This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
An unexcused absence amid contract negotiations has overshadowed a real injury for the New Orleans running back. Kamara received an anti-inflammatory injection in his lower back recently to address inflammation in his sacroiliac (SI) joint. The SI joints are formed where the sacrum of the spine connects to the ilium bones of the pelvis. The two joints, located on the left and right of the lower back, provide stability and help absorb stress placed on and through the area. Individuals with SI inflammation often report pain in the area that can radiate down into the leg and groin areas.
To address his irritation, Kamara received an epidural. This type of injection is most often utilized to address nerve-related problems. Medication is delivered through a needle that is inserted into the space between the vertebrae of the spine and the outer layer of the spinal cord. Epidurals generally provide longer pain relief than other soft tissue injections.
However, epidural injections are a treatment and not a cure. To insure Kamara's long-term health, New Orleans must address the root of the problem. Furthermore, a flareup seems likely, especially if the inflammation is degenerative in nature. These developments won't drastically alter Kamara's draft day stock but it a red flag moving forward. As a result, I would advise anyone selecting Kamara to also consider investing in Latavius Murray.
The Eagles rookie will have his professional debut delayed after suffering a shoulder injury in practice. Reagor was injured when
An unexcused absence amid contract negotiations has overshadowed a real injury for the New Orleans running back. Kamara received an anti-inflammatory injection in his lower back recently to address inflammation in his sacroiliac (SI) joint. The SI joints are formed where the sacrum of the spine connects to the ilium bones of the pelvis. The two joints, located on the left and right of the lower back, provide stability and help absorb stress placed on and through the area. Individuals with SI inflammation often report pain in the area that can radiate down into the leg and groin areas.
To address his irritation, Kamara received an epidural. This type of injection is most often utilized to address nerve-related problems. Medication is delivered through a needle that is inserted into the space between the vertebrae of the spine and the outer layer of the spinal cord. Epidurals generally provide longer pain relief than other soft tissue injections.
However, epidural injections are a treatment and not a cure. To insure Kamara's long-term health, New Orleans must address the root of the problem. Furthermore, a flareup seems likely, especially if the inflammation is degenerative in nature. These developments won't drastically alter Kamara's draft day stock but it a red flag moving forward. As a result, I would advise anyone selecting Kamara to also consider investing in Latavius Murray.
The Eagles rookie will have his professional debut delayed after suffering a shoulder injury in practice. Reagor was injured when he attempted to tackle a defender following an interception. The impact caused his shoulder to shift at the ball-and-socket joint, an articulation anatomically known as the glenohumeral (GH) joint. The ball of the GH joint is the proximal end of the upper arm bone the humerus while a cavity on the shoulder blade acts as the socket. The design of the GH joint allows the ball to swivel in the socket, allowing for a high degree of motion at the shoulder. However, the joint sacrifices stability to provide this mobility.
The body does make an attempt to fortify the area through a collection of ligaments and a cartilage ring known as the labrum. Unfortunately, if enough stress is applied to the shoulder, the ligaments can fail and the labrum can tear. This is precisely what happened with Reagor. The force applied to his shoulder during his ill-fated tackle attempt resulted in a small tear of the labrum.
Labral tears come in all sizes and shapes, each carrying their own set of treatment options. A small tear, like the one sustained by Reagor, can be treated nonoperatively. Treatment begins with the necessary steps needed to address any associated symptoms. Once any pain or swelling subsides, the focus shifts to building up the musculature surrounding the joint. These steps can help reinforce the new instability and allow the athlete to return to play. Additional bracing can be provided and worn underneath the normal shoulder pads and jersey.
Reagor is expected to miss multiple weeks recovering, though the Eagles hope he's able to return by Week 3. Unfortunately, the dynamic wide receiver will carry an elevated degree of injury risk as the chances of an aggravation or re-injury will remain.
Carson Wentz and Miles Sanders
It's not just Reagor who's nursing an injury as Philadelphia's starting quarterback and running back are managing lower body issues. Wentz has missed multiple practices due to a mild soft tissue injury in his lower body. The team continues to downplay the issue without releasing any specifics. He appears on track to play in Week 1, but I'd feel more comfortable about his availability if more details about the injury were provided.
Sanders is also dealing with a lower back strain, though the area in question has been reported. Sanders is apparently recovering from a mild to moderate hamstring strain that has him listed as week-to-week. I did a deep dive on muscle strains in last week's column and remain leery of Sanders' availability in the short and long-term.
Turf Burns
Amari Cooper: The Dallas receiver continues to miss time with an undisclosed injury. He hasn't practiced in four days and has spent the majority of his time working on the sidelines with the training staff. Jerry Jones and the Cowboys have downplayed the situation, but it's unsettling to see a veteran wideout with a history of lower extremity issues sitting out. Circumstances like these should clear up a bit next week when actual injury reports become a requirement, but for now everyone must adopt a wait-and-see approach. Cooper remains a valuable component in what is expected to be a productive Dallas offense.
Melvin Gordon: A rib injury has limited the newly acquired Broncos running back. Gordon first reported the injury two weeks ago and continues to do individual work while sitting out team drills. However, the decision to limit his workload appears precautionary as the team looks to protect him from any unnecessary hits. I suspect Gordon is good-to-go for Week 1 against the Titans.
Damien Harris: After impressing in camp, the Patriots rookie running back may not be available for Week 1. Harris suffered an undisclosed injury to his pinkie finger that required a trip to the operating room. Recovery is expected to take at least a few weeks, though New England has not officially ruled him out for the season opener. The Patriots are notoriously tight-lipped regarding injury information, so I can easily see this becoming a game-time decision scenario. Fortunately, the injury does not appear to be a long-term problem, and Harris should still get a chance to be a featured part of the Pats offense.
Tyrell Williams: Williams' attempt to play through his torn labrum did not go smoothly, and now he will be lost for the year. The Las Vegas receiver will instead undergo surgery to repair the damage and has been placed on injured reserve. The injury leaves the Raiders receiving corps short on experience with second-year wideout Hunter Renfrow and rookies Henry Ruggs and Bryan Edwards sitting atop the depth chart.
