This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
Since the NFL resumed activity, I've felt less like an injury analyst and more like The Harbinger of Doom. For weeks, I've warned about the possibility of an increase in soft tissue injuries to start the year and cautioned about an increased risk for re-injury or aggravation for players nursing even the mildest of strains. Hopefully you bought into my pessimistic prognostications and weren't left emptyhanded by the rash of injuries that occurred in Week 1.
The veteran running back is expected to miss multiple weeks after aggravating a hamstring strain he initially suffered in training camp. It may seem odd for the hamstring to remain an issue weeks after it occurred, but the healing process for this muscle group can be very slow.
Furthermore, the recovery process is difficult to manage as the injured athlete may feel close to normal even though the injury site is still not at full strength. Usually during this time, the injury site has been addressed by the body but the new scar tissue doesn't exhibit the same biomechanical properties of healthy tissue. As a result, it can be easily disrupted if pushed, restarting the body's repair work. Look for Bell to be in street clothes for at least the next three weeks with veteran Frank Gore assuming the bulk of the carries in New York.
The Miami Dolphin wide receiver was limited in the practices leading up to Week 1 with a balky hamstring. Despite logging a full practice
Since the NFL resumed activity, I've felt less like an injury analyst and more like The Harbinger of Doom. For weeks, I've warned about the possibility of an increase in soft tissue injuries to start the year and cautioned about an increased risk for re-injury or aggravation for players nursing even the mildest of strains. Hopefully you bought into my pessimistic prognostications and weren't left emptyhanded by the rash of injuries that occurred in Week 1.
The veteran running back is expected to miss multiple weeks after aggravating a hamstring strain he initially suffered in training camp. It may seem odd for the hamstring to remain an issue weeks after it occurred, but the healing process for this muscle group can be very slow.
Furthermore, the recovery process is difficult to manage as the injured athlete may feel close to normal even though the injury site is still not at full strength. Usually during this time, the injury site has been addressed by the body but the new scar tissue doesn't exhibit the same biomechanical properties of healthy tissue. As a result, it can be easily disrupted if pushed, restarting the body's repair work. Look for Bell to be in street clothes for at least the next three weeks with veteran Frank Gore assuming the bulk of the carries in New York.
The Miami Dolphin wide receiver was limited in the practices leading up to Week 1 with a balky hamstring. Despite logging a full practice on Friday, Parker was unable to make it through Sunday's loss to the New England. Parker aggravated the injury in the second half of the game and will be evaluated as the week progresses. However, reports of Parker missing an extended period of time have already surfaced, and it seems unlikely he suits up against the Bills. I would keep him off my active fantasy roster for the foreseeable future and only feel confident about utilizing him again when he has proven the hamstring injury is no longer an issue.
The Colts running back has been lost for the season after suffering a torn Achilles tendon. The injury occurred in the second quarter of the team's loss to Jacksonville following a reception. The Achilles is the conjoined tendon of the calf muscle and is considered the strongest tendon of the body. However, the tendon can rupture when pushed beyond its normal capacity, setting up a lengthy recovery. The average return to play timeline following a torn Achilles in the NFL is roughly 11 months. Mack's impending free agent only further clouds his long-term outlook. Look for him to spend the next year rehabbing in hopes of signing on with a team in need of depth for the 2021 campaign. Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines will see an increase in responsibilities moving forward. Taylor received nine carries to Hines' seven with Hines hauling in eight receptions to Taylor's six.
The All-Pro wide receiver suffered an ankle sprain late in New Orleans' win over Tampa Bay. The injury was later classified as a high ankle sprain, a very specific type of injury.
The ankle joint is a complex area of the body comprising multiple points of articulation. The "true ankle joint" is formed from the tibia, fibula and talus bones. Both the inside (medial) and outside (lateral) aspects of the talocrural joint are reenforced by multiple ligaments. The talus and the calcaneus (the heel bone) form a second joint known as the subtalar joint. The ligaments of the subtalar joint are the structures involved in a "common" or lateral ankle sprain.
