NFL Week 5 injury report: latest news on Tua Tagovailoa, Saivion Smith, Dak Prescott...
We take a look at the current injuries around the NFL in Week 5 and latest updates on Prescott, Smith and Tagovailoa
The National Football League and the NFL Players Association released a joint statement Saturday with the updated NFL concussion protocol following Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s head injury Sept. 25.
Tagovailoa suffered a rough head injury and was still allowed to reenter the game. The 24-year-old was later hospitalized for a concussion.
Under the new protocols, NFL players will not be allowed to compete if they are experiencing a lack of coordination caused by poor muscle control, described as ataxia.
Tagovailoa is currently still in concussion protocol and did not play Sunday against the New York Jets.
Dak prescott is “day-to-day”
On the other hand, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, who suffered a thumb injury in Week 1, told reporters Sunday that he is continuing to work his way back from the injury, and is taking it day by day. Though Prescott planned to return to the field by Week 5, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said the 29-year-old was no’t able to grip the ball well enough to play.
Prescott has since “made a lot of improvement” and will throw “a lot” this week, according to Jones. He is also expected to see a doctor on Tuesday.
While Dallas is putting Prescott’s recovery first, as they should, having the two-time Pro Bowler healthy is also key for the Cowboys’ chances this season. Prescott led the NFL No. 1 scoring offense in 2021, tallying 4,449 passing yards and 37 touchdowns.
Related: NFL Week 5 winners and losers: Hill, Henry, Cousins, Zappe, Mayfield
Lions’ Cornerback Savion Smith (neck) taken to hospital
Detroit Lions cornerback Saivion Smith, who suffered a severe neck injury during Sunday’s game against the Patriots, was taken to a local hospital in Foxboro. The 24-year-old went down after colliding with New England TE Hunter Henry early in the first quarter.
Smith left Sunday’s game in an ambulance following his awkward landing when attempting to guard Patriots tight end Hunter Henry. He laid motionless for several minutes before he was joined by family members, who rode with him on the way to the hospital.
No more details have been released since.
This is Smith’s first season in Detroit. He was previously part of Dallas, Denver and San Francisco’s practice squads.
Penny, Mayfield, Williams, Harty updates
Meanwhile, Seahawks RB Rashaad Penny, who was diagnosed with a fractured fibula, will ‘likely’ undergo surgery and is likely out for the season. Panthers QB Baker Mayfield is having an MRI today to determine the extent of the foot injury sustained during Carolina’s loss to the 49ers Sunday. Mayfield left yesterday in a walking boot. Additionally, Baltimore safety Marcus Williams, who already has 3 INT, has a dislocated wrist and will likely head to IR, missing significant time. Another one who is expected to miss some time is Saints WR Deonte Harty, who suffered a turf toe injury yesterday. Fear is that the injury could be significant.
It’s also not looking good for the 49ers, who have sustained a few more injuries than the Panthers.
49ers injuries Week 5
- Nick Bosa (groin tightness)
- Jimmie Ward (broken hand)
- Emmanuel Moseley (possible torn ACL)
- K Robbie Gould (knee contusion)
Players questionable to return
Arizona Cardinals RB James Conner is questionable to return (ribs), as is their wide receiver Darrel Williams (knee).
Bengals WR Tee Higgins (ankle). Cincinnati hasn’t seen Higgins on the field since the first quarter.
Tyreek Hills, Miami Dolphins wide receiver, also suffered a foot injury during Sunday’s loss to the New York Jets, but is “not” believed to be serious.
Giants running back Saquon Barkley suffered a shoulder injury in the second half of Sunday’s game against the Packers in London and is also questionable.
Players ruled out
- Saints’ Chris Olave (concussion)
- Dolphins’ Teddy Bridgewater (show of ataxia)
- Steelers’ Pat Freiermuth (concussion)
- Patriots Damien Harris (hamstring)
- Titans’ WR Treylon Burks (injured reserve)
Cowboys OL Jason Peters is likely out and could miss multiple weeks after suffering a chest injury in Thursday’s practice.
Broncos lose 2 starters
OT Garett Bolles (broken right leg) and CB Ronald Darby (ACL) are both out for the season after suffering injuries in Thursday Night Football.