NFL injury roundup: Sam Bradford has torn ACL, Wes Welker out with concussion

No team suffered a more devastating blow to its season this week than the St. Louis Rams, who watched starting quarterback Sam Bradford tear the ACL in his left knee for the second consecutive season.

Bradford is done for the year, leaving the job to veteran Shaun Hill. Hill is a capable backup and spot-starter, but certainly does not have the skill set that Bradford possesses. However, Ryan Van Bibber of Turf Show Times believes the Rams are not toast because of the injury:

Losing Bradford hurts, especially in a division like the NFC West where the margin for error is razor thin. It does not mean the Rams are in for another losing season. This is when good coaches rise above, and the Rams believe they have just that man in Fisher.

The Denver Broncos also took a hit on Saturday, when receiver Wes Welker was dealt his third concussion since November on a hit by Houston Texans safety D.J. Swearinger. Welker has had concussion problems dating back to his time with the New England Patriots, making this all the more concerning.

Despite the Broncos' embarrassment of riches on offense, losing Welker for a chunk of time would be a big blow. The unit is already adjusting to the loss of running back Knowshon Moreno, who provided a safety valve for Peyton Manning when the downfield options were taken away. Over at Mile High Report, Kyle Montgomery is concerned that Welker could be out for more than a week or two, based on recent history:

When Welker suffered his first concussion on November 17th, he missed one game. He suffered his next concussion less than a month later, on December 9th, and didn't return to the field until the Broncos' playoff run began on January 12th. He was able to get through the Broncos' three postseason games without a concussion, as well as two subsequent preseason games. But when you start counting "games in a row without a concussion," instead of concussions, you've crossed a line that merits pause.

Over the weekend, it was revealed that Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton sustained a fractured rib against the Patriots on Friday night. Newton is expected to play in Week 1 but will skip the final preseason game to rest up. Newton had spent most of the offseason recovering from ankle surgery and was only seeing his second action of the preseason before cracking the rib.

James Dator of Cat Scratch Reader points out that should Newton need extra time to heal, the team has a capable backup:

In the scheme of things a rib injury like this is fairly minor, but fans have become accustomed to seeing niggling injuries become far-greater than their initial prognosis. If Newton is unable to play the Panthers are in good stead at the quarterback position with Derek Anderson being a reliable backup option and Joe Webb showing a lot in preseason, but it is worrying.

While it does not seem serious, Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict left Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals with a hamstring injury. Burfict led the Bengals in tackles last year and would be a serious loss if he can't go at the start of the regular season. Still, the news out of Cincinnati is encouraging.

Marvin Lewis he fully anticipates Vontaze Burfict (hamstring) will be good to go for the opener.

— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) August 25, 2014

The New York Giants may have won the Snoopy Bowl over the New York Jets, but did so at a cost. Offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz left in the first half on a cart with a dislocated toe. The timetable is not known on Schwartz's return, but head coach Tom Coughlin believes he will be out for an extended period of time. Schwartz was a key offseason addition for the Giants' front line. Wide receiver Marcus Harris will also be out for a substantial period with a shoulder injury.

The San Diego Chargers were dealt a serious blow on Sunday, when nose tackle Kwame Geathers suffered an apparent leg/knee injury. Geathers had to be carted off the field and while official word is not in, John Gennaro of Bolts From The Blue expects a lengthy recovery time.

The Atlanta Falcons did not appear to take on any serious injuries, but saw some players get banged up this week. Right tackle Mike Johnson was forced to exit early with a foot problem, while safety Dez Southward suffered an apparent head injury.