There are a lot of injury situations to watch this week, but one dominates the rest.
Robert Griffin III was a limited participant in practice Wednesday with a sprained lateral collateral ligament, but Washington Redskins coach Mike Shanahan was "impressed" with how his rookie quarterback looked.
It's early, but signs point toward Griffin playing Sunday in Cleveland against the Browns. Griffin just participating in his usual news conference is a strong indication.
Here are the other injuries we're tracking:
- The Philadelphia Eagles officially ruled out running back LeSean McCoy, quarterback Michael Vick and tight end Brent Celek, all of whom are suffering from concussions, for Thursday night's matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. That's fine: All the Eagles need is Nick Foles. The Eagles also placed defensive tackle Mike Patterson (pneumonia) on the non-football injury/illness list, ending his season.
- Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant is going to see another medical specialist before deciding how he will proceed with his finger injury and if he will play Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He didn't practice Wednesday.
- The Green Bay Packers will be without safety Charles Woodson (collarbone) once again this week as they face the Chicago Bears. Woodson is frustrated. Wide receiver Jordy Nelson (hamstring) is a "long shot" to return after missing practice Wednesday. Linebacker Clay Matthews (hamstring) returned, as expected.
- Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (neck) said he'll be ready to play Sunday against the Packers.
- It's not an injury, but Oakland Raiders linebacker Rolando McClain returned to practice from suspension. A lot of league observers believed McClain would be released after the suspension.
- Raiders defensive tackle Richard Seymour (knee, hamstring) could be back for Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Seymour, who hasn't played since Nov. 4, was limited in practice.
- The Arizona Cardinals placed quarterback Kevin Kolb (ribs) on injured reserve, ending his season. (And possibly his Cardinals career.) Ryan Lindleywill start Sunday against the Detroit Lions.
- Jacksonville Jaguars coach Mike Mularkey said running back Maurice Jones-Drew is "very questionable" for this week's game against the Miami Dolphins. We'd guess that MJD won't play again this year. Backup running back Rashad Jennings (concussion) also remains sidelined.
- The Seattle Seahawks weren't expecting this one: Wide receiver Sidney Rice has a bruised foot and is questionable to play Sunday against the Buffalo Bills in Toronto. Rice woke up Monday morning in pain after not experiencing any problems the previous day.
- Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White (knee) missed practice Wednesday, but he is expected to play Sunday against the New York Giants. Cornerback Asante Samuel was limited because of a lingering shoulder injury.
- Wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (shoulder) fully practiced for the Denver Broncos after making an early exit against the Raiders last week.
Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal.
