Inside the Tent - Week 2 NFL Injury Insight

At RotoBaller, we can't stress enough the importance of keeping up with injuries and playing your best lineup week after week. Players are going to get injured, that's an unavoidable fact. What's avoidable though is making the wrong roster decisions based on the injuries surrounding your fantasy squad. If you want to dominate your leagues and win some dough in daily contests, you have to be proactive with injury research.

That's where I come in to serve you, the readers! I'm Aaron Burger, a Doctor of Physical Therapy in Pittsburgh, PA. About a year ago, I decided to combine my love, fantasy football, with what I've been learning for years now, injuries and the human body. Each week, I'll be checking in on fantasy's biggest injuries to keep you informed. Be sure you also have RotoBaller bookmarked and follow us on social media to catch all the latest NFL news updates.

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Inside the Tent Updates

Jordan Reed, TE - Washington Redskins

I didn’t release an article last week because this fella, Jordan Reed, was probably the only one worth mentioning. He was diagnosed with a concussion during Washington’s third preseason game against the Falcons on August 22nd. Reed was not able to suit up for Week 1 given his extensive reported concussion history. This is Reed’s seventh season in the NFL and he missed regular season games in 2013, 2015, and 2016 because of concussions and on top of that, he also suffered two concussions while at Florida. Reed won’t suit up for Week 2 but QB Case Keenum is excited to have him back whenever that may be telling reporters, “I haven’t played with many players like him. I’ve never played with a player that can do what he does.” When he comes back, he’s certainly a fine play in deeper leagues or for those who are willing to take a risk on a team where playmakers are few and far between.

Week 2 Injury Updates

Patrick Mahomes, QB - Kansas City Chiefs

• Injury: From the video I saw, it appears as if Mahomes suffered what looks like a medial ankle sprain involving the deltoid ligament on the inside of the ankle. Lateral ankle sprains are much more common in sports but with the right mechanism of injury, like when a foot is planted and collapses inwards, medial ankle sprains can occur as well.

• News: Mahomes was a full participant at practice on Wednesday so it appears that he is ready to go for Week 2 on the road against the Raiders.
• Outlook: Mahomes’ arm strength can mask just about any lower body injury he may come across. This sprain involves his left ankle which is the ankle he steps into throws with. I’m sure he’ll be taped up and I’m not concerned for Mahomes in Week 2.

Baker Mayfield, QB - Cleveland Browns

• Injury: Baker suffered a right wrist contusion, or bruise, during the Browns Week 1 showdown with the Titans. He was spotted after the game wearing a soft wrap on said wrist.

• News: Mayfield practiced on Tuesday without a wrap on his wrist so he will be ready to go on Monday night. 
• Outlook: The Browns go up against their defensive coordinator from last season, Gregg Williams. Mayfield is familiar with his scheme and he knows the big boys up front will be coming for him. I expect Baker and the Browns to bounce back on national television after an embarrassing Week 1 loss to the Titans.

Nick Foles, QB - Jacksonville Jaguars

• Injury: Foles unfortunately fractured his left clavicle in Week 1 against the Chiefs as a result of a Chris Jones hit. The clavicle, or collarbone, is one the the more frequently fractured bones in the body and plays a key role in shoulder movement. Foles is fortunate it was his left collarbone and not his right as this could’ve extended his return time.

• News: The Jaguars QB underwent surgery on Monday, September 9th to repair and align the fracture. Foles was placed on Injured Reserve and will not be eligible to return until Week 10.
• Outlook: It’s Gardner Minshew time! With a moustache and swagger like that, it’s hard not to like this guy. He’s no slouch either as he put up huge numbers at Washington State last year under Mike Leach. Sure he’s a rookie, but this offense shouldn’t take that big of a hit without Foles. I’d like to remind you who played QB for the Jaguars the last few years, Blake Bortles. End of story.

Sam Darnold, QB - New York Jets

• Injury: *smooch* It was a midweek surprise when Head Coach Adam Gase told reporters on Thursday that Jets QB Sam Darnold is dealing with mononucleosis, or the kissing disease. Mono is typically caused by an infection from a variation of Epstein-Barr virus. In some cases, mono can cause an enlargement of the spleen and if this is not addressed, it can rupture.

• News: Gase made the call that Darnold would not play Week 2 on Thursday in an attempt to avoid questioning as to why Darnold was not practicing. There was even news that Darnold was quarantined to his apartment to avoid infecting other teammates.
• Outlook: Anyone that’s had mono or knows someone who’s had mono knows this isn’t a one week deal. Darnold will be out for a few weeks and given the Jets have an early bye (Week 4), we should see him back slinging the rock in Week 5.

Joe Mixon, RB - Cincinnati Bengals

• Injury: A lateral ankle sprain plagued Joe Mixon in Week 1. Also known as an inversion sprain, this is the “common” ankle sprain. This type of sprain occurs when the ankle is turned inwards beyond the limits of the ligaments on the outside of the ankle. Considering Mixon was able to practice on Friday, this is likely a Grade I sprain which is the least severe.

• News: Mixon wasn’t able to practice on Wednesday or Thursday but was able to log a limited practice on Friday. This means his status for Sunday is truly up in the air. Be sure to check actives/inactives an hour and a half before kickoff.
• Outlook: If Mixon isn’t able to lace ‘em up, consider Giovani Bernard a must start. In 2018 when Mixon missed two games, Bernard was the RB6 those two weeks with 3 TDs. In addition, the Bengals signed Gio to a new deal in the offseason so they obviously have plans for him.

