookie tight end Milner on injured reserve Tuesday with an ankle injury.
Jerious Norwood (RB)	From Last Week: (Ankle) Running back Jerious Norwood sat out Sunday's game.
Byron Leftwich (QB)	From Last Week: (High Ankle Sprain) Byron Leftwich sat out Sunday, but may be able to return this week.
Baltimore Ravens
Samari Rolle (CB)	From Last Week: (Illness) An undisclosed illness keeps sidelining Rolle. It's not clear when, or if, he will play again this season. The one thing that has been made clear is that the illness is not life-threatening.
Chris McAlister (CB)	From Last Week: (Knee) McAlister sat out Sunday's game. Update: 11/16: McAlister sat out Friday's practice, but coach Brian Billick believes that he will be able to play.
Steve McNair (QB)	From Last Week: (Shoulder) After suffering a bruised ego in week 9, McNair followed up with a shoulder subluxation (separation) in week 10. It's his non-throwing shoulder, but he is expected to miss at least two to three games.
Todd Heap (TE)	From Last Week: (Hamstring, Knee) Tight end Todd Heap played Sunday, but aggravated his hamstring and is considered a question mark for week 11. Update: 11/16: Heap is doubtful to play this week.
Buffalo Bills
Marshawn Lynch (RB )	11/13: (Ankle) Lynch hurt his ankle Sunday, and underwent tests on Monday. He's sore, and reports on Wednesday maintain that he is not expected to play against the Patriots due to a severely sprained left ankle. Head coach Dick Jauron said that it's possible the injury could cost Lynch even more than just one game. Update: 11/16: Lynch is doubtful to play this week.
Carolina Panthers
Steve Smith (WR)	11/15: (Shin) Receiver Steve Smith missed practice both Wednesday and Thursday with a shin injury. The team has not revealed the severity of the injury. Update: 11/16: Smith missed practice again on Friday, and is considered questionable to play on Sunday.
DeShaun Foster (RB)	11/13: (Toe) Foster's toe has been bothering him for a few weeks now, and he aggravated it on Sunday. His status for week 11 against the Packers is uncertain. Update: 11/15: Foster returned to practice Thursday.
David Carr (QB)	From Last Week: (Back, Head) Quarterback David Carr missed Sunday's game, but seems likely to be cleared this week. If he is, he has a shot to start against the Packers. Update: 11/15: Carr has been practicing with the team. It is unclear whether he or Vinny Testaverde will start. Update: 11/16: Testaverde will start Sunday's game against the Packers, relegating Carr, who made it through the week of full practices, to a reserve role.
Chicago Bears
Brian Griese (QB)	11/13: (Shoulder) Griese's injury to his shoulder isn't believed to be serious, and the team expects him to be available in week 11. Rex Grossman is expected to start though.
Nathan Vasher (CB)	From Last Week: (Groin) Cornerback Nathan Vasher sat out Sunday's game with a partially torn groin. Trumaine McBride has been starting with Vasher sidelined.
Cincinnati Bengals
Madieu Williams (S)	11/13: Safety Madieu Williams has a strained foot and will likely be limited in practice.
Willie Anderson (RT)	From Last Week: (Foot, Knee) Anderson missed another game Sunday, and is a long shot to play in week 11.
Caleb Miller (LB)	From Last Week: (Back) Miller missed another game Sunday. He is reportedly a long shot to play this week. Update: 11/17: The Bengals have placed Miller on injured reserve, ending his season. The team claimed linebacker Roy Manning off waivers.
Cleveland Browns
Shaun Smith (DE)	11/17: (Knee) Starting defensive end Shaun Smith suffered a knee injury during Thursday's practice and is considered questionable for Sunday at Baltimore. Coach Romeo Crennel said that no surgery is required, but that he's sore and is considered day-to-day. Smith replaced Orpheus Roye earlier in the season when Roye suffered a knee injury. Expect Roye to start on Sunday if Smith is unable to play.
D'Qwell Jackson (LB)	From Last Week: (Ankle) Jackson missed Sunday's game. His status for week 11 will likely be updated later in the week.
Dallas Cowboys