The distal tibiofibular (tib-fib) joint, the third and final joint of the ankle, is located at the bottom of the lower leg bones. Here, the tibia (shin bone) and fibula form a roof over the talus creating the ankle mortise. Three strong ligaments span across the area, connecting the two bones and stabilizing the area. If a ligament of the tib-fib joint is sprained then the injury is classified as a high ankle or syndesmotic sprain.
Unfortunately for those invested in Thomas, even low-grade high ankle sprains often result in a longer recovery window than low-grade lateral sprains. The normally durable Thomas believes he can play with and through the injury, but look for him to be limited throughout this week's set of practices. The Saints will get an extra scheduled day of rest as the team isn't slated to play until Monday. Consider adding a different Saints or Raiders wide out as an insurance policy if this ends up being a true game-time decision.
Turf Burns
James Conner: The Steelers running back made an early exit Monday due to an undisclosed left ankle injury. Details remain limited for now, but look for Conner to undergo an in-depth evaluation in the days ahead. Benny Snell becomes a must add in all formats, especially after collecting 113 yards rushing in relief.
Mike Evans: The Pro Bowl wideout was able to play on Sunday despite a lingering hamstring strain. He managed to salvage an underwhelming performance with a late touchdown grab, but, more importantly, Evans finished the game without aggravating the injury. Still, it won't be surprising to see the Bucs manage his workload in practice this week to further protect Evans' leg. Having Evans available will be particularly important after teammate Chris Godwin suffered a head injury late in the game. Scotty Miller could get an extra boost in value this week if either wide receiver is limited.
Blake Jarwin: The Cowboys tight end is out for the year after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee Sunday. The injury was a noncontact injury that occurred when he planted his foot and turned, a typical mechanism for an ACL injury. Surgery will be needed to repair the ruptured ligament. The timing of the injury is unfortunate for the 2020 campaign but should have minimal carryover into next season.
George Kittle: The 49ers could be forced to take on the Jets without one of their key weapons on offense. Kittle has been diagnosed with a left knee sprain after hyperextending the joint during the team's loss to the Cardinals. He managed to return to the game after the injury but failed to record a reception. The team plans on monitoring the knee in the week ahead, and this is shaping up to be a game-time decision. I'm cautiously optimistic, but keep an eye on his availability in the coming days.
David Njoku: Njoku has been placed on the injured reserve and will be out at least the next three weeks. The Browns tight end suffered a medial collateral sprain (MCL) in his knee. The MCL can adequately heal without surgical intervention, especially if accompanying meniscus damage is avoided. Njoku is expected to miss three weeks, so he appears poised to return when first eligible. Austin Hooper will get a bump in usage with Harrison Bryant and Stephen Carlson expected to move up the depth chart.
Miles Sanders: Sanders continues to progress in his recovery for a hamstring strain, but if Week 1 taught us anything, active doesn't always equate to ready to contribute. The Eagles will continue to limit his practice reps leading up to Week 2's matchup against the Rams and may elect to manage his in-game carries as well. He remains a precarious play for now.
Courtland Sutton: The Broncos receiver didn't play in Monday night's loss to the Titans after injuring his shoulder in practice. Sutton suffered an acromioclavicular (AC) sprain and remained limited entering Monday night. It sounds like he was close to returning but simply ran out of time. The Denver medical team opted to wisely take a cautious approach with his return to play, and Sutton should have a real chance at playing in Week 2. AC sprains can be tricky for wide receivers but steps can be taken to brace the area. Scale back your expectations a bit even if he does suit up against the Steelers.
Leighton Vander Esch: The Dallas linebacker suffered a fractured collarbone on Sunday and is expected to miss at least six weeks. The break was reportedly clean, but surgery will be performed to stabilize the fracture site. The injury doesn't have direct fantasy impact but could be a big win for Cowboys opponents who will look to take advantage of Vander Esch's absence. Dallas takes on several high-profile offenses in the weeks ahead including the Falcons, Seahawks and Browns.
