The San Diego Chargers will be without their stud rookie cornerback, Jason Verrett, for at least the next couple weeks.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Thursday that Verrett was diagnosed with a torn labrum and is out at least two to three weeks, according to two sources informed of his prognosis. The rookie will miss this Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins, and the team will revisit the injury after their Week 10 bye.
There is a chance that Verrett could end up on injured reserve list. As Rapoport points out, the injury is similar to Doug Martin's in 2013, which cost the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' running back the rest of his season. The Chargers hope that isn't the case with their rookie corner as they prepare for a playoff push.
Verrett saw a specialist on Tuesday who gave him the diagnosis and will look at surgical options after the season. In the meantime, the Chargers hope the inflammation goes down in the next two weeks. If the shoulder calms down and Verrett can deal with the pain, he could play through it. Until then, he'll try to strengthen and rehab it to see if he can function with the injury, per Rapoport.
Last season at TCU, Verrett played through a similar (but not quite as serious) injury to the other shoulder. It's a big loss for the Chargers, who head to Miami for a crucial game in the AFC wild-card race.
Some other injury news we are tracking Thursday:
- Tony Romo sat out a walkthrough Thursday and wasn't seen at practice either. The Cowboys are cautiously optimistic about his availability Sunday.
Rolando McClain, on the other hand, was present after missing Wednesday with a shoulder injury, according to NFL Media's Desmond Purnell.
- Indianapolis Colts coach Chuck Pagano said cornerback Vontae Davis (knee) was healthy and "ready to go," per WRTV's Mike Chappell. Trent Richardson (hamstring) also participated in the session.
However, Pagano wasn't definitive about receiver Reggie Wayne (elbow), saying it was "too early to decide" and that he wanted to see Wayne in practice over the next two days.
- New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings will miss another week, Tom Coughlin said, per NFL Media's Kimberly Jones.
- Miami Dolphins tight end Dion Sims didn't practice during Thursday's session open to the media and was seen in a walking boot.
- The Cincinnati Bengals had multiple absences at practice, highlighted by defensive tackle Geno Atkins, who according to ESPN.com, might be enjoying a veteran day off. Other no-shows were guard Kevin Zeitler (calf), running back Giovani Bernard (hip/clavicle) and linebacker Rey Maualuga (hamstring).
Meanwhile, wide receiver A.J. Green (toe) was limited in practice, while offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth and defensive end Carlos Dunlap were back in action.
- Running back Doug Martin and left tackle Anthony Collins both sat out practice for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Meanwhile, Oniel Cousins got first-team snaps at left tackle, per the Tampa Tribune.
- Cleveland Browns tight end Jordan Cameron (concussion) did not participate in Thursday's session. Meanwhile, defensive lineman Phil Taylor (knee) worked out on a bike, according to The Plain Dealer.
- Philadelphia Eagles safety Nate Allen (hamstring) did not practice. Coach Chip Kelly named a trio of possible replacements -- Earl Wolff, Chris Maragos and Jaylen Watkins -- if Allen can't recover in time for Sunday.
Eagles tight end Brent Celek (back) and wide receiver Brad Smith (groin) were both limited in practice.
- San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis is still questionable to return Sunday against the St. Louis Rams, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio told reporters.
- Patriots defensive lineman Alan Branch missed Thursday's practice for a non-injury reason. Chandler Jones (hip) also sat out, while Dominique Easley (knee) was a limited participant.
- Justin Forsett (ankle) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice with the Ravens after missing the previous day, while Lardarius Webb was a full participant after sitting out Wednesday for a non-injury reason.
- Ronnie Hillman was a limited participant for the Broncos for the second time this week.
- Ryan Clark (ankle/shoulder) was a limited participant Thursday for the Redskins, as was Trent Williams (knee). Robert Griffin III was a full participant ahead of what will likely be his first start this weekend since dislocating his ankle in Week 2.
- Saints running back Mark Ingram is playing through a right shoulder injury, per sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson.
- Saints offensive tackle Zach Strief injured his back during the second half of their tilt against the Panthers. He did not return.
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