Fantasy Football: Week 8 Injury Recap
Zach Miller, TE, CHI
Knee Dislocation: out for season
Ugh, absolutely brutal to see a player go down like this. If you haven’t seen the video yet, don’t search for it, as it is truly tough to watch. Miller went up for a grab in the end zone but landed awkwardly, causing his knee to dislocate. The veteran tight end most certainly will have multiple ligaments damage from the injury. However, an even bigger concern is that whenever a joint is dislocated, there is concern for artery and/or nerve damage. Unfortunately for Miller, reports surfaced that emergency surgery was required in order to salvage his lower leg due to an injury to the popliteal artery, which is located in the back of the knee. This major artery supplies the vessels of the lower leg and foot, which is why damage to this structure is so troublesome. Thankfully, reports indicate that the surgery was successful. In the grand scheme of things, football seems like a small piece of the pie with this type of injury, as it is highly possible that Miller’s football career is over. Miller faces a long and grueling rehab over the next 2 years.
Other players impacted: Adam Shaheen, Dion Sims, Mitchell Trubisky
Jordan Reed, TE, WAS
Strained hamstring: out at least one week
Not surprisingly, Reed finds himself on this weekly article yet again, this time with a strained hamstring that forced him to leave Week 8 early after disappointing fantasy owners with just 1 catch for 5 yards. The Redskins have already indicated that they expect Reed to miss Week 9, but I suspect he will miss multiple weeks. Reed has dealt with hamstring injuries throughout his career, and each time a player re-injures the hamstring, the recovery time lengthens. Combine this with the fact that hamstring strains are one of the highest recurring injuries in football, and Reed’s rest of season outlook is murky.
Other players impacted: Vernon Davis, Kirk Cousins, Jamison Crowder, Josh Doctson
Chris Hogan, WR, NEP
Diagnosis unclear: out a few weeks
Given the prognosis of missing a few weeks, the fact that he left the game in a sling, and that he won’t require surgery, he is likely dealing with an AC joint sprain. With the Pats on bye in week 9, don’t expect to hear many details until the Pats return to practice. A week 11 return is likely more realistic, but he still has a shot to return in Week 10.
Other players impacted: Brandin Cooks, Danny Amendola, Phillip Dorsett, Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski
Duke Johnson, RB, CLE
Concussion: day to day
Johnson was examined on Sunday for a concussion after taking a hit to the head. However, he cleared the concussion protocol before the team even boarded the plane to head back to the United States. He isn’t expect to miss any time, especially with the Browns on bye in Week 9.
Other players impacted: Isaiah Crowell
Cole Beasley, WR, DAL
Concussion: day to day
Cole Beasley enters the concussion protocol after taking a blow to the head on Sunday. The concussion protocol is a non-linear progression, so he should truly be considered day to day. His practice reports this week will provide insight as to whether or not he will be available for the Cowboys’ Week 9 match up with the Chiefs. Of note, Beasley tweeted on Sunday after the game, “I’m ok guys. Thank you.” I don’t always trust players saying they’re healthy, but one thing this does tell me is that Beasley wasn’t sensitive to bright lights (from the phone screen), which is one common symptom after a concussion. This bodes well for a quicker recovery.
Other players impacted: Ryan Switzer, Dez Bryant, Jason Witten, Dak Prescott
Joe Flacco, QB, BAL
Concussion: day to day
Flacco took an absolutely brutal hit from Dolphin’s linebacker, Kiko Alonso, as he was sliding during a rushing attempt on Thursday Night Football. As stated above, the concussion protocol is a non-linear progression, so he should truly be considered day to day despite the fact that his hit looked worse compared to Beasley and Johnson’s. Fortunately for Flacco, he will have an extra few days to be ready for Week 9 with his injury occurring on Thursday rather than Sunday or Monday.
Other players impacted: Ryan Mallett, Jeremy Maclin, Mike Wallace, Ben Watson
Pierre Garcon, WR, WAS
Neck Injury: day to day
Garcon appeared to injure his neck while crashing into the Eagles’ sideline on Sunday but was never officially diagnosed with a specific injury. He was seen sparingly in the second half of Sunday’s game, so it’s possible his limited playing time was due to the neck injury. Garcon’s status is worth monitoring heading into Week 9.
Other players impacted: C.J. Beathard, Jimmy Garoppolo, Marquise Goodwin, George Kittle