Tag: injury

Aug 21, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez (0) on the field before the preseason game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez ramping up for 2025 debut

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez was held out for the first three games of the 2025 season, but his return to the field could be imminent.

New England (1-2) head coach Mike Vrabel said the plan is for Gonzalez to “ramp up” and make his season debut Sunday against the Carolina Panthers (1-2).

“Excited about his efforts and willingness to get back, work hard, and practice last week,” Vrabel said Wednesday. “Hopefully he progresses throughout the week, and he can help us.”

Gonzalez has been sidelined with a hamstring injury for seven weeks.

The issue arose during a July 28 practice while covering wideout Stefon Diggs. He sat with the injury for more than a month.

Named second-team All-Pro in 2024, Gonzalez has 76 tackles, three interceptions and 14 passes defended in 20 career games (all starts) for New England.

Gonzalez would be welcomed back by the Patriots, who have the No. 29 pass defense in the NFL, allowing 252 passing yards per game.

Gonzalez is expected to start opposite Carlton Davis III, who signed a three-year, $54 million contract in March.

–Field Level Media

Oct 19, 2024; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Dylan Sampson (6) runs the ball against Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jah-Marien Latham (20) in the third quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Alan Poizner-Imagn Images

Alabama LB Jah-Marien Latham hospitalized with neck injury

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Alabama linebacker Jah-Marien Latham suffered a neck injury during practice Tuesday and was transported to a hospital for further evaluation.

Latham, a sixth-year graduate student, is being assessed at UAB St. Vincent’s in Birmingham and has “full feeling and motion,” according to Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer.

“Our top priority is Jah’s health and well-being. We are in close contact with his family and the medical team and will continue to support him in every way possible,” DeBoer said in a statement.

A native of Reform, Ala., Latham started the Tide’s season-opening loss at Florida State and recorded two tackles before leaving with a lower-body injury. He has not played since.

In 45 games since starting his Alabama career in 2020, Latham has notched 44 tackles (four for loss), 2.5 sacks and one fumble recovery.

No. 17 Alabama (2-1) plays its Southeastern Conference opener Saturday night at No. 5 Georgia.

–Field Level Media

Jun 10, 2025; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. (24) participates in a drill during an NFL football minicamp at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Texans’ Derek Stingley Jr. departs game vs. Jaguars after rib injury

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Houston Texans All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. suffered a rib injury at Jacksonville on Sunday. Originally listed as questionable to return to the game, Stingley was later downgraded to out.

The injury appeared to occur on the Jaguars’ first-quarter touchdown drive. Stingley stayed in the game and then was penalized for pass interference, which gave Jacksonville first-and-goal at the 1 and a 7-0 lead after a Bhayshul Tuten touchdown run.

The 24-year-old went into the injury tent after that drive. He briefly returned to the field for the following defensive series before heading to the locker room.

He was replaced by veteran Tremon Smith.

This injury could further test Houston’s secondary depth as cornerback Jaylin Smith was placed on injured reserve Saturday.

Stingley pulled down five interceptions in each of the past two seasons.

–Field Level Media

Sep 7, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (7) reacts after scoring on a 9-yard touchdown run against the Carolina Panthers during the first half at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Wrist injury could be reason for Brian Thomas Jr.’s slow start, coach says

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Jacksonville head coach Liam Coen provided some context that could explain star wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.’s struggles in Sunday’s 31-27 loss at Cincinnati in a Monday zoom call with reporters.

Per Coen, Thomas was dealing with a wrist injury that was not reported on the team’s official injury report in the lead-up to the Bengals game. He recorded four catches for 49 yards on 12 targets and received online criticism for a few drops and a perceived lack of effort.

“We’re going to have a conversation here shortly. Ultimately, he’s got a couple things going on, had a wrist injury going into the game,” Coen said. “Did that play a part in some of this stuff? I’ve got to go talk to him. I think he’s aware of it and needs to have a better week this week. I think he understands what’s at stake, he understands what’s going on and we’ve got to go get to the root of it.”

Thomas, 22, was the 23rd overall pick in last year’s NFL draft out of LSU. He finished fourth in NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year voting last season after amassing 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Through two games this season, he has just five catches for 60 yards on 19 targets and no receiving touchdowns, although he does have a rushing touchdown on a 9-yard jet sweep.

