NFL 2022 Week 5: Which Players Are Likely to Return From IR?

Commanders RB Brian Robinson (gunshot wounds to leg and knee)

The Commanders running back was shot twice in a carjacking four weeks ago but is surprisingly close to returning to the field. Robinson did not have any structural damage associated with the bullet wounds. Thus he shouldn't have any lingering effects upon return. He may compete with Antonio Gibson for touches as soon as Week 5. 

Bills CB Tre'Davious White (ACL)

Buffalo Bills No. 1 corner Tre'Davious White may be a few more weeks away from playing effectively after last season's ACL tear. According to the Pro Football Docs, he suffered the injury on Thanksgiving in 2021, and it would be asking a lot of him to come back and look 100%. Buffalo has suffered numerous injuries in the secondary, but it's still too early to expect White to plug up any losses in the secondary.

49ers FS Jimmie Ward (Hamstring)

The 49ers starting free safety is still recovering from his Grade 3 hamstring strain and likely won't return until at least Week 8. San Francisco has gotten by with Tashaun Gipson, good enough for first in the league in points allowed. That means they're unlikely to rush him back before he's ready, mainly because hamstring injuries are prone to reaggravation.

Panthers QB Sam Darnold (High-ankle Sprain)

Carolina Panthers backup quarterback Sam Darnold is likely a few weeks away from returning. Either way, Carolina is committed to keeping Baker Mayfield as the starter right now. It's not time for a quarterback controversy yet in Carolina.

Beats WR N’Keal Harry (High-ankle sprain, tightrope surgery)

The Bears’ off-season acquisition will still need time to recover from tightrope surgery to secure his syndesmotic ligament. The Bears have yet to complete 11 passes in a game this season and average less than 120 yards passing per game. Their receiving core is missing players that can make “splash plays” for the offense. The Bears’ offense will try to utilize Harry in this role when he returns around November.

Ravens RB Gus Edwards (ACL)

One of the former NFL leaders in yards per carry with a career 5.2 average is about a year out from a torn ACL. But, according to the Pro Football Docs, he will need more time to recover. In Edward’s absence running back, J.K. Dobbins has returned from injury and has been available in limited snaps. Look for the two-headed efficient running back tandem to return in about a month.

Falcons LB Deion Jones (Shoulder surgery)

Atlanta Falcons starting middle linebacker Deion Jones should be close to recovering after having shoulder surgery in the off-season. This isn’t Jones’s first shoulder problem, as he’s had injuries dating back to high school. But, according to the Pro Football Docs, there is minimal risk of this injury worsening when Jones returns, and he should be able to play without issues. 

Cardinals CB Antonio Hamilton (Burns on foot)

Antonio Hamilton was coming off the best season in his career, finishing third amongst Cardinals cornerbacks with 38 combined tackles and had four passes defended. But, in the off-season, he had a cooking accident that resulted in him burning his arms and legs. According to the Pro Football Docs, the second-degree burns necessitated a hospital trip, but he will not require surgery. He should be ready to play and practice well ahead of Week 5.