Dynasty Fantasy Football: Season-Ending QB Injuries

The NFL has seen at least 48 different quarterbacks start a game this season. Whether it is injury, performance, or looking to provide a spark, the league suffers when the signal-caller goes down. We have also seen some incredibly highly-regarded quarterbacks hit injured reserve, leaving their teams without someone to call the plays.

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 to break down the latest injuries and provide perspective on how to navigate the pitfalls that are injuries.

This is a bonus article focusing on the various quarterbacks who underwent season-ending surgeries and their outlook for 2024.

Anthony Richardson, IND

Injury: Right AC Joint Grade 3 Sprain

Richardson suffered a Grade 3 AC Joint sprain following a tackle from Tennessee Titans LB Harold Landry III in Week 5. After some discussion and second opinions, the decision was made to shut down Richardson for the season and undergo surgery to repair the area. In most cases, AC joint sprains do not require surgery, but in a Grade 3, the acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments are torn in addition to 25-to-100 displacement of the clavicle on the opposite side.

The rookie quarterback could have played through the injury following an injured reserve stint, but would have struggled with accuracy and power with a high potential to suffer further damage. A typical rehab for an AC Joint reconstruction is upwards of six months which places Richardson ready to return for OTA’s and training camp. When he does return, a return to prior performance and no long-term concerns are expected. This injury alone should not impact the Colts' decision to exercise his fifth-year option or contract extension should his play warrant the discussion.

Joe Burrow, CIN

Injury: Right wrist ligament tear

Burrow went down with a right wrist injury midway through the second quarter on Thursday night against the Baltimore Ravens on a nondescript hit in the pocket. However, when he braced his fall, he landed with the wrist extended and felt a pop. He later tried throwing on the sideline and was unable to without significant pain. That fall ultimately led to a ligament tear that ended his season.

The suspected ligament that he tore is the scapholunate ligament, one of the most common ligaments to tear in the wrist. This ligament connects the scaphoid and lunate, important carpal bones that provide structural support in the wrist. Without the proper alignment and support, normal functions of the wrist become difficult, including gripping and throwing a football.

Other positions can play through this injury and delay surgery but throwing a football would be impossible in Burrow’s case. Those that do undergo surgery have acceptable outcomes with 80 percent returning to play and two-thirds returning to preinjury level of competition. Had Burrow had a partial tear or delayed surgery, there was concern for arthritic changes. Considering the Bengals signed him to a massive contract extension this past offseason, they are ensuring that he can perform at a franchise quarterback level for years to come.

Aaron Rodgers, NYJ

Injury: Left Achilles tear

Rodgers' 2023 season lasted just four snaps as he scrambled in the pocket to avoid Buffalo Bills LB Leonard Floyd in week one. As he attempted to escape, his left foot got caught in the turf as he fell forward, rupturing his Achilles. Despite Rodgers stating that he can come back as early as mid-December, I believe his optimism is a farce as I do not believe any sane doctor or physical therapist will clear him to return even with the newer Achilles repair method, especially behind his patchwork offensive line that soon.