Fantasy Football Week 7 Injury Report: Bad Juju
Deshaun Watson, QB Cleveland Browns
Injury: Right Achilles Rupture
Projected Timetable: Season-Ending
Initial Thoughts:
By video, it was pretty evident that Watson suffered an Achilles rupture, subsequently ending his 2024 season. Dorian Thompson-Robinson also suffered a finger injury, leaving the Browns quarterback room thin with only Jameis Winston.
Jayden Daniels, QB Washington Commanders
Injury: Rib Injury
Projected Timetable: 1-2 Weeks
Initial Thoughts:
X-Rays came back negative and Daniels was spotted moving around a lot, including raising his arms out and interacting with teammates. Obviously, that is different than playing in an NFL game and absorbing contact, but it is at least a good sign that there are no rib fractures or significant rib cartilage damage. If just bruised, he has a decent chance to play next week and possibly simply didn't return to the game due to the score. Update: it sounds likely that Daniels will miss Week 8.
Aidan O'Connell, QB Las Vegas Raiders
Injury: Right Thumb Fracture
Projected Timetable: 4-6 Weeks
Initial Thoughts:
The timetable for return depends on the severity of the fracture and if surgery is warranted, as well as if there was any ligament damage. If it requires a simple pin procedure for fixation, he could return in a few weeks, but considering he is a quarterback and the thumb is integral in accuracy and velocity, there's a decent chance he's placed on IR. I anticipate Gardner Minshew starting at quarterback in the near future.
Tyler Huntley, QB Miami Dolphins
Injury: Right Shoulder
Projected Timetable: 2-4 Weeks
Initial Thoughts:
Huntley suffered what appeared to be an AC sprain or shoulder sprain/subluxation, which is problematic for a right-handed throwing athlete. He will likely miss time, but good news for Miami fans and managers of Miami offensive players, Tua Tagovailoa is set to return to practice and play in week 8. Optimism remains that Tua can return healthy and stay healthy, which would be a huge boost to this offense.
Tony Pollard, RB Tennessee Titans
Injury: Concussion Screening, Neck
Projected Timetable: 1-2 Weeks
Initial Thoughts:
After clearing concussion screening, he was able to return to the game and keep playing. I am not overly concerned about his neck, but these kinds of injuries typically lead to stiffening and increased pain after the game. Monitor his practice status during the week, but I like his chances of playing in week 8.
David Montgomery, RB Detroit Lions
Injury: Left Knee/Leg Bruise
Projected Timetable: returned to game
Initial Thoughts:
This one does not seem very concerning, as Montgomery was able to return to the game and carry nearly his typical workload as a rusher with effectiveness. We'll see if he pops up on the injury report in practice this coming week, but concern remains low for his week 8 status. Dan Campbell told media that he took a knee to the back of his leg, leading to a contusion that he was able to play through.
Brandon Aiyuk, WR San Francisco 49ers
Injury: Right Knee ACL, MCL
Projected Timetable: Season-ending
Initial Thoughts:
By video, it appears that Aiyuk suffered an ACL injury as the defender tackled his knee inwards into valgus. It is also likely that he suffered MCL and potentially meniscus damage as it appeared that his tibia shifted upon impact. Many will likely jump to snagging Ricky Pearsall up, but once Jauan Jennings is healthy from his hip injury the expectation would be that he is the WR2. Update: it has been confirmed that Aiyuk tore his ACL, MCL plus other damage which is likely meniscus involved.
Deebo Samuel, WR San Francisco 49ers
Injury: Pneumonia
Projected Timetable: Week 10
Initial Thoughts:
Samuel has been hospitalized with pneumonia, dealing with fluid in his lungs. He may get cleared from the hospital within a few days, but we must consider the deconditioning and lung capacity issues that he will deal with as he recovers. I am projecting him to miss week 8 and return after the bye week. Of note, Jauan Jennings may also miss week 8 with his hip injury. Monitor practice status.
Chris Godwin, WR Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Injury: Left Ankle Fracture, Dislocation
Projected Timetable: Season-ending
Initial Thoughts:
By video, Godwin appeared to suffer a fractured and possibly dislocated left ankle. If confirmed, his season will be over. Very unfortunate.
Mike Evans, WR Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Injury: Right Hamstring reinjury
Projected Timetable: Week 12-13
Initial Thoughts:
By video, Evans appeared to suffer a reinjury of his prior hamstring strain and notably limped into the locker room. He was having trouble just getting his cleat back on, limited by pain. I am operating as if this is at least a moderate grade strain, hopefully not full rupture, that will likely cost him 3-5 weeks. It would not surprise me if he wound up on IR. Update: Evans will not be placed on IR, but planning on missing the next three weeks and then being reassessed during the week 11 bye week for potential return.
DK Metcalf, WR Seattle Seahawks
Injury: Right Knee MCL Sprain
Projected Timetable: 1-3 Weeks
Initial Thoughts:
After falling awkwardly, it appeared that his right knee whipped into valgus as he landed, likely placing strain on the MCL. He appeared to be in sharp pain when the trainer evaluated a valgus stress test, which tests for MCL trauma before he was carted to the locker room. If mild, he could wind up missing only one game, but if higher grade he could wind up missing closer to 3-4 games. Hopefully, we get a report on his status soon and imaging will reveal minor trauma. Update: diagnosed with a mild grade 1 sprain, sounds like he's pushing to play Week 8.
Calvin Ridley, WR Tennessee Titans
Injury: Right Ankle
Projected Timetable: returned to game
Initial Thoughts:
Ridley was rolled up on by Tony Pollard while he was run-blocking, leading to his ankle sprain. He was able to return to the game and play relatively effectively but monitor his practice status this coming week. Unsure how much upside he will really have if he is mildly impacted by the injury with Mason Rudolph as his quarterback.
