This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
With the ramifications of a disastrous Week 2 still lingering, Week 3 only added to the league's injury woes, with multiple names being added to the growing list. Let's wade through the wreckage and look ahead to Week 4.
The Colts rookie wide receiver suffered one of the scarier injuries of the year thus far. Pittman suffered what was initially called a lower leg injury in the first half of Indianapolis' win over the New York Jets. He managed to return to the game, but his symptoms significantly worsened after the game. He was ultimately diagnosed with compartment syndrome, a problem that can be limb and life threatening.
The lower aspect of the leg is divided into four compartments. Each compartment is separated by bone and a specialized type of connective tissue as fascial sheaths. The durable walls of fascia surround the muscle, nerves and blood vessels below the knee to provide stability and support.
However, injuries that occur to the lower leg, particularly after a direct blow, are often accompanied by swelling. The design of the tough fascia causes the swelling to remain confined to the affected compartment. As the swelling persists, neighboring structures like blood vessels, nerves and other muscles can become impinged, similar to a hose that is kinked. As a result, blood flow to the area can be restricted and nerve damage can occur, resulting in a wide range of serious symptoms including severe pain, numbness, loss of function and a decreased pulse. If left
With the ramifications of a disastrous Week 2 still lingering, Week 3 only added to the league's injury woes, with multiple names being added to the growing list. Let's wade through the wreckage and look ahead to Week 4.
The Colts rookie wide receiver suffered one of the scarier injuries of the year thus far. Pittman suffered what was initially called a lower leg injury in the first half of Indianapolis' win over the New York Jets. He managed to return to the game, but his symptoms significantly worsened after the game. He was ultimately diagnosed with compartment syndrome, a problem that can be limb and life threatening.
The lower aspect of the leg is divided into four compartments. Each compartment is separated by bone and a specialized type of connective tissue as fascial sheaths. The durable walls of fascia surround the muscle, nerves and blood vessels below the knee to provide stability and support.
However, injuries that occur to the lower leg, particularly after a direct blow, are often accompanied by swelling. The design of the tough fascia causes the swelling to remain confined to the affected compartment. As the swelling persists, neighboring structures like blood vessels, nerves and other muscles can become impinged, similar to a hose that is kinked. As a result, blood flow to the area can be restricted and nerve damage can occur, resulting in a wide range of serious symptoms including severe pain, numbness, loss of function and a decreased pulse. If left untreated, compartment syndrome can result in permanent muscle and nerve damage, or even death.
A surgical procedure known as a fasciotomy is used to relive the pressure. The surgeon simply cuts open the fascia, relieving the building pressure. While normally seen in car accidents, acute compartment syndrome (ACS) isn't unheard of in professional football. Hall of Fame defensive end Jason Taylor suffered ACS in 2008, while former Giants wideout Hakeem Nicks suffered the injury during the 2010 season. Both players underwent surgery to address the problem.
Pittman's injury also required surgery, and he has been ruled out indefinitely. While Nicks was able to return to play three weeks after his fasciotomy, expect the Indianapolis medical staff to treat the issue conservatively.
The Colts wide receiver depth chart has taken hit over the last weeks. In addition to Pittman's injury, starter Parris Campbell is expected to miss a majority, if not all, of the remaining season after electing for surgery on his injured knee. Campbell suffered a sprained MCL and PCL last week against the Vikings. Zach Pascal, Ashton Dulin, Daurice Fountain and Dezmon Patmon all move up the depth chart behind veteran T.Y. Hilton.
Turf Burns
John Brown: Brown was already limited by a foot injury entering Week 3, but a calf strain is what forced him out of action. Calf strains act similarly to hamstring strains and can be easily re-injured if a player returns prematurely. Look for Brown to receive treatment throughout the week ahead, though his chances of playing do not seem good. The 3-0 Bills may use their early-season success as a reason to play the long-game with Brown's health. Gabriel Davis was solid in Brown's place, finishing with four catches for 81 yards.
