This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
The Bills rookie quarterback is expected to miss time with an elbow injury on his throwing arm. Allen was injured in the team's loss to the Texans and replaced by backup Nathan Peterman. The injury has been reported as a sprain of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his elbow. While the extent of the sprain has not been confirmed, video of the Buffalo medical staff examining the joint has surfaced, which may provide some insight. A member of the medical team is seen performing a special test known as the milking maneuver. This test is used to test the integrity of the UCL. Any laxity of the joint, as well as any pain elicited, serves as an indicator of a potential injury. Given that the simple move sent Allen to his knees in pain, it seems likely the injury is a more moderate sprain.
The UCL has gained infamy in the sports medicine community, as it's the structure repaired in Tommy John surgery. While baseball pitchers are currently mired in a "Tommy John epidemic," the procedure is relatively uncommon in football. This is largely in part to the varying throwing styles between a quarterback and a pitcher. A quarterback's delivery of a football puts far less stress on and through the elbow. As a result, UCL tears happen less frequently in football, and quarterbacks are more likely to receive and respond to conservative treatment.
Allen is slated to miss Week 7 against the Colts, and the
The Bills rookie quarterback is expected to miss time with an elbow injury on his throwing arm. Allen was injured in the team's loss to the Texans and replaced by backup Nathan Peterman. The injury has been reported as a sprain of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his elbow. While the extent of the sprain has not been confirmed, video of the Buffalo medical staff examining the joint has surfaced, which may provide some insight. A member of the medical team is seen performing a special test known as the milking maneuver. This test is used to test the integrity of the UCL. Any laxity of the joint, as well as any pain elicited, serves as an indicator of a potential injury. Given that the simple move sent Allen to his knees in pain, it seems likely the injury is a more moderate sprain.
The UCL has gained infamy in the sports medicine community, as it's the structure repaired in Tommy John surgery. While baseball pitchers are currently mired in a "Tommy John epidemic," the procedure is relatively uncommon in football. This is largely in part to the varying throwing styles between a quarterback and a pitcher. A quarterback's delivery of a football puts far less stress on and through the elbow. As a result, UCL tears happen less frequently in football, and quarterbacks are more likely to receive and respond to conservative treatment.
Allen is slated to miss Week 7 against the Colts, and the team is preparing for this to be a multiweek absence. Allen is slated to meet with renown orthopedist Dr. James Andrews in the coming days to determine the next step in treatment and recovery. Don't be surprised if Allen opts for a round of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections to assist his natural healing process.
Allen wasn't a particularly fantasy friendly quarterback, but his absence will negatively impact the productivity of players like Kelvin Benjamin and LeSean McCoy. The Bills have yet to name Allen's replacement moving forward, but neither Peterman nor Derek Anderson should be counted for fantasy purposes.
The Jets receiver is expected to miss at least two weeks with a sprained ankle. The reason for Enunwa's anticipated absence is due to the complex nature of the specific type of sprain he suffered. Enunwa suffered a high ankle, or syndesmotic, sprain.
In a high sprain, the ligaments situated at the end of the two lower leg bones are disrupted, and the integrity of the ankle joint is compromised. High ankle sprains are considered more serious than an isolated sprain of the medial or more commonplace lateral ligaments. As a result, this type of injury generally takes a greater amount of time to improve. High ankle sprains can be particularly problematic for positions that require the athlete to make frequent plants or hard cuts.
Two weeks seems optimistic for Enunwa's return. In fact, I wouldn't be overly surprised if he sits out through New York's Week 11 bye. The extended time off would allow for the joint to adequately heal and reduce the likelihood of re-injury or aggravation. Robby Anderson should remain the Jets' top deep threat, with Jermaine Kearse the receiver most likely to benefit from Enunwa's absence from the lineup.
Turf Burns
Tavon Austin: It does not appear Austin will be available when Dallas takes on Washington. The dynamic receiver suffered a groin injury in the team's blowout win over the Jaguars. The injury is reportedly significant, with owner Jerry Jones comparing it to an injury that sidelined former Cowboys cornerback Morris Claiborne for more than half of the 2016 season. The Cowboys offense had struggled entering Week 6 but managed to hang 40 points on the Jacksonville defense. Austin's absence should open the door for rookie wideout Michael Gallup. Gallup has been quiet since an impressive preseason, but was just inches from hauling in a spectacular touchdown catch on Sunday.
Leonard Fournette: The weekly look at Fournette's status reveals more of the same as the Jaguars remain noncommittal on his availability for Week 7. The team remains "hopeful" their top running back's hamstring will be healed for the matchup with the Texans, although a full week of practice would be more reassuring. Continue to exhibit caution with Fournette, even if he is cleared to play, as his troublesome hamstring makes him a risky play.
Dalvin Cook: Cook is in the same boat as Fournette though he appears to be further along in his recovery. He was a late scratch in Week 6 after his strained hamstring didn't respond well during pregame warmups. Like with Fournette, keep an eye on Cook's level of participation in the week ahead but consider looking elsewhere for one more week. Latavius Murray remains a suitable backup and a decent handcuffing option.
Evan Engram: The Giants tight end was back on the practice field Tuesday, setting up a return to action on Monday night. Engram has missed three straight outings with a sprained medial collateral ligament (MCL) but should return to the field against the Falcons. He will likely wear a brace but should be utilized as normal.
Cooper Kupp: The Rams receiver is expected to miss at least one game with a sprained MCL in his knee. Kupp's takedown by Broncos safety Darian Stewart illustrates the dangers of the horse-collar tackle. The maneuver often results in the lower extremities of the tackled individual getting stuck in the ground and subsequently subjected to violent torquing forces. The consequences are often severe, ranging from fractures of the tibia and fibula or, as in the case of Kupp, substantial damage to the ligaments of the knee. Kupp will not require surgery but is considered, "week-to-week."
Calvin Ridley: The Falcons rookie could benefit from an extra day of rest, putting him in line for a Week 7 appearance. The receiver suffered an ankle injury in Week 6 and underwent an MRI on Monday. The results were promising with all ligament structures still intact. The injury was diagnosed as a bone bruise, and Ridley should have a realistic chance at playing on Monday against the Giants. The team does have a bye week in Week 8 that could serve as a safety net for the team should Ridley not improve to their liking.