Terry Glenn (WR)	From Last Week: (Knee) Glenn isn't on IR yet.
Bobby Carpenter (LB)	From Last Week: (Quadriceps Tendon) Linebacker Bobby Carpenter is playing with a partially torn quadriceps tendon. If he tears is further, it will end his season.
Denver Broncos
Travis Henry (RB)	From Last Week: (Ribs, Knee) Henry missed Sunday's game. He should be back for week 11's game, but it may be his last with a suspension looming. Update: 11/16: Henry has a partially torn PCL, and is wearing a brace to practice. He was limited Thursday, and insists that he won't wear the brace to play. His status for this week's matchup against his former team, the Tennessee Titans, is uncertain. On Friday, Henry is slated to present his case to the NFL in an effort to avoid being suspended for a violation of the substance abuse policy.
Javon Walker (WR)	From Last Week: (Knee) Walker appears unlikely to play in week 11, although he is reportedly getting closer to being able to play.
Detroit Lions
Kalimba Edwards (DE)	From Last Week: (Knee) Edwards should be ready to return from a nagging knee injury soon.
DeWayne White (DE)	From Last Week: (Triceps) White may be able to return Sunday against the Giants.
Green Bay Packers
Cullen Jenkins (DE)	11/13: Jenkings tweaked his knee on Sunday. He is expected to miss practice time during the week.
Mark Tauscher (OT)	11/13: (Ankle) Tauscher hurt his ankle on Sunday, and is likely to miss practice time this week..
Nick Collins (S)	From Last Week: (Knee) Collins strained a ligament in his knee and will miss another week or two - possibly more. He does not require surgery.
Bubba Franks (TE)	From Last Week: (Knee) Franks was inactive Sunday with a knee injury.
Houston Texans
Ahman Green (RB)	From Last Week: (Knee) Green is still nursing a knee injury. His status will be updated later in the week. Update: 11/16: The Texans will rest Green after his knee swelled up again Friday. Ron Dayne will start on Sunday.
Andre Johnson (WR)	From Last Week: (Knee) Johnson is expected to start in week 11.
Dunta Robinson (CB)	11/14: (ACL & Hamstring) Robinson has been placed on IR after tearing his ACL and hamstring.
Indianapolis Colts
Dwight Freeney (DE)	11/13: (Ankle) Freeney has likely been lost for the season with an ankle injury that is expected to require surgery. The team has signed Simeon Rice to fill in the gap.
Dallas Clark (TE)	11/13: (Head) Clark missed Sunday's loss to the Chargers due to a concussion. Update: 11/17: Clark has been cleared to play this week, and should be on the field.
Marvin Harrison (WR)	From Last Week: (Knee) Harrison once again ended up on the inactive list Sunday. Update: 11/17: Harrison is still considered questionable for Sunday.
Freddy Keiaho (LB)	From Last Week: (Ear) Keiaho sat out Sunday's game with what is now listed as an ear injury. He was originally sidelined with a concussion. Update: 11/17: Keiaho is not on the week 11 injury list.
Tony Ugoh (OL)	From Last Week: (Foot) Right tackle Tony Ugoh missed Sunday's game with a right foot injury. Update: 11/17: Ugoh is out for Sunday with a stinger.
Jacksonville Jaguars
David Garrard (QB)	From Last Week: (Ankle) Quarterback David Garrard practicing with the first team, and is expected to start in week 11.
Josh Scobee (K)	From Last Week: (Quadriceps) Scobee's quadriceps strain prevented him from playing again. John Carney continues to play in Scobee's place, although Scobee is reportedly getting closer to returning.. Update: 11/17: Scobee is not on the Jaguars' week 11 injury report.
Kansas City Chiefs
Larry Johnson (RB)	From Last Week: (Foot) Larry Johnson will sit out week 11.
Miami Dolphins
Jason Taylor (DE)	11/14: Taylor missed a significant portion of Sunday's game with an ankle injury, and sat out Wednesday's practice. An MRI showed no serious issues, but his status for Sunday is uncertain. Linebacker Donnie Spragan took over at DE while Taylor was sidelined.
Matt Roth (DE)	11/14: Defensive end Matt Roth was forced from Sunday's game in the third quarter with a groin injury. He sat out Wednesday's practice. Rookie Quentin Moses replaces Roth on Sunday.
