It's been a while since I've taken a vacation, but last year, my family decided that we were going to plan one, and it started this week—during football season.

The best part about this job is that as long as you have a computer, you can do it anywhere. And the injuries this season have been hit or miss. Some weeks this article is longer than others. Prior to this week, I thought to myself (or maybe I thought I was subconsciously trying to manifest): 

"Maybe this week will be a light week."

Not the case. But you won't catch me complaining. This is the job I signed up for. However, as I type this article from an island that will remain nameless, I can't help but chuckle. No matter my recess, injuries take a vacation for no one. 

Oh well – at least the views are nice. 

Key: Position Player, Team | Injury | Projected Return to Play

RB Jordan Mason, San Francisco | AC joint sprain (Shoulder) | Projecting Week 8 Return

After filling the void left by Christian McCaffrey, Jordan Mason was en route to a top-5 RB finish in fantasy leagues. Sadly, Mason sustained his own injury during Thursday night's win over Seattle.

San Francisco is labeling Mason as "day-to-day" with an AC Joint sprain. In terms of severity, Mason's injury does seem minor. He missed most of the 2nd quarter with his shoulder injury but did return to the field after halftime, only logging one carry and essentially removing himself. The 49ers likely took X-rays after halftime and saw that the degree of separation in Mason's shoulder was small. 

The majority of NFL RBs who sustain an AC Joint sprain miss >2 weeks. However, the fact that Mason could return to the game (albeit for a short stint) combined with the 49ers actually letting him all bodes well. Week 7 still seems unlikely for a return date, but I think Mason could be back prior to the 49ers' bye. I have him projected for a Week 8 return. 

WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Arizona | Concussion | Projecting Week 8 Return

Marvin Harrison Jr. was pulled from Sunday's contest with a concussion. Harrison will have to clear the concussion protocol before returning to game action.

Only 25% of NFL WRs were able to miss no games after being diagnosed with a concussion. The numbers suggest the rookie misses at least one game. 

Travis Etienne Jr., Jacksonville | Hamstring Strain | Projecting Week 9 Return

After battling a shoulder injury heading into the London showdown vs. the Chicago Bears, Travis Etienne Jr. was unable to finish the game due to a hamstring injury. On average, NFL RBs miss 2.6 weeks with hamstring strains.

Because of Etienne's compounding injuries, I could see him missing more time. Tank Bigsby should be rostered everywhere. If you peaked at the box score, D'Ernest Johnson out-snapped Bigsby, but it was likely because the game was a blowout. 

WR Chris Olave, New Orleans | Concussion | Projecting Week 8 Return

Everything mentioned above for Marvin Harrison Jr. also applies to Chris Olave, who was pulled early due to a concussion.

Olave left with 1 reception for 5 yards and a fumble, meaning depending on your fantasy league's scoring format, Olave gave you negative points.

For what it's worth, this is Olave's third documented concussion in the NFL (at least the third that I've tracked), and the Saints play in four days on Thursday night football. Week 7 seems like a very long shot. 

WR James Conner, Arizona | Ankle Injury |  Timeline TBD

James Conner did not finish the game Sunday. However, it is unclear if this was due to Arizona being blown out or an injury. 

RB James Conner looks like he's getting ankles taped on sideline. Now running sprints to test whatever he needs.

— Darren Urban (@Cardschatter) October 13, 2024

If Conner does have an ankle injury, on average, NFL RBs miss 1.4 games with an ankle sprain. Conner is certainly no stranger to injury in his career. Comparing his previous injuries to the average time missed, Conner typically follows the average. He rarely undershoots an injury timeline but doesn't go over either. Therefore, if we get confirmation that Conner has an ankle sprain, I would expect him to miss at least one game. 

TE Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia | Hamstring Injury | Projecting Week 9 Return

Dallas Goedert was unable to finish Sunday's game due to a hamstring injury. Hamstring strains can be fairly limiting for NFL TEs, resulting in an average of four missed games.

Over his career, Goedert has been knicked up but done well with soft tissue injuries. Unless we hear more on the severity of Goedert's hamstring injury, I've split the difference and projected a 2-week absence. 

WR Jayden Reed, Green Bay | Ankle Injury | Projecting Week 8 Return

Jayden Reed injured his ankle but was able to return and finish the game. Managers who roster Reed should monitor this situation, as I think it's possible that Reed does practice at the start of next week or is at least limited.

Low (inversion) ankle sprains are one of the least limiting injuries for NFL WRs, with >60% of them missing no time. Reed may fall into this bucket as well. 

WR Dontayvion Wicks, Green Bay | Shoulder Injury | Timeline TBD

Dontayvion Wicks injured his shoulder Sunday and was quickly removed. I have not seen a video of his injury or heard anything specific yet, so it is difficult to speculate on the severity. AC Joint sprains are common among NFL WRs and typically result in multiple weeks missed.

Two weeks ago Dontayvion Wicks was a waiver wire target in most leagues, now he's likely a waiver wire clogger. With Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs back, Wicks offers little value even when healthy. 

RB Jerome Ford, Cleveland | Hamstring Strain |  Projecting Week 9 Return

Jerome Ford strained his hamstring in Sunday's loss to Philadelphia and did not return.
Hamstring strains are usually multi-week injuries, and although Ford has been serviceable the first six weeks of the NFL season, his competition for touches is about to get a lot more intense, with Nick Chubb set to return in Week 7.

Cleveland has a bye in Week 8, and despite my projection, it's feasible that Ford could be out till Week 11. With injuries piling up, it's understandable if you need to cut Ford loose. 

RB Tyjae Spears, Tennessee | Hamstring Strain | Projecting Week 9 Return

Similar to Jermone Ford above, Tyjae Spears is projected to miss two weeks with a hamstring injury that removed him from Sunday's loss to the Indianapolis Colts.

DE Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit | Leg Fracture | Season Ending

Even though this is a fantasy football focused article, by far the most impactful injury from this weekend was Aidan Hutchinson.

Hutchinson fractured his leg in the win over Dallas and needed emergency surgery. His 2024 season is over. Detroit's superstar will likely need ~1 full year to recover from this injury but he will likely be back at some point in 2025. 

Aidan Hutchinson update: pic.twitter.com/IxOtC8IQjr

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 14, 2024