Monday Injury Debriefing

By Jene Bramel on October 29, 2012 • ( 1 )

Calvin Johnson said his knee soreness affected his play yesterday, even hinting that he may have sat out had the Lions not been thin at the wide receiver position. It’s hard to know how much stock to put into those comments – Johnson was listed probable and generally plays through most injuries – but there was an evident lack of explosiveness at times. Johnson also dropped a pass away from his body in the end zone on which he seemed to be unable to get his usual extension. I expect we’ll see Johnson limited in practice and listed as questionable this week.

Greg Jennings will have surgery this week for a torn abdominal muscle. Adam Schefter reported that doctors told Jennings that he could return in three weeks. As usual, that’s likely the earliest he will return. Jennings’ surgeon’s own website gives a wide range of rehabilitation timetables, noting that recovery can take anywhere from 3-8 weeks depending on the extent and location of the injury. The three week estimate is likely based on MRI findings and examination, but it’s difficult to be certain until the repair is performed. Better understanding and improved surgical techniques for these “sports hernia” injuries have generally allowed for great success and Jennings isn’t at high risk of recurrence when he returns. Week 12 is probably the goal for his return.

It’s a very good sign that DeMarco Murray was able to shed the walking boot and crutches last week. That likely confirms earlier comments from Jerry Jones that Murray’s midfoot sprain would not keep him out for an extended period. There’s a good chance he’ll be back to a limited practice this week. We should know by Friday whether he’s likely to play this week and how much of his usual workload to expect. Worst case scenario – assuming no setback as he re-conditions in practice – looks like a Week 10 return now.

Though there’s really no precedent for the type of clavicular dislocation he had, it would have been shocking for Danny Amendola to be cleared for contact within three weeks. Amendola had no major associated injuries, but it generally takes 4-6 weeks for a dislocated joint to regain stability as the ligaments heal and tighten up. Yesterday marked just three weeks for Amendola. Bracing and taping could’ve provided support but it’s impossible to immobilize that joint enough to prevent another dislocation. Since Amendola was close enough to fly to London, it’s very likely he’ll be cleared for contact over the Rams’ bye week and in time to play in Week 10.

Jim Schwartz suggested that Mikel Leshoure sat out the fourth quarter yesterday for non-injury reasons, but Leshoure was clearly favoring his right leg after getting both ankles rolled up underneath him when tackled. Don’t expect to get any specific information for Schwartz this week, but there may be more to this injury than a simple tweak or cramp.

Ryan Tannehill hyperextended his left knee and was unable to return. The mechanism looked consistent with an MCL sprain, though PCL and other injuries are also possible. He also reportedly has a quad contusion. He’ll have an MRI today, but says he’s optimistic he can play next week. That will depend on the grade of his knee sprain.

Notes: Jimmy Graham looked hesitant at times last night, but I thought he was moving as well as could be expected three weeks after a probable high ankle sprain. He may be limited over the next couple of weeks, but the worst should be behind him. Trent Richardson initiated contact and looked to break tackles rather than bracing himself for them yesterday. The Browns will likely limit his practice reps again this week, but he looks to be mostly over his rib injuries. The tweak suffered by Aaron Hernandez last week was enough to keep him out yesterday. He’ll have three full weeks of healing time before returning in Week 10 and should be near full strength. Dez Bryant injured his hip on his near-miss game-winning catch attempt. There seemed to be little concern after the game. Wes Welker sprained an ankle and didn’t return to the game. The game was not in doubt at the time of his injury, Welker was available for post-game interviews and he has an extra week to recover with the Patriots on bye – expect Welker to be ready for Week 10. Jonathan Dwyer limped off the field with a quad injury after trying to slow down to stay in bounds on a late fourth quarter carry. Dwyer denied the injury was significant after the game, but he will be re-evaluated throughout the week.