It was a bad Sunday for injuries in the NFL, as a slew of star players bit the dust with potentially serious ailments. Beginning with RGIII’s dislocated ankle, let’s run through the latest updates from the notable names.
RGIII, Jamaal Charles among biggest NFL injuries from Week 2
The NFL was wracked with injuries on Sunday, including a potential season-ender for Robert Griffin III.
RGIII landed awkwardly on his left ankle in the first quarter, lay prone for roughly five minutes on the sideline and was carted off to the locker room in an air cast. The diagnosis is a dislocated ankle, and the recovery time is up for debate. Pro Football Talk reports Washington is hoping to have its quarterback on the field in four to five weeks, but Benjamin Shaffer, an orthopedic surgeon who spoke with The Washington Post, said the best-case scenario would have Griffin missing eight weeks -- the worst case would be season-ending (Shaffer was speaking from a general sense, though -- he has not personally diagnosed Griffin). We should have a better sense of a recovery timetable on Monday after the quarterback undergoes an MRI.
Fantasy owners everywhere are nervously awaiting news on Charles, who limped off in the first quarter against the Broncos with a sprained ankle and did not return. X-rays on the ankle came back negative, according to Pro Football Talk, but further testing is expected on Monday. Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reports early indications suggest the sprain is mild and that the Chiefs don't expect the running back to miss significant time.
A toe injury knocked the Bengals star wide receiver out of the game against Atlanta in the first quarter, marking the first time in his career he's failed to make a catch in a game he's participated in. The good news is that it doesn't appear to be a serious injury: Green told ESPN's Bob Holtzman after the game that the toe is not broken and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports it appears to be a case of turf toe. The Bengals' official site said an MRI came back negative, but noted the issue could potentially keep Green sidelined next week against the Titans. The injury is believed to be an aggravation of the issue that forced him to miss multiple practices last week.
Davis sprained his ankle in the fourth quarter against the Bears and sat out the final 10 minutes of the game. The 49ers tight end was seen in the locker room afterwards hobbling around on crutches, according to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com. The severity of the sprain is unknown, but he'll have further testing, perhaps an MRI, on Monday. The 49ers saw their No. 2 tight end, Vance McDonald, suffer a knee injury in the first half, though he returned on a limited basis in the second half.
Decker did not return for the Jets after pulling his right hamstring in Sunday's loss to Green Bay. The injury is an aggravation of the same issue that plagued him during training camp, per Rotoworld, but the pull is reportedly more severe this time around. Hamstring issues have a tendency to linger, which should be cause for concern for Decker and the Jets.
The diagnosis for Mathews is a sprained MCL, though the severity is yet unknown. MCL sprains range from first, second and third degree -- the Chargers running back could miss minimal time or up to eight weeks, depending on the degree, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. Mathews limped off in the fourth quarter after a botched snap, and replay showed a teammate coming down on the running back's leg in the ensuing scrum. He remained down on the field for about five minutes and had to be carted off.
The Dolphins running back suffered a dislocated elbow when his arm bent at a gruesome angle against the Bills. He's expected to miss at least four weeks, according to Pro Football Talk, but we'll know more after an MRI on Monday.
Others
- Saints RB Mark Ingram -- He'll miss about a month with a hand injury he suffered Sunday against the Browns.
- Jaguars TE Marcedes Lewis -- Lewis will be sidelined between six to eight weeks with a high ankle sprain and is a candidate for the IR designated to return.
- Bears CB Charles Tillman -- Judging from his emotional reaction on the sideline Sunday night, the triceps injury Tillman suffered against the 49ers could be serious. The veteran missed half of last season after tearing the same muscle.
- Buccaneers DT Gerald McCoy -- McCoy confirmed to Jenna Laine of Fox Sports 1 that his hand is broken. There's no word on how long he'll be out.
- Washington WR DeSean Jackson -- The wideout sprained an AC joint when he landed hard on his shoulder, but told reporters after the game he is hopeful of returning next week against the Eagles.
- Chiefs S Eric Berry -- Like Charles, Berry suffered what is believed to be a mild ankle sprain and isn't expected to miss significant time.
- Giants CB Walter Thurmond -- According to Rapoport, the nickelback suffered a torn pectoral muscle and is out for the season.
See More:
