It was a rough day for NFL running backs.

Detroit’s Kevin Jones, Baltimore’s Willis McGahee, Indianapolis’ Joseph Addai, the Giants’ Brandon Jacobs and New Orleans backup Jamaal Branch all were banged up Sunday.

Jones’ knee injury during the Lions’ 25-20 win over the Kansas City Chiefs was the most severe. He caught a pass in the first half and after being tackled, immediately grabbed his right knee.

“It doesn’t look good,” Detroit coach Rod Marinelli said. “It’s pretty serious.”

McGahee broke two ribs on a hit in the first quarter of the Ravens’ 27-6 loss to Seattle.

Ravens reserve tight end Quinn Sypniewski, filling in for Todd Heap and Daniel Wilcox, sustained a concussion and bruised sternum.

Advertisement

Addai played sparingly after the first quarter of the Colts’ 38-15 win over Houston when he reportedly sustained back and shoulder injuries, a report later denied by Colts spokesman Craig Kelley. He said Addai was out because of a coach’s decision.

After the game, Indianapolis coach Tony Dungy said Addai – and receiver Anthony Gonzalez, who bruised his foot and left in the first half – could have returned.

The Colts, without Marvin Harrison for the ninth straight game, also lost tight end Ben Utecht with a shoulder injury. Defensive back Tim Jennings left in the final minute with an undisclosed injury. Dungy had no immediate updates.

Jacobs rumbled for 145 yards and two scores in New York’s 38-21 victory over Buffalo, including a powerful 43-yard run, but he went out with a sprained left ankle in the fourth quarter.

Bills Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters did not return after hurting his groin in the second quarter.

Already missing Reggie Bush with a left knee injury, Branch broke his leg on a special teams play in the Saints’ 38-23 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Advertisement

Saints quarterback Drew Brees threw for 289 yards, but lost his best receiver when Marques Colston left the game in the first half with a chest contusion that had him spitting up blood. New Orleans also lost cornerback Mike McKenzie, who departed with a sprained right knee.

Eagles safety Brian Dawkins left the game with what team officials termed a right foot injury. He’s scheduled for an MRI exam on Monday. And linebacker Omar Gaither went out with a quad contusion.

Kansas City quarterback Brodie Croyle was knocked out of the Chiefs’ 25-20 loss to Detroit when he injured his right hand trying to make a tackle on Paris Lenon’s 61-yard interception return for a TD.

Lions OT Damien Woody (shoulder), S Gerald Alexander (right shoulder) and Kansas City OT Damion McIntosh (ankle) also were injured.

Copy the Story Link

Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.