The Dynasty Doctor: Week Seven Injury Report

Scott Peak Posted On October 21, 2014

dynodocinjury

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.

CJ Spiller, RB BUF

Spiller broke his collarbone and is likely out for the season. He will reportedly undergo surgery this week to repair the fracture. It typically takes at least six weeks for bone healing to occur, and return to play is 8-12 weeks for most cases. It looks like Spiller’s season is done, barring a miracle. Bryce Brown looks to gain value on this news, given Fred Jackson’s woes. The broken clavicle should not adversely impact Spiller’s NFL future, but his dynasty value is dropping fast.

Fred Jackson, RB BUF

[am4show have=’g1;’ guest_error=’sub_message’ user_error=’sub_message’ ]

Jackson sustained a groin injury and it appears to be significant. Depending on the severity of the groin injury, recovery can take 2-3 weeks for grade II injuries, and 6-8 weeks for grade III injuries. Initial reports are a four-week recovery, making it likely a grade II injury. At 33 years old, one has to wonder how much more Jackson’s body can take. Jackson has always been a great value in dynasty, but time might be running out on him. Again, grab Bryce Brown if he is somehow on waivers, or even take a flyer on Anthony Dixon. Spiller and Jackson accounted for 120 carries this season, or 17 per game. The schedule for Buffalo doesn’t look that great, but finding a starting running back is a war of attrition and Brown is worth a look.

Reggie Bush, RB DET

Bush had a much-hyped game against his former team, the New Orleans Saints, but ended up having limited playing time due to a lingering ankle injury. He ended the game with four carries for ten yards and five receptions for 22 yards. Bush has his worst yards-per-carry (3.6) of his career. Monitor Bush in practice this week before inserting him into starting lineups. The Lions get a juicy match-up against the Atlanta Falcons next week. If Bush can’t go, Joique Bell could have a big game.

Jimmy Graham, TE NO

Graham managed to play two weeks after his shoulder injury. Unfortunately, Graham had only two targets and tossed up a goose-egg for those who took the risk of starting him. While these injuries can linger, it’s mostly an issue of pain tolerance. As covered last week, athletes with grade II AC joint sprains typically return-to-play in 2-4 weeks, and more severe sprains can take longer (two months). It’s encouraging that Graham was able to suit up and play this week. That is more in-line with a grade II sprain and hopefully Graham will be back to his usual self in 1-2 weeks. Time will tell.

Trent Richardson, RB IND

Richardson was pulled from the game with a hamstring injury. A MRI is planned, but after the game Richardson downplayed the severity. Richardson looked good with 14 rushes for 77 yards and four receptions for 41 yards. I’m buying Richardson in dynasty, given the negative press has beaten down his value to a point where he is a value – this might be an opportunity to get him at an even greater discount.

Brian Orakpo, LB WAS

Orakpo suffered a pectoral injury and is out for the remainder of this season. Pectoral tears are usually treated with surgery and have a return to play of six months in most cases. Orakpo has missed 16 games in his NFL career, and seems to have trouble staying healthy. Owners of Orakpo in sack-heavy IDP leagues will need to look for another option.

Kyle Fuller, CB CHI

Fuller had a tough day. He broke a hand and was knocked out of the game with a hip pointer. He has been a solid asset for IDP owners who need to start cornerbacks, presently top ten in tackle-heavy and big-play scoring formats. Hip pointers take 1-3 weeks to recover, depending on severity and pain intensity. Neither injury should impact his dynasty value.

[/am4show]