Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

Written by: Allie Fontana

Here’s a look at some of the notable injuries from Sunday’s NFL action:

Quarterbacks

Sam Bradford, QB (St. Louis Rams)—Bradford injured his right index finger (throwing arm) in Sunday’s season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. X-rays came back negative, however there is speculation that Bradford may have nerve damage. The team will send him for a MRI on Monday. Bradford told reporters that he fully intends to play on next Monday night when the Rams take on the New York Giants in Week 2. Veteran A.J. Feeley stepped in for Bradford in the team’s 31-13 loss at home.

Andy Dalton, QB (Cincinnati Bengals)—Dalton left Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns with a wrist injury. The rookie signal caller was 10-of-15 for 81 yards and a touchdown. Head coach Marvin Lewis said in his postgame press conference that x-rays on Dalton’s risk came back negative and that he should be ready for Week 2.

Running Backs

Steven Jackson, RB (St. Louis Rams)—After busting loose on a 47-yard run and a score, Jackson was forced to leave Sunday’s game with a strained right quadriceps.

LaRod Stephens-Howling, RB (Arizona Cardinals)—Coach Ken Whisenhunt announced that Stephens-Howling sustained a right hand contusion on Sunday. 

Mike Tolbert, RB (San Diego Chargers)—One of Week 1’s biggest fantasy stars, Tolbert limped off the field in the fourth quarter and didn’t return. The team (and Tolbert himself) said the leg injury isn’t serious. He’ll undergo a precautionary MRI on Monday. It’s possible that Tolbert could miss Week 2’s game against the New England Patriots. 

Derrick Ward, RB (Houston Texans)—Ward, who started in place of the injured Arian Foster, rolled his ankle in the second quarter and didn’t return. The veteran back said after the game that he could have returned to the field if necessary, but the Texans were up 34-0. Third-string back Ben Tate carried the load following Ward’s departure. 

Wide Receivers

Danny Amendola, WR (St. Louis Rams)—Sam Bradford’s favorite target in 2010 dislocated his elbow on Sunday after making his fifth catch of the game.  Amendola will undergo a MRI on Monday to determine the extent of the damage. For now it appears that his promising third NFL season has come to a disappointing end.

Hakeem Nicks, WR (New York Giants)—The team reported that Nicks injured his knee early in Sunday’s loss to the Washington Redskins. Nicks played through the pain, racking up seven receptions for 122 yards. Postgame x-rays came back negative.

Kevin Walter, WR (Houston Texans)—Walter broke his shoulder in the first half of Houston’s blow out win over the Indianapolis Colts. While he’ll undergo a MRI on Monday to determine the severity, Walter could miss 10-12 weeks. Jacoby Jones will need to step up in Walter’s absence.

Roy Williams, WR (Chicago Bears)—Before he exited in the fourth quarter with a groin injury, Williams caught four balls for 55 yards and threw a big block that set up Devin Hester’s 53-yard gain to the Atlanta Falcons’ 1-yard line. Groin injuries tend to linger. We’ll keep you posted.

Tight Ends

Marcedes Lewis, TE (Jacksonville Jaguars)—Lewis limped off the field in the third quarter of Sunday’s matchup against AFC South rival Tennessee Titans. He was taken to the locker room and didn’t return. In his postgame press conference, Jacksonville head coach Jack Del Rio said that Lewis sustained a calf strain, while Lewis said it was just cramping. Monitor Lewis’ status for Week 2 against the New York Jets.

Kickers

Nate Kaeding, K (San Diego Chargers)—Kaeding suffered an injury to his left leg during the opening kickoff in the Chargers’ season opener against the Minnesota Vikings. He was carted off the field and taken to the locker room where initial tests reveal a left anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. While he’ll have a MRI on Monday to confirm the diagnosis, Kaeding is likely to miss the entire season. The Chargers will be in the market for a replacement. Kaeding’s fantasy owners should start doing the same.