Fantasy Football: Week 9 Injury Recap
Jameis Winston, QB, TB
AC joint sprain: out at least 2 weeks
Winston exited early again in Week 9 after aggravating his injury to his throwing shoulder. He’s been dealing with an AC joint sprain and also a bruised deltoid in his right shoulder, and his play has definitely suffered. The Bucs have already reported that Winston will be “shut down” for at least two weeks. Given that this is their franchise QB, I like this move from the Bucs. AC joint sprains can be extremely painful to play through, and this could have lingered all season. Expect more details regarding Winston’s prognosis later this week. Ryan Fitzpatrick will start in Winston’s place.
Other players impacted: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Mike Evans, DeSean Jackson, Cameron Brate
Dez Bryant, WR, DAL
Sprained ankle: day to day
Dez was hampered by an ankle sprain midway through the Cowboys Week 9 match up with the Chiefs. The video appeared to be more consistent with a high ankle sprain rather than a lateral ankle sprain, so it will be important to monitor Bryant throughout the week heading into Week 10. Reports also surfaced on Monday that Bryant is also dealing with a knee injury, which is supposedly minor. Given that he’s banged up and dealing with multiple injuries, Bryant will almost certainly miss some practice time this week. His practice status is worth monitoring throughout the week heading into Week 10.
Other players impacted: Terrance Williams, Brice Butler, Cole Beasley, Jason Witten
Eddie Lacy, RB, SEA
Strained groin: week to week
The Seahawks were vocal about riding Lacy in Week 9, but this never came to fruition after he exited Week 9 early with a groin strain. Like hamstring injuries, groin strains can be very difficult to play through due to the fact that they make changing directions and cutting very difficult. Lacy didn’t practice on Monday, so his status needs to be monitored heading into Week 10 with Seattle playing on Thursday Night Football against the Cardinals. Tuesday practices are generally a good indicator of whether or not a player will be available for the Thursday night games. Lacy will need to at least get in a limited session to have a chance to play.
Other players impacted: Thomas Rawls, J.D. McKissic
George Kittle, TE, SF
Sprained ankle: week to week
Kittle exited Week 9 early with a leg injury after falling awkwardly during a tackle on the opening drive of San Francisco’s game with Arizona. He was taken to the locker room for x-rays but returned to the field, indicating they were negative. Despite the fact that he was able to return, he definitely didn’t look like himself, frequently coming up with a limp after several plays. Head coach, Kyle Shanahan, has already ruled Kittle out for Week 10, and the Niners are on bye in Week 11, so don’t expect to hear many details regarding Kittle’s injury until Week 12.
Other players impacted: Logan Paulsen, C.J. Beathard, Jimmy Garoppolo
Ryan Griffin, TE, HOU
Concussion: day to day
Griffin exited Week 9 early with a concussion and will enter the concussion protocol. Ironically, fellow TE, C.J. Fiedorowicz, is making his way back from a concussion of his own that landed him on the IR earlier this season. If Griffin is unable to go in Week 10, Fiedorowicz will likely reclaim his starting role for the Texans given that he is eligible to return in Week 10.
Other players impacted: C.J. Fiedorowicz, Stephen Anderson
Zay Jones, WR, BUF
Hyperextended Knee: day to day
Jones’ injury on Thursday Night Football in Week 9 looked like it was going to be season ending after hyperextending his right knee in a non-contact fashion. However, Jones was able to return a few plays later, and he looked fine. Then, later in the game, Jones re-aggravated his knee and exited early. Jones is likely dealing with some swelling and soreness in the knee, but because he avoided structural damage, his recovery should be pretty quick. Expect the Bills to manage the rookie’s reps this week in practice, but he should have a good chance to go in Week 10.
Other players impacted: Kelvin Benjamin, Jordan Matthews, Andre Holmes