The Dynasty Doctor: Week Seven Injury Report

Scott Peak Posted On October 28, 2015

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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 a Senior Writer for 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.

Arian Foster, RB HOU

This is a tough injury to report, but it’s a bad one. Foster suffered a torn Achilles tendon and is done for the year. Foster had a solid game, with 18 carries for 59 yards and a rushing touchdown, along with 5 receptions for 66 yards and a touchdown. It was a nice finale for him, but it definitely leaves a sour taste in mouths of owners counting on him for the rest of the year. Chris Polk and Alfred Blue are the primary back-ups. It will be curious to see if Pierre Thomas gets attention from the Texans front office. As bad as the Texans have played this year, they are only one game back from a poor Colts team in the AFC South. For that reason, I could see the Texans make a run for Thomas, and he’s worth a pick-up if he is available on waivers. There aren’t many examples of running backs returning from a torn Achilles tendon, much less 30 year old running backs like Foster. Surgery followed by a long rehabilitation will be next, and his availability to start the 2016 season is questionable. Odds are against Foster returning to form and this will be a huge hit to his dynasty value. I’m not a buyer.

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Antonio Gates, TE SD

Gates was held out of week seven with a sprained MCL. Reports this week suggested he might be out multiple games. Gates’ MCL sprain was described as “low grade”. This would seem to suggest a grade 1 or 2 MCL sprain. Grade 1 MCL sprains can be 1-2 week injuries, and grade II MCL sprains 2-4 week injuries. Based on these reports, we’ll see if he needs 1-3 games to recover, but hopefully he will be back soon. Ladarius Green has been a productive asset for our teams when Gates is inactive.

Phillip Dorsett, WR IND

Dorsett sustained a fractured left ankle. In watching the replay, it looked like he got his left ankle either impacted by a tackler or twisted underneath him. He was able to walk off the field, and that is a good sign. Initial reports are a 4-6 week return to play, and this would suggest a relatively simple fracture. No reports of surgery yet. Return to play will depend on severity of the fracture. This injury should not change his dynasty value, as players can return to previous form when fully recovered. I’m a buyer of Dorsett and now may be a great time to grab him at a discount.

Vincent Jackson, WR TB

Jackson was unable to return to play after a knee injury. Replays of the injury showed a Buccaneers defender impacting Jackson’s groin/medial leg region, and I didn’t see a specific hyper-extension component or impact to suggest an MCL/LCL injury. Jackson walked off on his own. I doubt this is a long-term injury but monitor his practice participation to be sure. This should not adversely impact his dynasty value.

Joseph Randle, RB DAL

Randle has an oblique injury, similar to his previous injury in training camp. It doesn’t sound serious but can be painful, especially with twisting movements in the hips/lower back. Initial reports are he could miss a few games, and it can take 2-3 weeks to allow for sufficient healing. Darren McFadden had 29 carries for 152 yards and a touchdown. Christine Michael got a lot of hype but ended up disappointing yet again (5 carries, 18 yards, 1 reception for 2 yards). McFadden seems to be the primary beneficiary here but whether he can remain healthy with a bigger workload is a concern.

Chris Ivory, RB NYJ

Ivory is dealing with a hamstring injury, but was able to play this week. He had 17 carries for 41 yards, and 2 receptions for 12 yards and a touchdown to save his fantasy owners. Keep an eye on this situation as hamstring injuries can be unpredictable, but hopefully he’ll be able to play week 8.

Melvin Gordon, RB SD

Gordon continues to have a disappointing rookie season. Pre-game there were concerns about an ankle injury, but his recent issues with ball security may be the more significant reason for his time on the bench. The injury doesn’t sound alarming, but his role in the offense combined with multiple injuries on the Chargers offensive line may delay his breakout. Now may be a great time to acquire Gordon at a discount, for those who believe in his talent.

Josh McCown, QB CLE

McCown was unable to continue after injuring his shoulder. The injury isn’t believed to be serious, and he is described as “banged up”. Monitor his practice participation this week and we’ll see if he can play week 8. Johnny Manziel may get another shot if McCown can’t go, but given the Browns play Arizona, it’s hard to trust him this week.

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