Jacksonville (1-1) hosts Houston (0-1) Sunday after the Texans play Monday night vs. Tampa Bay.

–Field Level Media

Sep 14, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) takes the field before the game against Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy likely out Sunday, Carson Wentz would start

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Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy is unlikely to play this week due to an ankle sprain, head coach Kevin O’Connell said Monday.

Current backup Carson Wentz is expected to be the starter against Bengals backup Jake Browning, who steps in again for injured starter Joe Burrow. Burrow will undergo surgery to repair a toe injury after leaving Sunday’s win over the Jaguars.

McCarthy sustained the injury on a broken play that ended with a tackle near the sideline. McCarthy missed all of the 2024 season after tearing his meniscus during a preseason game, which required surgery.

Named NFC Offensive Player of the Week after his performance in his first start in Week 1, McCarthy has shown mixed results. He struggled Sunday night against the Falcons, going 11 of 21 with 158 yards and two interceptions. He wasn’t able to lead Minnesota to a touchdown and he was sacked six times.

“We’ve got to do a better job as an offense playing one play at a time and everyone doing their job, all 11 of us,” McCarthy said Sunday night. “We’re going to learn from this, get better and bounce back next week.”

The Vikings will also likely be without running back Aaron Jones (hamstring). Starting center Ryan Kelly and left tackle Justin Skule are still in concussion protocol. Skule started the first two games as the Vikings play it safe with Christian Darrisaw, who is working to return from a season-ending ACL tear in 2024.

–Field Level Media

Sep 13, 2025; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Arkansas Razorback defensive back Larry Worth III (3) and defensive back Kani Walker (13) react during the second quarter against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Arkansas CB Kani Walker exits on stretcher vs. Ole Miss

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Arkansas senior cornerback Kani Walker was carted off the field on a stretcher early in the fourth quarter of Saturday night’s Southeastern Conference game against No. 17 Ole Miss.

Walker had movement in all his extremities and was taken to Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford, according to Arkansas.

The game was delayed for approximately 12 minutes. As he was carted off the field, Walker held his left hand out of the cart and gave a thumbs-up sign.

Walker and Caleb Wooden were in coverage when Ole Miss wideout Deuce Alexander caught a 35-yard pass on the first play of the fourth quarter. The legs of Wooden inadvertently hit Walker in the back of the head at the end of the play.

Walker was face down on the turf for several minutes before the Arkansas training staff and doctors turned him over on his back. They soon called for a stretcher and a cart followed a few minutes later.

After Walker was on the stretcher, Wooden came over to check on him and the rest of the Razorbacks followed.

Walker had six tackles before exiting.

Walker played one season at Louisville (2021) and three at Oklahoma (2022-24) before transferring to Arkansas prior to this season.

–Field Level Media

Jul 24, 2025; Florham Park, NY, USA; New York Jets guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (75) speaks to the media during training camp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images

Jets G Alijah Vera-Tucker (triceps) out for season

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New York Jets right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker will miss the upcoming season after sustaining a triceps injury this week at practice, head coach Aaron Glenn said Thursday.

Glenn said Vera-Tucker’s recovery time is about seven months. ESPN reported on Thursday morning that the 26-year-old lineman would have surgery on a torn triceps.

While Xavier Newman is listed as Vera-Tucker’s backup on New York’s unofficial depth chart, it is possible center Joe Tippmann could move to right guard, with Josh Myers being plugged in at center.

“When it comes to who’s going to be up as far as the O-line, I’m still getting that evaluated.” Glenn said. “… He was a big player for us, but we have to continue to keep rolling.”

Vera-Tucker was selected by the Jets with the 14th overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Southern California.

He was named one of the Jets’ six team captains on Aug. 28.

“Throughout my career, I haven’t had the opportunity to do that,” Vera-Tucker said at the time of his increased leadership role. “So more and more now I take advantage of those opportunities to be a vocal leader and lead not only O-line but the offense and the team as well, so it’s cool. You never know when this game could be taken away from you, so you have to take advantage of it.”

Vera-Tucker has been prone to injuries in his career. After playing in, and starting, 16 games as a rookie, he played only a combined 12 in the following two seasons due to torn triceps in 2022 and a torn Achilles in 2023.