Juju Smith-Schuster, WR Kansas City Chiefs
Injury: Hamstring Strain reinjury
Projected Timetable: 3-5 weeks
Initial Thoughts:
Ruled out after reinjuring his hamstring strain that he suffered on Thursday in practice, he subbed himself out after running a route and falling down to the ground in a non-contact fashion after extending his right leg out. Depending on the level of trauma, he could wind up missing minimal time, or he could wind up landing on IR as several other wide receivers have with their moderate hamstring strains. Updates to come, but anticipate him missing time.
Ja'Lynn Polk, WR New England Patriots
Injury: Concussion Screening, Head
Projected Timetable: 1-2 Weeks
Initial Thoughts:
There have been no reports of a concussion, but he was designated with a head injury which typically indicates one. Monitor his practice status and if he finds himself in the concussion protocol this week.
Curtis Samuel, WR Buffalo Bills
Injury: Right Shoulder
Projected Timetable: 2-4 Weeks
Initial Thoughts:
The primary concern involves an AC sprain or labral injury in his right shoulder after he fell with his right arm slightly outstretched but landed/rolled on his right side. He was unable to return to the game and often times these injuries wind up being more painful and more limiting after the game.
Zay Flowers, WR Baltimore Ravens
Injury: Right High Ankle Sprain
Projected Timetable: Week 8-9
Initial Thoughts:
Flowers appeared to suffer a right high ankle sprain as a defender rolled onto and pinned his ankle down on a tackle. He was still able to continue playing and played 42 snaps, in line with his typical average. There's a chance he doesn't miss time, but these often become more painful and stiffen after the game. Monitor his practice status.
| Player | Position | Team | Injury | Week of Injury | Projected Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A.J. Dillon | RB | GB | Neck, Stinger | IR | Season-Ending |
| Elijah Mitchell | RB | SF | Hamstring Surgery | IR | Season Ending |
| J.J. McCarthy | QB | MIN | Right Meniscus Repair | IR | Season Ending |
| Deshaun Watson | QB | CLE | Right Achilles | Week 7 | Season Ending |
| T.J. Hockenson | TE | MIN | ACLR | PUP | Week 8 |
| Jonathon Brooks | RB | CAR | ACLR | PUP | Week 8-9 |
| Keaton Mitchell | RB | BAL | ACLR | PUP | Week 10-14 |
| Kendre Miller | RB | NO | Hamstring | PUP | Week 7 |
| Christian McCaffrey | RB | SF | Calf, Achilles | IR | Week 10-11 |
| Hollywood Brown | WR | KC | Left SC Surgery | IR | Week 18+ |
| Rashee Rice | WR | KC | Right LCL, HS Repair | Week 4 | Season-Ending |
| Puka Nacua | WR | LAR | Right Knee PCL | Week 1 | Week 8-10 |
| Isiah Pacheco | RB | KC | Right Fibula Surgery | Week 2 | Week 10-12 |
| Tua Tagovailoa | QB | MIA | Concussion | Week 2 | Week 8 |
| Nico Collins | WR | HOU | Hamstring reinjury | Week 5 | Week 10-12 |
| Cooper Kupp | WR | LAR | Left High Ankle | Week 2 | Week 8 |
| Cordarelle Patterson | RB | PIT | Ankle Sprain | Week 4 | Week 7-8 |
| Adam Thielen | WR | CAR | Hamstring | Week 3 | Week 8-9 |
| Jayden Daniels | QB | WAS | Rib Injury | Week 7 | Week 8-9 |
| Taysom Hill | QB | NO | Fractured Ribs | Week 4 | Week 8 |
| Tyjae Spears | RB | TEN | Hamstring Strain | Week 6 | Week 8-9 |
| Rachaad White | RB | TB | Right High Ankle Sprain | Week 5 | Week 7 |
| Brandon Aiyuk | WR | SF | Right ACL, MCL | Week 7 | Season Ending |
| Jonathan Taylor | RB | IND | Right High Ankle | Week 4 | Week 8 |
| Travis Etienne | RB | JAC | Hamstring Strain | Week 6 | Week 8 |
| DK Metcalf | WR | SEA | Right Knee, MCL | Week 7 | Week 8-10 |
| Aidan O'Connell | QB | LVR | Right Thumb Fracture | Week 7 | Week 11-13 |
| Tony Pollard | RB | TEN | Neck | Week 7 | Week 8-9 |
| Calvin Ridley | WR | TEN | Right Ankle | Week 7 | Week 8 |
| Chris Olave | WR | NO | Concussion | Week 6 | Week 8 |
| Marvin Harrison Jr | WR | ARI | Concussion | Week 6 | Week 7 |
| Quentin Johnston | WR | LAC | Ankle Sprain | Week 6 | Week 8-9 |
| Juju Smith-Schuster | WR | KC | Hamstring Strain reinjury | Week 7 | Week 10-11 |
| Dallas Goedert | TE | PHI | Hamstring Strain | Week 6 | Week 9-10 |
| Ja'Lynn Polk | WR | NE | Head | Week 7 | Week 8-9 |
| Tyler Huntley | QB | MIA | Right Shoulder | Week 7 | Week 10-12 |
| Deebo Samuel | WR | SF | Pneumonia | Week 7 | Week 10 |
| Jauan Jennings | WR | SF | Hip Injury | Week 6 | Week 10 |
| Mike Evans | WR | TB | Right Hamstring reinjury | Week 7 | Week 12 |
| Chris Godwin | WR | TB | Left Ankle Fracture | Week 7 | Season Ending |
| Zay Flowers | WR | BAL | Right High Ankle Sprain | Week 7 | Week 8-9 |
