NFL Training Camp Injuries: Analysis from our Panel of Doctors

DCM

David Chao, MD

2 min read • August 11, 2023

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NFL
NFL Training Camp Injuries: Analysis from our Panel of Doctors

Find the rest of our preseason analysis in our preseason injury report here. For the low price of $2.99, you can receive detailed info on the injuries affecting all 32 teams and over 150 players. 

Garrett Wilson - SIC score 81

The reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year returned to practice in limited fashion on Thursday. He missed just under two weeks with his right ankle inversion sprain and it’s an encouraging sign to see him ramping up his practice participation. 

The Pro Football Docs were never concerned about him missing regular season time and the issue is unlikely to limit him during Week 1.

George Kittle - SIC score 75

Kittle’s adductor strain is a slight concern going forward, as the core is a key muscle in any receiving or blocking motion. He will reportedly miss the next week and it would be surprising to see him appear in any preseason games. 

The 49ers’ tight end missed the first two games of last season with a groin strain and was held under 50 yards until Week 6.

Sauce Gardner - SIC score 68

Last year’s defensive rookie of the year suffered a quad injury on Wednesday, but was able to participate in individual drills on Thursday. The severity of soft tissue injuries is difficult to judge, especially without video of the injury, but any leg injury is worth monitoring for cornerbacks at this stage in training camp.

It’s an encouraging sign he was able to work out the next day, but there’s a long way to go before he’s in the clear.

Dre Greenlaw - SIC score 62

San Francisco’s weakside linebacker suffered a hamstring strain in camp on Thursday, knocking him out for at least the next two weeks. Acclimation injuries are common at this time in training camp and there’s still a month left before the regular season.

Greenlaw’s score will likely improve if he can make it back to practice in the final week of preseason.

Joe Burrow - SIC score 77

Head coach Zac Taylor provided another cryptic update on quarterback Joe Burrow’s status, saying he is “several weeks” away from when he said “several weeks.” Burrow suffered his right calf strain on July 27, but is unlikely to miss Week 1. 

The team has downplayed the issue as a Grade 1 strain, but the Pro Football Docs believe it is a Grade 2 sprain that will likely limit his mobility early in the season.

Jalen Ramsey - SIC score 8

Miami’s free agent acquisition is recovering from surgery to sew the torn meniscus he suffered while in coverage on Tyreek Hill at the end of July. 

His target return date is reportedly in December, but the Pro Football Docs have doubts he can return and play effectively within that time frame.

Knee injuries are difficult for cornerbacks to return from because their position requires them to react to the offensive player rather than dictate where they are going. 

In late August 2020, Chargers safety Derwin James suffered a torn meniscus that required a full repair. He was placed on IR and missed the entire 2020 season.

Time will tell if Ramsey can beat that timeline and return effectively.

Mike McGlinchey - SIC score 43

Denver’s new right tackle suffered a knee sprain when he was rolled up on at practice on Tuesday, knocking him out for at least the next two weeks. 

Given the injury mechanism, McGlinchey is likely dealing with an MCL sprain and it’s not a guarantee he’s ready for Week 1. If he does play, he will likely be wearing a knee brace that limits his mobility.

Left tackle Garett Bolles is returning from a broken leg he suffered last October, but has been active at camp and will start Week 1, barring a setback.