The Training Room: Week 13 Injury Updates
It was a pretty quiet weekend with regards to injuries, which is always a good thing with fantasy playoffs right around the corner. However, there a number of players that are still recovering from injuries that could alter your strategy on the waiver wire, so let’s get right into some players you want to keep an eye on moving forward:
On The Mend
Larry Fitzgerald (Sprained MCL): The majority of reporters and writers, myself included, didn’t think Fitz had a chance to play against the Seahawks this past Sunday. It turned out to be the case as Fitzgerald wasn’t even able to run during pre-game warmups, per Coach Arians. Grade 2 MCL sprains are usually a multi-week injury, with swelling, pain, and feeling of instability in the knee playing a big role in recovery. I don’t like his chances of suiting up this week, and Fitzgerald will continue to be week-to-week until he’s able to practice and show some progress. With the way the Cardinals offense looked with Drew Stanton under center, I’m not sure Fitzgerald should be considered in fantasy playoffs even when he does return.
Arian Foster (Strained Groin): The Texans continue to struggle without their best offensive weapon, and although it seems he’s making progress, he continues to be a big question mark each week. He’ll continue to be week-to-week with anyone’s guess as to whether or not he’ll be available. Just based on the time he’s missed to have his groin pain improve, it would seem Foster would be closer to returning than not this week. Alfred Blue remains a hold until further notice, as the Texans have solid matchups against poor run defenses the next couple of weeks (Titans, Jaguars, and the Colts).
Reggie Bush (Ankle Sprain): It seems like the Lions are giving Bush the same type of treatment they did with Calvin Johnson, in that they want to make sure he’s as close to 100% for the rest of the season. There’s a chance Bush suits up against the Bears on Thanksgiving, but we should have a better idea sooner than later on what to expect with his possible return.
Julius Thomas (Ankle Sprain): Thomas was inactive against the Dolphins this past weekend, and he’ll continue to be day-to-day. There’s a good chance that he plays against the Chiefs on Sunday night in an important division game, but he’ll continue to work with the medical staff to get his ankle ready for game action.
Dwayne Allen (Ankle Sprain): Coach Pagano states he’s not sure when Allen will practice this week, and is still considered day-to-day. Until we see him practicing in any fashion, plan on preparing your team as if he will be unavailable. Hopefully Coby Fleener will be able to capitalize.
Rod Streater (Foot Surgery): Streater is eligible to return from the IR after being sidelined due to foot surgery since Week 3. Even when healthy, I’m not sure he’s a viable option in a Raiders offense that continues to struggle to throw the ball effectively.
Jordan Reed (Hamstring Strain): Reed continues to work back from a right hamstring strain that led to him missing Week 12 against the 49ers. He’ll continue to be day-to-day, but given his injury history, I’d be surprised if he did suit up this week. The Redskins are really bad right now, so I’m not sure how much you could trust him even if he does return.
Marshawn Lynch (Back Spasms): Lynch has been dealing with back issues for quite some time now, but lately it seems as if they have been bothering him more. I don’t think he’ll miss the Thanksgiving showdown against the 49ers, but there’s a chance that he could be spelled more during games to reduce the overall load on the back. It’s something to keep an eye on moving forward.
Training Room Injuries
Ryan Mallet
Torn Pectoral Muscle: Your pectoral muscle originates from your sternum and collarbone with it inserting into the humerus/shoulder. When the pectoral muscle is torn, it can lead to pain with normal daily tasks, and any throwing motion can lead to pain and instability. The Houston Chronical reports that Mallet will be done for the rest of the season due to the injury.
Bottom Line: A torn pectoral muscle almost always means surgery, especially for a QB. It’ll be a tough blow for the Texans, as not only were they trying to get a better idea of what Mallet could do, but now they’ll have to turn back to either Ryan Fitzpatrick or give rookie Tom Savage a look for the rest of the year. Mallet should be good to return for the start of next season, which team he gets signed by is another story.
Latavius Murray
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. Murray suffered the concussion in the 1st half against the Chiefs and did not return.
Bottom Line: Barring any setbacks or complications during his time in the concussion protocol, Murray should be available for this upcoming week’s game against the Rams. He’ll be an interesting play after his 2 TD performance on only 4 touches against the Chiefs this past week, but the Raiders schedule the rest of the season is going to be tough on their running backs.
