NFL Preseason Week 2 Injury Roundup and Impacts
By Erik Lambert
Dec 9, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) reacts after he made a 35-yard catch in the third quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Metlife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Mills/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports
Injuries swing momentum and seasons faster than anything else in the NFL. Every team is feeling them so far in the preseason, some minor and some very bad. What does this mean for their 2013 prospects?
Pittsburgh Steelers lose Le’Veon Bell to foot injury
So much hope centers around rookie running back Le’Veon Bell and what he could do to help revive a dormant Pittsburgh Steelers ground game. So far the result are not good. After missing the first preseason game with knee stiffness, Bell dropped out of the second with a foot injury. Two ailments to the lower extremities is not a good sign for Steelers fans.
Impact: Serious
Kirk Cousins latest Washington Redskins quarterback to fall
With Robert Griffin III still fighting back from his knee injury last year, backup Kirk Cousins has done a very good job filling in for him. He’d hoped for that to continue against Pittsburgh on Monday night in the second preseason game but suffered an untimely foot sprain. The severity is still unclear but coaches are optimistic it isn’t serious. Either way it is an injury to the backup quarterback when the starter still isn’t healthy enough to return.
Impact: Serious
New York Giants see Victor Cruz bow out to bruised heel
Hakeem Nicks insists he’s healthy, but skeptical New York Giants fans would merely pose the question, “but for how long?” Indeed the injury bug can’t seem to leave the Giants receivers alone. This time Pro Bowl slot man Victor Cruz felt the bite when he left the second preseason game against Indianapolis with a bruised heel. The injury may not sound bad but Tom Coughlin said it can be tricky for players who run for a living. Considering how Eli Manning performed after he left, it’s a problem.
Impact: Serious
Coby Fleener can’t stay healthy for Indianapolis Colts
Tight end was a position the Indianapolis Colts had hoped to unlock once Andrew Luck was fully established in the offense, and his former college teammate Coby Fleener was going to help. Unfortunately the second-year player can’t stay on the field. A knee sprain is the latest culprit to hamper his progress. While not a serious injury, it is not the first he has suffered since entering the league. Still, with his impact on the offense already minimal it’s fair to say the Colts can adjust to life without him.
Impact: Minor
Cleveland Browns wary of Barkevious Mingo bruised lung
Everything about rebuilding the new Cleveland Browns defense started with the pass rush. That is why they signed Paul Kruger in free agency and then drafted Barkevious Mingo in the first round. The team suffered a terrible scare when he suffered a bruised lung. Doctors say if he had stayed in the game another hit to the chest might’ve killed him. Thankfully he avoided the danger but is likely done for the preseason as a precaution. Cleveland figures to know what they have in him and won’t take any risks.
Impact: Minor
Dustin Keller shreds knee in Miami Dolphins game
There is no question it is the injury of the preseason. Dustin Keller watched his season and possibly his career go up in smoke when Houston Texans rookie D.J. Swearinger hit him low during a tackle, shredding every ligament in his right knee. He has a long rehab ahead of him, and the Miami Dolphins have major questions at tight end. Keller was already developing a chemistry with Ryan Tannehill. With him gone the team is essentially back to square one.
Impact: Bad
Eddie Royal latest San Diego Chargers receiver to go down
San Diego Chargers receivers seem to be going down like pins at a bowling alley. Eddie Royal was only the latest, suffering a bruised lung. That makes for the third top receiver on the depth chart to go down, leaving Philip Rivers horribly exposed. Never mind the problem he must deal with on the offensive line. Royal may eventually return but his absence only creates more chaos and shows just how bad things have gotten for the Bolts in a rapidly shifting NFL landscape.
Impact: Bad