This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
The Bengals wide receiver is staring at a multiweek absence as he manages a painful toe injury. The injury was sustained in Week 8 and required Green to spend the bye week in a walking boot. Surgery is not currently an option.
Toe injuries can be very painful and limiting, especially for receivers and defensive backs. These skill positions require the individual to push off their toes while making sharp and precise cuts. As a result, the toes, particularly the big toe, are subjected to a high degree of stress. In fact, the big toe often assumes forces as great as 70 to 100 percent of an individual's body weight.
The specifics of Green's injury have been a bit vague, though it has been described as more severe than turf toe. Turf toe is a common problem in the NFL and occurs when the big toe is forced into hyperextension, spraining the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. The severity of a turf toe injury can vary with the mildest of injuries limited to the ligament and the surrounding joint capsule. However, other structures, including tiny bones at the base of the big toe or a tendon that houses these bones, are also vulnerable to injury. If these areas are affected, the problem can become considerably worse and require a substantial amount of time to heal.
Green is opting for a nonoperative approach meaning he will address the symptoms in a variety of ways utilizing an assortment of modalities. He may
The Bengals wide receiver is staring at a multiweek absence as he manages a painful toe injury. The injury was sustained in Week 8 and required Green to spend the bye week in a walking boot. Surgery is not currently an option.
Toe injuries can be very painful and limiting, especially for receivers and defensive backs. These skill positions require the individual to push off their toes while making sharp and precise cuts. As a result, the toes, particularly the big toe, are subjected to a high degree of stress. In fact, the big toe often assumes forces as great as 70 to 100 percent of an individual's body weight.
The specifics of Green's injury have been a bit vague, though it has been described as more severe than turf toe. Turf toe is a common problem in the NFL and occurs when the big toe is forced into hyperextension, spraining the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. The severity of a turf toe injury can vary with the mildest of injuries limited to the ligament and the surrounding joint capsule. However, other structures, including tiny bones at the base of the big toe or a tendon that houses these bones, are also vulnerable to injury. If these areas are affected, the problem can become considerably worse and require a substantial amount of time to heal.
Green is opting for a nonoperative approach meaning he will address the symptoms in a variety of ways utilizing an assortment of modalities. He may even elect to modify his footwear to stabilize and protect the injured toe. However, running backs and wide receivers don't always respond to shoe alterations very well, and Green's level of risk will remain high upon his return. The team expects him to miss at least two weeks with a longer absence possible. As a result, Green owners may want to seek out a long-term replacement, especially one with a favorable fantasy postseason schedule. John Ross will see an increase in usage for the Bengals.
Turf Burns
Geronimo Allison: The Packers receiver is slated to undergo surgery to repair a nagging core muscle injury. Allison is likely managing a "sports hernia," though the term is becoming a bit outdated. The success for the procedure is high though comes with a minimum six-week recovery window. The timeline could make it difficult for Allison to return again this season, and an injured reserve designation would only solidify this uncertainty. Look for Green Bay to lean heavily on Marquez Valdes-Scantling to fill the third receiver spot on the depth chart.
Chris Carson: The Seahawks running back remains hampered by a sore hip and groin. While the injury will limit his practice reps, it doesn't necessarily mean he won't be in uniform come Sunday. Still, he will be a risky fantasy play as his usage will be dictated by his unpredictable health. Consider other options for Week 10 including Seattle's Mike Davis.
Leonard Fournette: The Jaguars starting running back was back in practice and is expected to suit up for the first time since Week 4. The second-year player has battled recurring hamstring issues all season but should be good to go coming off of a bye. However, Jacksonville's backfield is suddenly crowded following the trade for Carlos Hyde and with T.J. Yeldon still producing. Look for the Jags to ease Fournette back into the mix, making him an uncertain fantasy option. Consider keeping him on the bench for at least one more week to see how he will be used moving forward.
Marlon Mack: Like Fournette, Mack spent the past week enjoying the benefits of a much-needed bye. However, the time off wasn't enough to get the Colts running back completely back on the practice field. Mack was seen working with the Indianapolis training staff for most of Monday's practice as he continues to manage an ankle injury. It doesn't sound as if the team is expecting him to sit out, though this could be a game-time decision.
Raheem Mostert: The 49ers running back is out of the season after suffering a gruesome forearm fracture. It appeared as though he broke both the radius and the ulna, and recently underwent surgery to fix the problem. The fracture site was likely fortified by surgical hardware to insure a proper union of the bone. Fortunately, bone tissue often heals nicely, and Mostert should be back for the start of next season. His absence returns Alfred Morris to the primary backup role behind Matt Breida.
Cam Newton: The Panthers quarterback started the week limited once again, though the restricted participation appears to be by design. The team has opted to limit Newton's weekly wear-and-tear, preserving his shoulder and protecting him from any other minor injuries he's picked up along the way. This is particularly unsurprising with the team facing an abbreviated week. Look for Newton to be in uniform Thursday against the Steelers and their porous passing defense.
Ben Roethlisberger: Newton's opponent for Thursday also has quarterback concerns, as Roethlisberger appeared on Pittsburgh's initial injury report with a finger ailment. Big Ben was knocked around in a physical Week 9 win over the Ravens and will now be forced to recover and prepare on a shortened week. Roethlisberger's finger injury appears mild and his shoulder appears to have held up. Look for him to remain limited throughout the week but start Thursday night's matchup with Carolina.
Rob Gronkowski and Sony Michel: The always cryptic Patriots remain tight-lipped about the status of two of their top offensive weapons. Gronkowski did not play against the Packers, making it his second no-show in the past three weeks. The Pro Bowl tight end remains limited by back and ankle injuries that have earned him a "week-to-week" designation. Considering his lengthy injury history, don't be surprised if Gronk is in street clothes once again.
Michel's status appears a bit more stable, as there is growing optimism that he will be able to return from his sprained MCL on Sunday against the Titans. Keep a close eye on each player's availability at practice throughout the week to get a better idea of whether they'll play. Michel's return would mean Cordarrelle Patterson could return to operating primarily as wide receiver, though he's filled in admirably over the past two weeks.
