Injury Watch

Arizona Cardinals
Adrian Wilson (S)	11/26: Wilson sat out Sunday's game with an injured right heel, and is concerned that he will not be able to play again this season. He is feeling well enough to walk without a boot, but is unable to run. Surgery is an option, but Wilson says that he is not currently considering it.
Eric Green (CB)	11/26: (Foot/Groin) Starting cornerback Eric Green injured his left foot in practice on the 15th, but played the last two weeks. However, on Sunday he suffered what he believes to be a serious groin injury. Test results were not available as of Monday afternoon.
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. Update: 11/29: McNair is making slow progress in his recovery from a subluxed shoulder. He has been ruled Out for week 13, and the team will take it week-to-week until he is ready to go.
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.
Jarrett Johnson (OLB)	11/26: (Thumb) Johnson fractured his thumb in Sunday's loss and may miss some time. Coach Billick called it a "serious" injury.
Willis McGahee (RB)	11/29: (Ankle) McGahee was limited in Thursday's practice, but is expected to play against New England in week 13.
Demetrius Williams (WR)	11/29: (Ankle) Williams has been ruled Out in week 13. He is doing some work in practice, so he may be able to go in week 14.
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. 11/26: Coach Dick Jauron said on Monday that he is not optomistic about Lynch being able to go in week 13.
Anthony Thomas (RB)	11/26: (Calf) Thomas suffered a Calf strain in Sunday's loss. He may be limited in week 13. If so, then Dwayne Wright and Fred Jackson could share rushing duties.
Chris Kelsay (DE)	11/26: (Ankle) Kelsay injured his left ankle on Sunday and was seen in a walking boot and crutches. There is a decent chance he will not be able to go in week 13. Ryan Denney couls start in his place against Washington.
Carolina Panthers
Steve Smith (WR)	From Last Week: (Shin) Receiver Steve Smith sat out Sunday's loss to the Packers.
Chris Gamble (CB)	11/29: (Thumb) Gamble returned to practice Wednesday and barring any setbacks should start in week 13. This will push Richard Marshall back to playing in nickel situations.
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. 11/29: Vasher partially practiced on Wednesday. If he can practice on Thursday and Friday, he may see limited action in week 13.
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.
Cedric Benson (RB)	11/26: (Leg) Benson underwent season ending surgery on his leg which was injured warly in week 12.
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.
Patrick Crayton (WR)	11/26: (Ankle) Crayton practiced on Monday and declared that he would start Thursday. Update: 11/27: Crayton practiced again on Tuesday and looks to be good to go on Thursday night.
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. Update: 11/27: ESPN's John Clayton is reporting that Henry doesn't appear ready to play yet, but he has more to worry about with the league's decision due on Tuesday about his possible year long suspension for violating the league's drug policy.  Update: 11/29: Henry worked with the first team offense during parts of practice on Wednesday and he has said that he definitely expects to play this week. Of course this still depends on how the NFL rules on his possible suspension.
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. Update: 11/27: Walker played for 8 snaps in week 12 but did not record a catch. Coach Shanahan expects Walker to play more in week 13.
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.
Andre Hall (RB)	11/27: (Ankle) Hall left Sunday's game with a high ankle sprain and doesn't seem likely to play in week 13.
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.
Jonathan Scott (OT)	11/26: (Hand & Hamstring)Scott was placed on IR with Hand and Hamstring injuries.
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. Update: 11/26: Collins practiced on Monday and could start on Thursday against Dallas.
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. Update: 11/27: Franks suffered a setback in Monday's practice and isn't expected to play in week 13.
Charles Woodson (DB)	11/26: (Toe) Woodson injured his toe on Thanksgiving and did not practice on Monday. Update: 11/27: Woodson went through a limited practice on Tuesday and the team is giving him every chance to play, but he will most likely be a gametime decision.  Update: 11/29: Woodson will not play in week 13.
Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila (DE)	11/29: (Ankle/Knee) Gbaja-Biamila has been listed as Out for week 13. Cullen Jenkins will see more reps.
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. Update: 11/27: Coach Kubiak expects Green to play in week 13. He conceeds that even with two week's rest his knee did not seem to be any better. Even if he does play expect a limited role until he can prove otherwise.
Andre Johnson (WR)	11/29: (Knee) Johnson was limited in practice on Wednesday, but it is most likely just a chance to give him some extra rest. Watch to make sure he practices later in the week. Update: 11/29: Johnson was again limited in practice on Thursday, but is expected to play in week 13.
