Fantasy Football: NFL Week 3 Injury Recap
Jimmy Garoppolo
Torn ACL: out for the season
The handsome one, Jimmy GQ, is done for the year after tearing the ACL in his left knee during Sunday’s Game against the Chiefs. He planted on his left leg in a classic mechanism for an ACL tear where his knee buckled as he tried to cut. Garoppolo will undergo season-ending surgery to reconstruct the torn ligament and has a great chance to be ready for Week 1 in 2019. C.J. Beathard will take over under center for the Niners.
Other players impacted: Marquise Goodwin, Pierre Garcon, George Kittle
Evan Engram
Sprained MCL: out 2-4 weeks
Engram sustained a sprained MCL in Week 3 and will likely miss about 2-4 weeks. The specifics regarding the severity of the injury are unknown at this time, but it’s being reported that Engram is “week to week.” This suggests a partial tear of the MCL, which typically suggests a 2-4 week recovery if the injury is a lower grade sprain. Look for updates regarding Engram next week as it is very unlikely he plays in Week 4.
Other players impacted: Rhett Ellison, Eli Manning
A.J. Green
Hip/Groin injury (diagnosis unclear): day to day
“I just came down on my hip and I guess my two bones just hit. I didn’t feel it pop or anything.” That’s what A.J. Green said after sustaining an injury in Week 3. He exited in the third quarter with a hip/groin injury and didn’t return. After the game, Green stated that he felt he’d be ready for Week 4, but I’m not so sure. Green elevated into the air and came down hard on his tailbone and pelvis and was in obvious pain afterward. The team is calling the injury a groin injury, but his mechanism looked more like a hip or pelvic injury. Look for Green to be limited in practice all week with his Friday practice activity being the deciding factor for whether or not he plays in Week 4.
Other players impacted: Tyler Boyd, John Ross, Andy Dalton
Matt Breida
Sprained knee (hyperextension): day to day
Breida sustained an awkward knee injury as he planted on his leg and hyperextended it in a non-contact injury. Initially, there was cause for concern for a potential ACL tear, but Breida came back into the game a few series later and looked effective. Expect Breida’s knee to be sore and swollen for a few days. The Niners will likely limit Breida’s reps in practice this week in order to have him ready for Week 4, so don’t be shocked to see him limited throughout the week.
Other players impacted: Alfred Morris
Rex Burkhead
Neck injury (diagnosis unclear): day to day
Burkhead sustained a neck injury during the fourth quarter of Sunday Night Football and didn’t return. The exact details of the injury are unknown at this time, but it’s worth noting that Burkhead was just on the injury report last week as he recovered from a concussion, so his recovery timeline could be prolonged. Concussions can cause neck pain, and a neck injury on top of a recent concussion is likely to be problematic in the short term. This injury will only hurt Burkhead’s chances of regaining a relevant early-down role in the New England offense, who didn’t record a single carry on Sunday.
Other players impacted: Sony Michel, James White
Anthony Miller
Dislocated shoulder: day to day
The rookie receiver for the Chicago Bears dislocated his left shoulder on Sunday and actually attempted to return to action before being ruled out. A shoulder dislocation is extremely painful, but as long as there is no significant structural damage, the athlete can avoid surgery. The greatest risk of having a subsequent dislocation is during the first game back, so expect to see Miller wearing some sort of brace and/or sleeve during the team’s Week 4 game. He is almost guaranteed to be limited in practice, but I do ultimately expect the Bears to have Miller available for their Week 4 matchup against the Bucs.
Other players impacted: Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel, Mitchell Trubisky
Tyrod Taylor
Concussion: week to week
Taylor suffered a concussion during the Browns’ first win in more than two seasons. Unfortunately for Taylor, his play combined with this injury has cost him his starting role. Baker Mayfield looked impressive in relief and has been named the starting quarterback moving forward.
Other players impacted: Baker Mayfield, David Njoku, Jarvis Landry