Nick Foles, QB, Eagles, shoulder sprain
After winning Super Bowl MVP, the Eagles wanted to keep Nick Foles around as an insurance policy for Carson Wentz, who continues to work his way back from a torn ACL and LCL. But in the second preseason game, Foles suffered what could have been a serious injury to his throwing shoulder. Fortunately an MRI was clean, meaning there is no structural damage. Foles is dealing with a shoulder sprain, which comes with a two week Optimal Recovery Time, if mild. That puts him on track for a return ahead of week 1. His Injury Risk could remain Elevated because it’s to his throwing arm. Wentz is progressing well and just returned to 11-on-11 drills. He will be “close” as he aims to return for week 1. If Wentz can’t go, Foles should be healthy enough to start against the Falcons. He is also expected to play in Thursday’s game.
Jamaal Williams, RB, Packers: ankle sprain
Williams limped off of the field in the second quarter of the Packers’ second preseason game after injuring his ankle. It’s a mild sprain, so the Optimal Recovery Time is just two weeks. The Packers will be in a full blown RBBC situation come week 1, and the only thing that could make their running back situation any cleared is an injury. This one, though, isn’t serious enough to have much of an impact. Williams will continue to fight Ty Montgomery and Aaron Jones for touches. While Williams’ Injury Risk is currently Elevated (16%), it will improve by the end of the month if he can avoid a setback between now and then.
Samaje Perine, RB, Redskins: ankle sprain
The Redskins are in trouble at the running back position. First Derrius Guice was lost for the season with a torn ACL, and now Perine is battling an ankle sprain. Their RBs had plenty of injury problems last year, and this season isn’t starting off any better. Perine entered the season with an Injury Risk of 11%, and that has since jumped to 25% (High Risk). He is currently in a walking boot and could be looking at a multi-week absence. The Redskins just signed Adrian Peterson to add depth, but he comes with his own injury concerns (High Risk: 26%). With an ADP sitting around 160, he isn’t worth drafting unless he slides and is available in the last few rounds.
Delanie Walker, TE, Titans, toe injury
Walker has yet to return to practice after leaving last Thursday with a toe injury. Walker limped off of the practice field and left with trainers to be evaluated. While it is considered minor, our algorithm is showing a high level of concern. Walker has a lengthy injury history. He doesn’t typically miss games, but in the last few years alone he has battled ankle, hamstring, calf, wrist and groin injuries. His Injury Risk has now jumped to 14%, which falls in the Elevated category. Toe injuries often become a lingering problem. There isn’t any concern about his week 1 availability for now, but it’s not how we want to see him starting the season.
Joe Williams, RB, 49ers: rib fracture
Things are getting worse and worse for the 49ers backfield. First Jerick McKinnon was lost for the preseason with a calf strain. Then Matt Breida injured his shoulder. Now Joe Williams won’t be available week 1 due to a rib fracture. The 49ers could even place him on I.R. Inside Injuries is showing a seven week Optimal Recovery Time, so he could be out until early October, and if he plays before then he won’t be fully recovered.
AJ McCarron, QB, Bills: collarbone fracture
When McCarron was injured in the Bills second preseason game, early reports were that he suffered a hairline fracture to his right collarbone. Follow-up tests showed that he did not actually break the collarbone, so he is dealing with a shoulder injury. While it shouldn’t affect his week 1 availability, he could miss practice time over the next few weeks as he recovers. McCarron’s shoulder is still very sore, and injuries to a QB’s throwing arm are always concerning. He needs at least two weeks to fully recover.
Demaryius Thomas, WR, Broncos: wrist injury
Thomas played through a nagging hip injury over the last two years, and while he seems to be past that, his wrist has been a problem at training camp. Thomas missed the Broncos second preseason game but was able to return to practice on Monday. This shouldn’t be a long-term concern, but his Injury Risk remains Elevated mostly due to his injury history, which is lengthy.
T.Y. Hilton, WR, Colts: left shoulder sprain
Hilton was seen icing his shoulder before practice over the weekend, but the Colts say it is nothing more than a sprain. There’s no timetable for his return, but it doesn’t look like this will be a lengthy absence. Inside Injuries is showing a two week Optimal Recovery Time, so he should be ok by week 1. Hilton did have a shoulder injury back in 2013 and has a very long list of past injuries, leaving him with an Elevated Injury Risk.
LeSean McCoy, RB, Bills: groin strain
McCoy played in the Bills second preseason game but is now missing practice with a mild groin strain. While there isn’t any concern over his week 1 availability, his Injury Risk is at a concerning level. McCoy entered the preseason an Elevated Risk, and he has since jumped to High Risk at 29%. Shady has battled his fair share of injuries over the last few years, and it’s early in the season to already be hurt, even if this one is mild. He ended last season playing at less than 100% with an ankle sprain. He missed time in 2016 with a hamstring strain and dislocated his thumb, requiring surgery. In 2015 his season ended early with a partial MCL tear. While McCoy has missed just 11 games in his 9-year career, he could be a ticking time bomb. Hopefully this isn’t a sign of things to come, but the High Injury Risk suggests it could be the start of his decline at age 30.
Tyler Lockett, WR, Seahawks: toe injury
Lockett wasn’t available for the Seahawks’ second preseason game due to a sore toe. A previous report said he was accidentally kicked, but another report said his toe was stepped on. Both of those are actually good news because it indicates more of a bruise, not a sprain. Lockett shouldn’t need more than a week to recover.
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