Last season, Vera-Tucker appeared in 15 games, playing in 97 percent (915) of the offensive snaps. He has started all 43 of his NFL games, with starts at every position on the line except center, and has 10 career penalties.

–Field Level Media

Jul 24, 2025; Florham Park, NY, USA; New York Jets guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (75) speaks to the media during training camp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images

Reports: Jets G Alijah Vera-Tucker (arm) facing long absence

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New York Jets right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker sustained an injury that could keep him out for a “significant time,” The Athletic reported Wednesday.

ESPN reported it is an arm injury for Vera-Tucker, selected by the Jets with the 14th overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft. ESPN further said the 26-year-old is seeking more opinions as to whether he will need surgery.

He was named a team captain on Monday, and it was not clear when or how the injury occurred.

Vera-Tucker, who played in college at Southern California, has been prone to injuries in his career. After playing in, and starting, 16 games as a rookie, he played only a combined 12 in the following two seasons due to torn triceps in 2022 and a torn Achilles in 2023.

Last season, Vera-Tucker appeared in 15 games. He has started all 43 of his NFL games and has 10 career penalties.

While Xavier Newman is listed as Vera-Tucker’s backup on New York’s unofficial depth chart, it is possible center Joe Tippmann could move to right guard, with Josh Myers being plugged in at center.

He will earn $15.3 million this season on his fifth-year team option. He is set to become a free agent in 2026.

–Field Level Media

Green Bay Packers edge rusher Micah Parsons speaks during an introductory press conference on Friday, August 29, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers made a trade with the Dallas Cowboys on Aug. 28 to acquire Parsons in exchange for defensive tackle Kenny Clark and two first round picks. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Reports: Micah Parsons dealing with joint sprain in back ahead of Packers debut

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Micah Parsons’ Green Bay Packers debut is suddenly in question as he deals with a facet joint sprain in his back, several reports said Monday.

The Packers acquired Parsons in a blockbuster deal with the Dallas Cowboys last Thursday and gave him the richest contract for a non-quarterback in NFL history, worth $47 million a year.

But before the deal, the Cowboys had placed Parsons on a five-day plan of a corticosteroid to help back inflammation and had him on a physical therapy program. Parsons may need an epidural injection to play Sunday against the Detroit Lions, according to reports from ESPN, NFL Network and The Athletic.

Monday was Parsons’ first official day at Packers practice. He did not participate in practice with Dallas throughout training camp as he engineered a hold-in.

At his introductory press conference Friday, Parsons said, “Physically, I’m great.”

A two-time All-Pro pass rusher and a Pro Bowl selection in each of his four seasons, Parsons has racked up 52.5 sacks through the first 63 games of his career. He was the 12th overall pick by the Cowboys in the 2021 draft but did not want to play 2025 on his fifth-year option, claiming that owner Jerry Jones tried to go around his agent.

–Field Level Media

Sep 14, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Memphis Tigers defensive back An'Darius Coffey (4) forces a fumble by Florida State Seminoles running back Roydell Williams (24) during the first half at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images

FSU RB Roydell Williams to miss ‘period of time’ with injury

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Florida State’s season-opening upset of No. 8 Alabama came with at least one downside.

FSU head coach Mike Norvell said Monday that starting running back Roydell Williams will miss “a period of time” with an injury he suffered during Saturday’s 31-17 win over the Crimson Tide. He didn’t specify what injury Williams was dealing with, or a definitive period of time he’ll miss beyond saying he won’t play this week vs. East Texas A&M and that it isn’t expected to end his season.

Williams, a second-year FSU transfer, rushed for 14 yards on six carries against his former team on Saturday. That included a key fourth-and-1 conversion in FSU territory with the Seminoles clinging to a seven-point lead in the fourth quarter.

He previously spent the 2020 through 2023 seasons at Alabama, rushing for 1,165 yards and 11 touchdowns over his tenure in Tuscaloosa. Williams missed eight games in his first season at FSU last fall, managing just 53 rushing yards and two touchdowns before suffering a season-ending injury.

“I absolutely hate it for the young man …,” Norvell said. “I hate for him to miss anything. He was a great factor in the game the other day. The fourth-down run there on our own end of the field, he showed power and he showed toughness. He was definitely a great contributor in that win.”

–Field Level Media