This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
The Cowboys lead running back produced a fantasy friendly stat line on Sunday totaling 240 yards from scrimmage and adding a trip to the end zone. Unfortunately, he suffered multiple injuries during the performance, including an ankle sprain and a knee injury. The ankle injury is reportedly mild, but the knee issue has the potential to linger. The NFL's leading rusher is battling bursitis in the joint. The major joints of the body include muscles, tendon, bone and fluid-filled sacs known as bursae. These sacs act as ball-bearings within the joint, reducing friction between other tissues. Unfortunately, the bursae can become inflamed following repetitive motion or direct contact, eliciting pain while decreasing the functional efficiency of the joint. Bursitis often becomes a chronic issue if the swelling and inflammation persists. Fortunately, Elliott isn't expected to miss any game time, though it wouldn't be surprising to see Dallas limit his workload throughout the week.
The Jaguars running back is the perfect example of the perils of dealing with a hamstring strain. The healing process for muscle strains, particularly the hamstring, occurs in multiple complex phases. During one of the final phases, protein fibers within the newly developed scar tissue are constantly reformed to increase the strength of the new tissue. However, the body's natural response occurs in a disorganized and random fashion. This is haphazard approach can be combated during the rehab process by loading the muscle in a specific pattern. This strengthens the scar tissue and
The Cowboys lead running back produced a fantasy friendly stat line on Sunday totaling 240 yards from scrimmage and adding a trip to the end zone. Unfortunately, he suffered multiple injuries during the performance, including an ankle sprain and a knee injury. The ankle injury is reportedly mild, but the knee issue has the potential to linger. The NFL's leading rusher is battling bursitis in the joint. The major joints of the body include muscles, tendon, bone and fluid-filled sacs known as bursae. These sacs act as ball-bearings within the joint, reducing friction between other tissues. Unfortunately, the bursae can become inflamed following repetitive motion or direct contact, eliciting pain while decreasing the functional efficiency of the joint. Bursitis often becomes a chronic issue if the swelling and inflammation persists. Fortunately, Elliott isn't expected to miss any game time, though it wouldn't be surprising to see Dallas limit his workload throughout the week.
The Jaguars running back is the perfect example of the perils of dealing with a hamstring strain. The healing process for muscle strains, particularly the hamstring, occurs in multiple complex phases. During one of the final phases, protein fibers within the newly developed scar tissue are constantly reformed to increase the strength of the new tissue. However, the body's natural response occurs in a disorganized and random fashion. This is haphazard approach can be combated during the rehab process by loading the muscle in a specific pattern. This strengthens the scar tissue and reduces the likelihood of re-injury.
As a result, timing remains an integral part of recovery. Returning before the muscle has reached an appropriate strength can result in a breakdown of the newly formed muscle tissue. If this does occur, like in the case of Fournette, the entire recovery process must begin again. While Fournette's injury is reportedly less severe than the initial injury, it seems likely he misses more time. Those fantasy owners invested in Fournette should remain skeptical of his health and resulting productivity until he proves the hamstring is a nonissue. Rostering T.J. Yeldon as an insurance policy remains a plausible strategy.
Turf Burns
Matt Breida: The 49ers starting running back continues to nurse a shoulder injury initially sustained in the preseason. Breida suffered a separated shoulder in San Francisco's first preseason outing and did not return to game action until Week 1. A separated shoulder indicates the injury is to his acromioclavicular (AC) joint, not the ball-and-socket joint of the area. Modifications can be made to Breida's shoulder pads to better stabilize the affected area, but that could limit his ability to haul in passes. Continue to utilize him as you normally would, though his value has taken a hit with the loss of Jimmy Garoppolo.
Rob Gronkowski: The Patriots expect Gronk to play in Thursday's matchup with the Colts after he was unable to finish their blowout win over the Dolphins. The injury was described as an ankle injury though the involved tissue was not revealed. It seems likely Gronkowski's absence following the injury was purely precautionary, as the team already held a sizeable lead. Look for more information to trickle out over the next few days, but it appears as though the former Pro Bowler will be active on Thursday.
T.Y. Hilton: Things aren't looking good for Indianapolis' top receiver who is nursing hamstring and chest injuries. The chest injury appears to be secondary to the hamstring issue, which isn't surprising given the aforementioned complexity of this type of injury. Considering the Colts have an abbreviated week of preparation and Hilton was already a no-show on Monday, look elsewhere for Week 5. Ryan Grant becomes the top receiver for the Colts, though Chester Rogers could be an interesting add in deeper leagues, as he led all Indy receivers with 11 targets in Week 4. Zach Pascal would also gain some traction on the depth chart with Hilton sidelined.
Will Fuller: Another AFC South wide receiver is dealing with a similar problem, as Fuller tweaked his hamstring during the Texans' overtime win over the Colts. Fuller has dealt with the problem since the end of the preseason and will be closely monitored throughout the week. The third-year wideout has been a top-level talent when paired with Deshaun Watson but will be a risky play entering Week 5. To make things worse, the Texans host the Cowboys on the Sunday night game, meaning a late scratch could leave fantasy owners scrambling for a replacement. I'd consider more reliable alternatives this week and would look for a roster spot for teammate Keke Coutee.
O.J. Howard: The Buccaneers tight end is expected to miss two to four weeks after suffering a sprained medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his left knee. Low grade MCL sprains are capable of healing on their own and do not require surgical intervention, especially if the medial meniscus remains intact. Tampa Bay does have the benefit of a well-timed bye week in Week 5 but will proceed without Howard's service for at least one game.
Tyler Eifert: The Bengals tight end has once again seen his season prematurely end after suffering a gruesome leg injury in the team's win over the Falcons. Eifert fractured his ankle and is slated to undergo surgery in the near future. The injury creates an opportunity for Tyler Kroft who has shown flashes when Eifert has previously missed time.
Devonta Freeman: The Falcons are slated to welcome back Freeman into the fold for the first time since Week 1. Freeman has spent the past three weeks recovering from a blood bruise on his knee but plans on returning to practice ahead of their matchup with the Steelers. Freeman remains a risky investment but should be utilized when active. Tevin Coleman will see his temporary bump in value fade.
Joe Mixon: Head coach Marvin Lewis remains noncommittal on the availability of his starting running back, who continues to recover from knee surgery. The surgery was described as a minor arthroscopic procedure that was expected to cost him two to four weeks. Considering Mixon was able to take part in limited practice last week, he should be able to return against the Dolphins if he continues to progress.
Sammy Watkins: The Chiefs wide receiver left fantasy owners with a goose egg on Monday night, failing to record a statistic before leaving with a hamstring injury. He is slated for an MRI to determine the extent of the injury, but consider him day-to-day for now.
