Another week, another set of injuries to discuss. With potentially long-term injuries to a pair of marquee TEs, fantasy managers may want to review this article before they head to the waiver wire this week.
Key: Position Player, Team | Injury | Projected Return to Play
TE Sam LaPorta, Detroit | Shoulder | Timeline TBD
While connected with Jared Goff for a long 37-yard reception, Sam LaPorta was tackled at the Houston 3rd-yard line. LaPorta slammed his right shoulder into the turf while completing the catch and was removed from the game shortly after. Detroit listed their sophomore TE as questionable to return, but alas he did not log another snap.
SAM LAPORTA HAULS IN THE DOWNFIELD SHOT #OnePride pic.twitter.com/LhTbx4vVWJ
— SuperHawkeyeFan (@superhawkeyefan) November 11, 2024
Currently, there is not any official word on LaPorta's injury but by video, I think an AC joint sprain is possible. An AC joint sprain could mean an extended absence for the star TE. On average NFL skill position players miss >3 weeks and rarely do they not miss any time (80% of the sample of players from 2017 missed at least 1 game). Until we have more clarity, I don't feel comfortable giving an official return-to-play timeline.
TE Dalton Kincaid, Buffalo | Knee | Timeline TBD
Dalton Kincaid injured his left knee and attempted to catch a pass. Kincaid was removed from the game briefly before returning with a knee brace. However, Kincaid exited the game for a second time. Afterward, Kincaid mentioned to reporters that he tried to play through the injury but was uncomfortable with how his knee felt.
Dalton Kincaid on his knee injury sustained during win over the Colts: “Thought I could go then just didn’t feel good enough to run and be able to go out there and protect myself.” Says he doesn’t know the extent of the injury #Bills #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/mMRQtn5G4t
— alex brasky (@alexbrasky) November 10, 2024
This is another injury situation that is still unclear, but video could be helpful. Kincaid falling on a bent knee is a possible mechanism for a PCL sprain. If confirmed this injury could mean time missed but the exact amount would depend on the severity of the sprain. Some examples of minor PCL sprains are Ezekiel Elliot (2021) and Dalton Schutlz (2022) who missed 0 and 2 weeks respectively. A more serious sprain could result in a similar situation to Puka Nacua this year resulting in 6+ weeks missed to possibly season-ending (given the length of the season).
Dalton Kincaid -
— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) November 10, 2024
Left knee concern for PCL sprain or patella/bursa irritation.
He returned to the game with a brace on his left knee. pic.twitter.com/aHkXXIpI1t
Buffalo has a bye in Week 12. I think there is a strong possibility that we do not see Kincaid until after the upcoming Bill's break.
RB Chuba Hubbard, Carolina | Knee | Projecting Week 12 Return
Chuba Hubbard appeared to injure his left knee late during Sunday's win over the New York Giants. Hubbard was able to return but he did not mention post-game that this is any injury he has endured before.
The Panthers have a bye following their trip to Munich, Germany this Sunday. Based on what we know right now about Hubbard's knee injury, I believe the bye will be enough time for him to recover. The severity of his knee injury could be revealed if he still pops up on the injury report heading into Week 12.
RB Miles Sanders, Carolina | Lower Leg Injury | Timeline TBD
Chuba Hubbard's running mate Miles Sanders was also injured Sunday. Sanders appeared to go down with an ankle/foot injury.
Following his injury, Sanders needed to be carted to the locker room. Players can be carted to the locker room for different reasons, but sometimes, it indicates they are not able to or are uncomfortable bearing weight. If Sanders suffered an ankle or foot fracture, his 2024 would likely be over.
With both Hubbard and Sanders injured, Jonathon Brooks could officially see game action. The Panthers activated Brooks from the PUP earlier this week.
RB Aaron Jones, Minnesota | Ribs | Projecting Week 11 Return
Aaron Jones injured his chest/ribs Sunday. Jones went to the locker room but was able to return to the field and finish the game.
It bears mentioning it is not uncommon for NFL players to play through this injury initially, but have increased discomfort as the week progresses. I want to draw attention to this because it would not be surprising to see the veteran RB miss most practices at the start of Week 11.
Most NFL RBs miss at least one game with rib injuries. If Jones sits out next week, his backup Cam Akers figures to be the next man up.
RB Najee Harris, Pittsburgh | Ankle | Projecting Week 11
Najee Harris is another RB who suffered an injury that caused him to miss some game action, but he was able to return. Watching the video of Harris' injury I think there is concern about an eversion (outward turning) sprain. These types of sprains usually result in time missed.
It's promising that Harris was able to retun to the game, but managers should not be surprised to see the RB limited in practice this week.
RB Tank Bigsby, Jacksonville | Ankle | Projecting Week 13
Tank Bigsby did not finish Sunday's game due to an ankle injury. Bigsby was questionable heading into Week 10 with an ankle injury. Assuming Bigsby suffered a setback, I think Jacksonville may hold Bigsby out until the Jaguars Week 12 bye.
