This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
The reigning NFL MVP is nearing a return after suffering a dislocated patella in Week 7. Since the injury occurred there have been reports about how Mahomes' anatomy could actually lead to a quicker recovery. It would be unwise to speculate on the natural laxity of Mahomes' knee, but anatomical characteristics can lend themselves to patella dislocations. The patellofemoral joint is rather complex, and variations in the patella or the pathway it travels can increase the chances of the patella coming out of alignment. Furthermore, recurring patella subluxations and dislocations can be a problem if the stabilizing ligament is stressed beyond its yield point. Surgery can be utilized to repair the ligament, though other underlying causes are difficult to directly address.
Fortunately, Mahomes did not require a trip to the operating room following his injury. Instead, it seems likely that he has spent the last few weeks of rehabilitation and recovery treating the associated symptoms while strengthening the surrounding musculature to prevent a recurrence. Furthermore, a stabilizing brace can be worn to assist with patella alignment, and it seems likely the Chiefs quarterback dons some sort of brace on his injured knee. If the Kansas City medical staff is confident in the stability of the patella, Mahomes will be cleared and should be able to return to a high level of play. He may need time to kick out some minor accumulated rust, but Mahomes is a must start upon his return. Monitor his availability throughout this week's
The reigning NFL MVP is nearing a return after suffering a dislocated patella in Week 7. Since the injury occurred there have been reports about how Mahomes' anatomy could actually lead to a quicker recovery. It would be unwise to speculate on the natural laxity of Mahomes' knee, but anatomical characteristics can lend themselves to patella dislocations. The patellofemoral joint is rather complex, and variations in the patella or the pathway it travels can increase the chances of the patella coming out of alignment. Furthermore, recurring patella subluxations and dislocations can be a problem if the stabilizing ligament is stressed beyond its yield point. Surgery can be utilized to repair the ligament, though other underlying causes are difficult to directly address.
Fortunately, Mahomes did not require a trip to the operating room following his injury. Instead, it seems likely that he has spent the last few weeks of rehabilitation and recovery treating the associated symptoms while strengthening the surrounding musculature to prevent a recurrence. Furthermore, a stabilizing brace can be worn to assist with patella alignment, and it seems likely the Chiefs quarterback dons some sort of brace on his injured knee. If the Kansas City medical staff is confident in the stability of the patella, Mahomes will be cleared and should be able to return to a high level of play. He may need time to kick out some minor accumulated rust, but Mahomes is a must start upon his return. Monitor his availability throughout this week's practice to get a better gauge if he will be ready to suit up against the Titans.
The Colts quarterback made an early exit in Sunday loss to the Steelers with a left knee injury. The final diagnosis was a Grade 1 medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain. (Note: Some reports had this listed as a strain. That's not possible. A sprain is ligamentous injury while a strain is a muscle-related injury.) The MCL is located on the inner portion of the knee and helps maintain stability in the area during side-to-side (lateral) movement. Low-grade MCL sprains can heal without surgical intervention, especially if there is no associated medial meniscus damage. As a result, it is possible Brissett is able to play in Week 10. He could sport a stabilizing brace on the knee but may be slowed if he is forced from the pocket. If he is cleared to play against the Dolphins, don't expect the same level of productivity he's shown so far this season. Brian Hoyer would start a quarterback if Brissett is unable to suit up.
Turf Burns
James Conner: It appears Conner's shoulder sprain is more serious than initially thought, and the Steelers could be without his services for a second straight week. Conner suffered an acromioclavicular (AC) sprain and did not play against the Colts after sitting out a week's worth of practices. His workload will be closely monitored for the week ahead, but it sounds like the team is preparing to turn to Jaylen Samuels and Trey Edmunds once again. Samuels carries higher value in PPR formats after collecting 13 receptions in Week 9, while Edmunds is worth considering for a flex position after he was given 12 carries, including multiple red zone opportunities.
Adam Thielen: The Vikings receiver aggravated his lingering hamstring strain in Sunday's loss to the Chiefs and is now looking at a prolonged absence. Thielen initially injured his leg in Week 7 and missed the following game before returning Sunday. Unfortunately, these types of ailments are prone to re-injury and aggravation due to the manner in which the body's natural healing response operates. Often, still-healing scar tissue can be misleading as the injured athlete reports an improvement in symptoms and function. However, the scar tissue isn't as durable as true muscle tissue and can be easily disrupted, restarting the healing process. Look for Thielen to miss at least a week, if not more, following this setback.
T.Y. Hilton: A moderate calf strain for Hilton is adding to the potential concerns for the Indy offense. Hilton suffered the injury during practice and did not play in Week 9. The team believes the problem will result in a multiweek absence, meaning Hilton is not expected to play against the Dolphins after sitting out against the Steelers. Like discussed with Thielen's hamstring strain, calf injuries can be slow to appropriately heal and easily aggravated. As a result, Hilton may not hit the field until December. Zach Pascal led the Colts in targets, receptions and yards in Week 9 and is worth a waiver wire claim.
Nick Foles: The Jaguars opened the season with Foles as the starter before a broken collarbone opened the door for Gardner Minshew and Minshew Mania. However, Foles is recovering nicely following surgery and is expected to be removed from the injured list during the team's Week 10 bye. After Minshew's Week 9 struggles, Jacksonville could have a quarterback controversy on their hands. Look for the situation to resolve itself over the bye with Foles' injury no longer an issue.
DeSean Jackson: The Eagles receiver will undergo surgery to address the abdominal injury that has limited him for a majority of the season. The procedure has a high success rate, and Jackson has an outside shot of a late-season return if Philadelphia remains in the playoff hunt.
David Johnson: The Cardinals running back has missed the majority of Arizona's last three games with an ankle injury. Chase Edmonds and the newly acquired Kenyan Drake have filled in admirably in his absence. Fortunately, his time in street clothes appears to be nearing an end as Johnson is expected back against the Buccaneers. Drake's success will allow the Cardinals to ease Johnson back into the mix, creating a precarious situation for fantasy owners. Given the matchup and the likelihood of a shared workload, those invested in Johnson may want to scale back their expectations for Week 10.
Preston Williams: The Dolphins rookie receiver is done for the season after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) on Sunday. Sadly, the timing of the injury makes it very likely his recovery has a carryover effect into next season, preventing him from building on his recent string of strong play. Williams currently leads Miami in receptions and receiving yards, and is second in receiving touchdowns.
