The following will be a quick-hitting recall of last week’s previous injuries with any tidbits of news or assessment that can be gleaned during the early stages of the week. This article exists to cover only new injuries to fantasy-relevant players as most weeks some player injuries end up slipping through the cracks or are just relevant enough to crop up in a meaningful way down the road. Later this week the Injury Report will be published that will include all player injuries new and old. And remember- don’t over-react to the Wednesday practice report.
These teams are on bye this week:
49ers
Bills
Giants
Bears
Teddy Bridgewater - MCL
Teddy-2-Gloves has an MCL sprain that allegedly did not show up on an MRI. Given that it’s mild, we can apply the 4-7 day return to play timeframe meaning the primary restriction he’ll b facing is pain and swelling. Look no further than 2019 Jacoby Brissett for an example of a player who sat out after a minor sprain. You can also look to 2020 Ben Roethlisberger who just suffered an MCL sprain but came back and threw for 4 touchdowns on Sunday. The practice reports will be telling, but as of now, it doesn’t feel like he’ll play given Carolina’s conservative nature. It’s truly a toss-up.
Estimated early week odds he plays: 50%
Drew Brees - Ribs/lung
The reports are that Brees has several rib fractures and had a collapsed lung. This is a gruesome injury and current practice to manage these injuries is to rest and splint for 2-4 weeks. Look to acquire Jameis Winston because let’s be honest, Taysom Hill isn’t going to start. Right?
John Brown - Ankle
Smoky suffered what appears to be an eversion ankle sprain on Sunday. Considering the language used to describe the injury was specifically the word “tweak” the hope is that this is minor. It helps that the primary ligament sprained in this injury is the deltoid ligament which is one of the biggest and strongest ligaments in the body. There’s a decent chance Brown is back after the bye week.
Tyler Lockett - Knee
Lockett has “a bit of a sprain” according to his coach which means, well, nothing. He was a non-participant on Sunday. In reality, this isn’t a big deal as it stands today. This divisional matchup matters…a lot. So at least expect Lockett to suit up.
Estimated early week odds he plays: 75%
Other and Miscellaneous
Joe Mixon has a real chance to return in Week 12 given the fact that this will be the week he hits the 35 day mark. This happens to be the average return time for players with a grade II midfoot sprain.
Chris Carson was listed as an estimated DNP for the Seahawks quick turnaround against Arizona. He’s one week behind Mixon meaning he’s unlikely to play this week. Meanwhile, Carlos Hyde was a limited participant on an estimated basis and should be able to return to the lineup this week.
Calvin Ridley is a few days even further behind so it would be surprising to see him go in Week 12 as well.
Zach Ertz has been designated to return from IR after a high ankle sprain, but it’s hard to trust him given the lack of production he showed before this lingering injury.
Christian McCaffrey is unlikely to be back before the bye week. His best chance is Week 12 and even that is pushing it.
Laviska Shenault Jr. also has a chance to return in Week 12 due to the hamstring injury.
Lastly, Raheem Mostert and Deebo Samuel are likely to return after the bye week.