Zach Thomas (LB)	From Last Week: (Head) Thomas missed Sunday's game due to lingering migraines. He missed practice Wednesday, as well, and his status for Sunday is unknown. < Update: 11/16: Thomas has been ruled out for this week's game.
Minnesota Vikings
Adrian Peterson (RB)	11/14: (Knee) Star rookie running back Adrian Peterson suffered an apparently serious knee injury on Sunday. Further examination revealed that he suffered a torn LCL (Lateral Collateral Ligament), which will keep him out at least one week, but will not end his season. The knee will be stable enough to play, and will heal on its own over time. Peterson will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis. Don't be surprised if he misses another week or two beyond week 11.
Antoine Winfield (CB)	From Last Week: (Hamstring) Winfield missed Sunday's loss to the Packers, and was limited in practice on Wednesday. He said after practice that he is "definitely" playing.
New England Patriots
Stephen Neal (OG)	11/17: (Shoulder) Starting right guard Stephen Neal was ruled out of Sunday's game with a shoulder injury.
Eugene Wilson (S)	From Last Week: (Ankle) Safety Eugene Wilson sat out Wednesday's practice after missing the team's week 9 win over the Colts. The Patriots had a bye in week 10. Update: 11/17: The Patriots ruled Wilson out on Saturday.
New Orleans Saints
Jammal Brown (OT)	11/14: (Calf) Offensive tackle Jammal Brown is hopeful that he will be able to practice Thursday and play Sunday despite spraining his calf during Sunday's game against the St Louis Rams. Update: 11/16: Brown is doubtful to play this week.
New York Giants
Antonio Pierce (LB)	11/14: Linebacker Antonio Pierce missed practice Wednesday as he recovers from a concussion. He is expected to be fine to play this week. Update: 11/16: Pierce fully participated in Friday's practice and should be good to go on Sunday.
Derrick Ward (RB)	From Last Week: (Ankle) Running back Derrick Ward has been dealing with an ankle injury which he aggravated during week 7. On Sunday, the Giants declared Ward inactive. Update: 11/16: Ward is out again this week.
Steve Smith (WR)	From Last Week: (Shoulder, Hamstring) Receiver Steve Smith's shoulder and hamstring forced him to sit out Sunday. Update: 11/16: Smith will sit out again this week.
Plaxico Burress (WR)	From Last Week: (Ankle) As with every week, Burress sat out practice Wednesday.
New York Jets
Laveranues Coles (WR)	From Last Week: (Head) Coles is practicing with a red jersey, and is considered questionable for this week as he recovers from a concussion. Update: 11/15: Coles is expected to play Sunday.
Oakland Raiders
Josh McCown (QB)	11/17: (Quadriceps) McCown is doubtful for Sunday with yet ANOTHER injury, this one a bruised quadriceps. Daunte Culpepper will start, and his backup is expected to be Andrew Walter - not JaMarcus Russell! If McCown is able to move around, he may be the #2, but don't expect to see any of JaMarcus Russell.
Isaiah Ekejiuba (LB)	11/17: Ekejiuba suffered what coach Lane Kiffin called a "freak" injury late in Friday's practice and was being examined in the trainer's room as the rest of the team prepared to board buses headed to the airport. He has been listed as questionable.
Sam Williams (LB)	11/17: Williams practiced some during the week, but is not expected to play on Sunday.
Philadelphia Eagles
Brian Westbrook (RB)	11/16: Swelling in his knee forced running back Brian Westbrook to miss his second day of practice this week, and he is questionable for Sunday's game. Coach Andy Reid thinks that Westbrook will play.
Lito Sheppard (CB)	From Last Week: (Knee) It appears that Sheppard will be dealing with some pain in his knee for the next several weeks..
Pittsburgh Steelers
Ryan Clark (S)	From Last Week: (Spleen) Ryan Clark sat out again Sunday, and was placed on injured reserve on Wednesday. Anthony Smith has been starting in his place.
San Diego Chargers
Eric Weddle (S)	11/14: Weddle is considered day-to-day with a knee injury. Update: 11/17: Weddle is probable to play.
