This NFL season has seen its share of injuries. From minor hamstring pulls to season-ending knee injuries to career-threatening head injuries and everything in between, the 2008 injury bug season has been one of the busiest on record.

But week 13’s injury report is highlighted by one highly-consequential, completely irresponsible mishap. By now, everyone knows that Plaxico Burress accidentally discharged his firearm into his leg at a New York City nightclub. Luckily for Burress, the bullet missed any major arteries and he is expected to make a full recovery.

I say the mishap was highly-consequential not because it matters much to the success of the Giants. New York has proven to be effective on offense with or without Burress in the lineup, including during yesterday’s performance against Washington. But it is a consequential injury because it likely will keep Burress sidelined for the rest of this season. That is bad news for his fantasy owners but even worse news for Burress himself, who could be looking for a new job in offseason if he can avoid jail time.

And that brings me to the completely irresponsible part. Well, I think the circumstances of the injury speak for themselves. Burress has been in and out of trouble all season long culminating in this weekend’s unfortunate-but-probably-preventable mishap. I do hope he makes a full recovery, but more than that I hope this event injects a little maturity into Burress’ destructive attitude.

Ryan Grant [RB, Packers]

From Packers.com:

Grant left the game with under five minutes left in the second quarter after spraining his right thumb and did not return. Although he said he could have come back and played, Grant added that he was concerned about being able to protect the ball.

Just when it looked like Grant was starting to get the wheels rolling again, he gets injured. And not just any kind of injury, but one that will affect how he carries the ball.

Grant has lost two fumbles already this season but none since week 4. If he does not feel confident gripping the ball, the Packers may limit his carries going forward until that confidence returns. But Green Bay’s loss yesterday put the team in a pretty desperate situation going forward, which means the Pack will need Grant back in the fold in order to stay in the hunt.

Derek Anderson [QB, Browns]

From NFL GridIron Gab:

Anderson left late in the fourth quarter with an apparent MCL sprain of his left knee. This is the second quarterback in as many weeks the Browns have lost. Starting quarterback Brady Quinn was already out with a broken finger in his throwing hand. Anderson hurt the knee when tackle Kevin Shaffer fell on the quarterback’s knee on the last drive of the game for Cleveland.

In a game that saw countless Colts’ defense either limp or get carted off the field, Anderson goes down on the very last drive of the game for the Cleveland Browns.

I doubt many fantasy owners were expecting anything substantial from DA down the stretch, but his loss really hurts the values of Braylon Edwards, Kellen Winslow and Jamal Lewis. Ken Dorsey is expected to be the Browns quarterback the rest of the way and he certainly is not an intimidating presence for opposing defenses.

Marion Barber [RB, Cowboys]

From Football Jabber:

The way things are looking right now it appears that Barber may not miss any time with his bad toe.  Not the best matchup against the Steelers in their next game but the Cowboys cannot afford to be without Barber as they chase a playoff spot.  Tashard Choice may be someone to go out and get if he is available in your league.

Barber’s toe checked out OK after his uninspiring performance on Thanksgiving Day against Seattle. But he simply cannot afford to be hobbled at all down the stretch with this schedule: @ Steelers, v. Giants, v. Ravens.

If fantasy owners need a little insurance for Barber, Tashard Choice is the handcuff. But I would not expect much from him or Barber in any of those match ups.

Kellen Winslow [TE, Browns]

From Yahoo! Sports:

Winslow was hurt on the first play of the second half while blocking on a running play. He was helped to his feet but walked to the sideline without assistance and was taken to the locker room for X-rays.

This has been a roller-coaster season for Winslow, who appeared to regain his preseason value with the ascension of Brady Quinn a few weeks ago. Then Winslow hurt his shoulder, struggled, lost Quinn and Derek Anderson for the season and now this.

It has been an eventful couple of weeks for Winslow and the Browns, but certainly not in a good way. He already has been wearing the questionable tag the last two weekends, so do not expect much from Winslow in practice this week.

In fact, I would not expect him at all. He was in a protective boot after the game yesterday and appeared to be limping badly. He is schedule to have an MRI sometime today.

Trent Edwards [QB, Bills]

From Roto Arcade:

Edwards reportedly suffered a groin injury, although it wasn’t clear when or how it happened. Edwards finished 10-for-21 with 112 yards passing.

The Bills’ season has gone down the toilet almost as quickly as The Hazean’s in the blogger league.

Edwards did not have the best of days before exiting the game but neither had anyone else on the Bills. J.P. Losman will take over at quarterback should Edwards miss any time.

The MMR will continue to run every Monday morning as scheduled during the regular season. To stay updated on current NFL injuries later in the week keep an eye on Football Jabber’s injury column, The Bedpan.