NFL: Most Injury-Prone Player on Every Team

The worst part of NFL games are the injuries that sideline players every week. No matter the severity, these injuries can shuffle rosters, change game plans and devastate long-term plans for a team's future.

For some players, injuries come a little easier than others. Over time, these players have shown a tendency to find themselves on the injury sheet.

Here are the most injury-prone members of each NFL team.

Arizona Cardinals: Beanie Wells

Arizona Cardinals running back Beanie Wells has a nice history of injuries, both at the college and pro level.

He found himself hampered with an injured foot while playing at Ohio State University, and now in Arizona, Wells has been set back by his feet.

The same day as he signed his rookie contract, Wells was carted off from practice with an injury—to his foot.

Then again, maybe Wells shouldn't be too mad about his injury misfortune. His firm role as starer this season was set after rookie Ryan Williams was lost for the season with a knee injury sustained in the preseason.

Atlanta Falcons: Matt Ryan

While Matt Ryan was somehow able to recover from a massive ankle twist in the game Sunday against the Detroit Lions, Ryan has found himself taking plenty of big hits.

In addition to the ankle injury (which the upcoming bye week should allow him to recover from), Ryan also missed time in 2009 after coming down with turf toe.

The Falcons have been lucky to not lose him, as he plays a pivotal role in the offense's success.

Baltimore Ravens: Ed Reed

Baltimore Ravens veteran safety Ed Reed is known for his physical style of play, but with that comes a huge injury risk.

Reed, who has suffered groin and foot injuries along with a serious neck injury, said during the offseason he had considered retiring.

Reed hopes to steer clear of the injury report as the Ravens make the push to finally return to the Super Bowl (although the team's performance on the offensive side of the ball Monday suggests the team might need some work).

Buffalo Bills: Shawne Merriman

Buffalo Bills linebacker Shawne Merriman has struggled to regain form after a series of injuries and an embarrassing suspension for the use of performance enhancers.

He missed action in 2008 while recovering from surgery on his knee, and an Achilles tendon injury and calf injury in 2010 hastened his release from the San Diego Chargers. This season, he had struggled with a shoulder injury before he hurt his right Achilles tendon.

Merriman was placed on injured reserve Tuesday because of the tendon injury.

Lights out for "Lights Out."

Carolina Panthers: Jeremy Shockey

Carolina Panthers tight end Jeremy Shockey is very familiar with seeing his name on the injury sheet. 

Among his long list of injuries are a knee sprain in 2003 and a broken leg that ended his 2007 season with the New York Giants, and he was a regular on the injured list while with the New Orleans Saints.

Shockey has also been an injury concern in Carolina—he missed a game earlier this season with a concussion.

Chicago Bears: Brian Urlacher

He is among the toughest players in the game, but even Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher can't escape the injury bug.

Urlacher missed seven games in 2004 with a variety of injuries and missed the 2009 season with a broken wrist.

While it appears he is back at full speed, Urlacher's rising age and injury history only make him a bigger risk for more missed games as the season progresses.

Cincinnati Bengals: Adam "Pac-Man" Jones

His antics may lead to being labeled a pain in the neck, but few can speak from experience like Adam "Pac-Man" Jones.

He suffered a neck injury while playing for the Dallas Cowboys in 2009, and repeated the injury in 2010 with the Cincinnati Bengals. The latter injury cost him the 2010 season.

The injuries are a major hurdle for a player who has struggled mightily to get past his outrageous off-the-field behavior.

Cleveland Browns: Peyton Hillis

Cleveland Browns running back and Madden 2012 cover model Peyton Hillis has seen his fair share of injuries this season

In what surely will be chalked up as a case of the Madden curse, Hillis has seen his productivity go down with injuries this season to his hamstring.

Last season, Hillis was slowed down by an injury to his thigh (even though he scored a touchdown the week the injury was announced).

Some will suspect a meddling agent for hurting his productivity, but it's more likely that Hillis' physical running style is just finally catching up to him.

Dallas Cowboys: Tony Romo

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo enters this list for having the most cringe-worthy sounding injuries imaginable.

Punctured and collapsed lung. Rib cartilage injury. Broken left clavicle.

While Romo has done a good job of protecting himself (albeit with a Kevlar vest) and avoiding some of the big hits, he needs to continue to regain his health if the Cowboys want to make a playoff run.

