Week 4 Fantasy Football Injury Recap
Just like in Week 3, there were some big-time names who went down with an injury in Week 3. As The Fantasy Footballers’ injury analyst and sports physical therapist, the majority of my content will cover injuries in the NFL. All season long, I’ll be recapping the previous week’s injuries and giving a projected timeline for recovery. Let’s look at the biggest injuries from Week 4.
Davante Adams
Right Turf Toe: Out at least 2 weeks
Adams had himself a night on Thursday Night Football against the Eagles, catching 10 passes for 180 yards. However, what he’ll be remembered for in this game is his right big toe injury. He suffered a turf toe injury late in the game and didn’t return. After the game, he told reporters he wasn’t even able to put his shoe on because of the pain and swelling in his foot. An MRI on Friday confirmed the injury. Adams will definitely miss Week 5 and likely miss Week 6. This injury is a big-time concern for wide receivers because that big toe is so important for push off when running. For reference, this is the injury that sent A.J. Green to injured reserve last year. Expect to be without Adams for at least two weeks with the potential for four weeks.
Other players impacted: Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Geronimo Allison, Jimmy Graham, Aaron Rodgers
Jamaal Williams
Concussion: Day to day
Williams suffered a scary injury on Thursday night after taking a hard hit to the helmet from Eagles’ DE, Derek Barnett. Williams had to be taken off the field on a spine board, but took to social media to let his followers know he was “gucci.” Williams now enters the league’s concussion protocol and should be considered day to day as he attempts to progress throughout the week. Fortunately for Williams, his injury happening on Thursday gives him extra time to be ready for Sunday’s Week 5 matchup with the Cowboys.
Other players impacted: Aaron Jones, Dexter Williams
Christian Kirk
Right High Ankle Sprain: Likely out at least one week
Christian Kirk injured his right ankle in the final minutes of Sunday’s game against the Seahawks. While being tackled, he got his right foot stuck in the turf, causing his ankle to rotate externally and his knee to collapse inward. These injuries can sometimes result in a sprained MCL in addition to the ankle sprain. It sounds like Kirk avoided a knee injury, but that doesn’t mean he’ll suit up next week. The high ankle sprain could keep him out at least a week.
Other players impacted: Larry Fitzgerald, KeeSean Johnson, Kyler Murray
Mitchell Trubisky
Left Shoulder Dislocation: Likely out at least one week
Trubisky injured his left (non-throwing) shoulder in the first quarter against the Vikings on Sunday and was immediately ruled out. He had his left arm stretched overhead as the defender’s body weight landed on top of him. This position with forced overpressure usually results in a labrum injury to the shoulder, as confirmed via MRI. The labrum is a tiny piece of fibrocartilage that helps to provide stability to the shoulder and improve joint stability. Without it being intact, players are at a high risk of shoulder dislocation if they return too quickly. Trubisky will likely miss a week but return to play this season with a shoulder brace.
Other players impacted: Chase Daniel, Allen Robinson, Tarik Cohen, Trey Burton
Josh Allen
Concussion: Day to day
Allen took a nasty helmet-to-helmet hit while scrambling on Sunday against the Patriots and immediately dropped to the turf. It was great to see Allen be able to jog to the locker room, but he didn’t return after being evaluated for a concussion. Allen now enters the league’s concussion protocol and has seven days to be ready for Week 5 against the Titans. The goal when returning from a concussion is to monitor symptoms, allow for recovery, then gradually expose the athlete to physical activity and monitor their response. Recovery is non-linear, and every day is different. Monitor the Bills’ practice reports this week.
Other players impacted: Matt Barkley, John Brown, Cole Beasley
T.J. Hockenson
Concussion: Day to day
Hockenson attempted to hurdle a defender in the second half and got his legs taken out from underneath him, causing him to land on his head and shoulder. He exited early and did not return after being evaluated for a concussion. He now enters the league’s concussion protocol and is day to day. Fortunately for Hockenson and the Lions, they are on bye in Week 5, so Hockenson has a great chance to be ready for Week 6.
Other players impacted: Jesse James, Matthew Stafford
Gardner Minshew
Left High Ankle Sprain: Week to week
On the Jaguars’ game-winning drive Sunday, Minshew got hit below the knee, and his left foot and ankle got caught in the turf, causing it to externally rotate. This is the classic mechanism of injury for a high ankle sprain. This appears to be a low-grade sprain, meaning Minshew is not in danger of missing an extended period of time. He will most likely be limited in practice this week but has a chance to play as early as next week. Monitor his practice status this week.
Other players impacted: D.J. Chark, Dede Westbrook
Jarvis Landry
Concussion: Day to day
Landry absolutely exploded on Sunday with a massive performance against the Ravens. He could have had an even bigger day, but he suffered a concussion in the second half and didn’t return. Like Hockenson and Allen, he enters the concussion protocol. Monitor the Browns’ injury report this week as he attempts to get cleared for Cleveland’s Week 5 matchup against the 49ers on Monday Night Football.
Other players impacted: Odell Beckham Jr., Baker Mayfield, Rashard Higgins, Damion Ratley
Marlon Mack
Ankle Sprain: Week to week
Marlon Mack suffered an ankle injury on Sunday and was only used sparingly in the second half after the injury, only getting two touches. After the game, Mack spoke with the media and stated that the decision to limit his work in the second half was a coach’s decision. He expressed confidence that he would be ready for Week 5 against the Chiefs. Expect Mack to be limited in practice this week in an effort to have him available for a crucial Week 5 matchup versus Kansas City.
Other players impacted: Jordan Wilkins, Nyheim Hines, Jacoby Brissett
Kenny Stills
Right Hamstring Strain: Likely out at least one week
Stills caught a ball on a crossing route from Deshaun Watson and was heading upfield along the right sideline. With no defenders within 10 yards, Stills pulled up lame with immediately limped off the field. Despite being ruled questionable to return, he did not re-enter the game. Look for Stills to show up on the injury report in practice this week with his Week 5 status in question. Research shows that the greatest risk of re-injury is within the first two weeks upon return to the field.
Other players impacted: Keke Coutee, DeAndre Hopkins, Will Fuller
Dontrelle Inman
Quadriceps Strain: Likely out at least one week
Inman got a ton of playing time with fellow WR, Mike Williams, out with a back injury. Unfortunately, Inman left early after suffering an injury to his quad in the fourth quarter and didn’t return. Being a soft tissue injury, there is certainly a risk that Inman will miss Week 5, which is a big-time concern given the litany of injuries the Chargers have had so far this season. As with all soft tissue injuries, the greatest risk of re-injury comes with a return to the field in the first two weeks after injury.
Other players impacted: Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Phillip Rivers