Dynasty Injury Impact: Week Five

I praise the fantasy gods every week no fantasy significant injuries occur and this week was one of those. There are some players that you need to keep an eye on going forward, but all in all it was a good week. Let’s recap.

PSA: When I list a player as “notable, but less significant” it can be for one of two things. Either the injury is insignificant or the player is. Can I say that?

All info contained in this article is from the great Matthew Betz. Follow him @TheFantasyPT. He’s an orthopedic physical therapist and provides injury analysis for The Fantasy Footballers. He is a great resource to follow for injury updates.

Quarterback

Mason Rudolph, PIT

Injury: Concussion

Timeframe: Week to week

It was ugly watching Rudolph go down last week. Despite how bad it looked, Rudolph was able to walk off the field and even leave the hospital that day. He is now is the league’s concussion protocol. It’s unlikely he plays in week six, but he could return as early as week seven.

Patrick Mahomes, KC

Injury: High ankle sprain

Timeframe: Day to day

This is a reaggravation of the same sprain he suffered in week one. While he was able to play just fine after the initial injury, he looked hobbled after reinjuring it this past week. It’s something to keep an eye on. I would be surprised if he misses any games, but he may not be himself for a couple weeks.

Running Back

David Johnson, ARI

Injury: Back pain

Timeframe: Day to day

This is worth keeping an eye on. Evidently, Johnson played through the injury last week, but was in so much pain afterwards that he couldn’t even sit at his locker to talk to reporters. It doesn’t sound like he’ll miss any time, but he won’t be at 100%, so temper expectations.

Wayne Gallman, NYG

Injury: Concussion

Timeframe: Day to day

Well, that was short lived. Gallman left early in the Giant’s matchup with my Minnesota Vikings and did not return. This injury is notable for two reasons. One, he’s already ruled out for week six. Two, by all accounts Barkley is inhuman and is looking at returning to action soon. Either way, your sell high window on Gallman is gone.

Other notable injuries, although less significant for fantasy: Darren Sproles (Quad Strain)

Wide Receiver

Sammy Watkins, KC

Injury: Hamstring strain

Timeframe: Week to week

This is why teams should not rush their players back from injury. After showing up on the injury report last week, he tried to play through it only to reinjure it within the first five minutes (insert facepalm emoji). As of now, he is week to week, so watch those practice reports.

Sterling Shepard, NYG

Injury: Concussion

Timeframe: Week to week

Normally a concussion is considered a day to day injury, but this is his second concussion this season. That does not bode well for his availability. He’s already been ruled out for week six and could miss even more time. Expect him to be unavailable for the near future.

James Washington, PIT

Injury: AC joint sprain

Timeframe: Week to week

Washington separated his shoulder on Sunday and was seen a sling on Monday. These types of injuries have different degrees of severity, but judging by the sling it appears unlikely that he plays next week. He may be able to avoid surgery and come back this season, but it could take some time to heal.

Other notable injuries, although less significant for fantasy: Phillip Dorsett (hamstring strain), Marquise Brown (ankle sprain).

Tight End

James O’Shaughnessy, JAX

Injury: Torn ACL

Timeframe: IR (Season ending)

Now normally, this would be an injury that I put into the “less significant” category, because unless you’re in a deep two-TE league, this likely has no impact on your fantasy team. Here is why I think this injury could be significant in fantasy (and no its not because of Geoff Swaim): rookie TE Josh Oliver is nearing his return from injury. While rookie tight ends tend not to be productive, he has a very intriguing profile. He’s worth grabbing or trading for now.