Author: Special from InsideInjuries.com
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a good chance to play, while teams fighting for a spot or seeding may take a risk if needed. Here are the most important Week 17 injuries to monitor.
Spencer Ware RB, Chiefs: rib injury
Ware should be able to play on Sunday. The Chiefs initially feared he suffered broken ribs, but all scans were clean. He also practiced on Wednesday, so he should be ready to go this weekend.
Jordan Reed TE, Redskins: AC sprain
When Jordan Reed was hurt on Thanksgiving day, he returned in the second half and put up incredible numbers, especially considering the severity of his injury. He was diagnosed with a grade 3 AC sprain. Reed only missed two games, so he returned before the optimal recovery time and it showed. He missed Week 16 but should be ready to play this weekend with the additional rest.
Ladarius Green TE, Steelers: concussion
Healthy or not, the Texans have no reason to play Lamar Miller. Photo Credit: Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire
Green returned to practice on Wednesday for the first time since suffering a concussion. He has a long history of concussions, so while this is a good sign, there’s still a high level of concern. He needs to be handled even more cautiously than most players who suffer a concussion.
Lamar Miller RB, Texans: ankle sprain
Miller missed Week 16 after re-injuring his ankle and his availability for Week 17 is up in the air. He did some running last week but still has a long way to go. With a spot in the playoffs locked up, the Texans won’t risk rushing their starting running back out there if he isn’t ready. We will need to see how practice goes the rest of the week to get a better feel for his status. So far, he’s been limited to working on the sidelines.
Melvin Gordon RB, Chargers: knee and hip sprain
Gordon wants to play Sunday despite missing the last two weeks with injuries to his knee and hip. Gordon was seen at practice Wednesday with his left knee wrapped and in a brace. He wants to suit up, but the best thing to do is shut him down and get healthy for next season.
Tom Brady QB, Patriots: thigh injury
Brady didn’t practice Wednesday because of a thigh injury. This isn’t the first time he’s popped up on the injury report and it certainly won’t be the last. Once again, it’s nothing to be concerned about and it shouldn’t affect his ability on Sunday.
Adrian Peterson RB, Vikings: groin strain
In a season finale that doesn’t matter, the Vikings have no reason to let AP play. In his first game back following surgery to repair a torn meniscus, Peterson suffered a groin strain that forced him to miss their Week 16 game. He missed practice on Wednesday even though he said he’s feeling better. If he tries to play, he is at high risk of injury.
Robert Griffin III QB, Browns: concussion
RG3 cleared concussion protocol today and should get the start on Sunday after missing Week 16. Even though he is “healthy” now, he always seems to find a way to get hurt. Let’s hope he can make it through the final game of the season without a new problem.
Matt Forte RB, Jets: torn meniscus and nerve damage in shoulder
Forte hasn’t been ruled out yet, but it’s highly likely that he misses the Jets’ season finale due to knee and shoulder injuries. Forte has played through a torn meniscus for much of the season, but the new shoulder injury that consists of nerve damage is very painful. With nothing to play for, there’s no reason to run him out there and risk further injury. He hasn’t practiced this week so far.
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