This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
This week's column is a first for me, as the NFL regular season extends into an 18th week. Navigating injuries and COVID-19 has proved challenging, but hopefully you are celebrating a fantasy championship or a week away from glory. Before we shift our focus to offseason recoveries and rehabs, let's look at the injuries influencing the last games of the regular season.
The 49ers may not have their starting quarterback in uniform for a critical contest against the Rams. Garoppolo did not play against the Texans due to a thumb injury sustained in Week 16. The exact injury diagnosed was a Grade 3 sprain of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and an accompanying avulsion fracture of the area. Basically, the ligament tore and pulled away a piece of the bone in the process. The UCL acts as the chief stabilizer for the base of thumb and sits on the inside aspect of the thumb, near the webbing of the thumb and second finger. UCL sprains are common in sports, particularly baseball. MLB MVPs Mike Trout and Bryce Harper have both torn the ligament at various points of their careers. NBA players including Chris Paul and Shaquille O'Neal also suffered the injury. Multiple NFL quarterbacks have missed extended time with comparable injuries including Jay Cutler and Drew Brees. In each of these infamous cases, surgery was deemed necessary to address the torn ligament. It seems likely Garoppolo eventually goes under the knife, but the team is hopeful he can at
This week's column is a first for me, as the NFL regular season extends into an 18th week. Navigating injuries and COVID-19 has proved challenging, but hopefully you are celebrating a fantasy championship or a week away from glory. Before we shift our focus to offseason recoveries and rehabs, let's look at the injuries influencing the last games of the regular season.
The 49ers may not have their starting quarterback in uniform for a critical contest against the Rams. Garoppolo did not play against the Texans due to a thumb injury sustained in Week 16. The exact injury diagnosed was a Grade 3 sprain of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and an accompanying avulsion fracture of the area. Basically, the ligament tore and pulled away a piece of the bone in the process. The UCL acts as the chief stabilizer for the base of thumb and sits on the inside aspect of the thumb, near the webbing of the thumb and second finger. UCL sprains are common in sports, particularly baseball. MLB MVPs Mike Trout and Bryce Harper have both torn the ligament at various points of their careers. NBA players including Chris Paul and Shaquille O'Neal also suffered the injury. Multiple NFL quarterbacks have missed extended time with comparable injuries including Jay Cutler and Drew Brees. In each of these infamous cases, surgery was deemed necessary to address the torn ligament. It seems likely Garoppolo eventually goes under the knife, but the team is hopeful he can at least try to play following two weeks of conservative treatment. However, the UCL is crucial for limiting excessive motion while gripping or pinching, and his touch on the ball will very likely be impacted. The expected functional limitation makes Jimmy G a fantasy gamble for Week 18. Trey Lance will get a second straight start if Garoppolo is ruled out.
The Dallas receiver will miss the remainder of last season after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee. Gallup's left leg appeared to stick in the turf as he twisted to haul in a 21-yard touchdown pass. The Cowboys medical staff quickly responded, and the sideline cam clearly showed a team physician performing a clinical test known as the Lachman test. The evaluation technique is utilized to assess the laxity of the ACL by testing the forward motion of the tibia in relationship to the femur. The Lachman test is considered very accurate, and medical imaging, usually an MRI, is often used to confirm the diagnosis. The timing of the injury is unfortunate, as Gallup is slated to enter free agency in the offseason. On the plus side, reports suggest the injury is an isolated ACL tear with no additional cartilage or ligament damage. A midseason return remains the most likely outcome, but the lack of accompanying injuries gives him an outside shot to be ready for the start of the 2022 season. In the meantime, Cedrick Wilson becomes Dallas' third wideout behind Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb. Wilson finished with six catches for 35 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's loss to the Cardinals.
Turf Burns
Cam Akers: The surprising return of Akers has been one of the few positive advancements on the injury front. Akers suffered a torn Achilles in July and was expected to miss the entire year. However, he excelled in rehab and was activated from the reserve/non-football injury list prior to Week 16. He will now likely see carries in Week 18 with teammate Darrell Henderson on the IR with a sprained medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his knee. While Aker's return is an achievement in and of itself, don't expect him to be an immediate fantasy contributor. Sony Michel has played well for Los Angeles, rushing for at least 74 yards in the Rams' last five outings and remains the feature back. Look for Akers to play a supporting role as the team faces off against the 49ers.
Joe Burrow: The Bengals quarterback injured his right knee as the Bengals clinched the AFC North title. The injury is being described as mild and did not involve his surgically repaired left knee. The team will probably limit his workload in the days ahead but seems unlikely to hold him out. Look for the situation to become clearer as the week progresses.
James Conner: Arizona's starting running back has missed back-to-back games with a bruised heel. The team continues to battle for playoff positioning, meaning Week 18 does have significance. However, look for the Cardinals to continue managing Conner conservatively with the intent of having him healthy for the postseason.
Derrick Henry: The Titans workhorse is nearing a return after undergoing surgery to repair a fractured foot. Henry broke the fifth metatarsal in his right foot in Week 8 and has not played since. However, he participated in individual drills Monday and could be activated from the IR in time for the playoffs. His return won't have an impact on most fantasy formats but could make him a late draft day target for playoff fantasy leagues.
Lamar Jackson: Jackson's injured ankle has been slow to heal, forcing him to miss three straight outings. The team insists he has a shot at playing in the regular season finale against the Steelers. In order to gain any confidence in a potential return, Jackson has to register more than just one practice in the week ahead. Tyler Huntley will start should the former MVP be unable to play.
Miles Sanders: While there was some optimism Philadelphia would have Sanders back for their regular season finale, head coach Nick Sirianni said Monday the running back is not expected to play in Week 18. Sanders suffered a broken hand in Week 16, paving the way for Boston Scott's fantasy friendly showing against Washington. Scott scored two touchdowns for the Eagles and finished with 47 yards on 14 carries. Sanders will now focus on returning for the postseason. Scott remains the lead back with Jordan Howard playing a complementary role.
