Dynasty Injury Report: Week Three
There are very few guarantees in life, but there are several in the NFL. One team will win, one team will lose, and there will be new injuries every week. This not only affects roster depth, but forces fantasy football managers to pivot to find the next breakout star to save their season.
My name is Kyle Trimble, I am a Doctor of Physical Therapy, the other half of the injury analyst team here at Dynasty League Football. We are here each and every week breaking down the latest injuries and providing perspective on how to navigate the pitfalls that are injuries.
The weekly injury roundup will be posted on Wednesdays to discuss injuries that just occurred. I would also encourage you to tune in to the DLF YouTube channel (make sure to subscribe!) to tune in to helpful content throughout the week.
Let’s start with injury updates as we enter week four of the season.
Derek Carr, QB NO
Injury: Right AC joint sprain
Return to Play: Week 6-7
Carr saw his Sunday end early on a violent sack from Packers LB Rashan Gary when he wrapped him up from behind and spun him down, slamming him to the turf on his right shoulder. The veteran quarterback required assistance in walking off the field with trainers before going into the locker room for further evaluation including a trip to the hospital.
Fortunately, news came out that he only suffered an AC joint sprain. Thankfully, most AC joint sprains are not season-ending but this latest injury will keep him out of commission for the foreseeable future. On average, quarterbacks miss 17.3 days due to this injury. Considering this is his throwing shoulder, he may be out closer to three weeks. In the meantime, consider picking up Jameis Winston if you need a quick replacement or see what remaining starting quarterbacks remain on your waiver-wire.
Patrick Mahomes, QB KC
Injury: Right inversion ankle sprain
Return to Play: Week 4
Mahomes put a scare into Chiefs fans when he had Bears defensive end Dominique Robinson fall onto his heel, causing him to twist his right ankle on Sunday.
He was initially hopping around and in obvious discomfort but continued to play until he left the game up 41-0. Considering Mahomes played in the Super Bowl with a high-ankle sprain and this was the same side, there was obvious concern. Fortunately, outside of some limited practice participation this week and extra work with the training staff, there is zero concern for Mahomes heading into week four. Start someone else only if you’re absolutely crazy.
Mike Williams, WR LAC
Injury: Left ACL tear
Return: 2024
Late in the third quarter against the Vikings, Williams jumped over a fallen teammate as he tried to gain extra yards before being taken down by defensive tackle Harrison Phillips. Regrettably, when Williams landed, his left leg struck first and buckled inward, a classic valgus stress through the knee, tearing his ACL in the process.
On Monday, an MRI confirmed the news and that Williams would be done for the 2023 season. He will undergo surgery early next month and will begin rehab to hopefully be ready for week one of the 2024 season. With the loss of Williams, an increase in snaps for the wide receiver corps is expected with significant target shares going to rookie Quentin Johnston and veteran Joshua Palmer. Consider picking up either in your league, especially Johnston who shows a lot of promise as a first-round rookie.
Gus Edwards, RB BAL
Injury: Concussion
Return to Play: Week 4-5
After collecting 11 carries for 51 yards, Edwards exited the game in the second half, requiring a concussion check. He was later taken back to the locker room for further evaluation, not to re-enter the game. On Monday, it was announced he was in the concussion protocol, leaving his status for Sunday in doubt.
While each player passes through the concussion protocol at different rates, there should be some clues as to whether Edwards will play. If he is DNP on Wednesday, look for him to get at least a limited practice on Thursday. He should get at least a limited practice or ideally a full practice on Friday to play Sunday. If Edwards is a DNP on Thursday, go grab Melvin Gordon or even Kenyan Drake on the waiver wire if you can as Justice Hill is still working through a toe injury and still likely isn’t 100 percent yet.
Jimmy Garoppolo, QB LV
Injury: Concussion
Return to Play: Week 4-5
Garoppolo entered the concussion protocol after Sunday night’s loss to the Steelers. There was not any one particular hit or instance where the injury could have occured, but he was likely exhibiting symptoms that warranted a further assessment.
As with every other NFL concussion, he must pass through the five-stage protocol to play next week. He doesn’t have any prior reported concussions, but if he isn’t progressing through in time, then Brian Hoyer is expected to start. If Garoppolo is your guy, go find anyone else on the waiver wire because Hoyer isn’t it for week four.
Bryce Young, QB CAR
Injury: Right ankle sprain
Return to Play: Week 5
Young suffered an ankle sprain sometime during the Monday night game against the Saints in week two, but even the coaching staff can’t pinpoint when he suffered the injury. Concerns about his ankle injury became apparent when he began to miss practice later in the week.
One of the most commonly referred to plays is when he gets tackled and his right ankle is landed on with the foot everted. Fortunately, his foot was already off the turf, allowing him to avoid a high-ankle sprain.
His status was originally not in question until he began to miss practice before getting ruled out on Friday. Veteran backup Andy Dalton started in his place throwing for 361 yards and 2 TDs in relief last week. Dalton is expected to start again and could be a fine option until Young is ready to return.
River Cracraft, WR MIA
Injury: Right shoulder
Return to Play: Week 5-6
Cracraft suffered a direct blow to his right shoulder just outside the two-minute warning when he was tackled. He landed directly on his right shoulder suggesting an AC joint sprain. Depending on the severity, he is expected to miss this week and potentially more.
While Cracraft is not exactly a household name, he did score a touchdown in week one and is a great fantasy depth option on a high-octane offense. The loss of Cracraft may not drastically hurt your team, but if you need a quick replacement, consider grabbing teammate Erik Ezukanma. He has been a project player for the Dolphins and could see an increase in snaps in both the passing and running game especially as Miami is looking to pull out any tricks against a stingy Buffalo defense.
- 2025 Rookies with Injury Concerns: Running Back - April 20, 2025
- 2025 Rookies with Injury Concerns: Tight End - April 18, 2025
- 2025 Rookies with Injury Concerns: Quarterback - April 15, 2025
