The Training Room: Week 12 Injury Updates

Nov 19, 2013

With Week 12 right around the corner, we are in the final stretch to position your teams into the best possible shape to get into the fantasy playoffs and make a push. For those in standard leagues, the trade deadline has passed and you are left with either the players on your roster or whoever is left on waivers to get you to the promise land. Here are the injuries to keep an eye on for Week 12 matchups to determine if you need to look elsewhere to help your team get a win this week.

Leonard Hankerson

Torn LCL - The lateral collateral ligament is the main supporting ligament on the outside of the knee. A direct blow to the inside of the knee causes the LCL to stretch beyond its capacity and can lead to a tear. A tear can also happen when attempting to cut or twist as the leg is planted.

Hankerson went down with the knee injury in the 1st quarter as he landed awkwardly when trying to break a tackle. Reports are that he suffered an LCL injury and is waiting for MRI results to determine the extent of damage.

Bottom Line - There's a good chance Hankerson will miss the rest of the fantasy season regardless of if he needs surgery on his LCL. LCL injuries are pretty straight forward when they are isolated incidents, but the long term concern is instability in knee, as there are other structures close to the LCL that could complicate matters. The NFC East is still up for grabs, but the Redskins should move forward with Santana Moss or Aldrick Robinson as their #2 wideout opposite Pierre Garcon.

Jordan Reed

Concussion - Concussions are an insult to the brain from direct trauma. The brain suffers microtrauma and scarring with a variety of symptoms presenting, depending on where the trauma is located

Reed's day ended in the 1st half as he sustained a head injury and did not return. Coach Shanahan confirmed that Reed is currently going through the NFL's concussion protocol in order to return for this weeks game against the 49ers.

Bottom Line - The only silver lining is that Washington doesn't play until Monday night, which gives Reed an extra day to go through the protocol. Check back later in the week as we will update his status to see if he's cleared to play.

Joique Bell

Foot Injury - There was no further information given on the location of the injury and the severity.

Bell sustained the injury to his foot in the 4th quarter and did not return. He was seen after the game limping in the locker room but states that he did not think it was a serious injury, even though he did hear a pop in his foot.

Bottom Line - Even though Coach Schwartz deemed that Bell avoided a long term issue, it's a little premature at this point in time to truly know. The pop in Bell's foot could've been a number of things, but whenever you hear an audible sound that's associated with pain, it's not a good sign. He could be dealing with a midfoot sprain and will need further testing to figure out just exactly what is going on. I would rule out Bell for this week and possibly next, as his foot could be a multiple week injury. At this point in the season, you need players that will contribute and even though Reggie Bush is dealing with some fumbling issues, he is more than capable to carry the load.

Keenan Allen

Hyperextended Knee - When the knee forcefully straightens beyond it's limit, it causes immediate pain and possible swelling to the surrounding structures that help prevent that motion.

Allen left the game in the 2nd half against the Dolphins as he suffered an injury to his right knee. He was later seen after the game without any noticeable limp.

Bottom Line - It's always a good sign when players who sustain knee injuries during the game don't require a follow up MRI to determine if there's any structural damage. Allen will likely be limited during practice this week, but all signs point to him being able to suit up against the Chiefs. He's an important piece to the Chargers offense, especially for Phillip Rivers so make sure he gets the green light before putting him in your lineup.

Emmanuel Sanders

Foot Injury - There was no further information given on the location of the injury or the severity.

Sanders sustained the foot injury in the 1st half and did not return. He was held to only one catch prior to hurting the foot.

Bottom Line - Much like Joique Bell's situation, The Steelers have not updated the status of Sanders' foot, so we're not exactly sure what kind of issue he's dealing with. We should get an update over the next day or two to determine how serious it is and whether or not he'll be able to be considered for your lineup this week. Somehow, Jericho Cotchery's name continues to show up in the stat column each week, so he could be in for a bigger role should Sanders miss any time.

Mike Brown

AC Joint Sprain - Direct trauma to the acromioclavicular (AC) joint causes disruption of the ligaments around the area that help support it.

Brown sustained the injury to his shoulder in the 3rd quarter and did not return.

Bottom Line - AC joint sprain timetables can be very difficult to project, as there are many factors to consider. From the Jaguars medical team's standpoint, pain is ultimately the deciding factor as to whether or not Brown will be able to play through the injury or be held out. We've seen players sustain injuries to the AC joint and still be productive so look for an update later in the week to see if Brown will attempt to give it a go on Sunday. The Jaguars offense is an absolute mess right now at the wide receive position so this is a situation to avoid. Check out our waiver wire watch this week by Patrick Fitzmaurice for other WR's to keep an eye on to help your team.

Jermaine Kearse