This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
Training camp has FINALLY started and the injuries are already starting to mount. The next week is critical for the health of NFL players as avoiding the injury bug will allow them to get the necessary reps to prepare for the season.
Alshon Jeffery
The Chicago wide receiver is one of the first impact players to show up on an injury report with an injury sustained in camp. Jeffery suffered a mild shoulder sprain over the weekend and was not in pads Monday. The injury occurred to the acromioclavicular (AC) joint, the area where the collarbone attaches to the shoulder blade. AC joints are fairly common in the NFL, particularly among receivers and defensive backs. Martavis Bryant, DeSean Jackson and Nate Washington are just a few receivers to suffer the injury in recent seasons. While the AC joint acts as a strut to the shoulder, a mild sprain should have minimal long-term impact. A 2013 study reviewing AC sprain in NFL players revealed these types of injuries usually sideline an individual a little more than nine days, suggesting Jeffery's overall value won't be affected. Look for the Bears to monitor his workload the next few days before returning him back to full participation. Jeffery could realistically be available for the Bears' first preseason game Aug. 13, but don't be alarmed if the team opts to play it safe and hold him out until the second preseason game nine days later.
Martavis Bryant
Bryant's impressive rookie season was a bit
Training camp has FINALLY started and the injuries are already starting to mount. The next week is critical for the health of NFL players as avoiding the injury bug will allow them to get the necessary reps to prepare for the season.
Alshon Jeffery
The Chicago wide receiver is one of the first impact players to show up on an injury report with an injury sustained in camp. Jeffery suffered a mild shoulder sprain over the weekend and was not in pads Monday. The injury occurred to the acromioclavicular (AC) joint, the area where the collarbone attaches to the shoulder blade. AC joints are fairly common in the NFL, particularly among receivers and defensive backs. Martavis Bryant, DeSean Jackson and Nate Washington are just a few receivers to suffer the injury in recent seasons. While the AC joint acts as a strut to the shoulder, a mild sprain should have minimal long-term impact. A 2013 study reviewing AC sprain in NFL players revealed these types of injuries usually sideline an individual a little more than nine days, suggesting Jeffery's overall value won't be affected. Look for the Bears to monitor his workload the next few days before returning him back to full participation. Jeffery could realistically be available for the Bears' first preseason game Aug. 13, but don't be alarmed if the team opts to play it safe and hold him out until the second preseason game nine days later.
Martavis Bryant
Bryant's impressive rookie season was a bit overshadowed by Odell Beckham's record-breaking performance and an early season shoulder injury. Unfortunately, Bryant's sophomore campaign isn't off to the best start, either, as he recently underwent surgery on his elbow. The surgery wasn't for any structural damage but necessary to remove an infection that developed in the joint.
The team has been tight-lipped regarding the specifics of the infection, but an infected bursa sac is often the culprit in sports. Most joints of the body are lined with bursa, fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction between various tissues, including bone and muscle. These sacs are vulnerable to injury following a direct blow, particularly in the elbow and knee. Occasionally the inflamed or ruptured bursa will become infected and require aggressive treatment to stop the infection from spreading. Surgery, along with antibiotics, usually does the trick. An infected hair follicle or oil gland could also potentially require surgery, but again the Steelers haven't released the root of the problem.
Regardless of the cause of the infection, Bryant will need time to insure the infection has been appropriately treated and the wound site completely heals. The team anticipates him missing at least 10 days and doesn't expect him to be available for the Hall of Fame Game on Sunday against the Vikings. Like Jeffery, the injury shouldn't affect Bryant's overall value on draft day, though it will be a situation worth monitoring.
Joique Bell
Bell has yet to return to practice, though the team says he is progressing quickly through his designed rehab protocol. The Lions running back underwent offseason surgery on his knee and Achilles' tendon and was placed on the PUP list at the start of camp. Coach Jim Caldwell is on record as saying he believes Bell will take part in a preseason game at some point but no specific target date was given. Bell has a chance to become the primary back in Detroit with Reggie Bush no longer in the picture, but his injuries, specifically the Achilles, can limit a running back. Despite going undrafted in 2010, Bell has managed to stick in the league due to his balance of size and speed. However, Achilles' tendon injuries often alter an individual's ability to accelerate, as well as balance and elusiveness. I've downgraded Bell to start the season and will have to see him in action before that changes.
Sam Bradford
Bradford has taken the majority of the reps with the first-team offense in the early days of Eagles camp. The initial reports have been positive as Bradford has looked comfortable and is developing chemistry with his new corps of wide receivers. However, I'm still curious to see how his twice repaired knee holds up as camp progresses. Any signs of inflammation or lingering pain and soreness would be a significant setback. That said, Philadelphia has one of the best medical staffs in the NFL, and I wouldn't be surprised if he gets multiple days off as camp continues to avoid overworking the area. It's also worth mentioning Bradford is NOT wearing a protective brace on his surgically repaired knee.
Turf Burns
Stephen Hill: The former second-round pick was hoping to join the Carolina offense after two quiet seasons with the Jets. Unfortunately, he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and will not play this season. The Panthers waived the wide out Monday.
DeSean Jackson: The Redskins receiver suffered a dislocated left index finger over the weekend and was a spectator Sunday. The injury appears to be minor and has already been reduced (popped back into alignment). It does not appear to be an open dislocation, meaning the bone did not penetrate the skin. This should allow for a quick comeback and Jackson should be back on the field in no time.
Todd Gurley: It's no surprise to see the rookie running back limited to individual drills thus far in camp. I've continually speculated that the Rams would play it safe with the future of their franchise. Rams coach Jeff Fisher openly admitted Gurley was less than 100 percent healthy, and it seems more and more likely that Tre Mason is the starter for the early portion of the season. Handcuffing the two isn't a bad approach to take, but over-investing in Gurley in one-year formats remains risky.
Carson Palmer: In addition to being cleared for all team activities, the Cardinals quarterback has displayed improved arm strength over the first few days of training camp. Part of this could be attributed to Palmer's proactive approach to addressing a flaw in his mechanics during his tedious rehab. The alteration could help improve his accuracy and strength but also decrease the inherent injury risk in his legs and throwing arm. The changes have to carry over into game action, but the early news on the former Heisman winner is encouraging.