Denver Broncos: Willis McGahee

Running back Willis McGahee can be a big weapon if healthy.

With that said, McGahee being healthy is a big if.

In addition to a serious leg injury that took place while at Ohio State University, he sustained a cracked rib in 2007 while playing for the Baltimore Ravens. 

Now injured with a fractured bone in his right hand, he could miss the next few weeks.

Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford

Quarterback Matthew Stafford has struggled with injury for the past several seasons.

While relatively injury-free in college, that luck has not passed over to the pros—Stafford has seen injuries in all three of his pro years.

After a rookie campaign in 2009 where he lost games with a knee injury, his 2010 campaign ended on the injured reserve.

With the Lions starting strong in 2011, Stafford will have to get past his most recent injury to his right leg. The team has been tight-lipped about details, but the quarterback had an MRI exam on Monday.

Green Bay Packers: Jermichael Finley

Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley has struggled mightily to stay healthy.

The tight end, who has never played a full season with the team, went on injured reserve after undergoing knee surgery.

The injuries detract from Finley getting the credit as one of the league's rising tight end talents. 

Houston Texans: Arian Foster

Arian Foster may not like to consider the impact of his injury on fantasy football, but Houston Texans fans know losing him is a big loss for their offense. He was a big part of the team's success in 2010.

Foster missed good portions of the preseason this year, along with Houston's Week 3 game against the New Orleans Saints.

Despite his injuries this season, he had a great game Sunday, scoring three touchdowns.

Indianapolis Colts: Austin Collie

Concussions are some of the scariest injuries in the game today, and Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Austin Collie has been on the receiving end of far too many.

Last season, he received two brutal concussions, which effectively ended his season. 

While Collie says he's back to full health, one has to hope that he will avoid taking some of the more dangerous hits that have gotten him in trouble.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Zach Miller

The Jacksonville Jaguars' Zach Miller just can't seem to catch a break. The third-year tight end has seen several injuries that have derailed his progress with the team.

Last week the Jaguars placed Miller on injured reserve, as he was unable to shake a nagging shoulder injury.

Kansas City Chiefs: Jared Gaither

Offensive tackle Jared Gaither, signed this offseason, is no stranger to the injury report the past few seasons.

In addition to ankle injuries and a head injury in 2009, he missed all of the 2010 season on injured reserve following a back injury.

For someone the team hoped would steady the line, he has a lot to show that he can hang for a full season.

Miami Dolphins: Reggie Bush

Reggie Bush, the former No. 2 draft pick, has struggled with injuries in his six years in the league. 

In addition to missing several weeks of the 2009 season with the New Orleans Saints battling several injuries to his leg, Bush broke a bone in his leg during the 2010 season.

He is expected to play for the Miami Dolphins this week, despite having a neck and groin injury.

Minnesota Vikings: Donovan McNabb

He might not be the starter anymore, but Minnesota Vikings quarterback Donovan McNabb has a long injury history for his time in the league.

In addition to his time with the Philadelphia Eagles, which saw him go on injured reserve multiple times, he also was banged up with a sprained ankle in his one season with the Washington Redskins.

His return to full strength this year wasn't enough, as his starter role was snagged by rookie Christian Ponder.

New England Patriots: Wes Welker

It's easy to forget about New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker's injury history with his standout performance this season. 

He missed a few weeks during the 2009 season with a knee injury, and he struggled during the 2010 offseason to rehab his knee following a painful injury in the final week of the 2009 season.

Welker also suffered a neck injury in the Patriots' preseason finale against the Detroit Lions.

New Orleans Saints: Marques Colston

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marques Colston has proven himself as a major aerial weapon for Drew Brees, and his loss on the field will hurt the team's offensive progress.

Colston suffered a broken collarbone in their season-debut loss to the Green Bay Packers. 

The recent time away follows a painful ankle injury that he sustained during the 2006 season. The injury cost him three weeks.

New York Giants: Brandon Jacobs

New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs may be a bruising runner, but it seems his style has done the most damage to himself.

He has missed six games in 2006 and would miss another two as he rehabilitated his knee. Another injury to his knee in 2009 would lead to his placement on the injured reserve.

Jacobs injured his knee again this season, but he appears to be back in playing form. He should be ready to play this upcoming weekend.

