NFL injury roundup: Jadeveon Clowney tears meniscus, Robert Mathis and Derrick Johnson out for season
The first weekend of the NFL season is in the books and there were a handful of significant injuries around the league.
LB Jadeveon Clowney tears meniscus, will miss 4-6 weeks
While the Texans defense dominated behind the efforts of J.J. Watt, the unit lost rookie outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney for multiple weeks:
Texans coach Bill O'Brien says Jadeveon Clowney underwent arthroscopic surgery this morning on his knee. Out 4-6 weeks.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) September 8, 2014 Clowney was replaced in-game by third-year linebacker Whitney Mercilus.
LB Robert Mathis tears Achilles, out for year
The Colts knew they would be without Robert Mathis for the first four games of the season due to PED suspension, but now they’ve learned the All-Pro linebacker will miss the entire 2014 season with a ruptured Achilles tendon.
Mathis led the NFL with 19½ sacks last year. Without him in tow, the Colts will be forced to make due with linebackers Erik Walden and Bjoern Werner.
RB Toby Gerhart twists ankle, return uncertain
SS Jonathan Cyprien suffers concussion, return uncertain
The Jaguars were hit with a pair of significant injuries Sunday, one on each side of the ball.
Starting running back Toby Gerhart twisted his ankle during the Jaguars 34-17 loss to the Eagles. Gerhart totaled only 42 rushing yards on 18 carries. Jacksonville will utilize a combination of Jordan Todman and Denard Robinson if Gerhart cannot play next week.
On defense, starting strong safety Jonathan Cyprien suffered a concussion and must now go through the NFL's concussion protocol. The most physical force in the Jaguars' secondary, Cyprien will be replaced by Chris Prosinski if he fails to receive clearance before Week 2.
LB Derrick Johnson ruptures Achilles, out for year
The Chiefs were dealt a season-altering blow when inside linebacker Derrick Johnson ruptured his Achilles tendon. The injury will force the 10-year vet to miss the rest of 2014.
Johnson is a defensive captain and tied with Dustin Colquitt for longest active tenure with the Chiefs. He made the Pro Bowl each of the last three years, and was named an All-Pro in 2011. Accordingly, Johnson's loss complicates an already undermanned linebacker corps. The Chiefs lost inside linebacker Joe Mays earlier this season to a wrist injury. Most likely, James-Michael Johnson will replace Johnson in the base defense.
LB Dannell Ellerbe injures hip, will be placed on injured reserve
It appears that the Miami Dolphins will be without Dannell Ellerbe, their weakside linebacker, for the rest of the year.
Joe Philbin just announced that LB Dannell Ellerbe will be placed on injured reserve (hip) & the team will sign LB Kelvin Sheppard #Dolphins
— Greg Likens (@GregLikens) September 8, 2014 Ellerbe's loss will be a major problem for the Miami defense. One of his primary responsibilities is covering the tight end. With Julius Thomas, Rob Gronkowski, Dennis Pitta, and Kyle Rudolph ahead on the schedule, this could be a sore spot for the Dolphins. With Ellerbe out, Jelani Jenkins will get the first shot at weakside linebacker with rookie Jordan Tripp waiting in the wings.
Philadelphia Eagles
LG Evan Mathis sprains MCL, could miss 2-4 weeks
The Eagles offensive line was dealt another blow on Sunday with left guard Evan Mathis spraining his MCL. The All-Pro lineman is the latest member of the unit to be hit with an injury, as tackle Allen Barbre suffered a high ankle sprain during the same game. Both injuries come on top of the suspension for Lane Johnson, who tested positive this offseason for PEDs.
With Mathis out, Philadelphia will turn to Matt Tobin, an untested second-year guard from Iowa.
LG Logan Mankins hyperextends knee, return timetable unknown
Just two weeks after trading for Logan Mankins from the Patriots, the Buccaneers now may be without their starting left guard for a game or more.
According to reports, Mankins hyperextended his knee during Tampa Bay’s 20-14 loss to Carolina. He required help getting off the field. While Mankins is out, Oniel Cousins will replace him in the lineup.
LB Zach Brown suffers pectoral injury, could miss rest of season
Tennessee Titans linebacker Zach Brown had to leave Sunday's game with a pectoral injury. Now he's learning the severity of that injury.
#Titans linebacker Zach Brown is dealing with a pectoral injury from Sunday's game. He is concerned it could be a season ender.
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) September 8, 2014
Brown is the Titans' best coverage linebacker. If he is indeed lost for the season, second-year linebacker Zaviar Gooden will take over at inside linebacker.
