Matt Leinart, Houston Texans (clavicle)
Matt Leinart’s Injury Tops NFL Week 12 Medical Report
With Week 12 of the NFL schedule almost in the books, SBNation Medical Expert Dr. Ali Mohamadi discusses some of the most significant injuries from Sunday’s game, and their potential impact:
Leinart, who was making his first start in place of injured QB Matt Schaub, suffered a left clavicle (collarbone) injury when driven to the ground by Jacksonville DE Jeremy Mincey second quarter of Houston's win over the Jaguars. While the Texans haven't confirmed it as of yet, all indications are that Leinart has a fractured clavicle and will miss the rest of the season.
The clavicle, which bridges the scapula (shoulder blade) and sternum (breastbone) serves as a strut keeping the upper limb apart from the midsection and allowing for maximum range of motion of the shoulder. A fractured clavicle, therefore, limits normal motion of the affected side’s arm and, as in Leinart’s case, if the throwing side is affected makes it impossible to throw the ball until full healing has taken place.
The injury, similar to one that Oakland QB Jason Campbell suffered in Week 6 and that has sidelined him for the remainder of the campaign, takes approximately 16 weeks for complete healing of the bone and 6-9 months to retain 85-100 percent of pre-injury mobility. Most clavicle fractures do not require surgery to realign the bone, but Leinart will likely be in a sling for 3-4 weeks followed by intensive physical therapy until he regains full range of motion of his throwing shoulder.
Leinart was replaced in Sunday's game by rookie T.J. Yates, who will take over the reins of the 8-3 Texans' offense, unless the team finds a replacement on the waiver wire.
Sidney Rice, Minnesota Vikings (head)
Rice, who suffered a mild concussion in Week 10, suffered a head injury in Sunday's loss to Washington when his head struck the turf as he dove for a ball. Rice was noticeably woozy as he got up and did not return to action. Although he was able to return from his previous concussion without missing any action, the Vikings have a short work week, with their next game on Thursday against the Eagles, and the team should know by Tuesday whether Rice will be able to suit up.
Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh Steelers (concussion)
Polamalu suffered his second concussion of the season in the first quarter of Sunday night's win over the Chiefs, when his helmet hit the knee of Chiefs' offensive tackle Steve Maneri. The Steelers were quick to rule Polamalu out of the game following the injury, and although he did not miss any time after his previous concussion, he will need to pass neurological tests this week if he is to participate in next Sunday's game against Cincinnati.
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