Jalen Hurts- Left Knee, Should Play Week 8
Hurts has indicated that his knee is “fine,” and he should be ready to go in Week 8. How this injury may impact him is in the area of rushing ability, which is what makes Hurts dangerous. I expect him to still get rushing opportunities, but we may see a few more slides/running out of bounds.
Deshaun Watson- Right Shoulder, 1-2 Weeks
Watson’s right shoulder injury flared up this week after giving it three weeks to heal. MRI on Monday revealed no additional damage, which is great news. Look for Watson to sit Week 8 and to be 50/50 to play Week 9. This could open up a buy-low opportunity for the QB, who left quite a negative impression with his 12 snaps on Sunday. Injuries heal, and I expect Watson to come back and perform at a high level.
From @NFLTotalAccess: #Browns QB Deshaun Watson had a new MRI on Monday that showed no additional damage to his throwing shoulder. But he’s still working to regain his strength and velocity. The team has said he’s day-to-day and his status is TBD for Sunday vs. Seattle. pic.twitter.com/Hd3OxPc7Sz
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 24, 2023
Saquon Barkley- Elbow, Week to Week
Barkley self-reported that he is fine after hyperextending his left elbow. Expectations are for him to suit up this week and miss no time. Overall, this injury is minor and is more of a pain tolerance issue for Barkley.
Jerome Ford- Right High Ankle Sprain, 3-4 Weeks
High ankle sprains tend to sideline running backs for 2+ weeks. The question at this point is, what distance can Kareem Hunt put between himself and Ford while Ford is on the shelf? This may be more of a committee in 3-4 weeks than it would have been otherwise. Expect him to miss several weeks and to be eased back into action when he returns.
Jerome Ford –
— Edwin Porras, DPT (@FBInjuryDoc) October 22, 2023
Right foot/ankle gets trapped underneath him.
High ankle sprain type mechanism. It may not super severe since his foot wasn’t totally planted (🤞🏽)
Best case he’s back next week
Worst case 2-3 week absence pic.twitter.com/m04AnZXjEi
Bijan Robinson- Illness/Headaches, Should Play Week 8
Week 7 was a headscratcher for managers rostering Bijan. The Falcons are reportedly being questioned by the NFL. Bijan apparently was suffering from headaches prior to the game and “did not feel himself.” He saw very limited action and left managers furious. This shouldn’t impact Bijan in the long term.
Jaylen Waddle- Back, Week to Week
This injury seems mild, as he was able to play through it during Week 7. However, there is a likelihood that it may limit his production for a week or two. This seems to be in the category of a mild muscle strain. If he plays, you should still start him.
Christian Watson- Knee, 1-2 Weeks
This is the same knee that Watson had surgery on last year. Given the mechanism of injury, there is a slight concern for MCL and/or meniscus injury. At the time of this article, the specific diagnosis is unknown, but Watson may miss a game or two. As noted in the tweet below, there is a history to this knee worth mentioning.
Christian Watson –
— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) October 22, 2023
Concern for Right knee MCL sprain and/or meniscus.
Problematic considering his history:
•Right meniscus repair in college
•Right knee scope June ‘22
•Right Hamstring injuries ‘22, ‘23
Hopefully this is just a minor sprain.
pic.twitter.com/nYadShksbO
Zach Ertz- Quadriceps, 4-5 Weeks
The fact that Ertz landed on the IR indicates that this was more than a Grade I strain. Ertz opens the door to McBride to get more action. He had been out-performing Ertz lately, as it was. I wouldn’t count on Ertz returning to a meaningful role when he is finally healthy.
Dawson Knox- Wrist, 3-4 Weeks
Details on the injury and surgery are unclear. That being said, expect Knox to miss multiple weeks. Kincaid was heavily involved in Week 7. That performance and Knox missing some time might be the springboard fantasy GMs have been waiting for since they drafted Kincaid earlier. Knox should return without issues once he is active, but what the offense looks like is the bigger question.
Gerald Everett- Hip, 1-2 Weeks
It was first reported as a quadriceps injury, then a hip. Details on this injury are unknown. This makes it difficult to gauge Everett’s availability going forward since he was unable to return in Week 7. I would look at him as 50/50 to play Week 8 and more likely to suit up in Week 9.
