Injury roundup: Sanders sidelined; RGIII cleared to play

Emmanuel Sanders continues to sit out with a hamstring injury.

The Denver Broncos' No. 2 receiver hasn't practiced in nearly three weeks and could miss the entire preseason.

Coach Gary Kubiak said he's hopefully Sanders can do some light work before Saturday's dress rehearsal versus the San Francisco 49ers, per the Denver Post. It would be a surprise if he were on the field for either of the final preseason contests.

"Injuries are always a frustrating thing," Peyton Manning said of not getting to work with one of his primary targets. "They're a part of football. Emmanuel's a competitive guy that wants to be out there and wants to have a great year to help our team this year. Obviously when he's healthy, I know he'll be out there and I know he'll be ready to go."

Hamstring injuries are a fickle beasts. Neither the Broncos nor the beat writers have expressed concern that Sanders won't be ready for Week 1. However, with a new offense to learn, missing the preseason could mean a rusty, slow start for Sanders when games begin to count.

Here are some other injuries we've been tracking on Thursday:

1. An independent neurologist clearedWashington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III to play Saturday against the Baltimore Ravens, the team announced. Coach Jay Gruden announced earlier in the week that RGIII was expected to play despite suffering a concussion during a 21-17 loss to the Detroit Lions on Aug. 20.

2. Johnny Manziel will not play Saturday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cleveland Browns coach Mike Pettine confirmed to reporters. Manziel is dealing with a sore elbow and also might not play in the Browns' preseason finale against the Chicago Bears on Sept. 3.

There's a chance wide receiver Terrelle Pryor (hamstring) could suit up versus the Bucs. Pettine said it depends on "how his body responds to work he just did in practice."

3. The Buffalo Bills are banged up at running back, but they had Anthony Dixon and Bryce Brownrunning individual drills at practice. LeSean McCoy and Karlos Williams did not participate.

At wide receiver, Percy Harvin and Robert Woods also participated in individual running drills while Sammy Watkins sat out. Coach Rex Ryan told reporters he doesn't think Watkins will play against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday.

4. Chicago Bears wide receivers Alshon Jeffery (calf), Eddie Royal (hip) and Marquess Wilson (hamstring) did not practice.

5. Indianapolis Colts coach Chuck Pagano said rookie wide receiver Phillip Dorsettremains day-to-day with a knee contusion. Dorsett hasn't practiced this week.

Pagano also said Greg Toler is week-to-week with a neck injury and Coby Fleenercould return early next week.

6. The Atlanta Falcons could have rookie running back Tevin Coleman back at practice soon, coach Dan Quinn told reporters. Quinn said Coleman is closer to returning than Devonta Freeman from a hamstring injury and the rookie could be in the lineup against the Miami Dolphins on Saturday.

7. Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh said he doesn't have a timetable for rookie wide receiver Breshad Perriman, who has missed most of training camp with a knee injury.

Ravens offensive linemen James Hurst, Ryan Jensen and cornerbacks Rashaan Melvin and Tramain Jacobs all returned to practice.

8. New York Giants safety Landon Collins is expected to play versus the New York Jets on Saturday, according to coach Tom Coughlin. Coughlin said wide receiver Victor Cruzis unlikely to play.

9. Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bruce Irvin cleared the concussion protocol and will play Saturday against the San Diego Chargers, coach Pete Carroll confirmed to reporters. Carroll said Earl Thomas (shoulder) is on track for the regular-season opener.

10. Giants safety Nat Berhe (calf) will undergo surgery and is likely out for the season, per the New York Daily News.