Dynasty Injury Report: Week Six
Week six was not kind to fantasy teams with several surprise inactives in James Cook and Anthony Richardson, forcing owners to pivot. Adding to it all, other positions such as wide receiver absolutely got beaten, leading to early exits and severe underproduction. Owning a fantasy team has never been more frustrating or confusing.
I am Kyle Trimble, a Doctor of Physical Therapy and injury analyst at Dynasty League Football. I am here every week to break down the latest injuries and provide perspective on how to navigate the pitfalls that are injuries.
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 look at the various injuries heading into week Seven and any concerns moving forward for your fantasy championships.
Jordan Mason, RB SF
Injury: Left AC Joint sprain
Timeline to Return: Week 8
Mason suffered a left shoulder injury in the second quarter of the eventual win over the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday night. He attempted to play through the injury at first but realized it was too painful and left the game for good.
Fortunately, positive news came out indicating that he had an AC joint sprain and that he would not miss much time. Given the extra few days off and that he practiced already this week, it is promising that he could suit up Sunday.
He will require an injection to help manage the pain but if the team wishes to hold him out, Issac Guerendo is the next man up who performed well in Mason’s absence. This production of 49ers running backs is similar to what Kyle Shanahan’s father did when he was in Denver years ago. He could plug and play any running back and get them 1,000-yard seasons.
Travis Etienne, RB JAC
Injury: Hamstring strain
Timeline to Return: Week 9
Etienne suffered a hamstring strain on a deep pass early in the game versus the Chicago Bears in the Week 6 loss, exiting the game. He is officially week-to-week which puts him out likely for Week 7 and potentially Week 8 as he attempts to recover.
Given the Jaguars record this season, they should not be rushing Etienne back which means that Tank Bigsby should see his workload continue to increase. Considering Bigsby is leading the Jags in rushing despite being a backup, his workload may get transferred to D’Ernest Johnson if you’re looking for a depth option or plug-and-play for the week. Grab either if they’re available. They are playing against the Patriots in Week 7 which could be an ideal matchup for both Bigsby and Johnson.
Aaron Jones, RB MIN
Injury: Right hip
Timeline to Return: Week 7-8
Jones exited the Week 5 matchup against the New York Jets with a right hip injury in the second quarter and did not return. Fortunately, the Vikings had an incredibly well-timed bye week coming back from London to allow Jones to rest and rehab. This is potentially a groin/adductor injury which is important for running backs to cut effectively.
He was able to return to practice on Monday lightly getting some work in off to the side, a promising sign for Week 7. The level of the severity is unknown which means watching the injury reports will be key. I expect Jones to get limited practices this week with hopefully a full practice on Friday. If he does not practice or only gets limited work in by Friday, I’d consider grabbing his backup Ty Chandler if Jones is a game-time decision. Even if Jones does play, he’s risky in that production may be limited and could tweak the hip/groin again, leading to an early day.
Quentin Johnston, WR LAC
Injury: Ankle
Timeline to Return: Week 7
Johnston briefly exited Sunday’s game with an ankle injury early in the first quarter and was forced to go to the locker room for further assessment. Fortunately, he was able to return after a brief absence and finished the game. His final stat line was 3 receptions for 22 yards, not exactly fantasy football relevant.
While I do not have any concerns about Johnston playing in Week 7, his boom-or-bust play so far this year leaves a lot to be desired. I’d only start Johnston if you don’t have any other options or if there’s a favorable matchup.
Tyjae Spears, RB TEN
Injury: Hamstring strain
Timeline to Return: Week 8-9
Spears only saw 12 snaps on Sunday grabbing six carries for 27 yards before exiting with a hamstring injury. Reports came out the following day that he is week-to-week which is a fairly typical designation given his positional demands.
While he is the backup for Tony Pollard, he gets enough work during the game to warrant consideration every week. He is a handcuff should Pollard exit for any reason. The backup is Julius Chestnut but if you need a depth back, look elsewhere on the waiver wire.
