The Dynasty Doctor: Week Two Injury Report

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.

AJ Green, WR CIN

It was a crazy week for injuries and none more distressing than Green getting pulled from the game with an aggravation of his foot injury. The injury was thought to be not significant, and he was active for the game. However, he soon left the game with an aggravation of what is being called a ligament strain/turf toe. I wrote a review article on turf toe and here is the link to it. All indications seem to suggest it is not a grade three injury and it would seem reasonable that Green could be back in 1-2 weeks. Reports out of Cincinnati are Green could be available after their week four bye. Although turf toe injuries can be nagging, and Green might have to play through pain, there is a good chance he will be back soon. I don’t think this injury impacts his dynasty value. Hopefully his performance this year won’t be adversely impacted from residual pain, but time will tell.

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Jamaal Charles, RB KC

Charles sprained his left ankle and he was pulled from the game when he was unable to return. An MRI is planned. Head coach Andy Reid noted it could be a high-ankle sprain. High-ankle sprains can be nagging injuries and impact lateral agility/explosiveness – ask CJ Spiller owners from last year. Recovery can be 2-8 weeks treated conservatively, or longer if surgery is required. Here is a reference article I wrote on ankle sprains. Knile Davis replaced Charles and had a productive game, rushing for 79 yards, scoring two touchdowns and posting six receptions for 26 yards. Hopefully Charles’ owners have Davis as a handcuff. If Charles is out, be sure to get Davis in the lineup, as he gets a Miami defense in week three that has problems at linebacker.

Knowshon Moreno, RB MIA

Speaking of the Dolphins, Moreno suffered a dislocated elbow and is expected to miss 4-8 weeks. There were no reports of damage to nerves or blood vessels, so that’s good. There are no reports yet of him needing surgery and athletes can return to play within six weeks of injury, assuming no setbacks. This throws cold water on Moreno’s season after he had an exciting game one. Lamar Miller is the presumed starter, but don’t sleep on Damien Williams. Miller hasn’t shown inspiring play and Williams might get a shot. Williams did have 19 yards on five carries week two, after shining week one (7 rushes for 33 yards and a touchdown). If Williams is available in your league, grab him. Moreno’s long-term dynasty value is tenuous and takes another hit with this injury.

DeSean Jackson, WR WAS

The Redskins had a tough day for injuries. Jackson sustained a sprained AC joint after landing on his left shoulder. Depending on the severity of the AC sprain, athletes can return to play in 1-2 weeks (grade 1), 2-4 weeks (grade 2) or longer if severe (2 months). He is day-to-day right now, and that would suggest a lower grade injury, so hopefully he won’t miss too many games.

Robert Griffin, QB WAS

Griffin just can’t stay healthy. He dislocated an ankle and was removed from the game. Initial estimates are 4-5 weeks and that sounds optimistic to me. If a dislocated ankle can be “reduced,” or put back into place, these are typically treated with a non-weight bearing cast for six weeks, then rehabilitation begins. Arthritis can be an issue long-term with these injuries and I do have some concern Griffin’s mobility could be adversely impacted long-term. I have Griffin as a strong sell, as I have no confidence he can stay healthy long-term.

Ryan Mathews, RB SD

Mathews was taken off in a cart and things looked grim. After the game, he was diagnosed with a sprained MCL and that’s a lot better than a torn ACL. Depending on severity, athletes with MCL sprains can miss 3-to-6 weeks. MCL sprains can impact stability in the knee and be painful. Once range of motion returns, pain resolves and knee stability is restored, athletes can return to play. Mathews should return, but will likely miss a few games. Donald Brown and Danny Woodhead get a bump.

Eric Decker, WR NYJ

Decker sustained a hamstring injury and ended his day with four receptions for 63 yards and a touchdown. It is reportedly an aggravation of a pre-existing hamstring injury, and that is important as those can take longer to recover. Return to play depends on severity of injury and response to rehabilitation for it. It’s hard to predict when Decker could return to game action. It depends on when pain resolves, strength returns, and that can be hard to predict. This could be a multi-week injury, but only time will tell.

Brandon Marshall, WR CHI

Marshall was active for Sunday Night Football and able to play after being listed as questionable with an ankle injury. Marshall at times looked limited during the game, but he also made an incredible one-handed touchdown catch that looked pretty good to me. He ended up with a huge game. For now, pencil Marshall into your lineups but watch his practice participation closely.

Alshon Jeffery, WR CHI

Jeffery, like Marshall, entered Sunday Night Football questionable but was able to play with an injured hamstring. He was able to gain separation at times but didn’t appear to have his usual elite explosiveness at the end of routes. Cutler and Jeffery didn’t seem to be on the same pag, and Jeffery seemed to be a step behind. It’s encouraging Jeffery was able to play, but hopefully he doesn’t re-injure his hamstring in the process. Hamstring injuries can be worse when re-injured, and this can occur 16-31% of cases. Cross your fingers, Alshon owners.

Carson Palmer, QB ARI

Palmer was unable to play this week with a “nerve issue” in his throwing shoulder – that’s not encouraging. Making matters worse, Drew Stanton replaced Palmer and his performance was not exactly inspiring (he completed 14 passes in 29 attempts for 167 yards and no touchdowns). Michael Floyd was rendered nearly useless for fantasy players, finishing with one reception for 19 yards. Larry Fitzgerald rebounded a bit after a dismal week one performance with six receptions for 51 yards and a touchdown. Good luck predicting which week Floyd or Fitzgerald will get featured. Hopefully Palmer will return soon or playmakers on this offense might take a hit in production.

Vernon Davis, TE SF

Davis had an ankle injury and it looked like the high-ankle variety based on the tackle. He was tackled from behind with his foot planted and that is a typical injury mechanism for high-ankle sprains. He was on crutches after the game, again suggestive of something more than a low grade ankle sprain. Much like Jamaal Charles, recovery could be 2-to-8 weeks or longer and these can be nagging injuries. It’s a tough blow considering Davis was off to a good start this year.

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