Injury Watch

Arizona Cardinals
Eric Green (CB)	From Last Week: (Foot) Starting cornerback Eric Green injured his left foot and/or ankle during last Thursday's practice, but he was able to play on Sunday.
Atlanta Falcons
Todd Weiner (OT)	11/18: (Knee) Weiner has been dealing with injuries all season, and tweaked his knee on Sunday. The extent of the injury is uncertain, but he was mentioned in coach Petrino's postgame report.
Trey Lewis (DT)	11/18: (Knee) Starting defensive tackle Trey Lewis sprained his right knee early in the first quarter of Sunday's game against the Buccaneers. The injury appears to be serious, and it is likely that Lewis has been lost for the remainder of the season.
Jerious Norwood (RB)	From Last Week: (Ankle) Running back Jerious Norwood was active Sunday, but Warrick Dunn took most of the work. In fact, Norwood made only a few appearances after the first half of the game.
Baltimore Ravens
Trevor Pryce (DE)	11/19: (Chest) Defensive lineman Trevor Pryce hurt his chest near the end of regulation Sunday. The injury is reportedly to his pectoral, and will cost him some time. He claims that it will not sideline him for the remainder of the season, but that remains to be seen.
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, and he has been getting more involved in practices.
Chris McAlister (CB)	From Last Week: (Knee) McAlister was active for Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns. He registered 4 tackles in his return to action.
Steve McNair (QB)	From Last Week: (Shoulder) McNair suffered a shoulder subluxation (separation) in week 10. It's his non-throwing shoulder, but he is expected to miss another game or two after sitting out week 11.
Todd Heap (TE)	From Last Week: (Hamstring, Knee) Tight end Todd Heap sat out Sunday's game against the Browns. 11/21: Heap did not practice on Wednesday, but still thinks he will play in week 12. Keep in mind he hasn't played a full game since week 4.
Buffalo Bills
Marshawn Lynch (RB )	From Last Week: (Ankle) Lynch hurt his ankle last week, and was inactive for Sunday night against the Patriots. Anthony Thomas started in his place.
Carolina Panthers
Steve Smith (WR)	From Last Week: (Shin) Receiver Steve Smith sat out Sunday's loss to the Packers.
Chicago Bears
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.
Bernard Berrian (WR)	11/21: (Toe) Berrian did not participate in practice on Wednesday. He has been playing through this all season, so he should practice on Friday and play this weekend.
Cincinnati Bengals
TJ Houshmandzadeh (WR)	11/18: (Hip) Receiver TJ Houshmandzadeh left Sunday's game in the fourth quarter with a hip injury.
Willie Anderson (RT)	From Last Week: (Foot, Knee) Anderson missed another game Sunday, and is a long shot to play in week 11.
Cleveland Browns
Eric Wright (CB)	11/18: (Knee) Cornerback Eric Wright sprained his knee in the first quarter of Sunday's game. He was considered doubtful to return at the time of the injury.
Shaun Smith (DE)	From Last Week: (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
Flozell Adams (OT)	11/18: (Leg) Offensive tackle Flozell Adams left Sunday's game late in the fourth quarter with an apparent leg injury. The extent or nature of the injury was not known after gametime.
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: From Last Week: 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.
Selvin Young (RB)	11/21: (Knee) Selvin did not practice on Wednesday. Coach Mike Shanahan said that he was still sore, and he is considered day to day. Make sure he practices later in the week before inserting him.
Detroit Lions
Idrees Bashir (S)	11/18: (Knee) Bashir hurt his right knee on the opening kickoff of Sunday's game and did not return.
DeWayne White (DE)	From Last Week: (Triceps) White was inactive on Sunday.
Green Bay Packers
Ryan Grant (RB)	11/18: (Ankle) Running back Ryan Grant suffered a reportedly mild ankle sprain late in Sunday's win over the Panthers. His status for Thursday's game against the Lions is uncertain.
Nick Collins (S)	From Last Week: (Knee) Collins strained a ligament in his knee and will likely miss another week or two. There is a slight possibility that he will be able to play on Thanksgiving. He does not require surgery.
Bubba Franks (TE)	From Last Week: (Knee) Franks was inactive Sunday with a knee injury. He should be getting close enough to start testing the knee in the coming days.
Houston Texans
Ahman Green (RB)	From Last Week: (Knee) Green is still nursing a knee injury and sat out Sunday's game. Ron Dayne started and carried 21 times for 89 yards.
Indianapolis Colts
Marvin Harrison (WR)	From Last Week: (Knee) Harrison once again ended up on the inactive list Sunday.
Tony Ugoh (OL)	From Last Week: (Stinger) Right tackle Tony Ugoh missed Sunday's game with a right stinger.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Mike Peterson (LB)	11/18: (Hand) Peterson broke his right hand in several places, and is expected to be out indefinitely.
Kansas City Chiefs
Greg Wesley (S)	11/18: (Knee) A sprained knee forced Wesley from Sunday's game against the Colts in the first quarter.
Larry Johnson (RB)	From Last Week: (Foot) Larry Johnson sat out week 11.
Miami Dolphins
Matt Roth (DE)	From Last Week: Defensive end Matt Roth sat out Sunday's game with a groin injury. Quentin Moses saw more time with Roth sidelined.
Zach Thomas (LB)	From Last Week: (Head) Thomas missed Sunday's game due to lingering migraines. 11/21: Thomas has been ruled out for week 12.
Jesse Chatman (RB)	11/21: (Sprained Ankle) Chatman was limited in practice on Wednesday, but Coach Cam Cameron thinks that Chatman will be fine by Monday night.
