The Dynasty Doctor: Week Three 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.

Dennis Pitta TE BAL

Pitta unfortunately dislocated his right hip and is out for the year. It’s a tough injury for Pitta, and recovery from surgery is 3 to 6 months. 30% of players with this injury can get avascular necrosis, or poor blood flow to the hip that results in degeneration of the hip joint. Think Bo Jackson. We will see how this turns out, but Pitta’s NFL career may be in jeopardy, given this is his second hip dislocation since 2013. Owen Daniels is up next for the Ravens at tight end. Crockett Gilmore is an interesting stash in dynasty formats. The Ravens may end up eating a sizable amount of his contract extension.

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Kyle Rudolph TE MIN

Rudolph aggravated a groin injury, and left after catching three passes for 27 yards. Rudolph continues an injury plagued career, and is scheduled to have surgery. Initial estimates are 6 weeks recovery. Rhett Ellison is next up if Rudolph misses much time. Bump up Greg Jennings and Cordarrelle Patterson as targets for Teddy Bridgewater.

 

Jonathan Stewart RB CAR

Stewart sustained a significant knee sprain in Sunday Night Football against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He had a nice night before getting injured, with 5 carries for 31 yards and 3 receptions for 19 yards. Reports are he could miss 4 weeks. Stewart cannot stay healthy and is borderline droppable in dynasty formats.

 

Danny Woodhead RB SAN

Woodhead is out for the year after sustaining a high ankle sprain with a fibular fracture. Surgery is planned, and that carries a recovery of 3-4 months. Woodhead is 29 years old, and according to spotrac.com, there would be a cap hit of $2.5 million and $3.5 million in dead money if the team parted ways with him in 2015. It’s hard to imagine the Chargers parting ways with Woodhead given the cap hit, but we will have to see how it unfolds. Donald Brown is next up, and the training camp stand out, Brandon Oliver, could get a shot at Woodhead’s role.

 

Ryan Shazier LB PIT

Shazier injured a knee and was unable to return on Sunday Night Football. The injury is reportedly an MCL sprain. Recovery is 3 to 6 weeks. Shazier was looking solid in IDP leagues so this is a loss. Keep an eye out for Sean Spence as a potential replacement for Shazier. I don’t think this adversely impacts his dynasty value.

 

Matt Cassel QB MIN

Cassel broke a foot and probably lost his job. Teddy Bridgewater takes over. The Vikings have had a run of bad luck. Hopefully Bridgewater changes their mojo. Cassel’s career may be nearing the end.

 

DeAngelo Hall CB WAS

Hall tore an Achilles tendon and his season is over. Hall was a productive option for IDP leagues that start cornerbacks. Hopefully there will be solid replacements on waiver wires for IDP competitors. Byron Maxwell (SEA) and Antoine Cason (CAR) have been productive options that might be available on IDP waiver wires.

 

TY Hilton WR IND

Hilton sustained a sprained ankle and did not return. He had a solid game, catching 5 passes for 80 yards. Donte Moncrief replaced Hilton, and had 4 receptions for 55 yards on 5 targets, while pitching in 1 rushing attempt for 7 yards. Right now the Colts are saying the injury is not severe. Pay attention to his practice participation. The question here is high-ankle sprain or not. If he is able to practice this week, that would suggest a less severe sprain.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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