Chris Carson: The Seahawks running back suffered a low-grade knee sprain in the team's win over the Cowboys. The team has not ruled him out for Week 4 and will monitor his symptoms as the week progresses. Those invested in the situation can breathe a sigh of relief but still may want to consider adding Carlos Hyde should Carson miss Week 4.
Dallas Goedert: The Eagles will be without the services of their No. 2 tight end for the immediate future after Goedert suffered a lower leg injury against the Bengals. It was revealed Tuesday that Goedert is dealing with a small fracture of the ankle and has been ruled out indefinitely. With Goedert out, Carson Wentz' declining value takes another hit. Zach Ertz remains Wentz's only proven target with Goedert, DeSean Jackson (hamstring), Alshon Jeffery (foot) and Jalen Reagor (thumb surgery) all nursing injuries.
Julio Jones and Russell Gage: The Atlanta receiving corps is banged up, including the team's All-Pro veteran. Jones was unable to play in Week 3 due to a lingering hamstring strain. His replacement didn't last long, as Gage suffered a head injury early in the game and was eventually ruled out. The third-year receiver will now need to complete the league's mandated concussion protocol before he can return to action. As for Gage's veteran teammate, Jones likely will see his practice reps once again limited throughout the week with the hopes of him being ready to go against the Packers. Look for this to be a game-time decision. Mother Nature could have some influence here, too, as cooler temperatures and a chance of rain await Atlanta at Lambeau Field. These aren't ideal conditions for a player attempting to come back from a lower extremity strain, and the Falcons medical team may opt to hold out Jones for an additional week to avoid a possible aggravation.
Tarik Cohen: Cohen becomes the latest NFL player to sustain a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his knee. Cohen joins a list that includes more than 20 players including big names like Saquon Barkley, Nick Bosa and Courtland Sutton. The Bears running back will miss the remainder of the season following surgery and could be hard-pressed to be at full strength for the 2021 season. As we get deeper into the season, any significant injury becomes doubly impactful as rehab and recovery will carry over into the ensuing campaign. David Montgomery will see his role with Chicago expand, with Ryan Nall and Cordarrelle Patterson fighting for the remaining carries.
Chris Godwin: The Buccaneers are planning on playing without Godwin in Week 4 and believe he could also miss Week 5. Godwin suffered a hamstring strain on Sunday and was slated to undergo an MRI on Monday. Tampa's schedule is working against Godwin's anticipated recovery, as the team plays the Thursday night game in Week 5. The truncated schedule could make it difficult for Godwin to be ready, setting up the anticipated two-week absence. It is also worth noting that Godwin has a history of hamstring strains. Scotty Miller becomes a must-add in most formats.
Diontae Johnson: The Steelers wideout will have to complete the league's concussion protocol after suffering the head injury in Week 3. It doesn't appear that Johnson has a history of concussions, and he should have plenty of time to complete each phase of the program. However, concussions can be unpredictable, so keep a close eye on his progression throughout the week.
Jordan Reed and George Kittle: Reed has done an impressive job filling in for the injured Kittle. Sadly, the former Washington tight end is once again in the athletic training room after suffering a knee injury. Reed suffered a sprained MCL and is expected to miss at least six weeks. The timeline, along with the decision to place him on the IR, suggests a more moderate sprain for the often-injured tight end. Reed has endured a myriad of injuries throughout his career including multiple concussions, significant hamstring strains, and toe injury that ultimately required surgery. He also suffered a MCL sprain on this same knee during the 2015 season. Given his history of ailments, it wouldn't be shocking to see his return fall on the latter end of the six- to eight-week window provided. Fortunately for the 49ers, they could have Kittle back on the field as soon as Wednesday. Kittle has missed the last two weeks with an MCL sprain of his own. He may elect to wear a brace to help stabilize the joint, but Kittle should be utilized as normal.
