NFL 2022: 5 Injury Storylines to Track in Week 6

Concussions Remain A Focus Amid Updated Protocols

In the wake of the complicated concussion controversy surrounding Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins’ handling of the protocols, six players were ruled out with concussions in Week 5.

While some concussions were immediately clear, several players, including Teddy Bridgewater, were placed in protocols after reportedly showing evidence of the newly-added no-go symptom agreed upon by the NFL and NFLPA, Ataxia. 

The re-negotiated protocols and renewed focus on traumatic brain injuries could continue to lead to a consistent rise in reported concussions and players placed in protocols. 

Along with Bridgewater, other key players left because of concussion.

Saints’ receiver Chris Olave was ruled out after going down on a touchdown catch. Rams’ guard David Edwards suffered a concussion in his return after self-reporting symptoms ahead of Week 4. Steelers’ tight end Pat Freiermuth suffered his third concussion in 14 career games and teammate Levi Wallace suffered his first. Browns’ cornerback Denzel Ward suffered his third concussion and first since 2018. 

Saivion Smith Taken to Hospital After Neck Injury

Lions' safety Saivion Smith was taken out of Sunday's loss on a backboard and in an ambulance after suffering potential neck and head injuries on a jam play in the first half.

The Pro Football Docs expressed optimism that his collapse wasn't related to a spine injury but could be a concussion symptom.

The team reported that the 24-year-old has movement in his extremities and full motor skills and they are waiting to see when Smith can fly back to Detroit.

Rashaad Penny's Season Likely Over After Tibia Fracture

Seahawks’ running back Rashaad Penny reportedly suffered a fractured left tibia in the third quarter of Sunday’s loss and will likely miss the rest of the season in recovery, according to the Pro Football Docs.

Penny, who was the No. 27 pick in 2018, will be a free agent this offseason after five years in Seattle that included a torn ACL and multiple soft-tissue injuries. The 27-year-old was in the middle of the best stretch of his career: including today’s game, Penny rushed for 1,017 yards on 6.8 yards per carry with eight touchdowns in his last 10 games. 

The Seahawks somewhat prepared for a change in the backfield by drafting Heisman finalist Kenneth Walker III in the second round and the explosive back shot through a hole for a 69-yard touchdown on Sunday that more than doubled his season total.

Beat-Up 49ers Defense Loses 3 More Starters

Nick Bosa missed the second half of the 49ers’ win Sunday with left groin tightness and will undergo more tests tomorrow but will be limited even if he does play next week.

San Francisco, 3-2, is also reportedly expecting to be without their starting defensive tackles Javon Kinlaw and Arik Armstead for multiple games with excessive knee swelling and plantar fasciitis, respectively, and lost Maurice Hearst for the season to a torn biceps. 

Returning safety Jimmie Ward suffered a fractured hand on his first play of the season while cornerback Emmanuel Moseley is feared to have suffered a torn ACL on one of the final plays of the game, according to both Kyle Shanahan and the Pro Football Docs. 

San Francisco has been diligent in loading up the front seven and secondary over the past few years: the 49ers have used a top-two pick on a lineman or end in six of the last eight years and have drafted five defensive backs in the last two years, in addition to bringing in multiple veterans. 

The 49ers are 3-2 and first in the NFC West powered by the defense, which has allowed a league-best 12.2 points per game with 21 sacks.

Dolphins Injuries Piling Up

Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater left Sunday’s loss – his first start in place of Tua Tagovailoa – and is in concussion protocol after he was seen by an ATC spotter showing signs of gross motor instability after a big hit in the first half. 

The 247th pick in the 2022 Draft, Skylar Thompson, finished the game with 166 yards and one interception and would be in line to start if both quarterbacks remain out.

Left tackle Terron Armstead aggravated a lingering left toe injury that the Docs say could be turf toe in the first quarter and is set to see a specialist this week. Starting right tackle Austin Jackson suffered an ankle injury and was placed on IR after Week 1 and the backup left tackle, Greg Little, is starting in Jackson’s place.

Tyreek Hill – who led the team in targets as Jaylen Waddle was limited with a groin injury – left the game mid-way through the fourth with a foot injury and was seen with a walking boot, although available video showed no clear injury.