NFL Injuries Mounting

Added on Sep 18, 2012 by Scott in

NFL

Two weeks into the 2012 NFL season and a handful of teams are already dealing with a rash of injuries that could easily derail their playoff aspirations. As is the case with most seasons, it’s usually teams that avoid the injury bug, or best compensate for the losses, that make a push toward the Super Bowl. Here’s a roundup of the most significant tears, sprains and breaks.

Matt Forte (Bears) – An ankle sprain could sideline Forte for up to six weeks. This is the exact reason why the Bears signed Michael Bush. In 2011, Chicago went off the rails after Forte and Jay Cutler went down. Bush should serve as a solid fill-in for the time being.

Brian Orakpo (Redskins) – A ripped pectoral will end Orakpo’s season. Add in the season-ending quad tear to Adam Carriker and the ‘Skins defense is scrambling for answers. Needless to say, with potent offenses crowding the NFC, this doesn’t bode well for Washington’s prospects.

Jason Kelce (Eagles) – The Birds promising young center suffered a partially torn ACL and a fully torn MCL that will cost him the season. Don’t believe the Eagles trainers, Kelce won’t be back in 2012, making him the second key starter on the line, along with Jason Peters, to be lost. Bad news for a supposed contender.

Drayton Florence (Lions) – An already thin Lions secondary took another hit when Florence broke his right forearm during Sunday night’s defeat to the 49ers. It’s not yet known how long he’ll be out, but head coach Jim Schwartz said “it doesn’t look real good.”

Aaron Hernandez (Patriots) – A sprained ankle will keep the speedy tight end in the trainer’s room for a month or more. With little depth at wide receiver, this injury will severely hamper the vaunted Patriots attack ans make life difficult for Tom Brady.

Michael Turner (Falcons) - Turner celebrated Monday’ night’s big win over the Broncos by drinking, driving, speeding, and getting arrested. He’s never been a problem player throughout his career, so a league suspension is unlikely, although the Falcons still reserve the right to punish him as they see fit.

Gerald Sensabaugh (Cowboys) – The starting safety’s calf strain could prevent him from taking the field for a game or two. The ‘Boys only carry four safeties on their roster, meaning someone will have to be signed, or a cornerback will have to be shifted to play a backup role.

Source: NFL.com