The New England Patriots wideout corps received some good news: Chris Hogan will avoid surgery on his shoulder injury after leaving Sunday's game early.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday that Hogan wouldn't require surgery to his shoulder, just rest and rehab, according to a source informed on the injury. Hogan could miss a few weeks, but the Pats will re-evaluate after their Week 9 bye.
Hogan exited Sunday's victory over the Los Angeles Chargers after making his fifth and final catch of the day. He was reportedly seen with his arm in a sling after the contest.
With all the early-season injuries to Tom Brady's pass-catching corps, it's a sigh of relief for the Patriots that Hogan won't get shut down for an extended period. The 6-foot-1 wideout is tied with Rob Gronkowski for the team lead with five touchdowns and has earned 33 catches for 438 yards on the season. Hogan brings position versatility, playing both in the slot and out wide, the ability to stretch the field, and he's the Pats' best non-Gronk red-zone threat.
With the week off, the Patriots have the advantage of letting Hogan rest and re-examine the situation in hopes that he might not miss any game at all.
Here are other injuries we're tracking around the league on Tuesday:
- Minnesota Vikings coach Mike Zimmer gave an update on quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and whether he will be activated soon. "We've still got a few more days here to figure it out," Zimmer said.
- Seattle Seahawks safety Earl Thomas is considered a long shot to play Sunday against the Washington Redskins following an MRI on his hamstring, Rapoport reports.
- Pittsburgh Steelers safety Mike Mitchell has a strained calf muscle but might not miss any time due to the team's bye week, Rapoport reports.
- The Philadelphia Eagles have placed linebacker Jordan Hicks on injured reserve. Hicks suffered a ruptured Achilles last week.
- Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton (hamstring) returned to practice Tuesday. The Steelers have 21 days to activate Sutton, who is currently on injured reserve, or he will be put on season-ending injured reserve.
- Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco has progressed through the concussion protocol and will likely play Sunday versus the Tennessee Titans, Rapoport reports.
Running back Danny Woodhead (hamstring) has returned to practice from injured reserve.
- The New York Jets placed rookie tight end Jordan Leggett on injured reserve. Leggett has battled a knee injury that he suffered during a Week 2 preseason tilt. In a corresponding move, the Jets signed defensive lineman Xavier Cooper.
- Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (concussion), safety Jabrill Peppers (toe) and defensive lineman Trevon Coley (neck) returned to practice Tuesday.
- Arizona Cardinals coach Bruce Arians said he now doubts running back David Johnson plays again this season. Johnson went on injured reserve after disclocating his wrist in Week 1.
