5 NFL Injury Storylines to Watch in Week 4

Did Tua Tagovailoa Suffer Concussion, Back Injury, or Both?

Dolphins’ quarterback Tua Tagovailoa stumbled his way out of the game late in the first half after taking a late hit and slamming the back of his head on the turf, but against the Pro Football Docs’ expectations, the southpaw returned for the second half.

Tagovailoa said after the game that it wasn’t a concussion that took him out but a hyperextended back that aggravated spasms precipitating from a QB sneak in the first quarter. The NFLPA is reportedly launching an investigation into the Dolphins’ handling of the concussion protocol.

It’s possible Tagovailoa's back injury led to the stumbling, according to the Docs. The apparently outward symptoms led to Tagovailoa's concussion evaluation and it's possible the team and the independent neurologist did nothing wrong in letting him back into the game.

We will likely know his prognosis on Monday as the Dolphins have a quick turnaround to Thursday Night.

The third-year signal-caller could likely play through the back issue but would be hard-pressed to take the field on Thursday if he is diagnosed with a concussion during the symptom observation period. 

Mac Jones Could Head to IR for High-Ankle Sprain

The second-biggest – but most severe – quarterback injury in the AFC East is Patriots’ starter Mac Jones, who suffered a significant left high-ankle sprain in the waning moments of the 37-26 loss to the Ravens. 

Jones will likely miss multiple weeks with the sprain and could land on short-term IR, according to the Docs. His x-rays came back negative but NFL Network’s Mike Giardi reported that the concern in the organization is for tendon and/or ligament damage that would be found in Monday’s MRI.

Projecting ahead, veteran backup Brian Hoyer will start at least against the Packers and Lions and is certainly in danger of missing more games in October. 

Can Dalvin Cook Play Through Another Shoulder Injury in London?

The Vikings held on for a 28-24 win over Detroit and closed out the Lions without running back Dalvin Cook.

Cook suffered a left shoulder dislocation on a lost fumble in the third quarter and didn’t return, but has all but vowed to suit up for the Vikings’ early-morning contest in London. 

The 27-year-old reportedly has an unrepaired torn left labrum that he will wear a brace to hold in place.

Cook suffered a left shoulder subluxation last season but only missed one game and he has suffered dislocations and torn labrums and undergone surgeries in each shoulder.

David Montgomery Likely Out Multiple Weeks With Ankle Sprain

Somewhat lost in the Bears’ dismal passing performance in their 23-20 win on Sunday was starting running back David Montgomery going down with a right high-ankle and potential MCL sprain in the first half. 

The Docs expect that Montgomery will miss several games with the injury, which will be determined with further tests on Monday. 

In his absence Khalil Herbert had breakout games, collecting 157 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries. 

Will Trent Williams Play Through Ankle Sprain Again?

All-pro left tackle Trent Williams went down with a likely right high-ankle sprain on the same play that Jimmy Garoppolo paid homage to Dan Orlovsky and didn’t return.

The 34-year-old could potentially play next week against the Rams, according to the Pro Football Docs, just as he played through a right high-ankle sprain for most of the 2021 season and in the playoffs.

He is the centerpiece of their deteriorated offensive line that features only one other returning starter and has struggled at times to keep a clean pocket for the quarterback.