Fantasy Football: Week 14 Injury Recap
Carson Wentz, QB, PHL
Torn ACL: out for season
An MRI on Monday confirmed what the Eagles had feared – a torn ACL in the left knee of their franchise QB. His injury likely happened on a play where he dove for the end zone and took a hard hit on both sides of his body from two defenders. While this mechanism of injury is rare given that his leg was not planted, it’s possible the force from the hit caused his knee to bend in an unnatural direction. Regardless, the Eagles will be without Wentz for the rest of 2017, and possibly beyond. Given that an ACL takes 9-12 months to rehab, Wentz is in jeopardy of missing time early in 2018. Nick Foles will be the starter moving forward.
Other players impacted: Nick Foles, Alshon Jeffery, Zach Ertz, Nelson Agholor
Josh McCown, QB, NYJ
Fractured hand: out for season
Josh McCoy will see his magical 2017 season come to an early end after breaking a bone in his left hand this past Sunday. His injury will require season ending surgery. It’s unfortunate for a player who no one expected to do anything this year in New York. The Jets will now turn to a combination of Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg at QB for the rest of the season.
Other players impacted: Bryce Petty, Christian Hackenberg, Robby Anderson, Jermaine Kearse, Austin Seferian-Jenkins
Alvin Kamara, RB, NO
Concussion: day to day
Alvin Kamara exited Thursday Night Football on the first drive of the game after taking a helmet to helmet hit, resulting in a concussion. Worth noting, Kamara was active on Twitter the night of the injury, which is a positive sign. One common symptom after a concussion is difficulty concentrating and sensitivity to light. The fact that Kamara was on his phone and the fact that he will have a few extra days with the Thursday night game to be ready for Week 15 gives me confidence in his availability for the semi-finals of the fantasy playoffs.
Other players impacted: Mark Ingram, Drew Brees, Trey Edmunds
Amari Cooper, WR, OAK
Sprained ankle: week to week
Shockingly, Amari Cooper was named active prior to Sunday’s game after barely practicing all week with an ankle injury. Of course, hindsight is always 20/20, but it appears as though the Raiders rushed Cooper back too quickly. He exited Sunday’s game early after getting his left ankle rolled up on while making a block. Given that this is the same ankle he injured a few weeks ago, I wouldn’t expect Cooper to play in Week 15.
Other players impacted: Derek Carr, Michael Crabtree, Jared Cook, Seth Roberts, Cordarrelle Patterson
Tom Savage, QB, HOU
Concussion: day to day
Savage went to the ground during a tackle and smacked his head hard on the turf in Sunday’s game. It was a scary scene as Savage laid motionless for a moment, almost as if he was having a seizure. This sort of posturing is not uncommon after a concussion. Inexplicably, the Texans somehow allowed Savage to re-enter the game before being ruled out. It was unfortunate to see, especially with the efforts of the NFL to attempt to protect its players from the negative effects of recurring head injuries. Expect backup, T.J. Yates, to start in Savage’s place in Week 15.
Other players impacted: T.J. Yates, Deandre Hopkins
Kelvin Benjamin, WR, BUF
Torn meniscus: day to day
Benjamin returned after sitting out the last few weeks with a torn meniscus in his knee. Unfortunately, he was unable to get through his first game without any setbacks, as he exited the game early and did not return. If Benjamin attempts to continue to play through this injury, expect him to be limited off and on for the rest of the year. Ultimately, Benjamin is likely facing a clean up procedure for his knee, but the Bills could delay this surgery until after the season is over.
Other players impacted: Tyrod Taylor, Zay Jones
Tevin Coleman, RB, ATL
Concussion: day to day
Tevin Coleman exited Thursday night’s match up with the Saints early with a concussion. Like Kamara, he will have 10 days to be ready for Week 15 and is fully expected to play. Expect the Falcons to ramp up his activity as the week goes on.
Other players impacted: Devonta Freeman, Matt Ryan, Terron Ward
Marcus Mariota, QB, TEN
Knee injury unclear: day to day
Mariota didn’t miss any time on Sunday against the Cardinals, but the team revealed that he is dealing with some knee soreness, which is not believed to be serious. He is expected to practice all week, but this is certainly a situation to monitor.
Other players impacted: Delanie Walker, Rishard Matthews