New York Jets: Plaxico Burress

Not counting self-inflicted gunshot wounds, New York Jets wide receiver has seen himself get hurt a few times. 

He was hobbled for much of 2006 with a groin injury as a member of the New York Giants, and also found himself with a hamstring injury that slowed him down for the 2008 season.

In his first training camp since returning from a two-year prison sentence, Burress struggled to stay healthy.

The Jets pulled him from most of this preseason as a precautionary move.

Oakland Raiders: Darren McFadden

Oakland Raiders running back Darren McFadden may be one of the more electrifying backs in the league, but he is also a regular on the injury list.

In addition to a toe injury that limited him severely in the 2009, he missed action in 2010 with a hamstring injury.

McFadden sprained his foot in the Raiders loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, and will have the bye week to attempt to recover.

Philadelphia Eagles: Michael Vick

Michael Vick, no stranger to controversy, is also a major catalyst for injury concerns (mainly because of his frequent departures from the pocket).

A broken leg in 2003 cost him most of a season, and he struggled in 2005 and 2006 with a multitude of small injuries.

His time in Philadelphia hasn't been any less dangerous. In addition to missing a few games in 2010, he sustained a concussion in the Eagles game against the Atlanta Falcons.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Ben Roethlisberger

On and off the field, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has a knack for hurting himself.

He missed four games in 2005 with a knee injury, then missed out on the 2006 season opener after an emergency appendectomy.

He missed a game in 2007, and a shoulder injury sidelined him during the 2008 opener. 

The injuries aren't just on the field. He also hurt himself after he crashed his motorcycle (he wasn't wearing a helmet, either).

San Diego Chargers: Bob Sanders

What injury list isn't complete without safety Bob Sanders?

Sanders, who signed with the Chargers this offseason, was placed on IR after swelling was noticed on his knee.

The 2011 season is Sanders' fourth straight season which ended for him on injured reserve.

San Francisco 49ers: Frank Gore

While he has the potential to be one of the best running backs in the league, injuries have slowed down San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore badly.

In addition to missing game time in all but one of his pro seasons, he also built up a nice injury record at the University of Miami (which included a torn ACL leading into his sophomore year).

He has been less affected by injuries this year, which has a large part to do with the sharing of carries with rookie Kendall Hunter.

Seattle Seahawks: Sidney Rice

Wide receiver Sidney Rice was mostly injury-free until the 2009-10 playoffs, where he suffered a hip injury.

Refusing to treat it during the offseason, his surgery and recovery wiped out most of his 2010 season with the Minnesota Vikings (he also suffered a concussion late in the year).

He also missed the early portion of the season with the Seattle Seahawks fighting a shoulder injury.

Despite the injury, there is a happy ending. The Seahawks offense has seemed to shine with Rice out there as a big target (although that Cleveland Browns game was horrendous to watch).

St. Louis Rams: The Entire Secondary

While it might be unfair to not recommend one person for the St. Louis Rams, the injury situation in their secondary requires a special note.

Not even halfway through the season, the Rams have lost six of their starters. 

For a team looking to build upon a solid 2010 season, the impact of their loss has been devastating.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Earnest Graham

A benefactor of others' injuries, Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Earnest Graham has found himself on the injury sheet quite a bit himself.

He was placed on the injured reserve in both the 2008 and 2009 seasons, as he fought for a bit role in the team's rushing rotation.

Graham tore a tendon in his heel Sunday, and his season is now over. It would be his third injured reserve placement in four seasons.

Tennessee Titans: Matt Hasselbeck

Now with the Tennessee Titans, quarterback Matt Hasselbeck had a painful injury history with the Seattle Seahawks. 

In 2008, a back injury created a chain reaction in his nerves, which led to a knee injury.

He would miss most of the season.

While he banged his hand on a defender's helmet in the Titans' loss to the Houston Texans, team officials are certain he'll be ready to play this upcoming week.

Washington Redskins: Ryan Torain

Washington Redskins running back Ryan Torain has seen his share of injury pain.

Placed on injured reserve in 2008 after hurting his knee in his first NFL start with the Denver Broncos, he saw his injury woes continue in the nation's capital.

He had to overcome a fractured wrist earlier this season but has struggled to get the marquee role in the team's running game.