This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
The Green Bay running back appears poised to miss time after suffering a knee injury in the Packers win over the Seahawks. The injury was diagnosed as a medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain during the game, and further testing revealed the sprain to be mild. The MCL sits on the inside aspect of the knee and helps with stability during lateral movement. While his impending absence is frustrating, it could have been much worse. Fibers of the MCL are intertwined with the medial meniscus, and meniscus damage often accompanies an MCL sprain. Fortunately for Jones, his meniscus remains intact, and he will not have to consider surgery. The Packers estimate Jones will miss a week or two, with AJ Dillon set to take over the feature back role. Dillon has played well in recent weeks, including Sunday against the Seahawks where he finished with 128 total yards from scrimmage and two rushing touchdowns.
Atlanta's veteran running back has been one of the pleasant surprises of the 2021 fantasy football season, collecting career highs in total yards from scrimmage while chipping in seven touchdowns. Unfortunately, he sprained his ankle in Sunday's lopsided loss to the Cowboys and played a season-low 28 percent of the Falcons' offensive snaps. The injury appears to have played a major factor in his limited usage, and there are some concerns he won't be ready to play in Week 11. While the problem does not appear to be a high ankle sprain, Atlanta
The Green Bay running back appears poised to miss time after suffering a knee injury in the Packers win over the Seahawks. The injury was diagnosed as a medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain during the game, and further testing revealed the sprain to be mild. The MCL sits on the inside aspect of the knee and helps with stability during lateral movement. While his impending absence is frustrating, it could have been much worse. Fibers of the MCL are intertwined with the medial meniscus, and meniscus damage often accompanies an MCL sprain. Fortunately for Jones, his meniscus remains intact, and he will not have to consider surgery. The Packers estimate Jones will miss a week or two, with AJ Dillon set to take over the feature back role. Dillon has played well in recent weeks, including Sunday against the Seahawks where he finished with 128 total yards from scrimmage and two rushing touchdowns.
Atlanta's veteran running back has been one of the pleasant surprises of the 2021 fantasy football season, collecting career highs in total yards from scrimmage while chipping in seven touchdowns. Unfortunately, he sprained his ankle in Sunday's lopsided loss to the Cowboys and played a season-low 28 percent of the Falcons' offensive snaps. The injury appears to have played a major factor in his limited usage, and there are some concerns he won't be ready to play in Week 11. While the problem does not appear to be a high ankle sprain, Atlanta is facing a quick turnaround as they play in the Thursday night game. Look for Mike Davis to get the start, with Wayne Gallman also moving up the depth chart should Patterson fail to suit up. Gallman was the more effective of the duo against Dallas, finishing with 55 yards on 15 carries and two receptions for 21 yards. Davis tied his season-low for attempts with four and finished with 18 yards, marking the third game in Atlanta's last four outings where he has failed to rush for more than 20 yards. Consider adding Gallman if you are invested in Patterson or are in need of running back depth.
Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson
The Patriots running backs are the perfect case study displaying no two concussions are alike. Both Harris and Stevenson suffered concussions in Week 9, but only Stevenson completed the league's mandated concussion protocol before the team's Week 10 contest against the Browns. Stevenson exceled with Harris still sidelined, finishing with 114 total yards and two touchdowns. Harris was still listed as a nonparticipant on Monday and appears to be still working toward medical clearance. Even if Harris is eventually cleared in time for Week 11, Stevenson may have shown enough to earn a big role in the Patriots offense. As a result, the two could split carries, limiting their fantasy appeal. Keep a close eye on practice reports to see if their varying levels of participation provide any clarity to the situation.
The Rams wide receiver suffered a significant injury during practice last week and has been lost for the year. Woods tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee in what was described as a "freak accident." ACL injuries are relatively common in the NFL, and multiple receivers have sustained the injury in recent seasons, including new teammate Odell Beckham. Beckham tore his ACL in Week 7 of the 2020 season and missed the first two games of the 2021 season while he completed his recovery. The return to play rate for ACL reconstruction is high but accompanied by a lengthy recovery, usually eight to 12 months. However, expecting an explosive athlete like Woods to be ready to go after eight months seems like a tall task, and it wouldn't be shocking to see the injury carry over into the start of next season. Cooper Kupp remains Los Angeles' top receiver, but the recently signed Beckham becomes increasingly more important.
Turf Burns
Clyde Edwards-Helaire: The Chiefs running back was eligible to return from the IR last week after missing four games with a MCL sprain. However, the team opted to give him an additional week to recover, holding him out for Week 10. Now CEH has a "good chance" to return in Week 11 against the Cowboys. The strong play of Darrel Williams should allow Kansas City to ease Edwards-Helaire back into the mix with Williams likely to be featured more in passing situations.
CeeDee Lamb: Cowboys fans can breathe a sigh of relief, as it appears Lamb's arm injury is simply a contusion. Lamb made an early exit from Dallas' win over Atlanta, but head coach Mike McCarthy told reporters Monday that his star receiver is "going to be fine." Lamb is in the middle of an impressive sophomore campaign and remains a must start each week.
Baker Mayfield: Already playing with a torn labrum in his nonthrowing shoulder, Mayfield was unable to finish Sunday's game after suffering a knee injury. Tests on the knee did not reveal any significant structural damage, and he is currently considered day-to-day. However, Mayfield hasn't looked healthy since sitting out Week 7 and another injury, especially one that could impact his mobility, certainly won't help the situation. I would avoid using Mayfield unless you have no other options.
Kyler Murray: The Cardinals are unsure if Murray will be ready to play in Week 11 as he continues to nurse a medial ankle sprain. The team does have a bye week on the horizon in Week 12, and it wouldn't be shocking to see Arizona hold him out for one more contest to buy him more time to heal. Additionally, backup quarterback Colt McCoy suffered a pectoral injury in the loss to Carolina, though the ailment appears mild. Chris Streveler is the team's third string quarterback should he be needed. Look for a decision to come late in the week with McCoy the current favorite to start. Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins will likely be a game-time decision as well, with his hamstring injury still an issue.
Chase Young: The Washington defensive end is done for the season after tearing the ACL in his right knee. Like Woods, the timing of the injury almost guarantees his recovery following surgery will carry over into the 2022 season.