Indianapolis Colts
Marvin Harrison (WR)	From Last Week: (Knee) Harrison once again ended up on the inactive list Sunday. Update: 11/26: Coach Dungy says that he is concerned with Harrison being ready for week 13 against Jacksonville. If he is able to practice this week, he should play. Update: 11/29: Harrison did not practice again on Thursday and will be listed as Doubtful this week. It does not look likely that he will play.
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. Update: 11/29: Johnson has been ruled out for week 13 as expected, but he did do some light running on the sideline during practice.
Brodie Croyle (QB)	11/29: (Back) Croyle did not practice on Wednesday. He can't afford to miss practice time with so little experience, so his back may be worse than first thought. Watch to see of he can practice later in the week.
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. 11/29: Thomas has been ruled Out for week 13. Starting to look more like ly that we won't see Thomas for the rest of the season.
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. 11/27: (Neck) Chatman left Monday night's game with a neck injury. Not much else is known yet. Update: 11/29: Coach Cameron is saying that he thinks Chatman will be fine and should play in week 13, even though he was limited in practice on Thursday.
Ricky Williams (RB)	11/27: (Pectoral) Williams is llisted as day-to-day with a pectoral injury. He only managed 15 yards on 6 carries, before the injury, but the field conditions were atrocious.
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. Update: 11/26: Coach Brad Childress said that Peterson had an MRI on his knee on Monday and it showed "excellent healing". He should practice this week and play in week 13, although he will probably be limited.
Troy Williamson (WR)	11/26: (Head) Williamson suffered a head injury in week 12, but is considered to be fine and should play in 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. Update: 11/26: Coach Coughlin expects Ward to practice on Wednesday. If he can practice with no setbacks he should start versus Chicago in week 13.
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. 11/26: (Ankle)Coles was very limited in Monday's practice and was seen moving very gingerly. He is very questionable for week 13.
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.
Daunte Culpepper (QB)	11/29: (Quad) Culpepper was limited in practice on Thursday, but the team expects him to play in week 13.
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. 11/29: Gore was limited in practice on Wednesday, but this is what he did last week before going out and having his best week of the year. Update: 11/29: Gore was limited in practice on Thursday, but is still expected to play in week 13.
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. Update: 11/29: Alexander practiced fully on Thursday and will play in week 13, but will likely share carries with Maurice Morris.
DJ Hackett (WR)	11/21: (Ankle) Hackett sat out Wednesday's practice, but is still expected to play in week 12. Update: 11/27: Hackett re-injured his ankle during week 12's game and will probably miss at least 1-2 games. This is the same ankle injury that forced him to miss the first 6 games of the season.
Maurice Morris (RB)	11/29: (Ankle) Morris practiced fully on Thursday. He will play in week 13, but may share carries with Shaun Alexander.
St Louis Rams
Isaac Bruce (WR)	11/27: (Hand) Bruce sprained his left hand late in Sunday's game and is questionable for week 13. Update: 11/29: Bruce is not even losted on the team's injury list. He will start in week 13.
Pisa Tinoisamoa (LB)	11/27: (Knee) An MRI done on Monday showed that Tinoisamoa has a torn MCL. He will miss the remainder of the season. Chris Draft will start on the Weak Side.
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.
Jeff Garcia (QB)	11/29: (Back) Garcia did not practice again on Thursday and the team is saying that he will be a game time decision, except insiders are saying that it looks like Luke McNown may start in his place.
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.
Chris Hope (SS)	11/27: (Concussion) Hope is undergoing neurological tests to see if he suffered a concussion in week 12. His status is unclear at this point.
Albert Haynesworth (DE)	11/29: (Hamstring) Haynesworth practiced again on Thursday and looks likely to return to action in week 13.
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. 11/26: (Gunshot)Sean Taylor was found in his house with a bullet wound to his groin area. It apparently hit the Femoral Artery and he lost a considerable amount of blood. He underwent surgery on Monday and his life is hanging in the balance. More won't be known until he comes out of unconciousness. Update: 11/27: Sean Taylor passed away Monday night from his gunshot wounds. Our prayers go out to his family.
James Thrash (WR)	From Last Week: (Ankle) Thrash was inactive Sunday with a high ankle sprain.
Santana Moss (WR)	11/29: (Heel) Moss was limited in practice on Thursday. He is expected to play in week 13, but mae sure he practices on Friday before you start him.
Antwaan Randle El	11/29: (Hamstring) Randle El was limited in practice on Thursday, but is expected to play in week 13.

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.