This weekly series will provide you
with in-depth analysis of key injuries and their resultant implications
on fantasy football. This information comes straight from my perspective
as a Physical Therapist and collegiate Athletic Trainer of ten
years. Over that time, I have seen and treated almost every injury
that can occur in this violent sport. Hopefully this piece gives
you a little more insight into the anatomy of an injury.
Player: Owen Daniels
Injury: ACL injury
Healing Time: 8 months
Impact on the Field: This injury did not look good at all. Daniels
twisted his knee and did not come back into the game, which is
never a good sign with a knee injury. At the time, I suspected
that it may be an MCL sprain, which would have kept him out for
at least two weeks. It turned out to be an ACL injury, which means
he will be out for the rest of the year. Surgery on a torn ACL
generally requires an eight-month rehabilitation period. Daniels
was having a breakout season, benefiting from the single coverage
he was receiving due to Andre Johnson’s presence. This is a big
blow to the Houston offense, and bad news for Andre Johnson owners.
Expect more pass coverage to roll to his side now that Daniels
is out.
Player: Aaron Rodgers
Injury: Ankle sprain
Healing Time: 2-4 weeks
Impact on the Field: Rodgers injured his ankle during his 39-yard
scamper in the fourth quarter. According to sources, he was limping
around pretty badly after the game but is in no danger of missing
any time. Ankle sprains are slow-healing and more painful than
they are debilitating. Rodgers has been in contention for fantasy
MVP and has been tearing it up all year. He will be taped and
well-protected this Sunday, and his fantasy owners should have
nothing to worry about.
Player: Donald Driver
Injury: Neck injury
Healing Time: 1-3 weeks
Impact on the Field: Father Time has smiled upon some of the older
receivers this year. Derrick Mason, Hines Ward, and Donald Driver
have all provided nice value at their average draft positions,
and all can be used with confidence on a weekly basis. Driver
took a big hit this weekend and came out for a few plays, only
to quickly return. No doubt he will be sore and stiff for the
next few days, but he will also continue to be a part of the Green
Bay scoring machine. There were no neurological issues with his
neck injury, so it’s essentially a non-issue.
Don't lose sleep worrying about Favre's
groin.
Player: Brett Favre
Injury: Groin strain
Healing Time: 2-6 weeks
Impact on the Field: The annoying Favre saga continues on a weekly
basis. It becomes more aggravating when reporters like Peter King
go on about how Favre was really hurt and may not have played.
Please…Favre could not wait for this day, and there was
no way he was missing this one, no matter how hurt he claimed
to be. Despite re-injuring the previous week’s strained
groin during Sunday’s pre-game warm-ups, Favre gutted it
out and threw four touchdowns, looking absolutely healthy throughout
the game. No matter how irritating his ego can be, I must admit
that he’s one of the all-time greats at quarterback. He
is supremely talented and is playing in a great situation, and
he knows it. Favre has never faced eight-man fronts as often as
he sees them now. He has a great line, one of the greatest running
backs ever, and plenty of fire power at wide receiver; never mind
a good defense that allows them to play from ahead the whole game.
As far as this injury goes, don’t lose any sleep over it.
He will be out there just like he’s been every other week
that he’s been hurt. With the way this offense is playing,
he is definitely a QB1.
Player: Miles Austin
Injury: Groin strain
Healing Time: 1-4 weeks
Impact on the Field: Romo is my
QB, and I really can’t afford to have Austin out for any amount
of time. The chemistry between them is unreal and has made a huge
difference in the Cowboys passing game. Fortunately, it appears
that Austin’s groin strain is a mild one. He was taken out of
the game last week as a precautionary measure. However, I’ve been
wrong lately on the extent of groin strains. Reggie Wayne and
DeSean Jackson both played last week, and they put up big numbers
in spite of their injuries. So, if recent history holds true,
Austin will play and have a great week.
Player: Anquan Boldin
Injury: High ankle sprain
Healing Time: 2-6 weeks
Impact on the Field: I said it last week and I will say it again.
This whole situation is ridiculous. Boldin re-injured his high
ankle sprain when he was taken down awkwardly and his foot jammed
into his own ankle. He should have been given some time to allow
this injury to heal, but the Cardinals allowed him to play, which
made the sprain susceptible to worsening on any given play. He
could miss some practice time this week and then play this weekend.
If he does play, he will be hobbling around again, and you will
not be able to count on him from a fantasy standpoint. I really
don’t get it. His last four games have given him 8, 8, 7
and 4 fantasy points, respectively, with no touchdowns. He would
have been much more likely to maintain his typical production
if he had taken some time and allowed himself to heal.
Player: Jake Delhomme
Injury: Lumbar strain/sprain
Healing Time: Day-to-day
Impact on the Field: I doubt any
of you had this guy in your lineup. He’s been downright awful
and has been killing Steve Smith’s value. For years, Delhomme
would lock on Smith and force it his way, making Smith the ever-productive
fantasy option. But he has not been able to hit the broad side
of a barn this year. He couldn’t have lost his ability that quickly;
it looks more of a confidence issue. The Panthers still possess
the best rushing attack in the league and I’m sure they will continue
to pack a punch with both Stewart and Williams. I would be very
worried for Steve Smith if Matt Moore takes over under center,
however. As bad as Delhomme has been, I think it could get worse
if he misses any time. Delhomme will be sore all week, but I think
he will be out there against New Orleans.
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