The Week 1 Injury Report

Added on Sep 12, 2011 by Scott in

NFL

The return of the NFL means the return of major and minor injuries to key players throughout the league. Three teams in particular — Rams, Chargers and Cowboys — suffered multiple hurts that will affect their short- and long-term prospects. From quarterbacks to kickers, here’s a rundown of who’s down for the count and for how long.

Sam Bradford (Rams) – Nerve damage in a finger on his throwing hand doesn’t sound very promising. He might have been better off breaking the digit. At this point, it’s not known how much time, if any, he’ll be sidelined. The Rams face the Giants next Monday night.

Steven Jackson (Rams) – A MRI will determine the severity of his strained right quad. He’s had quad problems before and it’s not an injury a running back ever wants this early in the season. He could be ready to go in Week 2 or he could miss three games.

Danny Amendola (Rams) – A dislocated left elbow could cost the slot specialist his 2011 campaign. At the very least, he’ll be out for 8 to 10 weeks. Not good.

Nate Kaeding (Chargers) – The Chargers footie hurt his knee on the opening kickoff. A MRI is scheduled today, but it appears to be a torn ACL, which would end his season.

Mike Tolbert (Chargers) – Again, he’ll undergo a MRI on his knee sometime today, although he and team doctors don’t believe it to be serious. He was seen walking without a limp after the game, but did admit to lingering soreness.

Dez Bryant (Cowboys) – A bruised quad limited him in the second half of Sunday night’s loss to the Jets. Like Steven Jackson, it’s unclear if he’ll be sidelined next week.

Orlando Scandrick (Cowboys) – The Cowboys secondary took another hit when Scandrick suffered a high ankle injury that will cause him to miss 3-4 weeks. Dallas is already without starting corner Terence Newman and fellow starter Mike Jenkins is nursing various ailments.

Jon Beason (Panthers) – A torn left Achilles is the initial prognosis. A MRI will confirm the extent of the damage. Beason struggled with foot and ankle issues all summer.

Kevin Walter (Texans) – A broken shoulder will keep him off the field for 10 to 12 weeks.

Derrick Ward (Texans) – A sprained ankle forced him out of yesterday’s win over the Colts. It’s not being called serious at this stage.