Dynasty Injury Report: Week Ten

We are in the thick of the fantasy football season with many players jockeying for playoff spots or trying to salvage their season. Some of you are so dominant that you are undefeated or barely have lost, leaving you the master of your league.

However, injuries continue to spare no one and one wrong move trying to replace a starter could mean missing the playoffs or an unfavorable first-round matchup. Getting the scoop on the latest injuries can help you avoid the struggles of your opponents.

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 11 and any concerns moving forward for your fantasy championships.

Aaron Jones, RB MIN

Injury: Rib injury

Timeline to Return: Week 12-13

Jones took a brutal hit to his right side on a run early in the third quarter forcing him to the team’s medical tent. After an assessment, he was able to return to finish the game but stated after the game how he was still hurting, he even noted that he thought the hit cracked something.

It’s entirely possible that Jones cracked a rib or several but returned with a flank jacket and an injection to finish the game. Watch the injury reports with an expectation that he will be limited this week. However, this is something that Jones can play through if need be. Considering the Vikings record, it wouldn’t hurt if Jones sat which would be ideal for his health. Cam Akers or Ty Chandler would be great handcuffs if Jones trends downward this week.

Dalton Kincaid, TE BUF

Injury: Left knee

Timeline to Return: Week 13-14

Kincaid attempted to dive for a deep pass down the right side which would have been a sure touchdown late in the first quarter on Sunday. He came up short and landed directly on his left knee but didn’t immediately leave the game. After returning for one play, he went in the medical tent and came out with a hinged knee brace to play in two more snaps in the third quarter before exiting.

Based on the mechanism of injury, there is a strong concern for a PCL injury. This ligament is opposite of the ACL and prevents the tibia from moving backward. These are not injuries that he can reliably play through meaning that he will likely miss Week 11. The Bills also have a bye in Week 12 which can help Kincaid minimize his time missed but maximize his healing. Should he try and play, I am not expecting a heavy workload.

While Kincaid is out, Dawson Knox will get the majority of snaps at tight end. But consider Quintin Morris, he could be a sneaky add who caught his first touchdown pass of the season in Week 9.

Sam LaPorta, TE DET

Injury: Left shoulder AC joint sprain

Timeline to Return: Week 12

LaPorta hauled in a huge catch down the left sideline to put the Lions into scoring position in the third quarter, injuring his left shoulder in the process. He landed hard on the shoulder and came up to celebrate before the pain likely set in, requiring further medical assessment. The Lions later deemed him questionable and he did not return.

Head coach Dan Campbell noted that LaPorta has an AC joint sprain and outright said that he may miss this week. While this is an injury that LaPorta could play through, the Lions are best to let him get healthier for the playoffs. If he plays, I don’t expect him to be effective,

especially blocking and his catch radius would be limited. Look for his replacement in Brock Wright or Shane Zylstra. Otherwise hit the waiver wire for a matchup-specific option.

Saquon Barkley, RB PHI

Injury: Left wrist

Timeline to Return: Week 11

Barkley appeared to tweak his left wrist while trying to recover a Jalen Hurts fumble late in the second quarter. He required brief medical attention and later a large bandage on the forearm but otherwise returned to play at the beginning of the third quarter.

He was able to finish the game and no mentions of him were made in the postgame press conference. This may be more of a hurt than an injury, similar to what we saw with his back issue last week. As I said last week, monitor but don’t make any moves yet.

Najee Harris, RB PIT

Injury: Right ankle

Timeline to Return: Week 11

Harris had his right ankle rolled up on late in the game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday. He briefly required attention from the training staff before returning for the next drive to finish the game.

Following the win, he was spotted with ice on the ankle and he stated that they needed to do more tests on him. Considering he said he was rolled up on, there may be a mild high ankle or even a medial ankle sprain. Keep an eye on the injury report this week in case Harris has multiple DNP’s if the ankle is worsening.

Jaylen Warren has severely underperformed this year but would get the bulk of the carries should Harris be out. Cordarrelle Patterson would also see a big uptick in snaps and may be the preferred option in Week 11 against the Baltimore Ravens.

Trevor Lawrence, QB JAC

Injury: Left shoulder AC joint sprain

Timeline to Return: Possibly 2025

Lawrence’s shoulder injury cropped up last week after the Week 10 publication with reports that he suffered the injury to his non-throwing shoulder against the Philadelphia Eagles. Reports have been pretty consistent that this is a severe AC joint sprain that could require surgery.

In the midst of a 2-8 season, 2024 is lost for the Jaguars. They signed Lawrence to a huge extension prior to the season and need to look towards a 2025 reset. Fortunately, this is to his non-throwing shoulder which means I have minimal concerns moving forward. Backup Mac Jones will get the snaps moving forward and as a former first-round talent, may still have some sparks left that are fantasy-worthy. Otherwise, hit that waiver wire.

Tyreek Hill, WR MIA

Injury: Left wrist ligament tear

Timeline to Return: Week 11

Hill popped up on the injury report last Thursday with a wrist injury that was described as “heating up”. He was questionable heading into Monday Night Football but ultimately suited up.

Prior to the game, Lisa Salters reported that Hill had been dealing with a torn ligament in his left wrist that was aggravated when he was handcuffed and detained earlier this season. Earlier during the preseason, Hill had been dealing with a right thumb/wrist injury. This new revelation adds a layer of complexity to Hill’s medical issues moving forward in fantasy.

Hill is still a must-start in every league, but with the Dolphins fading heavily from playoff contention, he may elect to undergo surgery to repair the issue. This has been floated as a rumor that Hill’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus did not outright refute. He will likely continue to play until the Dolphins are eliminated. Watch the updates on this one closely.

Adam Thielen, WR CAR

Injury: Left hamstring strain

Timeline to Return: Week 12-14

Thielen has been on injured reserve since suffering a left hamstring strain back in Week 3. On Tuesday, the Panthers announced that they would be opening his practice window to return this season.

With the Panthers on bye this week, this gives him time to ramp up to be ready as soon as Week 12 against the Kansas City Chiefs. They could elect to use the entire time frame and make the decision after the Week 13 game against the Buccaneers to make his debut against the Philadelphia Eagles. He’s worth grabbing now as a healthy body come playoff time whenever he is activated back to the roster.

Dak Prescott, QB DAL

Injury: Hamstring avulsion

Timeline to Return: 2025

After several consultations, Dak Prescott decided to undergo surgery to repair his hamstring avulsion meaning that his season is over. The Cowboys are not outright waving the white flag on the season, but severely underperforming against expectations is leading them to look toward 2025.

Prescott should return to form in 2025 and could be worth buying low on if you have him in dynasty. Otherwise, go grab Cooper Rush if you need a replacement, or hit the waiver wire.