2022 NFL Week 10: These 6 Teams Could Get Key Players Coming Back Off Bye

Pittsburgh Steelers: T.J. Watt

The 2021 defensive player of the year practiced Wednesday for the first time since his Week 1 pectoral injury. Watt also underwent a knee scope while recovering from the pectoral injury. He has been designated to return and head coach Mike Tomlin said he’s “optimistic” Watt can return to play this week. The Pro Football Docs are confident about his chances to return this week for the 2-6 Steelers against the 3-6 Saints. If by some chance Watt is not back this week, he will undoubtedly be back next week against the Bengals.

Dallas Cowboys: Ezekiel Elliott

Cowboys star running back Ezekiel Elliott appeared to suffer a bone bruise in the Week 7 win over the Lions and it’s not a guarantee he’s back this week. Bone bruises typically require at least three weeks to heal and can be made worse by playing on them too early. 

Dallas has a capable backup in Tony Pollard and face the 7-1 Vikings in Week 11. They play the Giants on Thanksgiving in Week 12 and it would not be surprising to see the Cowboys hold Elliott out until then. In seven games this season, he has 443 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns on 4.1 yards per carry.

Cleveland Browns: David Njoku

The Cleveland Browns tight end suffered a high-ankle sprain in Week 7, but could return as early as this week. Njoku’s high ankle sprain was on the milder side and if he’s active this week he will likely only have slightly restricted mobility. Cleveland gets a matchup against the Dolphins in Miami before heading to Buffalo to play the Bills. Njoku has 34 catches for 418 yards and a touchdown this season.

San Francisco 49ers: Deebo Samuel

The 49ers’ star wideout picked up this hamstring injury in the Week 7 loss to the Chiefs and missed the Week 8 win over the Rams. The hope is the bye week provided him ample time to return at full strength, but the team may play it safe and give it another week to rest before a Week 11 matchup against the Cardinals. If he does return, look for him to play limited snaps. The second-round pick out of South Carolina has 32 catches for 387 yards this season along with 24 rushes for 138 yards and 3 combined touchdowns.

New York Giants: Evan Neal

The Giants (6-2) will likely be without rookie right tackle Evan Neal for at least another week after he suffered an MCL sprain in the Week 7 win over the Jaguars. Neal suffered the left knee injury  when he was rolled up on by a Jaguars defender.

By video, Neal’s injury appeared on the medium to moderate side and he may need another few weeks before he’s back to 100%. The Giants face the Texans at home in Week 10, then the Lions visit in Week 11.

Denver Broncos: Randy Gregory

Randy Gregory underwent a meniscus trim after his Week 4 knee injury against the Raiders and remains on IR. His 21-day window has not been activated thus far, indicating he is likely another week or two away from returning to the practice field. When he does return, he should have no ill effects because meniscus trim surgeries are typically reliable.