The Dynasty Doctor: Week Four Injury Report

Scott Peak Posted On October 1, 2013

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.

Alfred Morris, RB WAS

Morris was injured in the third quarter after being sandwiched between two Oakland Raiders defenders near the goal line and was removed from the game with a rib injury. X-rays are negative for a fracture, so hopefully it is more like a rib contusion. Morris told reporters he would be ready to play week six, after the Redskins’ bye. Head coach Mike Shanahan was less specific, and did not comment on the severity of it. If it is only a rib contusion, he should be ready to play by week six, as two weeks should be sufficient time for recovery. The concern would be a potentially more serious injury, such as a lung contusion, but it seems likely he would have been taken to the hospital if that were an issue. It is a situation to monitor but barring anything unforeseen, such as a lung contusion or rib fracture, he should be back week six. Roy Helu made the most of his touches, gaining 84 total yards with two receptions and a touchdown.

CJ Spiller, RB BUF

A season of frustration for Spiller fantasy football owners continues. Spiller was tackled at the ankles by Ravens defensive end Arthur Jones and limped off the field, appearing to favor his left ankle. The injury is described as a sprain. After the game, Spiller expressed some uncertainty whether he would be able to play on Thursday Night Football. X-rays were negative, so that means no fracture and a low likelihood of a high-ankle sprain. Spiller might play on Thursday, but his production on a short week given this injury may be questionable. Given his injury, a short week, his disappointing play and the opponent is a tough Cleveland defense, benching him for better options could be a good move. Benching studs can be risky, and for owners not willing to take that chance, start Spiller but temper expectations this week.

Fred Jackson, RB BUF

Jackson is the handcuff for Spiller and should come fairly cheap in dynasty leagues. He was injured in the third quarter, but managed to return in the fourth quarter. The injury is described as a mild medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain. After the game, he felt the injury would not preclude him from playing this week. The injury mechanism is unclear, as Jackson did not appear to bend or twist his legs in an unusual manner before he left the game. It seems like a minor issue for now, but even mild MCL injuries can take 2 to 3 weeks for complete recovery. Jackson did return and play well, so that is encouraging. Nervous Spiller owners could consider acquiring Jackson on the cheap, as he is still producing at an RB2 level (16 carries, 87 yards, one touchdown, 5.4 YPC).

Darren McFadden, RB OAK

McFadden is no stranger to the injury report, and he now has a hamstring injury. He posted 29 yards on five carries against a sieve-like Redskins defense before spending the rest of Sunday on the sidelines. There is no obvious visual mechanism of injury. Reports are McFadden avoided a serious hamstring injury, but even grade one injuries can have a three week recovery. Larry Fitzgerald did play with a hamstring injury, but given McFadden has a long history of missing games (23 games missed in his career), it seems likely he might be out one or more games. McFadden missing time from injury is not exactly breaking news. Marcel Reece would be an interesting pickup, but he suffered a knee injury and could be out awhile. Rashad Jennings is next up on the list until McFadden returns. Jennings posted decent numbers for point-per-reception (PPR) formats filling in for McFadden (15 carries, 45 yards, eight receptions for 71 yards). For owners needing a spot starter at running back, Jennings might be a decent short-term solution.

Jake Locker, QB TEN

Locker suffered a hip injury when he was hit by Muhammad Wilkerson. The impact of the hit was in Locker’s torso, but as his right leg planted into the ground, Quinton Coples hit him in the back and his right leg appeared to twist awkwardly as he fell to the ground. This reminds me of the hit that ended the season for Dwayne Allen. Locker was taken to a local hospital in an ambulance. MRI scans are planned. If it turns out to be a serious injury, that would be a shame as Locker had improved his play. Before this injury, he completed 18 passes for 149 yards, three touchdowns, plus had three carries for 17 yards against a tough Jets defense. Initial estimates are Locker will miss a minimum of 4-to-6 weeks, maybe more. Dynasty owners will want to pay attention to this one. Ryan Fitzpatrick will take his place as the starting quarterback for the Titans.

Aaron Dobson, WR NE

Dobson took a nasty hit and left in the third quarter with a neck injury. Dobson’s head and neck bent to the side – this is the kind of injury that can result in a brachial plexus avulsion, which is when nerve roots are pulled out from the spine as the neck is forced away from the shoulder. Fortunately, Dobson was able to walk off the field under his own power and that is a hint this injury should not impact his value in dynasty leagues. If he does not have any nerve damage from this injury, his dynasty value should remain stable. I would not expect him to be out longer than a few games, similar to Malcom Floyd.

Santonio Holmes, WR NYJ

Holmes suffered a hamstring injury in the game against the Titans. The severity is not yet known but Holmes was spotted limping in the locker room after the game. Stay tuned for updates and pay attention to whether he is able to practice or not this week. The Jets play on Monday Night Football, so unless Holmes is confirmed to start that game, it may be best to go with safer options this week.

Stephen Hill, WR NYJ

Hill was hurt on the second play of the game after taking a helmet-to-helmet shot from Titans safety Michael Griffin. Hill got hit on the side of his helmet and immediately hit the turf. He remained down for a bit while trainers assessed him on the field. Hill will enroll in the NFL concussion protocol. His return will depend on resolution of concussion symptoms and clearance from his medical team. Recovery from grade 1 or 2 concussions can take 1 to 2 weeks or longer, but hopefully Hill will be back soon.

Brian Cushing, LB HOU

Cushing joins an expanding list of NFL players out with a concussion. The severity of the concussion is not known, but teammates felt Cushing looked good after the game. Losing Cushing would be a tough blow for IDP players, as he was producing at an LB1 level. He was seen watching the game in a tunnel, pads still on and that seems like a good sign that this injury may not be a long-term issue.

Vince Wilfork, DL NE

For IDP players out there, if you are required to start a defensive tackle, Wilfork is out for the year with a ruptured Achilles tendon. Still, given he had only four solo tackles, five assists and no sacks this year, he is probably nothing more than a reserve player for dynasty owners, and can be safely dropped.