Dynasty Injury Impact: Week Seven

We are back to look at the latest injuries in the dynasty world.

PSA: When I list a player in the “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 does injury analysis for The Fantasy Footballers. So, he is a great resource to follow for injury updates.

Quarterbacks

Patrick Mahomes, KC

Injury: Dislocated kneecap

Timeframe: Three to six weeks

What a cruel world we live in. A simple quarterback sneak shortened the season of the most electric QB in football. If you missed the news, he dislocated his kneecap. After the play, he couldn’t straighten his leg and was visibly distraught. Trainers were able to put it back in place and he walked off the field. The MRI was negative for additional damage and Mahomes escaped with a “best-case scenario” injury. Despite reports that he may play this Sunday, it’s highly unlikely he’ll be able to do so without tons of Toradol. Expect around a month of recovery.

Matt Ryan, ATL

Injury: High ankle sprain

Timeframe: Week to week

Ryan was rolled up on during Sunday’s game against the Rams. After receiving an MRI, there appears to be no additional damage. The aforementioned Mahomes suffered the same injury in week one and was able to play through it. With the Falcons 1-6 and a with bye in week nine, it would make sense for them to rest their star QB next week.

Running Backs

Kerryon Johnson, DET

Injury: Unknown knee injury

Timeframe: IR (Eight weeks)

After initially not revealing much information about Johnson’s new injury to begin the week, it was later revealed that he would be placed on IR. He suffered the injury early in Sunday’s loss to my Vikings and was unable to return. There is a chance that he is able to return at some point, but this has turned into a disappointing season for the Lions’ lead back.

Other notable injuries, although less significant for fantasy: Adrian Peterson (Ankle sprain), Ito Smith (Concussion and stinger)

Wide Receivers

Adam Thielen, MIN

Injury: Hamstring strain

Timeframe: Week to week

Thielen had an absolutely beautiful TD catch during the first quarter last Sunday but unfortunately tweaked his hamstring during the play. He was unable to return and missed Thursday Night Football. The good news is that this is evidently a minor injury so he could be ready as soon as week nine.

Will Fuller, HOU

Injury: Hamstring strain

Timeframe: Three to eight weeks

Does Fuller even have hamstrings at this point? If you remember, Fuller tore his ACL and according to Betz, this made him highly likely to suffer another hamstring strain in 2019. Also, recall how Dalvin Cook struggled with hamstring issues last year after returning from a torn ACL in his rookie year. This is another in a long list of hamstring ailments for Fuller. Whether it’s his playing style or just his body, he can’t stay healthy. Normally this is a week-to-week type injury, but with his history, we could be talking a month or two of recovery.

Josh Gordon, NE

Injury: Undisclosed knee injury

Timeframe: IR (Eight weeks)

What a tumultuous career Mr. Gordon has had. From absolutely smashing in 2013, to suspension, to reinstatement, to being traded, to the comeback, and currently to IR. He’s had the highs and lows. His latest series of knees injuries have him out for the season, at least with New England. While truthers will anxiously await his next signing, the smart move would be to get what you can for him. He’s not getting any younger and can’t stay on the field. It’s time to move on.

Tight Ends

Delanie Walker, TEN

Injury: Ankle sprain

Timeframe: Week to week

It may also be time to move on from Walker. Entering week seven with an injury, he slowly declined in his practice reps throughout the week. This was a bad sign and sure enough, he re-aggravated the injury during the game. It’s not a major injury, but expect him to miss a week or two. In the meantime, Jonnu Smith is beginning his ascension to fantasy glory so you need to be grabbing and stashing him if he’s available.