The Dynasty Doctor: Week Five Injury Report

Scott Peak

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Editor’s Note: Injuries are a huge part of winning and losing each year in fantasy leagues. Staying abreast of the injury situations is key as knowing what to expect from your players health-wise in the short term can help you make educated decisions in managing your team. Lucky for us, we have a Doctor in the house. Dr. Scott Peak is an ABPN board certified neurologist and neuro-oncologist. He is also a dynasty football addict and huge friend of Dynasty League Football. He’s excited to lend his expertise in medicine with hopes he may help the DLF Team and its followers better understand medical conditions and injuries that may impact NFL players and dynasty football owners.  

If you have a question for The Dynasty Doctor, just click here. Please remember The Dynasty Doctor is geared towards questions regarding medical science, injuries to players and their collective impact in fantasy football. Stay tuned each week as we’ll post his thoughts each and every Tuesday.

Jimmy Graham, TE NO

Graham took a hit by Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David and briefly left the game. He returned to catch one pass for 23 yards, but was then removed for the duration of the game. Initial reports indicate a sprained shoulder and it is believed to be not a serious injury. Still, the Saints aren’t generous with injury updates, so time will tell. The Saints are on a bye this week, so Graham should have a chance to rest. Josh Hill and Ben Watson are next in line, and both have shown glimpses of being capable short-term solutions if Graham misses time (hopefully not).

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Montee Ball, RB DEN

Ball sustained a significant groin injury and was unable to return. Initial reports are Ball could miss some time from this injury. Timetable on his return to playing depends on the injury grade. Judging from initial comments of it being a significant groin injury, that would suggest a grade 2 (2-3 weeks recovery) or grade 3 (6-8 weeks) variety. Ronnie Hillman replaced Ball and managed 15 carries for 64 yards. Juwan Thompson poached a touchdown but otherwise managed just three carries for 15 yards. CJ Anderson is an intriguing option to replace Ball, so grab him if he is on waivers.

Calvin Johnson, WR DET

In recent years, Johnson has had nagging injuries arise and one has to wonder if he is starting to show his age. Johnson aggravated his right ankle injury and finished the game with a disappointing one reception for seven yards. In 2013, Johnson had a troublesome knee injury that reportedly required draining several times. While I would not panic sell Johnson for below market value, I do think testing the waters to see if he could return top-12 start-up value is worthwhile in dynasty. If Johnson could be traded for AJ Green, that is a move I would consider now.

Drew Stanton, QB ARI

Stanton sustained a concussion and will be enrolled in the concussion protocol. Carson Palmer had optimistic reports, but I will believe his return when I see it. Nerve damage in a quarterback’s throwing shoulder is a significant issue. Larry Fitzgerald had a subpar game (three receptions for 57 yards) and Michael Floyd was even worse (one reception for seven yards on an unbelievable seven targets). The quarterback situation in Arizona is crushing the value of its talented wide receivers. In dynasty, it might be time to send offers out to frustrated owners of Floyd and John Brown. Arizona needs a quarterback for 2015 in the worst possible way.

Rashad Jennings, RB NYG 

Jennings sprained a knee and finished with ten carries for 55 yards and two receptions for 17 yards. Andre Williams had a solid game as a replacement for Jennings, but averaged only 3.3 YPC (20 carries for 65 yards and one touchdown). Jennings felt he would be fine after the game, and his diagnosis was later confirmed as a knee sprain. Initial projections are a 1-2 week recovery and given the Giants bye is week eight, it seems likely he may not return until after that game.

Eric Decker, WR NYJ

Decker was unable to play against the San Diego Chargers. Aggravations of hamstring injuries can be worse than the original injury. The Denver Broncos are playing the Jets next week and Decker may want to play in that game. Still, the Jets should be careful with their star wide receiver. Recurrent hamstring injuries can be tricky, as Larry Fitzgerald owners found out last year.

Jake Locker, QB TEN

Locker continues to get injured and again hit his throwing hand on a helmet, aggravating his injured thumb and was removed from the game. Charlie Whitehurst replaced Locker and had a surprisingly effective game (13 completed passes, 194 yards and two touchdowns for a quarterback rating of 124). Locker had eight completed passes for 79 yards and one touchdown before departing. Ken Whisenhunt may be the QB Whisperer. Locker’s dynasty value is nearly gone, though. It’s a shame, as Locker has shown to be a productive option for fantasy football, but he just can’t stay healthy. Dynasty owners may want to grab Zach Mettenberger if he is on waivers.

Zac Stacy, RB STL

Stacy sustained a calf injury and was unable to return. Benny Cunningham replaced Stacy and had seven carries for 47 yards and a touchdown. Cunningham pitched in three receptions for 24 yards, adding to his value in points-per-reception leagues. Rookie Tre Mason was inactive. It will be interesting to see if Mason sees more touches in the coming weeks. Depending on the severity of injury, Stacy could miss 7-10 days or 2-8+ weeks. Initial reports are Stacy is expected to play week six, so the injury doesn’t appear to be severe, but still check his practice participation and be ready to have a replacement if he is unexpectedly inactive. The Rams play San Francisco on Monday Night Football, and unless owners have a second option, it might carry some risk to go with Stacy this week.

Donald Brown, RB SD

Brown sustained a head injury and will be enrolled in the concussion protocol. He has been ineffective this year, with a total of 100 yards on 50 rushing attempts, for a paltry 2.0 YPC. The story is Branden Oliver, the training camp star. Oliver had 19 carries for 114 yards, four receptions for 68 yards and two touchdowns against the Jets. Stating the obvious, Oliver is a must-own in all formats. If Oliver is on your waiver wire, pick him up.

Calais Campbell, DE ARI

Campbell sustained a sprained MCL and is estimated to miss 3-4 weeks and that is consistent with a typical recovery range from 3-6 weeks. This is a tough loss in IDP formats, as Campbell is a top ten defensive end in both sack and tackle-heavy scoring systems. The Arizona defense has lost a lot of players to injury or suspension and losing Campbell is another tough blow for them. Hopefully he will be back soon.

DeMeco Ryans, LB PHI

Ryans was diagnosed with a groin injury. He had eight tackles (seven solos) against the 49ers. In the last three weeks, Ryans has averaged six tackles per game, so losing him isn’t a huge blow for IDP players. The Eagles defense could be a bit soft in the middle if Ryans misses time. Mychal Kendricks has been out with a calf strain.

Patrick Peterson, CB ARI

Peterson sprained an ankle, although the injury is not believed to be serious. Cornerbacks are replaceable assets in IDP leagues and Peterson is a perfect example of names not always translating to fantasy production. Peterson may be rostered in IDP leagues, but this is based on his name value rather than fantasy production. Still, the Cardinals defense already lost Campbell and if Peterson misses time, the value of this defense for fantasy leagues will take another hit.

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