The NFL schedule continues but, lot’s of players have been suffering injuries every week, and Alex Smith may have had the worst injury in week 11, and it looks like he has a long road ahead of him to return. Here are the major injury concerns heading into week 12.
Marcus Mariota Titans
Mariota re-injured the same elbow that had already caused him issues earlier in the season due to nerve damage that impacts his ability to hold a football. Mariota did not play the second-half of the Titans loss to the Colts, and the Titans look like they will continue with back-up quarterback Blaine Gabbert.
Jimmy Graham Packers
Graham left the Packers loss to the Seahawks during the first half with a thumb injury. Further tests showed Graham broke his thumb, and could miss some time. Head coach Mike McCarthy was unsure if Graham will be available on Sunday. Packers will look to Lance Kendricks and rookie Robert Tonyan.
Brandon LaFell Raiders
LaFell is feared to have torn his Achilles, and will be out the rest of the season. The injury occurred while LaFell was making an achrobatic catch in the Raiders 23-21 win over the Cardinals on Sunday. Lafell had rose to the top of the Raiders receiving core, as other key recivers Amari Cooper was traded, and Martvais Bryant and Jordy Nelson both suffered knee injuries the prior week. Seth Roberts, and rookies Marcell Ateman a seventh round pick and Saeed Blacknall an undrafted rookie are the only healthy active receivers for Oakland.
Corey Liuget Chargers
Liuget will be out for the rest of the season, as he injured his right knee in the first half in Sunday’s game. He has struggled in his return four games ago from a suspension, and now this injury adds to the already disabled defensive front with Denzel Perryman already out with a knee injury.
Bradley Roby Broncos
Roby may have suffered a concussion in the second half of the Broncos’ win against the Chargers, and will have to be evaluated again. He could miss some practice time, but the Broncos don’t think he will miss significant game time.
AJ Cann Jaguars
The Jaguars offensive line continues to have an injury bug, as Cann joins two fellow starters on the O-line that have missed significant time. Three backups look like they will be starting moving forward for the already depleted Jaguars offensive line. Blake Bortles could be in more trouble as the Jags, just haven’t had the season they were hoping for in 2018.
O.J. Howard Buccaneers
Howard has been placed on injured reserve, after injuring his ankle and foot, though he won’t need surgery he will be out the rest of the season.
Rex Burkhead Patriots
Burkhead made an appearance at practice for the Patriots, this week but continues to be on Injured reserve, due to a neck injury that also includes a concussion in the injury. He is looking at a return in week 13 against the Vikings, but still might miss time. The good sign for Burkhead is that he has been at practice. Once he does return that gives the Patriots another weapon beside Sony Michel and James White in the backfield.
