Matt’s Medical Tent Talks: Week 10 Recap

Another light injury week? YES PLEASE. As we near the end of the fantasy regular season, injuries have been slowing down. Don’t be fooled though. Last year for instance, after week one of the fantasy playoffs, I literally had to take a break in the middle of writing because of how depressing and loaded with injuries the article was. Things are pretty nice right now but don’t be complacent. Stay active, keep working the waiver wire, keep sending those trades, stay tuned here, and KEEP ON WINNING. 

Week 10 Injuries

Drew Brees, QB, NO – Ribs

After being knocked from Sunday’s game against the 49ers, we learned Drew Brees had some problems on Monday afternoon. Five broken ribs, and a punctured lung. NOT GOOD. A few of the ribs were likely fractured Sunday, while the others were likely fractured in week nine against the Bucs (imaging isn’t great at picking up acute rib fractures). Due to the injury, Brees will likely be out a few weeks, likely at least two to allow the lung to heal, and potentially longer depending on the damage to his lung. Assuming breathing is not difficult due to a punctured lung, it will still be difficult as the ribs expand and contract during the normal cycle of breathing, and will be exacerbated with heavier, deeper breathing during an activity such as…playing football. After the lung heals, it will be all about pain tolerance as Brees will have discomfort for potentially the rest of the season, but at what point will Brees be able to throw on a flak jacket and play through it? We shall see. 

Prognosis: 2-6 weeks, monitor progress due to timetable variability

Teddy Bridgewater, QB, CAR – Knee

Good news, bad news for Bridgewater and the Panthers. The good news, Bridgewater did not injure his once catastrophically damaged knee that nearly ended his career, and the MRI results did not demonstrate any significant tears or structural instability. The bad news, he is dealing with what seems to be a low-grade MCL sprain. Grade one MCL sprains typically heal in about one to two weeks, but depending on pain tolerance, can be played through. The main concern is really how this will affect his throwing motion. As we have already seen this year, a quarterback with a lower extremity issue, a la Jimmy G, can look REALLY bad if they aren’t comfortable in the pocket due to injury. Teddy two gloves has already logged a limited practice which is a good sign. I expect him to be a game-time decision. 

Prognosis: Day-to-day, likely GTD

Matthew Stafford, QB, DET – Thumb

Stafford is dealing with a thumb issue heading into week 11, likely the same type that caused Drew Brees to miss time in 2019, and more recently Jalen Reagor. What is different for Stafford is that the ligament does not seem to be fully torn, and he was able to play very well for three quarters after suffering the injury. Stafford admitted the thumb was not feeling great the day after the game, but it is possible to play with a splint. Now, how will this affect his grip, and thus his performance? A UCL injury already makes gripping difficult, and now to potentially add a splint into the mix? Similarly to Bridgewater, how will throwing mechanics be affected, and is it worth throwing Stafford out there with his effectiveness compromised and thumb at risk for further injury, which would cause him to miss the remainder of the season. The current expectation is that Stafford will play. Temper those expectations a bit. 

Prognosis: Day-to-day, likely GTD

Thursday Night Breakdown: Arizona at Seattle

Tonight’s matchup looks to be one of the top Thursday night matchups of the season, as two division rivals and potential playoff teams face off in what should be a barnburner. On the injury front, Arizona is looking pretty healthy after the return of Kenyan Drake in Week 10. Seattle is a little more tricky, mostly at the running back position as the status of Chris Carson is still very much up in the air. Reports in week 10 said Carson would absolutely be out there for week 11. Well, here we are, and we know little more than we knew in week eight. I’ve said it for weeks now until he truly tests the foot in a football-specific context, we will not know how it will hold up. Pregame should be the tell-all regarding this week and going forward as surgery is a likely possibility that no one seems to want to talk about if testing doesn’t go well. As for other Seattle players, Lockett and Hyde should be out there, and Travis Homer is doubtful. Enjoy the game!

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