Derrius Guice, RB - Washington Redskins

• Injury: This guy just can’t catch a break. Guice unfortunately suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee after tearing the ACL in his left knee in the preseason last year. There are actually two menisci in each knee, medial (inside) and lateral (outside). The lateral meniscus is less likely to be injured as it is much more mobile compared to the medial meniscus. Actually, the medial meniscus is commonly involved during ACL ruptures. 

• News: Guice underwent surgery to trim his meniscus and the surgery was done by the distinguished Dr. James Andrews. During this procedure, Dr. Andrews likely “cleaned up” the joint and trimmed the part of the meniscus not flush with the joint. When a piece of the meniscus is torn, it can cause pain as well as catching and locking of the joint. Guice was placed on the IR on Friday and therefore will be out until Week 11 at the earliest.
• Outlook: The ageless Adrian Peterson is once again the starter in Washington. He should handle early down work and PPR monster Chris Thompson will be on the field for third downs and negative game scripts.

Tevin Coleman, RB - San Francisco 49ers

• Injury: Coleman sustained a high-ankle sprain in Week 1 which is certainly the less favorable ankle sprain. In a high-ankle sprain the connective tissue between the two lower leg bones, the tibia and fibula, is stretched beyond its limits. This often happens with excessive dorsiflexion (bringing the toes upward) or if the leg is twisted while planted.

• News: Coleman was quickly ruled out of Week 1 after his injury and Coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters the plan is to bring Coleman back after their Week 4 bye. With high-ankle sprains though it could take more than three weeks to come back. A Week 5 or 6 return is more likely.
• Outlook: With Coleman out, this clears the way for Matt Breida to get the lion’s share of the 49ers RB touches. Spelling him will be Raheem Mostert who came back from a fractured forearm suffered late in 2018 season.

Tyreek Hill, WR - Kansas City Chiefs

• Injury: Hill sustained a posterior dislocation of his clavicle at the sternoclavicular joint. The sternoclavicular joint is where the sternum, or breastbone, and clavicle meet. When the clavicle dislocates backwards, which is extremely rare, this is a medical emergency. Behind the sternoclavicular joint are the lungs, esophagus, trachea, and major blood vessels as they exit the heart.

• News: Tyreek was taken to the hospital from the game in order to be evaluated. Here, the orthopaedic trauma team relocated the joint non-surgically which should help Hill come back in a shorter period of time. Also, he was not placed on the IR which means he will be back some time before Week 10.
• Outlook: The Chiefs’ head Athletic Trainer told reporters that this is a “week to week” injury. He wasn’t placed on IR so they’re expecting him back sooner rather than later. Realistically, I believe he we could see Hill Week 5 or Week 6. With Hill sidelined, expect Mecole Hardman to be the burner for the Chiefs offense with Sammy Watkins and Travis Kelce seeing the bulk of the targets from Mahomes.

Mike Williams, WR - Los Angeles Chargers

• Injury: This is a tough one. Williams was tackled after catching a pass and immediately grabbed his knee. I hate to speculate about an injury because I wasn’t watching the game when he was injured. Any knee injury is concerning though, especially for a player with a history of knee injuries.

• News: Williams told reporters he felt his knee “tighten up” which would indicate a muscular injury but this is not common when being tackled. On Wednesday, Head Coach Anthony Lynn told reporters he was concerned about Williams’ knee. That’s certainly not the best news. Williams didn’t practice on Wednesday or Thursday but turned in a limited practice on Friday. He’s officially questionable for Week 2. 
• Outlook: If Williams is out, it’s the Keenan Allen show. He could see 15 targets against the Lions. He may get some attention from Darius Slay Jr. but the Chargers always find ways to get Allen open. If Williams plays, I would avoid him in redraft and DFS given risk of re-injury.

Sterling Shepard, WR - New York Giants

• Injury: Shepard is dealing with a concussion. Concussions are obviously the result of a hit to the head and the signs and symptoms associated with concussions are from the chemical cascade that occurs in the brain. Signs and symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, and difficulty orienting oneself to time.

• News: Shepard has been ruled OUT for Week 2.
• Outlook: Evan Engram may have 20 targets in Week 2. That's all I have to say about that.

Hunter Henry, TE - Los Angeles Chargers

• Injury: Henry suffered a tibial plateau fracture in Week 1. The tibia is one of the two lower leg bones and the upper part contributes to the knee joint. With stresses in the joint, the tibia can fracture at the top. If you imagine a golf tee, a tibial plateau fracture would be like a crack in the tee but it’s still functional.

• News: The good news is, Henry wasn’t placed on IR. With this, the Chargers expect him back before Week 11. JJ Watt suffered a tibial plateau fracture in October of 2017 and missed the entire season. According to Pro Football Doc, Henry’s tibial plateau fracture is different than Watt’s and he could realistically be back within 4-6 weeks.
• Outlook: As I stated above, Keenan Allen is going to have himself a game with Henry (and possibly Mike Williams) out. Additionally, Austin Ekeler could see eight plus targets out of the backfield on Sunday.