The theme during Week 2 of the NFL season was injuries. We saw a number of key players go down with a variety of ailments that could see them miss significant time. The severity of each situation is currently unclear, but we will update as more information becomes available.
The Steelers lose key pieces
It was a rough day for the Pittsburgh Steelers as they lost at home to the visiting Seattle Seahawks. If an 0-2 start to the season wasn’t bad enough, they also lost both starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and starting running back James Conner to injury.
The injury to Roethlisberger proved to be quite concerning because it was a non-contact situation. He had attempted to complete a pass, and as soon as the ball left his hand he grabbed at his elbow. He then exited the game with what they said was a right elbow injury and did not return.
The #Steelers announce that QB Ben Roethlisberger had an MRI on his right elbow and will need surgery this week. He is out for the season.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 16, 2019
Roethlisberger has now been announced as out for the season. Mason Rudolph will take over as the starter for the Steelers. Head Coach Mike Tomlin announced this afternoon.
“Ben Roethlisberger had an MRI on his right elbow Sunday evening and it was determined by the Steelers’ medical team that surgery will be required. We expect the surgery will be scheduled for this week. He will be placed on (IR) and is out for the season.”
Later on, in the second half, Conner suffered a left knee injury and limped off the field. Luckily, he was able to make it to the medical tent under his own power. There are no official reports to the extent of the injury but we will continue to monitor.
Drew Brees goes down for New Orleans
One of the biggest storylines from Week 2 of the NFL season was the early exit of New Orleans Saint’s quarterback Drew Brees against the Los Angeles Rams. The quarterback injured the thumb on his throwing hand early in the first quarter. Brees was throwing the ball to tight end Jared Cook when his hand collided with defensive tackle Aaron Donald. He immediately went to the sideline for an evaluation by the team doctors.
Pro Football Network’s own Dr. Duane Scotti, was able to analyze the test that the doctors were performing to help provide some clarity on the situation.
or what they call Gamekeeper's thumb. #Brees could be looking at a ligament sprain of the ligaments that stabilize the thumb." (2/2) #Saints #SaintsGameDay pic.twitter.com/zd81YBMOj5
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) September 15, 2019
Our injury expert was still able to provide slightly more information regarding the potential extent of the injury.
Following up on this: If and how long #Brees misses time will depend on the severity of the ligament sprain and/or if the ligament is torn. If torn, Brees season is likely over. If only a sprain, could still miss some games. (From @ScottiSPARK) #Saints #SaintsRams #NFLSunday https://t.co/KIAwCIZ41I
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) September 16, 2019
Dr. Scotti gave two different scenarios, both of which would involve Brees missing a number of games. This morning, Ian Rapaport confirmed what Dr. Scotti feared, Brees does, in fact, have a torn ligament. He will miss significant time.
#Saints QB Drew Brees has a torn ligament in his throwing thumb and he’s going to require surgery, sources say. The timeframe depends on the surgery, but he’s likely out 6 weeks. That’s the initial estimate.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 16, 2019
Buffalo Bills rookie exits the game
One bright spot for the Buffalo Bills this season has been the strong performance from rookie running back Devin Singletary. Singletary has looked like the more explosive back behind starter Frank Gore. Unfortunately, he was forced out of Sunday’s game against the Giants with a hamstring injury.
Prior to his exit from the contest, Singletary had logged six carries for 57 yards and a TD. If he is to miss significant time, Gore will be featured with help from T.J. Yeldon.
We will continue to monitor these injury situations and update when we know more.
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