Like most weeks this NFL season, Week 9 brought us injuries for our fantasy teams, and this week, there were a couple of potential season-ending injuries. Our rosters will feel the fantasy football implications of these injuries, and hopefully, learning about them in more depth will help you to prepare for the weeks to come.
Key:
(Position) Player | Injury | My Projection for Return to Play
QB Daniel Jones, New York Giants | ACL Tear| Season-Ending
The early word out of the Giants' camp is that Daniel Jones has a serious knee injury and could miss the remainder of the season.
The initial fear is that quarterback Daniel Jones has a torn ACL in his right knee, per sources. MRI coming Monday to determine full extent of the injury but there is concern for a serious injury.
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) November 6, 2023
By video, Jones' knee did buckle, and his mechanism fit that of an ACL tear. We should have more word on Monday/Tuesday, but right now, it would seem that Jones' season is over.
Monday Update: Tests confirm that Jones has a torn ACL. His 2023 season is over.
RB Cam Akers, Minnesota Vikings | Ankle - Possible Achilles Tear | Likely Season-Ending
From one season-ending injury to another, there is serious concern that Cam Akers has a torn Achilles. If you remember, Akers tore his right Achilles in 2021, but this injury appears to be on the left. It's unclear if this was compensatory from his right Achilles tendon surgery, but at this point, it does not matter. Barring a miracle, Akers' 2023 season is likely over.
Monday Update: Akers officially has a ruptured Achilles. His season is over as well.
WR Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts | Knee | Projecting Week 12 Return
Coming into Week 9, Josh Downs was Questionable with a knee injury, and it appears that it is that very same knee injury that caused him to only play the first quarter before he was ruled out. It's still unclear what knee injury Downs is dealing with, but it is likely some sort of sprain. On average, NFL WRs miss two games with a non-specific knee injury, and given the fact that Downs has suffered some sort of setback, I think he might miss next week. The Colts have a bye in Week 11, so a Week 12 return could make the most sense.
TE Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia Eagles | Arm/Elbow | Projecting Week 15 Return
Dallas Goedert was ruled out of Sunday's game with a forearm injury. By video, it is very possible that Goedert is dealing with either a fracture or a dislocation at his elbow. If that is the case, it could cause him to spend some time on IR and miss anywhere from 4-6 weeks.
Dallas Goedert -
— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) November 5, 2023
Concern for right elbow.
Was pulled/tractioned by the defender. Biggest concern would be radial head dislocation but hopefully it’s just a sprain.
Headed into the locker room to get checked
pic.twitter.com/0V1SxLFeRh
If Goedert avoided a fracture, he could be back in a few weeks, but even with the Eagles on a bye in Week 10, I would not expect Goedert back in Week 11.
Monday Update: Adam Schefter confirms that Goedert has a forearm fracture (likely radius). I would expect him end up on IR with a fairly lengthy absence.
WR Christian Watson, Green Bay Packers | Chest/Back | Projecting Week 11 Return.
The Packers are reporting that Christian Watson is dealing with a concussion...along with a litany of other injuries.
#Packers injury update: WR Christian Watson has been taken to the locker room with a chest injury, back injury, & is being evaluated for a concussion. #LARvsGB
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) November 5, 2023
That's a lot to digest, Green Bay. In all seriousness, assuming that the concussion is the most limiting factor, Watson could be back in ~1 week, but before making an official projection, I want a little more clarity on his injury/injuries.
Tuesday Update: According to reports out of Green Bay, Watson avoided a concussion but is still dealing with chest and back injuries. His status for Week 10 is up in the air.
WR Treylon Burks, Tennessee Titans | Concussion | Projecting Week 11 Return
During Thursday Night Football, Treylon Burks exited the game late with a concussion. Burks needed a stretcher to be taken off the field, and originally, there was concern that he would need to be taken to the hospital for further testing to give you an idea of the severity of his injury.
Burks being diagnosed with just a concussion is a promising sign for his fantasy football outlook for the rest of the season, but playing in Week 10 is unlikely. This season, the NFL has been focused on concussion symptoms and the recovery protocol. Very few offensive players have been able to clear the concussion protocol in 1 week (Brock Purdy and Gus Edwards). Additionally, since 2017, most WRs have missed at least one game. It's not likely your fantasy team has been relying on Burks' services this season, but if you were, I'd have a contingency plan this week.
Tuesday Update: Head Coach Mike Vrabel confirmed that Burks is unlikely to play in Week 10.
WR K.J. Osborn, Minnesota Vikings | Concussion | Projecting Week 11 Return
KJ Osborn is also dealing with a concussion as he was ruled out of Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons. His injury breakdown is very similar to that of Treylon Burks (above). I would be surprised if Osborn was able to return in Week 10.
WR Ja'Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals | Back Injury | Projecting Week 10 Return
During Sunday Night's game, Ja'Maar Chase landed hard on his back trying to catch a 50/50 ball. Chase exited briefly before returning but was seen on the sidelines with a heating + massaging wrap on his back. I expect Chase to suit up next week, but fantasy managers should not be alarmed if he is limited during practice this week.