Week 10 did not deliver the serious/long-term injuries fantasy managers have witnessed the last few weeks, but there were some that require monitoring. Here are the main injuries from this past week and what to expect moving forward.
Key:
(Position) Player | Injury | My Projection for Return to Play
WR Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers | Shoulder Injury | Projecting Week 11 Return
After a brief stint in the locker room, Keenan Allen was actually able to return to the game Sunday and finished with a strong stat line - much to the appreciation of fantasy managers. By video, Allen looked to sustain an AC joint sprain on his left shoulder, which typically nets a 2-3 game absence.
Allen was able to return to action, which is why I've ultimately projected him to return next week. However, we have seen players with this injury play through it initially and then miss the following week. Brandon Aiyuk being the most recent example in Week 2.
Tuesday Update: Chargers Brandon Staley is calling Keenan Allen "day-to-day." If you're new to fantasy football "day-to-day" can sometimes be code "week-to-week." There's still a chance for Allen to play in Week 11 but it likely comes down to the wire. I wouldn't not expect Allen to participant in contact practices and therefore to be limited all week so his practice reports likely won't cast much light on the situation. AC joint sprains are notorious for getting worse in the days after and as I mentioned above in Allen's original write-up, Allen could miss time even though he finished the game in Week 10.
RB Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots | Back Injury | Projecting Week 12 Return
Rhamondre Stevenson was dealing with back spasms Sunday morning vs. the Colts. Stevenson was able to finish the game and had quite a productive fantasy day. The Patriots have a bye next week, so hopefully, this is enough time for Stevenson to get healthy, but also, do not be surprised to see him limited in the Week 12 practice reports at the start of the week.
Tuesday Update: Tests on Stevenson's back were "clean" and it is being reported that the injury is not considered serious. Fantasy managers should still plan for limited practice reps and Stevenson should be good after the Week 11 bye.
QB Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns | Ankle Injury / Shoulder | Season Ending
By video, Deshaun Watson appeared to sustain a left high ankle sprain right before halftime of Sunday's game.
Video of Deshaun Watson left ankle injury
— Adam Hutchison (@TheRealAdam_H) November 12, 2023
Mechanism fits that of high ankle sprain
Pj Walker sounds like he’s coming in to start second half pic.twitter.com/oJscxgyh2o
There were questions about his availability in the second half, but Watson was able to return and led the Browns to victory. Cleveland has to face off against Pittsburgh next week, so it is not going to get any easier for Watson. I would say since Watson returned to action in Week 10, he should play in Week 11, but we have already seen Watson pull himself when he is not 100% as he has battled his shoulder injury for the first half of the season. Follow this situation closely if your fantasy team relies on Watson's services.
Wednesday Update: Watson's season will officially come to an end as the Browns announced today that he will get season ending surgery on his right shoulder.
We typically do not get reports like this
— Adam Hutchison (@TheRealAdam_H) November 15, 2023
Confirms the high ankle sprain from video and points to Watson dealing with some serious shoulder issues.
Possible rotator cuff impairment
Likely labral tear - Bankhart Lesion https://t.co/HcFX3YmTtz
It is pretty rare that a team will release a report like this with this much detailed information but it seems like both the Browns and Deshaun Watson want fans and everyone-alike to know that he is really injured. It's likely that Watson's rotator cuff issues he was having earlier this season caused this or was misdiagnosed earlier this season. It is also possible that he is dealing with a labral tear and fracture in his shoulder (Bankhart Lesion). Either way his season is over. He should be ready to start the 2024 season assuming he does not have any setbacks this offseason.
RB Alexander Mattison, Minnesota Vikings | Concussion | Projecting Week 12 Return
Alexander Mattison was removed from Sunday's game vs. the New Orleans Saints with a concussion. Very few players have been able to clear the concussion protocol in 1 week, so Mattison will likely be inactive next week. Ty Chandler could be a popular pickup for RB-needy teams.
Tuesday Update: Mattison remains in the concussion protocol to start the week. Minnesota has been making roster moves that point to the team making plans for Mattison being out in Week 11.
QB Derek Carr, New Orleans Saints | Concussion / Shoulder Injury | Projecting Week 12 Return
Derek Carr was ruled out Sunday after taking a hard hit. Currently, the Saints are calling his injuries a concussion and shoulder injury. It is very possible, based on the hit that Carr could have another AC joint sprain - he suffered the first one in Week 3 but did not miss any time.
Expect the concussion to be the most limiting, and as mentioned above with Alexander Mattison, very few players clear the concussion protocol in 1 week.
Tuesday Update: It sounds like Carr's shoulder is good but he remains in the concussion protocol. Signs point to him missing Week 11.
QB Taylor Heinicke, Atlanta Falcons | Hamstring | Projecting Week 13 Return.
While scrambling outside the pocket, Taylor Heinicke appeared to injure his hamstring and was forced to exit the game. Hamstring strains can be a 2-4 week injury, and for NFL QBs, that data supports this. On average, QBs miss 2.3 weeks. Desmond Ridder may have reclaimed the starting QB job for the time being.
Tuesday Update: Heinicke is dealing with a "low grade" hamstring strain. The Falcons have a must-needed by in Week 11. It sounds like Week 12 is in play for Heinicke depending on how he progresses.
QB Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Thumb Injury | Projecting Week 11 Return
During Sunday's win against the Tennessee Titans, Baker Mayfield injured his right thumb. Mayfield was able to finish the game and afterward told reporters that his thumb felt "good." This is a different situation than that of Matthew Stafford and Justin Fields. Mayfield appeared to hit his thumb on a helmet and not sprain it. Maybe some swelling limits him early in Week 11, but he should be active come next Sunday.
Tuesday Update: Mayfield's thumb injury appears to be a non-issue. Expect him under center in Week 11.
WR Michael Thomas, New Orleans Saints | Knee Injury | Timeline TBD
Michael Thomas was not able to make it out of the 1st quarter Sunday due to a knee injury. As I write this Sunday night, I have not seen any video of the injury but there are some rumors it could be an MCL/meniscus injury. If that is the case, Thomas could miss 3-4 weeks with this injury injury.
A non-specific knee injury nets a 2.2-week absence on average. Check back on Tuesday with a more detailed update on Thomas.
Tuesday Update: Early reports out of New Orleans are that Thomas' knee is injury is "significant." This suggests Thomas does have an MCL sprain which could end up putting him on IR.
WR Garrett Wilson, New York Jets | Right Elbow Injury | Projecting Week 11 Return
During Sunday Night Football, Garrett Wilson briefly missed time with a right elbow injury. It was hard to tell by video what happened as it could be a contusion or Wilson could have sprained his elbow. The Jets' medical staff allowed Wilson to return to the game with the inside of his elbow padded - no brace/tape. This suggests a contusion which I would not expect to limit his availability next week.