Injury Roundup: Week 16
Thankfully our Championship Sunday wasn't completely derailed by injuries, just by the normal insanity that is the NFL. But there isn't football without injuries, so I've gathered those below here.
Aaron Rodgers strained a calf muscle during Sunday's win at Tampa. He suffered the injury during the second series, limiting him a bit throughout the game. Coach Mike McCarthy admitted he had to change his play-calling a bit to keep Rodgers in the pocket. He of course finished the game and had decent numbers, so he will play against the Lions for the NFC North title and a first round bye, but he may not be 100%.
Johnny Manziel hurt his hamstring midway through the first half against the Panthers and then had to leave after taking a hit later in the game. Brian Hoyer completed 7-of-13 passes for 134 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in relief. Manziel is considered questionable for the finale against Baltimore.
Vikings wide receiver Charles Johnson suffered a second-quarter hamstring injury and only made only one catch afterward. We’ll have to monitor his practice sessions this week, but the fact he finished the game is of course a good sign.
Percy Harvin suffered a rib injury and was unable to return to the game against the Patriots on Sunday. He played through what appeared to be a severe ankle injury last week and continues to pick up injuries with his dynamic running style, which unfortunately sets him up for more collisions on his smaller frame.
Pierre Thomas had to leave the Falcons game with a foot injury and didn’t return. There hasn’t been any details revealed about his injury at this time, but if he can’t play we’d likely see Travaris Cadet active again.
Steven Jackson suffered a quad injury and couldn’t return to the game. Jackson is not a quick healer so there’s a decent chance he won’t be able to go next week. If not we’ll see another mixture of Jacquizz Rodgers and Devonta Freeman.
Jermaine Kearse suffered a hamstring injury in Seattle’s win over the Cardinals on Sunday night. Paul Richardson took over as the #2 wide receiver.
Jets center Nick Mangold was forced from the Jet's game against the Patriots with a left-ankle injury. It didn’t look good as the rather large Vince Wilfork landed on his leg. The fear is that he fractured his fibula and that he’s done for the season.
Other Injury Notes:
Defensive end Willie Young tore his left Achilles' tendon during the Bears loss to the Lions. . . . Bills’ cornerback Stephon Gilmore suffered what appeared to be a head injury. . . . Left tackle Eugene Monroe exited the Ravens game against the Texans with a foot/ankle injury. . . . Ravens’ right tackle Rick Wagner was pushed from the game with a foot injury. . . . Rams’ cornerback E.J. Gaines left the game against the Giants in the third quarter with an undisclosed injury. . . . Falcons’ strong safety William Moore suffered a shoulder injury. . . . Vikings’ linebacker Chad Greenway forced from the Dolphins game with a third-quarter knee injury. . . . Texans’ right guard Brandon Brooks left the game against the Ravens with an ankle injury. . . . Bears defensive end Willie Young suffered an Achilles injury against the Lions.