Quentin Jammer (CB)	From Last Week: (Hamstring) Jammer is expected to test his sore hamstring later in the week, and is hopeful that he will be able to play on Sunday.
Nick Hardwick (C)	From Last Week: (Foot) Hardwick does not appear close to returning to the lineup. Update: 11/17: As expected, Hardwick is out for week 11.
San Francisco 49ers
Alex Smith (QB)	11/15: (Shoulder) Smith has been recovering from a serious shoulder injury, and admitted this week that it is causing him pain and affecting his play. On Thursday, the 49ers announced that Trent Dilfer will start.
Aubrayo Franklin (NT)	11/14: (Calf) Nose tackle Franklin will miss the next four games after suffering a strained calf on Monday night against the Seahawks. Isaac Sopoaga is expected to start while Franklin is sidelined.
Frank Gore (RB)	From Last Week: (Ankle) Gore played Monday night, but was rested on Wednesday
Seattle Seahawks
Shaun Alexander (RB)	From Last Week: (Knee, Ankle) Alexander was inactive Monday night against the 49ers. He also missed Wednesday's practice as Maurice Morris took all of the first team snaps. Even when he returns, Alexander may have lost a decent amount of playing time to Morris. Update: 11/17: Alexander will not play until he can put in a full, normal week of practice, according to coach Mike Holmgren. Look for Maurice Morris to be the guy this week.
Leroy Hill (LB)	From Last Week: (Hamstring) Hill sat out Wednesday's practice with a lingering hamstring issue. Update: 11/17: Hill was able to practice late in the week, and should be able to play on Sunday. Coach Mike Holmgren would not say whether or not Hill was ready, indicating that he intended to wait to see how his hamstring responded to practice, but Hill believes that he will play.
Deion Branch (WR)	From Last Week: (Foot) Wide receiver Deion Branch suffered a sprained foot in week 5, and missed the last several games. He was expected to play Monday, but was not yet ready to return. He practiced Wednesday and appeared to be moving around well. Update: 11/17: Branch may be able to play this week, but there are no commitments to that fact from the Seahawks. He was able to fully participate in practice, but the team is taking a wait-and-see approach to make sure that he is not hampered by his sprained foot.
St Louis Rams
Dante Hall (WR/KR)	From Last Week: (Ankle) Kick returner and wide receiver Dante Hall practiced fully on Wednesday.
Isaac Bruce (WR)	11/14: (hamstring) Bruce was reportedly expected to miss 1-2 weeks after re-aggravating his hamstring on Sunday, but he fully participated in Wednesday's practice session..
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Greg Spires (DE)	From Last Week: (Calf) Defensive end Greg Spires is expected to miss another two or three games. Gaines Adams has been starting with Spires out..
Michael Clayton (WR)	From Last Week: (Ankle) Receiver Michael Clayton believes that he will be able to play Sunday. The question remains, though, whether or not he can actually catch.
Alex Smith (TE)	From Last Week: (Ankle) Tight end Alex Smith says that he made good progress during the bye, although he's only 75 to 80 percent healthy.
Michael Pittman (RB)	From Last Week: (Ankle) Running back Michael Pittman is expected to return to action in week 11. He will back up Earnest Graham.
Tennessee Titans
Ahmard Hall (FB)	From Last Week: (Forearm) Starting fullback Ahmard Hall suffered a broken forearm and is expected to miss a few more weeks.
Washington Redskins
Sean Taylor (S)	11/14: Safety Sean Taylor is expected to miss at least two weeks with a knee injury he suffered Sunday.
James Thrash (WR)	11/14: Thrash had a good game on Sunday, but finished with a high ankle sprain that appears likely to keep him from playing Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys.
Brandon Lloyd (WR)	11/14: Lloyd's season is over thanks to a broken collarbone suffered in Sunday's game.
Santana Moss (WR)	From Last Week: Moss hurt his heel in week 9, and sat out of Wednesday's practice.

