The Denver Broncos will be without Rahim Moore for the rest of the regular season Tuesday after the safety underwent emergency surgery. Denver placed Moore on injured reserve with the designation to return, meaning he could potentially return in the playoffs.
NFL roundup: Rahim Moore placed on IR, Mike Pouncey may need gallbladder surgery
Injuries are once again a major story in the NFL, but this week a few players are dealing with some unusual circumstances.
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Moore had surgery after being diagnosed with lateral compartment syndrome. Compartment syndrome happens when connective tissue surrounding a muscle begins to swell and restrict blood flow to the muscle. In some cases it can cause nerve and muscle damage. New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks had surgery for compartment syndrome in 2010 and went on to miss two games. Moore's recovery will apparently take longer. He will miss the next eight weeks, putting him on track for a return in the AFC Championship game if the Broncos advance.
With Moore out, the Broncos signed free agent Michael Huff. Huff signed with the Baltimore Ravens during the offseason and was expected to play a significant role. Things didn't work out in Baltimore, and he was released in October. Huff has spent time at both cornerback and safety and is familiar with the AFC West, having played seven seasons with Oakland.
Mike Pouncey missed Miami's game against San Diego on Sunday, and could potentially be out much longer. Doctors are reportedly trying to avoid gallbladder surgery, but it remains a possibility. The plan for now is to see if medicine can cure Pouncey's illness instead of resorting to surgery.
If not, and a procedure is required, Pouncey would likely miss an extended period of time and possibly the rest of the season. As Kevin Nogle of the Phinsider wrote, Pouncey’s ability to play through pain will be a key factor in whether surgery is required.
The NFL has protocol in place to prevent players from returning to the field after suffering a concussion, but it wasn't effective in Denver on Sunday. Wes Welker returned to the field, despite being concussed. Welker suffered a head injury early in the fourth quarter. He was evaluated for a neck injury and the concussion was not initially apparent. He returned to the field on the next drive, before being pulled after concussion symptoms became more noticeable.
The Broncos medical staff followed proper procedure, according to reports. Kyle Montgomery of Mile High Report wrote that Welker must now go through NFL protocol before he is cleared to return. His status for Denver's matchup against the New England Patriots in Week 12 is in question.
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Erik Walden and Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Dashon Goldson will both miss Week 12 after the NFL upheld one-game suspensions for both players.
Walden was suspended a game for headbutting TEnnessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker. Walker was not wearing a helmet at the time. Walden will now be forced to sit out Indianapolis' game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Goldson was suspended one-game for an illegal hit on Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White. This is the second time Goldson has been suspended this season, but his previous one-game suspension was overturned on appeal. He will miss Tampa Bay's game at Detroit on Sunday.
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