Injury Issues Affecting Several Notable NFL Players Following Week 10
Week 10 was another exciting week in the National Football League. Unfortunately, several notable players suffered an injury. Which players are hurt, and how long until they make their return?
Dallas Goedert, TE, Eagles
Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert suffered a shoulder injury in the Monday Night loss to the Commanders. The play happened in the fourth quarter as he was tackled and grabbed by the face mask. Goedert lost the football, and the face mask penalty was not called. This allowed the Commanders to extend their lead.
Goedert is a significant piece of the Eagles’ offense. He has the second-most receiving yards on the team, so replacing him will not be easy. Expect to see the Eagles rely on their other receivers, such as Devonta Smith and Quez Watkins. Backup tight end Jack Stoll and rookie Grant Calcaterra should also see more playing time. It has been reported that Goedert should be back later in the season.
Cooper Kupp, WR, Rams
The Rams’ disappointing season will not get any easier as their star receiver will miss at least four weeks with an ankle injury. Kupp left Sunday’s game in the fourth quarter during the loss to the Cardinals. He tried extending for a high pass by backup QB John Wolford but was hit in the process. Kupp was diagnosed with a high ankle sprain and will undergo surgery.
Los Angeles has not looked like the team from a year ago that won the Super Bowl. They currently sit at 3-6 and have a tough road ahead to fight for a wildcard spot. Kupp has been the bright spot with 812 receiving yards this season which ranks fifth in the league. The Ram’s next most productive receiver is TE Tyler Higbee, with 385 yards. Receivers Allen Robinson and Ben Skowronek will need to step in for Kupp until he returns later in the year.
Zach Ertz, TE, Cardinals
Arizona also suffered a major injury in the Week 10 matchup during their win over the Rams. They lost tight end Zach Ertz, for the season to a knee injury. Ertz suffered the injury in the first quarter, walked off under his own power, but was carted to the locker room.
Ertz leads the Cardinals in receptions, and his 406 receiving yards rank third on the team. Backup tight end Trey Mcbride and Stephen Anderson will take his place but have a combined six receptions in 2022. Arizona traded with the Philadelphia Eagles at last year’s trade deadline to bring in Zach Ertz, who has been productive for the team.
Jerry Jeudy, WR, Broncos
Bronco’s receiver Jerry Jeudy went down in the first quarter during the loss against the Titans. He was carted to the locker room, but it appears he did not suffer a significant injury. Jeudy was diagnosed with a mild ankle strain. He is week-to-week but could be back soon.
Jerry Jeudy is the second most productive receiver on the Broncos roster behind Courtland Sutton. The third-year receiver has 449 receiving touchdowns and three touchdowns on the year. However, Denver’s offense has struggled in 2022 with the addition of former Seahawk Russell Wilson at quarterback.
Leonard Fournette, RB, Buccaneers
Buccaneers running back Leonard Fournette suffered a hip injury in the Munich-Germany game on Sunday. He exited the game in the second half and did not return. However, the injury did not cost the team, as they were able to defeat the Seahawks 21-16. Tampa is now on their bye week, which gives him an extra week to get healthy.
Fournette is the Buccaneers leading rusher with 462 yards and three touchdowns in 10 games played. Rachaad White sits behind him in the depth chart and would get more playing time if Fournette misses any time. White has 222 rushing yards and one touchdown so far this season.
JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, Chiefs
Chiefs receiver, JuJu Smith-Schuster, suffered a concussion during a helmet-to-helmet hit in the win over the Jaguars. Smith-Schuster could not hold onto a third-down pass from Patrick Mahomes, and a penalty was not called despite him being a defenseless receiver. He will remain in concussion protocol and needs to be evaluated before returning to the field.
JuJu Smith-Schuster is the Chiefs’ second-leading receiver with 46 receptions for 615 yards and two touchdowns. If he misses time, expect TE Travis Kelce to get even more targets. Receivers Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Mecole Hardman will also become a more significant part of the offense.
Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Dolphins
Emmanuel Ogbah is the latest Dolphins defender to go on injured reserve. Ogbah suffered an elbow injury in the win over the Browns and also tore his triceps. He will undergo surgery which means he is out for the season.
Ogbah was the Dolphins’ leader in sacks last season but was not as productive in 2022. He has just eight tackles and one sack in nine games this year. Ogbah has played in 62% of defensive snaps, which is his lowest since joining the Dolphins in 2020.
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