Medical Dictionary

Medical Dictionary

A-C Joint – An abbreviation for the Acromioclavicular joint, the A-C is the joint of the shoulder where the acromion process (of the scapula) and the distal end of the clavicle meet. The acromion is the upper-most part of the shoulder just above where there ball of the humerus meets the shoulder socket. Most shoulder separations occur at this point.

Avulsion Fracture - An avulsion fracture occurs when an injury causes a ligament or tendon to pull off a small piece of bone. This type of injury is often associated with an injury to the ligament or tendon itself. Avulsion fractures can cause intense pain, but rarely requires surgery to reattach the ligament or tendon, except in cases when a large portion of bone has been widely separated, or in the event of serious tendon or ligament damage. An avulsion fracture will normally heal on its own and will typically not cause any problems afterwards, although it may still be visible on an X-Ray.

Bruised Sternum – The sternum is often called the “breastbone”. It is the flat bone in the center of the chest that connects the first 7 sets of ribs and the clavicles. A bruised sternum can create intense pain with any movement, including throwing or even breathing. A significant injury to the sternum can also put pressure on the lungs and heart.

Collateral Ligament Injuries
MCL (Medial) and LCL (Lateral) Collateral Ligament Injuries - The collateral ligaments are located on the sides of the knee joint, with the MCL located on the inner side, and the LCL on the outer. They provide stabilization, especially for side-to-side motion. The LCL is very rarely injured, but the MCL can be damaged with relative ease. A hit to the outside of the knee while the lower leg is stationary can cause an injury. Surgery is generally required only in the case of a complete tear. Otherwise, rest, ice, compression, and elevation are considered the best means to recovery.

Cruciate Ligament Injuries
ACL (Anterior) and PCL (Posterior) Cruciate Ligament Injuries – The knee contains two cruciate ligaments and two collateral. The cruciate ligaments, called “cruciate” because they form a cross inside the knee, are the ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament, and PCL, or posterior cruciate ligament. The ACL is located toward the front and prevents the shin bone from sliding forward beneath the thigh bone. A tear of the ACL typically requires reconstructive surgery. The PCL is injured much less frequently than the ACL, and an athlete can often return to action quickly with rehabilitation.

Concussion – A concussion is typically caused by some sort of severe head trauma. The brain will often be moved violently against the skull, creating a reaction similar to a seizure. The short term result of a concussion may include some bleeding on the brain, fluid drainage from the ears, nose, or mouth, vomiting, confusion and dizziness, and unconsciousness. A concussion will also often include some short-term memory loss, usually of events immediately before and after the event. For the long term, a concussion may cause persistent dizziness, confusion, and a greater likelihood to suffer additional concussions. In addition, repeated or excessively severe brain injuries can cause permanent brain damage and memory loss.

Deltoid Ligament - The deltoid ligament is a strong, flat, triangular band that attaches the medial, or inside, portion of the ankle to the foot. The deltoid ligament is covered by several tendons.

