Matt’s Medical Tent Talks: Week 9 Recap
A light week on the injury front for maybe the first time all season(?). I’m pretty happy about it. Not to say some players didn’t go down, because they did, especially the type of players that you probably drafted number one overall and have already been down for a majority of the season, yea, those type of guys. Let’s dive in!
Remember to check out the Tent Talks Podcast at halftime of Thursday Night Football! (Yes, I’ve made an executive decision to change the time. Trying to help all of you early risers).
Week 9 Injuries
Kyle Allen, QB, WAS – Ankle
Another gruesome injury for a Washington quarterback. Kyle Allen suffered an ankle dislocation in Sunday’s game as well as a fracture, which is typical with ankle dislocations. Allen’s season will be over paving the way for Alex Smith to return once again as the Football Team’s starting quarterback. A tragedy for Allen leading to triumph for Smith. Also, HELLO J.D. MCKISSIC.
Prognosis: Out for season
Christian McCaffrey, RB, CAR – Shoulder
Welcome…goodbye? Christian McCaffrey returned to the lineup Sunday and showed us why he was the unanimous number one overall pick in fantasy drafts in August…aaannnddd HE’S GONE. McCaffrey was injured very late in the game as a Chiefs’ defender drove CMC’s right shoulder into the ground resulting in an AC joint sprain. The severity of the injury is unknown at this time, but we do know that it is bad enough to keep CMC out of week 10’s matchup against the Bucs. Even with a mild to moderate injury, though he can return relatively quickly (1-2 weeks), repeated forces to the area are not what is needed for a full recovery, hence Dalvin Cook in 2019 being in and out of the lineup to finish the season. Unfortunately, the running back position is not conducive to the healing of a shoulder injury. For this reason, I expect one of two things: 1. – the Panthers will hold McCaffrey out for three to four weeks to allow further healing, knowing they have Mike Davis as insurance, or 2. – CMC has his workload limited to offload his shoulder. If I was a betting man, I’d guess the latter as the Panthers are not yet (they’re close) totally out of the playoff hunt, and have quite a few winnable games down the stretch.
Prognosis: Out 1-3 weeks, earlier return increases chances of a decreased workload
David Montgomery & David Johnson, RB’s, CHI/HOU – Concussion
Both Davids suffered concussions in week nine which puts their week 10 statuses in doubt. There has been little news on Montgomery, with current reports regarding Johnson saying he is unlikely to play. That being said, all you have to do is look back two weeks to David Montgomery’s teammate Allen Robinson, who was DNP all week, before quickly clearing the concussion protocol on Saturday, and playing Sunday. As I say ALL THE TIME. No two concussions are alike, and predicting a return to practice or a game is impossible this early. The best we can do is follow the trends, and even then (Allen Robinson), we don’t always know!
Prognosis: Day-to-day, monitor progress through protocol right up until Saturday
Justin Jackson, RB, LAC – Knee
One snap. That was the extent of Jackson’s week nine game log as DFS players, including myself, were thrown into a rage (not mad at Jackson for getting hurt, just unlucky). Jackson is suffering from an undisclosed knee injury, but his week 10 status is very much in doubt as to the intention, according to Anthony Lynn, is to rest him all week in practice, not exactly a positive sign for his playing prospects. That being said, he has been the superior back in L.A. since Ekeler went down, and if active, I would assume would continue to garner that lead role. While I don’t expect him to play, his status is worth monitoring.
Prognosis: Week-to-week
Preston Williams, WR, MIA – Foot
Another midfoot sprain, what is going on?! Williams seemed to have suffered the injury as his right foot jammed into the ground upon leaping into the endzone on Sunday, likely causing the injury. Williams was placed on IR Wednesday demonstrating, at minimum, a moderate sprain. We hope there is no fracture or instability that would necessitate surgery, but we will see upon his return to the practice field. For now, Williams is out a minimum of three weeks.
Prognosis: Timetable TBD depending on severity, minimum of 3 weeks (obviously)
Noah Fant, TE, DEN – Ankle
Fant seems to have aggravated his existing ankle sprain which puts his week 10 prospects in doubt. The good news is Fant was able to finish the game and already logged a limited practice to start the week. I expect Fant to be out there, though not at 100%, which may limit his effectiveness. Additionally, Fant’s backup Albert O, who was having a nice rookie season to start his career, tore his ACL in week nine, which should put a few more targets on Fant’s frame.
Prognosis: Day-to-day, expected to play, likely not 100%
Thursday Night Breakdown: Indianapolis at Tennessee
No big-time injury concerns for Thursday Night Football this week. Jack Doyle is out with a concussion, but besides that, all fantasy-relevant players should be a go. A.J. Brown has been on the injury report over the last few weeks, but is not in doubt, as his knee is being managed after his bone bruise, and the irrelevant T.Y. Hilton, who has been battling a groin injury, is set to return for Thursday’s tilt. Besides that, not much! Enjoy what should be a great game!
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