Dr. Beth Sullivan | September 7th, 2019
As I explained in part one of this week’s injury update, I have been having internet issues. Each week I will give a quick update to the injury status of several key players for the week. I will explain the injury they are dealing with and try to give an educated opinion on the player’s availability for their upcoming game that week. Now that we know what I am going to do. Let’s look at the rest of the week one injuries for the NFL.
Keke Coutee, WR Houston Texans
Coutee originally sustained an ankle injury during the Texans’ first preseason game and the injury was so significant he had to be carted off the field. Based on the video and the length of time he has dealt with this injury he most likely suffered a high ankle sprain. An explanation of this type of injury is available in a previous article here.
He has been listed as a limited participant for the last two days of practice and the word on the street is that he will be a game-time decision for their game on Monday night. Given the significance of the original injury and the risk for further injury if he returns to play too soon I think he sits out week one. Given his lack of participation in practice since the initial injury, and how quickly the body loses muscle tone and flexibility after an injury, he needs to be a full participant in practice before returning to the playing field. I know people want to see players on the field, not the sidelines, but rushing the return is just asking for trouble. For even a mild (Grade 1) high ankle sprain, the recovery time to allow full healing of the injured ligaments is six to eight weeks. Even if he does play Monday, I don’t think he will be a major contributor due to his injury.
Keenan Allen, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
Allen suffered an ankle injury and missed the entire preseason. He underwent minor surgery on August 16th to clean up the joint and improve healing. He was listed as probable for the game on Sunday. The only concern I have is conditioning since he has missed most of training camp with the injury. He should be able to play but I will reserve judgment on how effective he will be.
Sterling Shepard, WR New York Giants
Shepard suffered a thumb fracture on the first day of training camp. The normal recovery time for this is 4-6 weeks. Opening day of the season is right in the middle of that time frame. He should be good to go for the Giant’s game on Sunday. Given the wide receiver issues across the NFL, he might be a viable option if you need to pick an alternate for your fantasy team.
Nick Bosa, DE, San Francisco 49ers
Bosa practiced on a limited basis all week as he works to return to the field following an ankle injury suffered earlier in the summer. He was listed as questionable on Friday’s injury report, but I expect he will play Sunday. How extensive a workload he gets will probably depend on how he manages on the field.
Jordan Reed, TE, Washington Redskins
As of Friday afternoon, Reed was still in concussion protocol. Since concussion determinations are made by an independent neurologist, whether he will be cleared to play will be determined by the neurologist. Concussion Protocols vary between the major sports leagues and how they are handled is covered in my piece on the subject. Since the Redskins brought up tight end J.P Holtz from the practice squad earlier today, Reed’s odds of playing are close to zero.
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