This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
The Chargers running back will miss at least one week after suffering a knee injury during the team's blowout win over the Cardinals. The injury is being reported as a Grade 2 medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain.
The injury may sound familiar to fantasy owners, as this is the exact injury sustained by Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers earlier this season. While Rodgers was able to avoid missing any time, it does not seem that Gordon will be quite as lucky.
The MCL is located on the inner aspect of the knee and provides stability to the knee joint during lateral or side-to-side movements. The Grade 2 classification, more commonly known as a partial tear, means Gordon's sprain is a more moderate injury and involved damage to specific fibers of the ligament. As a result, the overall integrity is compromised, especially during motions that stress the area, like making a hard cut. Fortunately, mild to moderate MCL sprains can heal without surgical intervention, especially if the medial meniscus remains intact.
Gordon does have a history of knee problems, having previously undergone surgery for a meniscus tear. Fortunately, that issue involved the opposite knee and shouldn't factor into his current recovery. I suspect Gordon misses at least two weeks, and it wouldn't be surprising to see that extend to three weeks. As a result, fantasy owners invested in Gordon should make sure they roster a suitable replacement should his absence extend into the fantasy postseason. Austin Ekeler becomes a
The Chargers running back will miss at least one week after suffering a knee injury during the team's blowout win over the Cardinals. The injury is being reported as a Grade 2 medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain.
The injury may sound familiar to fantasy owners, as this is the exact injury sustained by Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers earlier this season. While Rodgers was able to avoid missing any time, it does not seem that Gordon will be quite as lucky.
The MCL is located on the inner aspect of the knee and provides stability to the knee joint during lateral or side-to-side movements. The Grade 2 classification, more commonly known as a partial tear, means Gordon's sprain is a more moderate injury and involved damage to specific fibers of the ligament. As a result, the overall integrity is compromised, especially during motions that stress the area, like making a hard cut. Fortunately, mild to moderate MCL sprains can heal without surgical intervention, especially if the medial meniscus remains intact.
Gordon does have a history of knee problems, having previously undergone surgery for a meniscus tear. Fortunately, that issue involved the opposite knee and shouldn't factor into his current recovery. I suspect Gordon misses at least two weeks, and it wouldn't be surprising to see that extend to three weeks. As a result, fantasy owners invested in Gordon should make sure they roster a suitable replacement should his absence extend into the fantasy postseason. Austin Ekeler becomes a must start in most formats with Justin Jackson slated to move up the depth chart.
The Colts lost a tight end over the weekend when Doyle suffered a kidney injury against the Dolphins. The kidneys play a vital role in maintaining an individual's overall homeostasis, particularly during the excretion of waste products. The paired organs sit on the left and right side of the abdomen behind the ribs. However, the kidneys remain vulnerable to injury, especially following a direct blow to the area. The bean-shaped organs can be contused or even lacerated, though surgery is not often required. Unfortunately, Doyle did require an undisclosed procedure, suggesting his kidney did suffer significant trauma.
Kidney injuries are relatively uncommon in the NFL, with a 2008 study revealing the injury rate to be about three renal injuries per season. While the injury is rare, it remains a severe, and potentially devastating, one. Fortunately, it has a high return to play rate with multiple notable players finding success following a kidney injury including receivers Miles Austin and Keenan Allen as well as Doyle's teammate quarterback Andrew Luck. Look for Doyle to return to action next season.
In the meantime, the injury could prove costly to a Colts offense that is suddenly surging. While teammate Eric Ebron has grabbed the headlines with his recent touchdown burst, Doyle was an integral part of the Colts attack. The team struggled to a 1-4 record earlier in the year while Doyle was sidelined with a hip injury. In the six games Doyle has played, the Colts are an impressive 5-1. Look for Ebron to remain a top focal point with Luck and T.Y. Hilton taking a slight hit overall.
Turf Burns
Keke Coutee: The Texans wideout cannot shake his recent hamstring injury. Coutee made an early exit in the team's Monday night win over Tennessee after aggravating the strain that has limited him for a majority of the season. The injury has prevented Coutee from taking advantage of Will Fuller's season-ending ACL tear and makes him a risky play for the remainder of the season.
Andy Dalton: The Bengals starting quarterback will miss the remainder of the year after suffering a significant thumb injury over the weekend. The exact nature of the injury has yet to be revealed, though it sounds like he sustained serious ligament damage to the joint. Surgery may be warranted, but Dalton should make a full recovery and be ready for the 2019 season. Jeff Driskel takes over as Cincinnati's new signal caller but faces a Denver defense that has had success against the Steelers, Chargers and Texans over the past three weeks.
Marvin Jones: Head coach Matt Patricia revealed Monday that Jones will not return this season due to the knee injury he sustained in Week 10. Reports have stated Jones did not suffer any significant ligament damage, but it's clear the trauma was serious enough to warrant an IR designation. Look for more information and any potential treatment routes to surface as the offseason begins.
Marlon Mack: The Colts starting running back missed the conclusion of Indianapolis' late rally against the Dolphins after suffering a concussion. He will enter the league's mandated concussion protocol but does have enough time to complete the process. However, the recovery following a concussion is highly variable amongst individuals, and it's far from guaranteed he plays in Week 13. Keep an eye on his level of participation throughout the week to get a better read on his status. Nyheim Hines and Jordan Wilkins would man the Indy backfield should Mack fail to receive clearance in time.
Tre'Quan Smith: The Saints receiver remains limited by an undisclosed foot injury and may be hard-pressed to play in Thursday's matchup with the Cowboys. After a monster performance in Week 11 when he caught 10 passes for 157 yards and a touchdown, Smith did not play in New Orleans' Thanksgiving Day win over the Falcons. The second consecutive Thursday night outing complicates his recovery process, and the Saints could opt to hold him out for another 10 days to insure his long-term health. Given New Orleans' recent success and position in the standings, they can afford to take the conservative approach here. Have a suitable replacement readily available.
Chris Thompson: Thompson is on track to return for Monday's crucial matchup with the Eagles. The Washington running back has appeared in just one game since Week 5, as injuries to his ribs and a lingering issue with his knee have limited his availability. Fortunately, he appears ready to return, though his lengthy injury history makes him a precarious play for now.
