NFL Week 7 Injury Report Highlights Extensive Player Absences

The New Orleans Saints announced on Thursday that wide receiver and kick returner Rashid Shaheed has been placed on injured reserve following season-ending knee surgery. Shaheed had the surgery in Los Angeles to repair a meniscus injury, which according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, requires a four- to six-month recovery period. Shaheed was a standout player, leading the league with 15.9 yards per punt return and scoring a touchdown last week before being sidelined.

Shaheed’s absence, coupled with that of another top receiver who is out due to a concussion, leaves the Saints without their leading receivers for their upcoming game against the Denver Broncos. The team, struggling with a 2-4 record, has also put other key players such as starting center Erik McCoy, who underwent groin surgery, on injured reserve recently.

The injury woes are not isolated to the Saints. Across the league, several teams are grappling with significant injuries. For instance, Denver Broncos’ defensive player Patrick Surtain II will miss the team’s next fixture against the Kansas City Chiefs after sustaining a concussion. The Miami Dolphins, however, report some positive developments, with running back Raheem Mostert returning to practice following a concussion that kept him out of Week 6.

Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns received a boost with superstar running back Nick Chubb returning to full practice after recovering from a knee injury. This comes at a crucial moment as the team aims to strengthen their offense in the upcoming games. The Buffalo Bills, on the other hand, are dealing with a limited participation from running back James Cook as he recovers from an ankle issue.

In Seattle, the Seahawks are managing several injuries as well, with cornerback Riq Woolen sidelined due to an ankle injury, while defensive players like Marquise Blair remain limited in practice. The Falcons encountered similar challenges, with safety Richie Grant missing practice and several offensive players being limited during training sessions.

Furthermore, the New York Giants are addressing injuries on their defensive line, missing the participation of crucial players like Leonard Williams. The situation is mirrored across the league with the Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Rams, and numerous other teams dealing with their own sets of injuries as the season progresses, making player availability a key factor in upcoming games.