IDP Injury Analysis: Playoff Push Edition
As the NFL season gets colder, injuries and missed time mean more as teams around the league push for playoff spots. What was a fantastic season can be derailed by a perennial All-Pro going down with an injury just when your team was about to make a deep run. These injuries also affect fantasy football playoffs with injuries bouncing once supremely talented teams in the first round. Understanding how to navigate these injuries not only allows you to find a suitable replacement but plan ahead on the waiver wire.
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.
The IDP injury analysis is a monthly installment highlighting the biggest injuries around the NFL.
Defensive injuries to monitor
Myles Garrett, DE CLE
Injury: Left shoulder
Return to Play: Week 13
Garrett felt a pop in his left shoulder during the 29-12 loss to the Denver Broncos in week 12. He continued to play through the game but was limited at times from raising his shoulder. MRI findings indicated that he did not suffer any structural damage which is positive news for the Browns who have lost key players already this season. He may have some trouble shedding blocks on the left side and engaging blocks, but this should not prevent him from playing. As the third-ranked IDP DLF consensus rankings player, there is absolutely no reason to move on from Garrett unless he moves to injured reserve.
Jerome Baker, LB MIA
Injury: Left MCL sprain
Return to Play: Week 16-17
Baker was the victim of friendly fire on Sunday that knocked him out with a left knee injury. Teammate Brandon Jones attempted to knock out Commanders WR Curtis Samuel from entering the end zone early in the second quarter in week 13. Jones was successful in hitting Samuel but once contact was made, Jones’s lower body crashed into Baker’s left leg as he was in hot pursuit. There was initial concern for an ACL tear, but testing revealed it was intact and that Baker would be week-to-week. As the 146 overall ranked player in the IDP DLF consensus rankings, Baker won’t be back in time to help you win your fantasy championships. Instead, Baker may be able to return in time to help the Dolphins secure a home playoff game.
Drue Tranquill, LB KC
Injury: Concussion
Return to Play: Week 14-15
Tranquill suffered a concussion early in the loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night in week 13. His injury occurred as he went in to tackle Packers RB AJ Dillon when he took a knee to his head. He required assistance to get off the field and was placed into concussion protocol. Tranquill will need to pass through the concussion protocol which is taking the majority of players over a week to pass this season. Ranked 106 overall in the DLF IDP consensus rankings, Tranquill will still be a viable option even if he does have to miss a week in your fantasy football playoffs.
Returning from IR
Nick Bolton, LB KC
Injury: Left dislocated wrist
Return to Play: Week 14-15
The Chiefs designated Bolton to begin practicing on November 29 after suffering a dislocated wrist in week 7 that required surgery. He may have to play with a club but even if he is limited by the club, the number 7 overall ranked IDP DLF consensus-ranked player will be a welcome addition to the Chiefs lineup as they hope to once again make a deep playoff run.
On Injured Reserve
Jaelan Phillips, LB MIA
Injury: Right Achilles tear
Return to Play: 2024
Phillips suffered a torn Achilles on a routine defensive play in the fourth quarter against the New York Jets in week 12. He attempted to take his first step forward after the ball was snapped before going down due to the non-contact injury. He underwent surgery on November 29 and began the long, arduous journey back to health. The 17th overall IDP DLF consensus-ranked player is a big loss, but the team did sign Jason Pierre-Paul to take his snaps.
Joey Bosa, LB LAC
Injury: Right foot sprain
Return to Play: 2024
Bosa suffered a right foot sprain on the opening drive against the Green Bay Packers in week 11. He collided with a Packers lineman as Aaron Jones ran into the pile for no gain. Barely making it off the field, Bosa required a cart to get to the locker room. The team later diagnosed him with a right foot sprain and placed him on injured reserve. He would be eligible to return in week 16, but considering foot sprains are slow to heal and the Chargers diminishing playoff chances, Bosa may have no incentive to return. The 34th overall player in the IDP DLF consensus rankings can be moved on from safely without regret.
Talanoa Hufanga, S SF
Injury: Right ACL tear
Return to Play: 2024
Hufanga tore his right ACL midway through the third quarter against Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Rachaad White. He tried to backpedal and change directions to keep up with White, instead his knee buckled as the ACL tore. The All-Pro from last season saw his season end prematurely and while he will return in 2024, it may not be in week one. Losing the 75th ranked IDP DLF consensus player will do your fantasy team no favors.
Kwon Alexander, LB PIT
Injury: Achilles tear
Return to Play: 2024
Alexander suffered his second Achilles tear in week ten against the Green Bay Packers, ending his season. He is no stranger to the injury and its associated rehab having torn the Achilles tendon in 2020 when he was with the New Orleans Saints. It’s not clear if this was the same side but he will have to once again battle back. Ranked 209 in the IDP DLF consensus rankings, Alexander was easily replaceable to begin with if you had him in your lineup.
David Ojabo, DE BAL
Injury: Torn ACL
Return to Play: 2024
Ojabu underwent surgery to repair a torn ACL originally suffered in late September. He had attempted to rehab through the injury but eventually, every medical expert he saw stated that he needed to get the ACL repaired. He has appeared in only five games since being drafted in 2022 also partially due to his Achilles tear while training. Despite somehow being ranked 187 in the IDP DLF consensus rankings, you will have to wait to see if Ojabu can regain his pre-draft form next year.
Matt Milano, LB BUF
Injury: Right knee fracture
Return to Play: 2024
Milano originally suffered a right knee fracture in the loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in week five. Shortly after the injury, the team kept the door open slightly so that he could make a return late in the season. However, rehab either wasn’t going as well as possible or the bone wasn’t healing as quickly which prompted the team to state on November 17 that they did not expect him to return. The 97th overall ranked IDP DLF consensus player has been terribly missed by the inconsistent Buffalo Bills defense this year.
- Rookies with Injury Concerns: Quarterback - April 24, 2024
- Rookies with Injury Concerns: Running Back - April 21, 2024
- Rookies with Injury Concerns: Tight End - April 16, 2024