Marvin Harrison Jr, WR ARI
Injury: Concussion
Timeline to Return: Week 7-8
Harrison took a shot to the head courtesy of Packers LB Isaiah McDuffie in the second quarter after an incomplete pass. When he got up, he demonstrated unsteadiness which required him to be assessed by training staff and ultimately pulled from the game.
Now that Harrison is officially in concussion protocol, he must pass through the five stages in order to be cleared for Monday’s game. Look for him to get a limited practice by Thursday, at the latest Friday for him to have a shot at playing Monday. If he’s not practicing, then go grab recently reinstated Zay Jones or even Jakobi Meyers if he’s available in your league as a plug-and-play replacement until Harrison is cleared.
Malik Nabers, WR NYG
Injury: Concussion
Timeline to Return: TBD
Nabers has missed the last two games due to a concussion suffered against the Dallas Cowboys trying to secure a catch late in the fourth quarter. Often, players miss one game and then return to play but we are entering choppy waters with Nabers missing his second consecutive game. It’s unknown if he’s having setbacks while trying to increase his workload or having other symptoms. He could practice this week and play on Sunday or miss another two games, there are a lot of unknowns. Until he is cleared, I’d be hesitant on thinking this is the week.
Even with Nabers returns, I don’t expect him to be at pre-injury level of play especially given that he is a rookie. He’s still worth starting but may net you fewer points than you expect that week. Grab Darius Slayton if you haven’t already.
Chris Olave, WR NO
Injury: Concussion
Timeline to Return: Week 8
Olave left Sunday’s contest after just three plays with a concussion in the eventual loss to the Buccaneers on Sunday. Like so many concussions seen around the league, each are unique in regards to when they return. This is Olave’s fourth documented concussion with two being in college and now two in the NFL.
The last time he suffered a concussion in the NFL, it was in his rookie year and he missed the following week. Factoring in that the Saints play on the short week on Thursday, look for your replacement immediately if you haven’t found one already. Bub Means and Mason Tipton will soak up the snaps and should be considered as streaming options while Olave is out.
Rashid Shaheed, WR NO
Injury: Knee
Timeline to Return: TBD
This injury is confusing me after trying to find it on film. Reports indicated that he suffered the injury late in the fourth quarter but he played until the very end. The injury has been described as concerning but without any specifics as to the exact injury, it’s hard to pinpoint a timeline to return or what the best move is moving forward. I do not expect Shaheed to suit up on the short week in Week 7.
As noted above with Olave, look for Bub Means or Mason Tipton until there is more information regarding Shaheed’s knee injury.
Dallas Goedert, TE PHI
Injury: Hamstring strain
Timeline to Return: Week 8-9
Goedert suffered a hamstring strain on the first series against the Browns and was unable to return to the contest. Teammate Grant Calcaterra stepped up in his place and secured 4 receptions for 67 yards, a respectable showing for a backup tight end.
Watch the practice reports for Goedert this week with the expectation that he misses in Week 7. Go grab Calcaterra as an easy replacement as Goedert is leading all tight ends in receiving yards per game. I would not expect that volume to drop off significantly as evident by Calcaterra’s production on Sunday. This is a move that could pay off dividends while Goedert is out.
Davante Adams, WR NYJ
Injury: Hamstring strain
Timeline to Return: Week 7-8
Adams has officially been traded to the New York Jets as of Tuesday, reuniting with former QB Aaron Rodgers. This trade happened even after Adams has missed the last three games as he’s worked back from a “hamstring” injury.
I have minimal concern for Adams’ health as he gets traded and moves east. He will need to pass a physical which means his hamstring should check out healthy. In addition, this appeared to always be a ploy to protect himself for an eventual trade. He is a must-start due to his chemistry with Rodgers which has paid dividends for others such as Allen Lazard in New York this year. The only reason he may not play in Week 7 would be if he needs a week to acclimate to the offense.
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