Minnesota Vikings
Adrian Peterson (RB)	From Last Week: (Knee) Peterson sat out Sunday, but the injury to his LCL (a partial tear) is not expected to keep him out for long. Chester Taylor had a good day against the Raiders. 11/21: Peterson participated in individual drills and the team hopes that he can be ready for week 13.
New England Patriots
Stephen Neal (OG)	From Last Week: (Shoulder) Starting right guard Stephen Neal inactive for Sunday's game with a shoulder injury.
Eugene Wilson (S)	From Last Week: (Ankle) Safety Eugene Wilson sat out again on Sunday.
New Orleans Saints
Jammal Brown (OT)	From Last Week: (Calf) Brown was inactive Sunday.
New York Giants
Brandon Jacobs (RB)	11/18: (Hamstring) Jacobs left Sunday's game midway through the second half with an apparent hamstring injury. Rueben Droughns took over.
Mathias Kiwanuka (DE)	11/18: (Fibula) Defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka suffered a broken left fibula early in Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions.
Derrick Ward (RB)	From Last Week: (Ankle) Running back Derrick Ward was inactive with an ankle injury. It's not yet clear if Ward will be able to play if Brandon Jacobs is out for week 12.
Steve Smith (WR)	From Last Week: (Shoulder, Hamstring) Receiver Steve Smith's shoulder and hamstring forced him to sit out Sunday.
Plaxico Burress (WR)	From Last Week: (Ankle) Burress is still dealing with his ankle injury, but played on Sunday.
New York Jets
Laveranues Coles (WR)	From Last Week: (Head) Coles started Sunday and had an early long catch, but left in the second quarter and ended up in the locker room after being checked out on the sideline.
Oakland Raiders
Josh McCown (QB)	From Last Week: (Quadriceps) McCown was inactive Sunday due to yet another in a long string of injuries. Daunte Culpepper started, and nobody else threw a pass, despite theories before the game alleging that JaMarcus Russell would play some.
Isaiah Ekejiuba (LB)	From Last Week: Ekejiuba suffered what coach Lane Kiffin called a "freak" injury late in last Friday's practice and was out Sunday.
Sam Williams (LB)	From Last Week: Williams was active Sunday, but only played on special teams.
Philadelphia Eagles
Donovan McNabb (QB)	11/18: (Ankle) McNabb went to the locker room midway through the second quarter with an ankle injury. He walked to get X-rays. Update: 11/19: X-rays on McNabb's ankle were negative.
Brian Westbrook (RB)	From Last Week: Swelling in his knee forced running back Brian Westbrook to miss a couple days of practice last week, but he played well on Sunday.
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. He was active Sunday, although he did not register any stats.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Santonio Holmes (WR)	11/18: (Ankle) Holmes was forced from Sunday's game against the Jets in the fourth quarter with an ankle injury. Update: 11/21: Holmes did not practice on Wednesday and is doubtful to play in week 12.
San Diego Chargers
Eric Weddle (S)	From Last Week: (Knee) Weddle was inactive Sunday with a knee injury.
Quentin Jammer (CB)	From Last Week: (Hamstring) Jammer was active, but Antonio Cromartie still started in his place.
Nick Hardwick (C)	From Last Week: (Foot) Hardwick sat out Sunday, and does not appear ready to return.
San Francisco 49ers
Alex Smith (QB)	From Last Week: (Shoulder) Smith has been dealing with pain in his injured shoulder, prompting the 49ers to start Trent Dilfer to give Smith time to heal. Dilfer was pretty lousy against the Rams on Sunday.
Aubrayo Franklin (NT)	From Last Week: (Calf) Nose tackle Franklin will miss the next three games after suffering a strained calf last Monday night. Isaac Sopoaga is expected to start while Franklin is sidelined.
Frank Gore (RB)	From Last Week: (Ankle) Gore played Sunday after missing some practice time during the week with a sore ankle. He was essentially ineffective, but it is unclear how much of that was due to the ankle. 11/21: Gore was limited in practice on Wednesday, but the team is just giving him rest, he is still expected to play in week 12.
Ashley Lelie (WR)	11/21: (Quadriceps) Lelie did not practice on Wednesday and is not expected to play in week 12.
Seattle Seahawks
Shaun Alexander (RB)	From Last Week: (Knee, Ankle) Maurice Morris started again on Sunday with Alexander inactive. Coach Mike Holmgren said earlier in the week that Alexander will not play until he is healthy. 11/21: Alexander sat out practice on Wednesday and it does not seem likely that he will play in week 12.
DJ Hackett (WR)	11/21: (Knee) Hackett sat out Wednesday's practice, but is still expected to play in week 12.
St Louis Rams
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Greg Spires (DE)	From Last Week: (Calf) Defensive end Greg Spires is expected to miss another game or two. Gaines Adams has been starting with Spires out..
Michael Clayton (WR)	From Last Week: (Ankle) Receiver Michael Clayton was active on Sunday, but he did not even have a single target. 11/21: Clayton was limited at practice on Wednesday. He was available last week, but did not catch a pass. He is not fantasy worthy at this point.
Michael Pittman (RB)	11/21: (Ankle) Pittman sat out Wdnesday's practice and Coach Jon Gruden fears he may be lost for the season after re-aggravating his ankle injury in week 11.
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)	From Last Week: Safety Sean Taylor is expected to miss at least another week after sitting out Sunday's loss to the Cowboys.
James Thrash (WR)	From Last Week: (Ankle) Thrash was inactive Sunday with a high ankle sprain.

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.