This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
The Cleveland Browns
The Browns are dealing with multiple injuries to three key components of their offense. The issues start in the backfield with running backs Kareem Hunt and Nick Chubb. Chubb did not play in Sunday's loss to the Cardinals due to a calf injury. Hunt, who nursed minor knee and wrist issues throughout the week, suffered his own calf strain on Sunday and has already been ruled out for "multiple weeks." It sounds like Hunt has a moderate or Grade 2 strain, and a trip to the injured reserve appears likely. The designation would sideline Hunt for at least three weeks, though I'm betting he needs more than the minimum allotted time. Chubb appears to have suffered a milder strain but remains unlikely for Week 7.
Like hamstring strains, calf strains can be slow to heal and easily aggravated. In fact, the two muscle groups are closely connected, and both influence the knee in similar ways. Rushing the recovery of either player could result in a lingering, chronic issue or a more significant problem along the kinetic chain. Considering the Browns play Thursday, leading to an abbreviated week of preparation, look for D'Ernest Johnson and Demetric Felton to man the backfield against the Broncos.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield may also be in street clothes Thursday, as he aggravated his previous shoulder injury. Mayfield is dealing with a torn glenoid labrum in his nonthrowing shoulder that initially occurred in Cleveland's Week 2 win over the Texans. Mayfield was seen
The Cleveland Browns
The Browns are dealing with multiple injuries to three key components of their offense. The issues start in the backfield with running backs Kareem Hunt and Nick Chubb. Chubb did not play in Sunday's loss to the Cardinals due to a calf injury. Hunt, who nursed minor knee and wrist issues throughout the week, suffered his own calf strain on Sunday and has already been ruled out for "multiple weeks." It sounds like Hunt has a moderate or Grade 2 strain, and a trip to the injured reserve appears likely. The designation would sideline Hunt for at least three weeks, though I'm betting he needs more than the minimum allotted time. Chubb appears to have suffered a milder strain but remains unlikely for Week 7.
Like hamstring strains, calf strains can be slow to heal and easily aggravated. In fact, the two muscle groups are closely connected, and both influence the knee in similar ways. Rushing the recovery of either player could result in a lingering, chronic issue or a more significant problem along the kinetic chain. Considering the Browns play Thursday, leading to an abbreviated week of preparation, look for D'Ernest Johnson and Demetric Felton to man the backfield against the Broncos.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield may also be in street clothes Thursday, as he aggravated his previous shoulder injury. Mayfield is dealing with a torn glenoid labrum in his nonthrowing shoulder that initially occurred in Cleveland's Week 2 win over the Texans. Mayfield was seen sporting a sling following Sunday's contest and underwent additional testing on Monday. He will now seek out a second opinion to determine the next step in care. The injury won't directly hamper his throwing ability but can be very painful and limiting. Surgery is likely on the horizon, but when that occurs will be up to Mayfield and the those around him. Case Keenum would be the starting QB if Baker is unable to play. Wide receiver Odell Beckham is nursing a shoulder injury of his own, though he too hopes to play on Thursday.
The Panthers were aggressive in their handling of McCaffrey's hamstring injury after the running back's failed attempt to practice last week. Carolina was hopeful they would have him back in uniform for Week 6 after McCaffrey was able to make it through multiple practices in a limited capacity. However, they were unable to ramp up his workload after he "tweaked" the area, and he was held out of practice entirely on Thursday and Friday. The apparent setback forced Carolina's hand, and the team opted to place him on the IR. He will now sit for three weeks before attempting to return once again. I warned this was a possibility when the injury initially occurred, and now, we won't see him again until November at the earliest. Chuba Hubbard remains the starter in Carolina and has performed well in the role. Hubbard rushed for 61 yards and a touchdown on 16 attempts against the Vikings and will now face a New York Giants defense allowing 137.2 rushing yards per game.
Turf Burns
Saquon Barkley and the New York WR Corps: Barkley did not play in the team's loss to the Rams due to an ankle sprain. He was unable to practice last week, and the team is uncertain of his status for Week 7. The same goes for Kenny Golladay who sat out with a hyperextended knee. Both players could attempt to practice, but will likely remain limited and could end up as game-time decisions. Look for the Giants to take a conservative approach with each player's health, especially after the team watched Kadarius Toney aggravate his ankle injury against Los Angeles. The injury is believed to be more serious than a Grade 1 sprain, and Toney seems poised to miss time.
Dak Prescott: The Cowboys quarterback suffered a mild calf strain on his game-winning touchdown throw to CeeDee Lamb. Dallas has a scheduled bye week in Week 7, allowing Prescott ample time to heal. However, it is worth noting the injury occurred to his right leg, the same extremity Prescott broke last season. While the Cowboys are downplaying the severity of the injury, I won't share the same optimism until we see how active Prescott is when the team starts prepping for their Week 8 game against the Vikings.
Chris Carson and Alex Collins: The Seattle backfield is in disarray with Carson on the IR and Collins nursing multiple injuries. Carson was placed on the IR on Friday, as his undisclosed neck injury remains an issue. He will not return until at least Week 10. His understudy performed well on Sunday night, as Collins rushed 20 times for 101 yards and a touchdown. However, he suffered injuries to his hip and glute in the loss to Pittsburgh and remains a question mark for Week 7. The injuries sound mild, and Seattle will have an extra day for recovery with the team slated to play on Monday night against New Orleans. Keep an eye on Collins' availability throughout this week's practices to get a better feel on his status for the Week 7. DeeJay Dallas and Travis Homer could see an increase in their workload with veteran Rashaad Penny also slated to resume practice this week after missing time with a calf strain.
Dawson Knox: The Bills tight end has been one of the early surprises of the season, catching five touchdowns through the first six weeks of the year. Unfortunately, he suffered a broken hand in Buffalo's Monday night loss to Tennessee. It seems likely Knox broke one of the metacarpal bones in his hand, the bones that bridge the area between the wrist and fingers. Surgery could be needed if the fracture is displaced, but that doesn't necessary mean Knox will miss an extended period of time. Multiple players including DeMarco Murray, Terrell Owens, and Marlon Mack missed minimal time after undergoing surgery to fix broken metacarpals. In fact, Owens and Murray never even missed a game. The Bills have a well-timed bye week on their side as well, and Knox has a realistic shot at playing in Week 8 even if he requires a trip to the operating room.
