This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
The status of two key offensive weapons remains up in the air as both Welker and Pierce look to complete the NFL's mandated concussion protocol. Before we look where each player individually stands, let's do the annual review of the policy.
Once a suspected concussion is diagnosed the injured player is immediately placed into the protocol. The individual's symptoms are monitored and, once it is believed they have sufficiently subsided, the player will sit for a neurocognitive test known as ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing). All 32 NFL teams, as well as a majority of professional sports teams in the NHL, NBA, and MLB, utilize the ImPACT Test as a way to provide insight to how an injured player's brain is reacting and recovering. Since each athlete reacts to a concussion differently, ImPACT testing allows for each individual to be properly screened.
The ImPACT test is carried out on a computer and analyzes the individual's current mental status by walking them through neuropsychological tests that include memory recall, immediate shape and color recognition, and matching. The results are than compared to a set of baseline scores collected prior to the start of the season. Before an athlete can resume full football activity, their most recent IMPACT score must return to or be better than their initial baseline numbers. The test must be repeated until it's passed.
If the test is passed and the concussed player remains symptom-free, the player will gradually increase his amount of exertional activity, under the strict guidance of the team's medical staff. Once the player remains symptom-free at rest and with activity, they have just one final step to complete. An independent neurologist will examine provided data and information and make the final decision regarding the player's clearance status.
Pierce appears further along than Welker and has already returned to practice. Barring any setback, Pierce should be manning the backfield for Baltimore on Sunday against Cincinnati. Welker, on the other hand, has yet to receive complete clearance from the Denver athletic training staff. He has returned to practice but has not been permitted to take part in contact drills and has yet to be cleared by the league's neurologist. Welker also has tougher road back having suffered three concussions in the last 10 months. The effects of concussions are cumulative and the symptoms are often worse and take longer to dissipate. Welker will have a time to recover after it was announced today that he will be suspended for the team's first four games for reported amphetamine use.
Rob Gronkowski: Gronk was ecstatic Monday when he revealed he would be an active participant Week 1 against the Dolphins. The Pro Bowl tight end has spent the offseason recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered in December. Dr. James Andrew performed the repair during the first week of January, putting Gronk's total recovery timeline at nine months. We've seen players like Adrian Peterson return quicker but cases like these remain outliers. There will be a degree of associated risk but it appears New England has designed a specific game plan to how he will be employed. Gronkowski isn't expected to play every snap as the team controls his reps and exposure to start. However it appears fantasy owners that gambled on his availability may see a return on their bet as soon as Week 1.
Turf Burns
Dwayne Bowe: A one game suspension for violating the league's substance-abuse policy is never a good thing but it comes with a silver lining for Bowe. Because he will not be permitted to play in Week 1, the Kansas City receiver will get additional time to rest his lingering quadriceps injury. The time off should put Bowe in a better position to play Week 2 against the division rival Broncos.
Knowshon Moreno: Moreno remains second on the Miami depth chart behind incumbent starter Lamar Miller. Moreno has a chance to overtake Miller but he has to prove he's moved past offseason surgery on his left knee. Expect the two to split carries in the meantime, limiting the value of both players.
Cam Newton: The Panthers signal caller remains determined to play against the Steelers despite a fractured rib and still healing ankle. Reports have surfaced that he is having no problems throwing the ball but the site will remain vulnerable to aggravation and re-injury. To combat the issue, Newton has been trying on flak jackets, including a particularly bulky model. The area will be better protected but could affect Newton's ability to protect the ball if he chooses to run.
Jordan Reed: Washington held Reed out of their final preseason game to give him additional time to rest his sprained thumb. It doesn't sound as if the injury will keep him out of Week 1 action but it will affect his ability to haul in passes and secure the ball. Keep a close eye on his participation in practice to see if he's worth having in your lineup.
Tony Romo: The Cowboys will lift their restriction on Romo's practice reps and let the quarterback practice in each scheduled session leading into their game against the 49ers. Romo has failed to practice longer than two straight days since undergoing surgery on back in December. Dallas is pleased with his mobility though some minor concerns about his ability to throw the long ball still linger. Romo has always been a fantasy friendly option and may have come at a discounted price on draft day.
Sammy Watkins: Buffalo's talented rookie wide out continues to nurse a rib injury that should be a reminder to Newton owners that these kinds of ailments are tricky. Watkins suffered the injury in a preseason game against the Steelers and aggravated the area in the team's final exhibition outing. He's slated to make his professional debut against a physical Bears defense and fantasy owners should consider letting him prove he's ready for the big stage before utilizing Watkins on a weekly basis.
