Review of Injuries for Week 10 in the NFL via ESPN

Roddy White, WR, Atlanta Falcons: White injured his right knee in the first quarter of Sunday's game and while it did not appear serious, it gave him enough trouble to limit his productivity. According to ESPN NFC South blogger Pat Yasinskas, White left the game twice but ultimately returned to play in the second half after having the knee taped.


Naturally, the big concern for fantasy owners is whether White will be available in Week 10, given that the Falcons play Thursday night. According to Yasinskas, that question was answered when White said simply, "I'm going to be playing Thursday.'' Head coach Mike Smith has echoed that sentiment, according to D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Regarding White, Smith said, "[He] will be ready to go." White may not practice much given the short week, but the positive news this early is encouraging.


Austin Collie, WR, Indianapolis Colts: In perhaps the scariest moment of Week 9, Collie lay still on the field for several minutes in the second quarter following a hit across the middle while trying to catch a pass. The medical staff tended to Collie for some time, ultimately placing him on a spine board and stretcher and wheeling him off the field. As is the standard in situations in which there is concern about a potential spine injury, all precautions were taken to ensure Collie's safe transport from the field.


We later learned that Collie was alert and sitting up in the locker room. Good news indeed considering the last sight of him was motionless, other than his eyes blinking, on a stretcher. That said, it is important to remember that Collie still suffered a concussion, the seriousness of which should not be overlooked. There have been some positive signs since Sunday night. As Tom James of the Terre Haute Tribune-Star reports, Collie was able to travel home with the team and was improving on Monday. James says Collie is not expected to play this weekend against Cincinnati. Coach Jim Caldwell perhaps summed it up best saying, "He'll be released to play whenever he is cleared." Collie had just made a return from thumb surgery to repair a torn ligament when he suffered the concussion.

James also notes that there were no Monday updates on running backs Joseph Addai and Mike Hart, both of whom sat out Week 9 nursing injuries. Caldwell indicates that both players remain day-to-day.

Matthew Stafford, QB, Detroit Lions: Not good. Stafford injured his throwing shoulder again. While the Lions have not confirmed the details regarding the nature of his injury, MLive.com reports that Stafford has suffered a Grade III shoulder separation (he had previously suffered a Grade II separation, causing him to miss five games). While coach Jim Schwartz had said Monday that the team "was not talking surgical options" in regard to Stafford, Stafford himself indicated that he did not expect to play this week in his appearance on Mitch Albom's radio show.


It's a good bet Stafford may consult with Dr. James Andrews (who repaired Sam Bradford's Grade III separated shoulder) regarding this latest injury, as he has consulted with him in the past. Without confirmation as to the specifics of the injury, there can be nothing but speculation as to what sort of time Stafford could miss and what treatment he might undergo.


In the absence of anything definitive, fantasy owners at least know to prepare for an absence of Stafford of unknown duration. Shaun Hill has been recovering from a left forearm fracture and it is not known whether he could be available this week. As of now, Drew Stanton is preparing to be the starter, according to Birkett. The Lions and fantasy owners are no doubt hopeful that Hill will be cleared soon to return to play. Stay tuned for more updates in Detroit.


Jonathan Stewart, RB, Carolina Panthers: Stewart was the running back set to carry the load in Week 9 with teammate DeAngelo Williams out for a second straight week with a foot sprain. That was not to be, however, as Stewart made an early exit with a concussion. Although Stewart was able to walk off the field with assistance, he was carted to the locker room. Backup Tyrell Sutton was also forced out of the game with an ankle injury.


There is no way to predict whether Stewart will miss time, but the Panthers are no doubt hoping that Williams' recovery is imminent. Williams, who has not practiced since suffering the injury, indicated early last week that he was targeting a Week 10 return, but we need to see him run before feeling too confident. To compound the injury issues facing the Panthers, quarterback Matt Moore suffered a season-ending torn labrum in his right shoulder and has been placed on injured reserve.

This info is made possible via Stephania Bell, a physical therapist and writer for ESPN.