This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
Stafford was a gameday scratch on Sunday, and now the NFL is investigating the Lions for a potential violation of the rules regarding the injury report. While the league sorts out that situation, we are left to speculate about the specifics regarding the injury.
Stafford's injury has been reported as broken back. While the injury sounds scary and shouldn't be taken lightly, vertebral fractures aren't unheard of for the quarterback position, with the location of the fracture dictating recovery. For example, quarterbacks Derek Carr, Cam Newton and Tony Romo each missed time with a very specific vertebral fractures known as a transverse process fracture. The transverse processes stick out off the sides of the vertebrae and aid in movement, serve as an attachment site for ligaments and muscles, and protect the area from trauma. Fractures here often heal nicely and involve minimal time off. All three noted examples returned to action after missing just one game. If Stafford's injury is in this area, it seems reasonable to believe he will be back in action relatively soon.
Still, it is worth noting that Stafford did endure a similar injury last season. Stafford was limited for the final month of the 2018 season with a back injury that was later revealed to involve multiple broken bones in his back. Again, the area of the fracture has never been confirmed but transverse process fractures have been speculated.
As a result, fantasy owners invested in Stafford should seek a suitable replacement
Stafford was a gameday scratch on Sunday, and now the NFL is investigating the Lions for a potential violation of the rules regarding the injury report. While the league sorts out that situation, we are left to speculate about the specifics regarding the injury.
Stafford's injury has been reported as broken back. While the injury sounds scary and shouldn't be taken lightly, vertebral fractures aren't unheard of for the quarterback position, with the location of the fracture dictating recovery. For example, quarterbacks Derek Carr, Cam Newton and Tony Romo each missed time with a very specific vertebral fractures known as a transverse process fracture. The transverse processes stick out off the sides of the vertebrae and aid in movement, serve as an attachment site for ligaments and muscles, and protect the area from trauma. Fractures here often heal nicely and involve minimal time off. All three noted examples returned to action after missing just one game. If Stafford's injury is in this area, it seems reasonable to believe he will be back in action relatively soon.
Still, it is worth noting that Stafford did endure a similar injury last season. Stafford was limited for the final month of the 2018 season with a back injury that was later revealed to involve multiple broken bones in his back. Again, the area of the fracture has never been confirmed but transverse process fractures have been speculated.
As a result, fantasy owners invested in Stafford should seek a suitable replacement for the immediate future and begin to consider more permanent options should the quarterback ultimately be shut down. Jeff Driskel will remain the starting quarterback for the Lions with Stafford out, though his fantasy upside is limited.
The Seattle receiver was monitored overnight in a Bay Area hospital after a lower leg contusion resulted in severe swelling in the area. Head coach Pete Carroll later stated the injury involved a "compartment element."
Below the knee, the lower leg is divided to four individual compartments. Each compartment is separated by bone or fascial sheaths, a specially designed type of connective tissue that surrounds muscle and blood vessels. This fascia tissue is extremely durable, but also adaptable and able to expand. If a direct blow occurs to one of the lower leg compartments, the associated swelling can become confined to an isolated compartment. As the swelling increases, it can impinge on the structures housed in the area, restricting blood flow, muscle use and nerve involvement. The injured athlete can experience a multitude of serious symptoms including severe pain, numbness, loss of function and a decreased pulse. Permanent muscle and nerve damage is possible if acute compartment syndrome (ACS) goes untreated. A procedure known as a fasciotomy is used to relive the pressure. Former Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks suffered ACS during the 2010 season and underwent a fasciotomy to address the issue. Nicks returned to action three weeks later.
It is currently unknown if Lockett required surgical intervention to alleviate the pressure, but he will get the benefit of a well-timed bye. However, if the injury was more complex and surgery was required, Lockett's availability for Week 12 could be in doubt. Look for more information to trickle out over the next few days.
Atlanta's lead running back will not play in Week 11 against Carolina after suffering a foot sprain in the team's win over New Orleans. The injury reportedly will keep him out for Week 12 as well and is just another injury on his laundry list of problems. While Freeman's sprain reportedly is minor, it does appear the affected area is closer to his toes. This could cause problems with pushing off the foot, especially during start-and-stop motions, and could be very limiting even if he is cleared to play. With teammate Ito Smith on the injured reserve with a concussion, Brian Hill is set to become the Falcons' feature running back. Hill ran for 61 yards on 20 carries on Sunday and added a receiving touchdown. Hill should be a top priority for this week's waiver wire claims.
The Falcons emerging tight end has been diagnosed with a medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain in his left knee. Like discussed with Jacoby Brissett last week, the MCL is one of the primary knee stabilizers. Located on the inside portion of the knee, it works to reinforce the knee during side-to-side motion. Fortunately, the MCL can heal without surgical intervention, especially if the ligament remains intact and there is no associated damage to the medial meniscus. Hooper has already been ruled out for Week 11 and will visit with additional medical personnel to determine just how long he will be sidelined. If the injury is considered a low-grade sprain, a Week 12 return could be possible. Look for Hooper to don a stabilizing brace on the area upon his return. Atlanta will bump tight ends Jaeden Graham and Luke Stocker up the depth chart. Neither player has done much this season, but Graham was Atlanta's leading receiver during the preseason and carries a bit more fantasy upside.
Turf Burns
Saquon Barkley: The Giants running back hasn't looked sharp since returning from a high ankle sprain and reportedly is dealing with other bumps and bruises. Fortunately, Barkley and the Giants are off in Week 11, allowing him some additional rest and recuperation. Hopefully the time off will allow Barkley to move closer to 100 percent health-wise, and he'll return the explosive back worthy of the top overall pick.
Jacoby Brissett: Brissett has made progress in his recovery from a left MCL sprain and could return against the Jaguars. He was able to practice in a limited capacity last week and hopes to be more involved in the week's preparation. Coach Frank Reich hinted that if Brissett is back in action by Wednesday, then he'll have a good chance at starting on Sunday. As discussed with Hooper, the area can be braced but it may still limit his mobility.
James Conner: The Steelers continue to believe that Conner will be ready for this week's matchup with the Browns, despite the shortened week of prep. A sprained AC joint has held out Conner for the last two weeks but he is expected to be an active participant in this week's practices. If he continues to improve, feel free to reinsert him into your lineups in all formats.
A.J. Green: The Bengals receiver has yet to play this season after suffering a setback in his recovery from ankle surgery. The joint swelled up after Green took part in practice, causing the Cincinnati medical staff to scale back his workload. He was able to perform some pregame activities and could return in Week 11 against the Raiders. Consider him day-to-day for now.
T.Y. Hilton: The Colts currently are calling Hilton day-to-day but that update seems optimistic at best. The wideout was originally set to miss multiple weeks after injuring his calf, and it's hard to imagine a scenario in which Hilton can return and play effectively. Even if he does manage to suit up, the risk of re-injury will be substantial. Tread cautiously here.
Emmanuel Sanders: The veteran wideout is slated to undergo testing on his injured ribs in the near future. The results of those tests will help establish a better timeline on a potential absence. Rib injuries can very painful, with even the simplest act like breathing eliciting pain. The area can be padded and protected, but that doesn't guarantee the athlete will be at top form. With George Kittle still nursing an undisclosed knee injury, a prolonged absence for Sanders could negatively impact the San Francisco aerial assault.
