NFL Players Coming Back From Injury

Filed in archive NFL on May 5, 2008

© Jeffrey Beall

With the NFL Draft over, the focus can return to action on the field. Many teams have mini-camps right around this time, in preparation for training camp to start in just under three months. Obviously, players get hurt in football. Let's take a look at some players and see how they are progressing.

QB Matt Leinart, Arizona Cardinals: Leinart suffered a broken collarbone after a vicious hit by Rams MLB Will Witherspoon and was lost for the year. Apparently, he is doing well, and almost fully recovered, which seemed pretty obvious when he was holding up that beer bong.

S Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh Steelers: Arguably the most important player on the Steelers' defense had knee surgery to fix a torn PCL, and he is not yet on the practice field, and it is uncertain if he will be totally ready for training camp.

QB Jake Delhomme, Carolina Panthers: After undergoing Tommy John surgery to repair his elbow, Delhomme is throwing again, and told Panthers.com that his elbow, "Feels great right now. So, I'm happy in that respect."

WR Deion Branch, Seattle Seahawks: Branch had knee surgery, but almost certainly will not be ready for week 1.

DE Patrick Kerney, Seattle Seahawks: The big defensive end isn't participating in mini-camp, but all signs are that he will be good to go soon.

QB Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers: Recovering from a torn ACL, Rivers is practicing and will be under center in training camp barring something else happening.

TE Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers: His status is apparently still up in the air, as the San Diego Union-Tribune reports that, "Gates will be recovered anywhere from before training camp to September."

QB Alex Smith, San Francisco 49ers: The former #1 overall pick is trying to avoid the dreaded "bust" label and seems to be just fine after shoulder surgery to repair a separation.

RB Ronnie Brown, Miami Dolphins: Brown is recovering from a torn ACL, which was unfortunate after he was just beginning to have a breakout year last season when he hurt it. He is still recovering, but should be ready to go when the season starts.

WR Brandon Marshall, Denver Broncos: Marshall, of the infamous, "I fell on a McDonald's bag" fib, may or may not be ready to play come training camp. His injuries are still healing, and it will be at least July before anybody knows whether or not he will be able to play.