This article will recap all fantasy-relevant injuries. Remember, we are operating with limited information, and as the week progresses, situations will become clearer. Be sure you’re aware of the following teams who are on byes in Week 6:
Carolina Panthers
Cincinnati Bengals
Dallas Cowboys
Houston Texans
New York Jets
Tennessee Titans
Justin Fields - Thumb Dislocation
Fields dislocated his thumb, and one of the concerns is that one or several ligaments that provide stability to the joint are damaged beyond repair. The Bears have already said they'll try conservative treatment first. But even if Fields is able to get out of pain, he'll need that stability that the ligaments may not be able to provide. This is a highly volatile situation, and if he needs surgery, it'll be a 6+ week ordeal.
Christian McCaffrey - Oblique
McCaffrey has an oblique injury which is truly as bizzarre as it sounds. In my database, there have been 2 other RBs with an oblique injury since 2018. Najee Harris is one of these RBs last season. Similar to ribs injury, pain tolerance will play a big part in this issue. As of today, McCaffrey should suit up.
Kyren Williams - Ankle
There's nothing obvious on video, but this ankle injury has been labeled as "not serious" by the Rams. If this is not a high ankle, Williams really can return by Week 8. However, this is Williams' 3rd ankle injury in two years which complicates matters. Stay up to date on this one in particular. With Ronnie Rivers out for several weeks, it's anybody's guess what the Rams will do. Rookie Zach Evans is the other RB on the roster.
Trevor Lawrence - Knee
The Jaguars have called this a minor "sprain" for Lawrence. On video, this appears to be an MCL/bone bruise type injury similar to Kenny Pickett's from earlier this year. The average amount of missed time for QBs off this injury is 0.5 games. Given the quick turnaround, Lawrence is at legitimate risk of missing the Thursday night game against the Saints.
David Montgomery - Ribs
Monty has a rib injury, and Dan Campbell says he'll "miss some time." Since 2018 when RBs miss time for a ribs injury, the mean games missed is 2.2. The median is 2. In other words, the Lioins may just wait until after the Week 10 bye to bring him back. This is actually a great time to try to acquire Montgomery for managers who are essentially on cruise control already. Additionally, this could reset the game for Gibbs and allow him to show the coaching staff what he can do.
Deebo Samuel - Shoulder
Deebo (likely) has an AC joint sprain, and his X-rays are negative. Similar to Brandon Aiyuk earlier this season, Deebo could miss just one game or no time at all if the injury is considered a grade I. Conversely, if this is a grade II, Deebo will be out for at least 2 weeks. Additionally, WRs who have a general "shoulder" injury miss 1 game 18% of the time. Stay up to date on this situation as it evolves.
Jimmy Garoppolo - Back
The nature of this back injury is mysterious, but luckily, Garoppolo "dodged a bullet," as the team put it. Don't anticipate Jimmy G to be in the lineup in Week 7.
Ryan Tannehill - High Ankle
Tannehill had a tightrope procedure done on this ankle just last season. Now dealing with another high ankle sprain, there's a chance he misses a significant amount of time. Malik Willis is a deep league consideration, presuming the Titans don’t bench him after a terrible showing in relief.
Baker Mayfield - Left Hand Contusion
Baker has a contusion to his non-throwing hand. This shouldn't be a major issue.
Players to Monitor This Week
Jeff Wilson Jr.
Aaron Jones
Diontae Johnson
Pat Freiermuth
Jamaal Williams
Jahmyr Gibbs
Deshaun Watson
Below is a table of all major injuries with projected return timeframes:
Expect updates throughout the week, and make sure to subscribe to my YouTube Channel here dedicated to up-to-the-minute updates and breakdowns.
