Welcome to the post-Week 3 breakdown. It was nice to see a couple of players return from injury and show us that they are definitively on the mend (Pierre Thomas, Kevin Walter). Of course there are always new names to add to the injured list. Here's what we have so far ...
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Felix Jones ran for 94 yards on just eight carries before getting hurt.
Felix Jones, RB, Dallas Cowboys: Once it became official that Marion Barber would sit out Monday night's game with a strained quadriceps, fantasy owners had high expectations for the Felix Jones and Tashard Choice tandem. And they delivered ... but not necessarily as expected. Jones was off to a great start but was then forced to exit the game early with what the team is calling a knee strain. This vague terminology provides no specific clues as to the severity of Jones' injury, but ESPN's Ed Werder reported it may be something more serious. According to Werder, team owner Jerry Jones said that the running back was "unable to loosen his left knee," adding that he will undergo further evaluation Tuesday. Keep in mind that Jones suffered a partial tear of his left hamstring last season, followed by a left toe injury that required season-ending surgery. Now this. Although Barber has clearly made some progress, whether he is able to run full speed and play in Week 4 remains in question. While we await further test results on Jones and practice results on Barber, Choice, who had a fantastic second half functioning as the only healthy running back, is looking like a good fantasy option for Week 4.
Frank Gore, RB, San Francisco 49ers: Despite the fact Gore suffered a minor ankle sprain in Week 2, reports indicated that he looked to be in good shape heading into Week 3. However, just one carry into the game, Gore's day was over. The 49ers' official Web site is reporting that an MRI on Gore's right ankle revealed the presence of a "strain" (implicating muscle or tendon, most likely tendon given the location near the joint) along with a "hindfoot sprain" and he is expected to be out for "approximately three weeks." A hindfoot (or rearfoot) sprain is less common and can present a bigger challenge in terms of recovery, especially since it usually requires more force to suffer the injury in the first place. Fantasy owners would be wise to make immediate preparations (like picking up Glen Coffee if he's available) for Gore's absence. The 49ers have a bye in Week 6, so his initial targeted return stands at Oct. 25, but stay tuned as that can certainly change.
Other quick hits:
• Detroit Lions running back Kevin Smith suffered a shoulder injury that has not been detailed by the team, although Smith told the Detroit News that he doesn't "have any bone damage or anything like that." Actually, it's the soft tissue injuries that are the most worrisome in the shoulder, so Smith's revelation isn't especially helpful. But Smith did add that he hopes to practice Wednesday. It may be ambitious, but if he's able to get back to some activity that quickly, it's a positive sign.
• Marc Bulger may not be available to call the signals for the St. Louis Rams this week after bruising the rotator cuff on his throwing (right) shoulder. While he has yet to be ruled out for this week's game, there has to be enough reduction of any pain and swelling for him to get his arm overhead and throw effectively. It will most likely require a week of rest to get there, so expect Kyle Boller to get the start for Week 4, barring some quick healing.
• ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting that the right quadriceps injury suffered by Indianapolis Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney on Sunday night is expected to keep him out for two to three weeks. Just like a running back who needs his quad to be explosive in order to perform effectively at his position (see Marion Barber), a speed rushing defensive end depends on that same explosive power. He will not be able to return until he can run full speed, so it is simply a matter of how long it takes the tissue to heal.
• In the season-ending injury department, Miami Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington and St. Louis Rams wide receiver Laurent Robinson were added to the list. Pennington suffered a torn capsule in his shoulder, according to ESPN's Chris Mortenson, while Robinson suffered a broken fibula (lower leg bone) in conjunction with a high ankle sprain. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch is reporting that Robinson will undergo surgery. Pennington's immediate plans are less certain, other than that he is expected to pay a visit to Dr. James Andrews, who has performed two operations on Pennington's rotator cuff. A third serious injury to the throwing arm of a quarterback is very discouraging, particularly when the stability and strength are threatened.
We will update these injuries and others as the week progresses.
See you at the injury chats (Tuesday 11:00 a.m.-noon, Friday 11 a.m.-noon and Sunday pregame 10:00-10:30 a.m.) and we'll have the latest injury updates in the Thursday and Saturday blogs.
Stephania Bell
