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Each week more big names get added to the pile of NFL injuries. However, while new names keep getting added, each week offers the hope that one of those big names can get off the injury report. Week six has a chance to make that happen for Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer. Palmer, out since playing the first game of the year, has been dealing with a nerve issue in his shoulder and could be back for this week’s matchup against the Washington Redskins. Said to be throwing the ball at roughly 80% power, Palmer is shaping up as a true game-time call for week six.
Let’s take a look at the other key injuries for week six and gauge who may play or miss out on their respective NFL matchups:
Jake Locker, QB, Tennessee Titans
The often injured Locker is once again dealing with a hand ailment. After missing a week with a swollen wrist, Locker is now expected to sit out his week six tilt with the Jaguars due to a thumb injury. That puts backup quarterback Charlie Whitehurst back under center and could give the Jags all they need to earn the upset win.
Montee Ball, RB, Denver Broncos
Ball sustained a groin injury last week and could be on the shelf for a while. That forces scat-back runner Ronnie Hillman into the fold, although he’ll likely share the rushing load with Juwan Thompson and/or C.J. Anderson. That could be bad news for Denver, as they’re suddenly under-manned in the running game against a brutal Jets run defense this week.
Reggie Bush, RB, Detroit Lions
Bush hurt his ankle last week and has been labeled “questionable” since. He suggested he’s not a lock to miss this week just yet, but every other report has said it’s very likely he sits out. With the return of Joique Bell and George Winn playing well in week five, it’d be shocking if the Lions didn’t play it safe with their top running back.
Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions
Ditto with Megatron. The Lions used Johnson as a decoy the past two weeks, and it ended up getting him hurt even further in week five. Head coach Jim Caldwell finally admitted resting CJ for week six might be in the best interest of Johnson, as well as the team. Johnson could always shock and get on the field, but it’s looking like he’ll actually take a break in week six.
Jordan Reed, TE, Washington Redskins
Reed’s troublesome hamstring knocked him out of his week one game and he hasn’t returned since. After missing the past four games, the athletic tight end figures to finally make it back into the starting lineup. Washington coaches suggest he won’t necessarily be a full go, but his mere presence could open things up in the passing game considerably for the ‘Skins.
Other notable injuries: Shonn Greene and Toby Gerhart have both been ruled out for week six, giving way to rookie running backs Bishop Sankey and Storm Johnson, respectively.
