When a young quarterback takes the field, a reliable tight end can serve as his safety blanket, and become a frequent target.
Zach Ertz played that role in Carson Wentz's debut, and was an important part of Philadelphia's 29-10 win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. We found out on Monday that Ertz did so with a displaced rib for much of the game.
Ertz finished with six catches for 58 yards, but will be considered week-to-week, Pederson said. The coach clarified that the displacement was not a fracture or broken bone. Cornerback Leodis McKelvin suffered a hamstring strain and will also be considered week-to-week.
Other injury news we're tracking on Monday:
- Browns quarterback Robert Griffin III is headed to injured reserve after suffering a fractured coracoid bone in his left shoulder late in a 29-10 loss to Philadelphia, the team announced.
- Saints cornerback Delvin Breauxhas a fracture in his fibula and has a time frame of six weeks, coach Sean Payton said. The team is signing B.W. Webb to a one-year deal to help fill the void, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported.
Saints tight end Josh Hill suffered a high-ankle sprain in their 35-34 loss to the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, Rapoport reported, per a source informed of the injury. The injury doesn't appeared to be severe, but Hill might miss time, Rapoport added.
- Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen was placed on injured reserve with a torn ACL. He's out for the season. Rookie Joey Bosa was placed on the team's active roster. He's day-to-day with a hamstring injury.
- Bills receiver Sammy Watkinsis dealing with pain in his surgically repaired foot, but X-rays showed it is structurally sound, Rapoport reported. Watkins later confirmed this to reporters. Pain management will be the focus for Watkins and the Bills training staff in 2016.
- Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson is dealing with a significant ankle sprain, Rapoport reported. Wilson's practice week will be fluid, Rapoport added.
Coach Pete Carroll said running back C.J. Prosise has a cracked bone in his hand, but it won't keep him from playing.
Carroll also said he won't know the status of guard Germain Ifedi (ankle) until later in the week.
- The Broncos received some good news with star receiver Demaryius Thomas's hip. Thomas sat out practice Monday, but coach Gary Kubiak expects him to be ready to go Wednesday.
- Panthers coach Ron Rivera said quarterback Cam Newton is sore, but has shown no concussion symptoms.
- Jaguars running back Chris Ivoryremains hospitalized with an undisclosed general medical issue.
- Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer said cornerback Xavier Rhodeswon't need surgery on his knee.
- Cardinals defensive tackle Frostee Rucker has an MCL injury and will miss two to three weeks, coach Bruce Arians told reporters.
- The Buccaneers have placed edge rusher Jacquies Smith on injured reserve. Smith tore his ACL during Sunday's win over the Falcons, a source told Rapoport. Smith led the team in sacks in 2015.
- Texans left tackle Duane Brown will miss Week 2 against the Chiefs with a quad injury, coach Bill O'Brien said.
- Packers coach Mike McCarthy said that cornerback Sam Shields is in the concussion protocol. Shields suffered a head injury in the Packers' win over the Jaguars.
- Chiefs coach Andy Reid said it's unclear if running back Jamaal Charles (ACL) will play Sunday against the Texans on Sunday. Charles didn't play against the Rams on Sunday.
- Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier suffered a right knee injury during the second half of Monday's game against the Redskins, according to the Steelers, and he didn't return. However, he told reporters after the game that the injury wasn't serious and that his knee was "fine."
