A relatively quiet Sunday on the injury front proved not to be totally insignificant as there were potentially multiple season-ending injuries. As we scoot past the halfway mark of the fantasy football season, it's time to elevate the health of our rosters, retool, and move forward.
Key: Position Player, Team | Injury | Projected Return to Play
WR Christian Kirk, Jacksonville | Clavicle Fracture | Season-Ending
Christian Kirk's left shoulder took a hard blow during a long reception during Sunday's loss at Green Bay. Watching the video of Kirk's injury, there was concern about an AC joint sprain but post-game we learned it was much worse.
Jaguars WR Christian Kirk, whose left arm was in a sling after Sunday’s loss to the Packers, broke his collarbone, per sources. pic.twitter.com/ua5vxpbkJU
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 28, 2024
The veteran's 2024 season is over. He will likely need surgery and should return to the football field without limitations next season.
WR Stefon Diggs, Houston | Knee Injury | Possibly Season-Ending
Stefon Diggs suffered a non-contact knee injury Sunday. Texans' head coach DeMeco Ryans called the injury "unfortunate" but did not elaborate on the extent of the injury.
Here is the non-contact knee injury suffered by Stefon Diggs pic.twitter.com/GSTvg1BqPd
— Ben Brown ? (@BenBrownPL) October 27, 2024
Watching the video, I think there are a few possible scenarios
- Diggs' mechanism fits that of an ACL tear. If this were the case, his season would be over.
- Diggs' mechanism also fits that of a meniscus tear. If he tore his meniscus, he could have it scoped and return in 2-4 weeks.
- Depending on the location and size of a meniscus tear, a repair might be recommended. A repair would end Diggs' season.
We will hopefully have more clarity soon, but my initial fear is this will be season-ending.
Update: Per Adam Schefter, the Texans fear that Stefon Diggs has a torn ACL. MRI will confirm but there is a strong sense that his 2024 season is over.
Diggs' ACL tear has been confirmed.
RB Jordan Mason, San Francisco | Shoulder Injury/Re-Injury | Projecting Week 12 Return
Jordan Mason re-injured his AC joint sprain Sunday night. He tried to return to the game and was given a few more touches, but he was ultimately pulled from the game a second time and did not return. Last week, I mentioned that although Mason's injury was considered minor, I thought he was not missing time. Most RBs with AC joint sprains do.
Consider your options but Jordan Mason is risky play imo.
— Adam Hutchison (@TheRealAdam_H) October 18, 2024
Uncommon to not miss at least one game with an AC Joint Sprain - one of the most often re-injured injuries amongst RBs.
The 49ers have a much-needed bye in Week 9, but I am currently projecting Mason to miss time beyond that. Before you blow your FAAB or wavier priority on Isaac Guerendo, consider this – there are rumors that Christian McCaffrey might be back in Week 10.
From @NFLGameDay: The #49ers are weighing whether to make a WR trade, but Christian McCaffrey should be back after the bye to help; Plus, new #Chiefs WR DeAndre Hopkins makes his debut today. pic.twitter.com/3o97weomzF
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 27, 2024
The Jordan Mason experience was fun while it lasted but it appears he has shifted from top-12 RB to handcuff status.
WR Deebo Samuel Sr., San Francisco | Ribs | Projecting Week 10 Return
Deebo Samuel Sr. was also unable to finish Sunday's game due to a rib injury. Samuel was hospitalized last week with pneumonia and fluid in his lungs. He was questionable for Week 8 with a wrist injury, and now he has a rib injury.
The bye week might just be in the knick of time for the banged-up WRs. On average, NFL WRs miss 1 week with a rib injury. Assuming that Samuel does not have a fracture, I am optimistic he could return after a week off.
QB Jordan Love, Green Bay | Groin | Projecting Week 9 Return
One of the odd injuries from Week 8, Jordan Love was removed with a groin injury and did not return. By video, there did not appear to be a lot of contact.
Jordan Love played about two quarters with an injured groin. Here’s is what happened on his final play. pic.twitter.com/b5qymt9HGh
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) October 27, 2024
Assuming this injury is on the left, it's possible that Love's groin strain is related to his previous MCL sprain. The two are very closely related.
Typically groin strains are most common among skill position players, so there is not a lot of data on QBs. Combine this with the fact that Love's groin strain could have some relationship to his previous injury and I believe it's possible that Love sits at least until the Packers' Week 10 bye. Until we learn more, I cannot give a projected return-to-play timeline.
Update: Per Ian Rapoport, Love's MRI report was "positive." It sounds like Love sustained a minor groin strain. I think he could play next week.
WR Brian Thomas Jr., Jacksonville | Chest | Projecting Week 11 Return
During his TD reception, Brian Thomas Jr. injured his chest while landing on the football. It's possible that this "chest" injury is a rib injury.
Rib fractures typically result in missed time, while contusions can be played through. If a fracture is confirmed, it's possible that Thomas will miss at least two weeks.
Update: Per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Brian Thomas Jr. could miss 2-4 weeks with a rib injury. Shortly afterwards Michael DiRocco (Jacksonville Insider for ESPN) posted that he spoke to Thomas who told him that the MRI "showed nothing" and that he hoped to return to practice soon.
These contradictory reports muddy the water a bit but it does sound like Thomas could have a rib fracture. I would not expect him to be active in Week 9.
WR DJ Moore, Chicago | Possible Rib Injury | Projecting Week 9 Return
Watching the Chicago game, I noticed DJ Moore sustain an injury while making a sideline catch. Moore took a blow to the midsection, possibly injuring his ribs. The injury was late in the game and Chicago did not have another offensive drive after the game. Moore managers should be aware should he pop up on the Bears' injury report.
Update: DJ Moore has not been added to Chicago's injury report. He should be good for next week.
WR Gabe Davis, Jacksonville | Shoulder | Projecting Week 9 Return
Gabe Davis injured his shoulder on Sunday and did not return. It's unclear as of Sunday night what his specific injury was. A typical shoulder injury for WRs is an AC joint sprain. If this is the case, I'd expect Davis to miss 2-4 weeks.
With the injuries adding up in Jacksonville, Parker Washington becomes an interesting wavier target.
Update: Doug Peterson reported Davis is trending up and on track to play in Week 9. His shoulder injury is not deemed serious.
QB Drake Maye, New England | Concussion | Projecting Week 10 Return
Rookie QB Drake Maye was pulled from Sunday's game vs. the New York Jets and examined for a head injury. New England later reported that Maye would not return as he was officially diagnosed with a concussion.
On average NFL QBs miss 1.4 weeks due to concussions with the majority of them missing at least one game.
The Patriots travel to Tennessee next week. Plan for Maye sitting in Week 9.
