With the many injuries piling up on the baseball front and the beginning of NFL games, this weeks Triage Time is a bit delayed. Without further commentary, let’s get straight to the damage, starting with the two biggest headlines this week.

QB Sam Bradford, Oklahoma – Shoulder

Last year’s Heisman Trophy winner went down with a right shoulder (AC joint) sprain in Oklahoma’s devastating loss to Brigham Young. Expect Bradford to be held out at least until the October 3 game against Miami, but he will definitely be back on the field when the Sooners open their Big 12 season against Baylor. Be aware that with this being his throwing arm, expectations have to be tempered upon his return.

TE Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma – Knee

Gresham has had arthroscopic surgery on his knee and has been declared out for the season by the Sooner’s medical staff. With QB Bradford sidelined for three weeks, the loss of Gresham will put even more pressure on Bradford’s replacement, Landry Jones. This is a major blow to fantasy, considering how many fantasy points Gresham was projected to put above the next best TE.

WR Arrelious Benn, Illinois – Ankle Sprain

Benn, a key to the Illini offense suffered an ankle sprain against Missouri. Early reports are that it is not severe and he could return as early as this week. If not, the schedule allows two more weeks before the Illini’s Big Ten opener against Ohio State.

TE Rob Gronkowski, Arizona – Back Injury

Gronkowski has been unable to participate in drills during the pre-season and sat out the opener. His status is doubtful for this week, but expect him back in the line-up for the September 19 game against the Iowa Hawkeyes.

RB Mark Ingram, Alabama – Knee

Ingram (pictured right, thanks Icon SMI) suffered a knee sprain during Bama’s opening win over Virginia Tech in which he was the Tide’s leading rusher with over 150 yards. Bama’s schedule will allow rest and recuperation for Ingram as the next real test will come against Arkansas in three weeks. Ingram should fully recover and continue to lead the Tide with his ball carrying skills throughout the SEC season.

RB Harvey Unga, Brigham Young – Hamstring Strain

Unga was unable to play in BYU’s upset of Oklahoma and was sadly missed because the Cougars leading rusher only amassed 42 yards. Unga should be ready to put up good numbers against Tulane this week and take some of the pressure off of the Cougar’s passing game.

RB Brandon Minor, Michigan – Ankle Sprain

Minor sat out the Wolverine’s opener against Western Michigan. The ankle is improving and hopefully he will be available to back-up Carlos Brown this week when Michigan plays a ranked Notre Dame squad.

WR DeAndre Brown, Southern Miss – Leg Fracture Healing

Brown was held out of the Golden Eagles’ opener against Alcorn State more as a precautionary measure. Expect Brown to be available for duty this week in the Conference USA opener against Central Florida. The way the UCF secondary played last week versus Samford, Brown might just be poised to make a big splash in his first game.

RB Baron Batch, Texas Tech – Elbow

Batch was held back from a full load in the season opener against North Dakota, but should be available for at least part-time duty this week and ready to go full tilt against Texas on September 19. With Coach Leach’s pass-oriented offense, Batch is definitely needed to keep defenses honest.

WR Jesse Hester, South Florida – Ankle

Hester is still listed as questionable for this week’s contest against Western Kentucky. The Bull’s schedule allows Hester to fully heal before their Big East opener against Florida State on September 26.

WR Andre Debose, University of Florida – Hamstring

This highly touted freshman was expected to crack the defending NCAA champions line-up as a replacement for Percy Harvin. Unfortunately, a hamstring injury suffered in high school track last spring has not responded to treatment and may need surgery. Chances are that Debose is headed for a red shirt season and will not be a factor for the Gators until Spring Practice 2010.

Related posts:

1. Triage Time: Take One for the Team
2. Triage Time: Brown UPS His Chance to Play For You
3. Triage Time: Running Men
4. Triage Time: “Fast” Healers
5. Triage Time: You say Hip Pointer, I say Contusion of the Iliac Crest-prominent Bone

Tags: Injuries