Hamstring Injuries – The hamstring is a series of long muscles that run down the back of the thigh. These muscles help control both hip and knee movement and are critical to running or even walking. Hamstring injuries will often be a relatively minor pull or strain, which typically take a week or two of rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) to heal. More severe injuries can linger for 6 to 8 weeks, and a serious tear may require season-ending surgery. Hamstring injuries are particularly tricky because even minor pulls tend to linger and have been known to hamper an athlete for the entire season. This is because the hamstring is so commonly used and is involved with both the hip and the knee that it is extremely difficult for an athlete to give it proper treatment before returning to action.

Hip Flexor – The hip flexor is actually a muscle that helps the hip to bend forward. When an injury is referred to as a “hip flexor,” the player typically suffered a strain to the hip flexor muscle.

Hip Pointer – A hip pointer occurs when an athlete suffers an injury to the pelvis, specifically the iliac crest, caused by a direct blow to the area. The iliac crest is the bony portion of the pelvis, commonly called the “hip bone,” that can be felt along the waistline. While the term “hip pointer” usually refers to a bruise to either the bone or muscle, it can also be applied to more serious injuries such as a small chip or fracture, or a complete break. Typically, a player noted as having a hip pointer suffered a bruise to the crest that can be painful and limit mobility for a relatively short period of time.

Hyperextension - Extreme extension, or straightening, of a limb or body part.

Pectoral Muscle Tear – The pectoral muscle connects the ribs, clavicle, and upper arm with a large mass of muscle, commonly known as the chest. As it is instrumental to everything from moving the arm to turning the head, to simply breathing, a tear or rupture in this muscle mass will often result in a player being placed on injured reserve. A pectoral injury can take at least three or four months to heal.

Plantar Fascia Injuries – The Plantar Fascia is a thick, broad, inelastic band of fibrous material that attaches to the heel and fans out along the bottom of the foot to attach to the metatarsal bones around the ball of the foot. It is inelastic and typically drawn quite tight to maintain the foot’s arch. While an injury can occur anywhere on the plantar fascia, most are localized around point where it meets the heel and involve some amount of tearing.

Sprain – A sprain is a ligament injury that can cause pain, swelling, and bruising of a joint. While it is more common to sprain a knee, wrist, or ankle, a player can sprain other joints as well, including the foot, back, chest, etc... Sprains can often linger for several weeks and vary in severity from relatively mild, which will cause some manageable pain, to severe, which will create enough pain and swelling to limit mobility and keep a player out of a game. Certain positions are more limited by sprains than others. In the case of a wide receiver, a mid-foot sprain can be debilitating due to the sprinting and cutting the player must perform.

Stinger – A stinger, sometimes called a burner or pinched nerve, is an injury to the nerves of the neck or shoulder. The term “stinger” refers primarily to the symptoms an athlete experiences that include painful electrical sensations through one of the arms. Technically, a stinger is usually a spine injury, but never a spinal cord injury. As it does not involve damage to the spinal cord, paralysis is not a serious concern. While symptoms will often fade on their own, stingers do tend to recur and can result in persistent pain and weakness in the arm, which can result in lost playing time. A stinger can occur when a nerve is compressed by the head being forced backward and toward one side, or when the nerves in the neck and shoulder are over-stretched by the head being forced sideways.

Strain – A strain occurs when a muscle is overstretched and tears. Also called a “pulled muscle,” this type of injury, while painful, is fairly common. Unlike a complete muscle tear, in which the entire muscle group will often completely separate, a player can often play despite a strain. More severe strains, and strains of important muscle groups, can hold a player out until the injury heals. Surgery is not a serious consideration to repair a strain.

Turf Toe – Turf Toe is an injury, perhaps a bruise or sprain, to the joint that connects the big toe to the rest of the foot. The injury is usually caused by severe or excessive upward bending or hyperextension of the big toe. Common symptoms are pain, swelling, and tenderness, and severe cases will often cause restriction of motion and bruising. Surgery is very rare, but the healing process can be lengthy. A turf toe injury will often bother an athlete all season, but will not end his year.