This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
The 2020 NFL season has been marred by injury and illness, but the ankle injury sustained by Prescott on Sunday was particularly gruesome. The Cowboys quarterback suffered a compound ankle fracture and dislocation in the second half of the team's win over the Giants after being tackled by Logan Ryan. His ankle was contorted in a ghastly angle before he was placed in an aircast and carted off the field.
The injury description provides a high degree of context for what Prescott is dealing with. The term compound fracture is a synonymous with an open fracture, indicating at least one of the ankle bones broke and penetrated through the skin. If the break was bad enough, the joint was also dislocated or forced out of alignment, resulting in the unsightly image of Prescott holding his angulated ankle.
The most pressing component of the injury is the compound aspect of the injury. When the skin is broken, the possibility of the infection is drastically increased. For example, Washington quarterback Alex Smith suffered multiple infections when he suffered a compound fracture of his tibia and fibula, requiring numerous surgeries and a prolonged recovery. To mitigate this risk, the Cowboys medical team reportedly covered the area in a sterile dressing and rapidly moved the quarterback to a nearby hospital so he could quickly undergo surgery. In surgery, the injury site was cleaned and the joint was relocated. The fracture site was also stabilized, likely using surgical implants like screws or pins.
The 2020 NFL season has been marred by injury and illness, but the ankle injury sustained by Prescott on Sunday was particularly gruesome. The Cowboys quarterback suffered a compound ankle fracture and dislocation in the second half of the team's win over the Giants after being tackled by Logan Ryan. His ankle was contorted in a ghastly angle before he was placed in an aircast and carted off the field.
The injury description provides a high degree of context for what Prescott is dealing with. The term compound fracture is a synonymous with an open fracture, indicating at least one of the ankle bones broke and penetrated through the skin. If the break was bad enough, the joint was also dislocated or forced out of alignment, resulting in the unsightly image of Prescott holding his angulated ankle.
The most pressing component of the injury is the compound aspect of the injury. When the skin is broken, the possibility of the infection is drastically increased. For example, Washington quarterback Alex Smith suffered multiple infections when he suffered a compound fracture of his tibia and fibula, requiring numerous surgeries and a prolonged recovery. To mitigate this risk, the Cowboys medical team reportedly covered the area in a sterile dressing and rapidly moved the quarterback to a nearby hospital so he could quickly undergo surgery. In surgery, the injury site was cleaned and the joint was relocated. The fracture site was also stabilized, likely using surgical implants like screws or pins.
Because Prescott's injury involves a joint, any additional ligament damage must be evalauted and potentially addressed. The tibia, the bone Prescott appears to have broken, serves as a site for multiple ligaments. Possible damage to the articular cartilage of the talus must also be considered.
If Prescott is able to avoid any serious complications, like infection, he could realistically resume football-related activities in four to six months. As a result, his 2020 season is over, but it is possible for him to be back at the helm of the Cowboys' offense in 2021. Andy Dalton will take over for the remainder of the year and will have value given the number of weapons in Dallas. However, he doesn't have Dak's mobility and that could be a concern given the high number of injuries along Dallas' offensive line. Dalton finished 9-for-11 for 88 yards with one lost fumble but did lead the team down the field for the game-winning field goal.
While Dak's injury loomed large, Smith's return to the field should not go unnoticed. Smith has worked his way back from a horrific leg injury and 17 subsequent surgeries and was able to take the field Sunday in place of the injured Kyle Allen. Unfortunately, Smith's stat line wasn't overly impressive, as he finished 9-of-17 for 37 yards and was sacked six times. Smith seems likely to head back to the bench, as Washington is reporting Allen's undisclosed arm injury isn't serious and unlikely to keep him out for an extended period of time.
Turf Burns
Dalvin Cook: The availability of the Vikings running back is suddenly in doubt after Cook suffered an adductor strain in Sunday night's loss to the Seahawks. An MRI was performed Monday, and the team is hopeful he will improve as the week progresses and be able to play against the Falcons. However, as we've seen in multiple cases so far this season, lower extremity strains are prone to aggravation, and a multiweek absence may be the best approach to ensure Cook is able to avoid yoyoing in and out of the lineup. Furthermore, the Vikings have a bye week looming in Week 7 that could help offset any missed time. If Cook is unable to suit up, Alexander Mattison is more than capable of filling in as proven by his 20-carry, 112 yards performance in Week 5. If you are invested in Cook, I would strongly consider making a play for Mattison.
Sam Darnold: The Jets quarterback continues to nurse a sprained acromioclavicular (AC) joint in his throwing shoulder. The AC joint is located where the collarbone and shoulder blade meet, creating a strut for the arm. The joint is essential when raising the arm overhead, and it's easy to see how any pain or limitation would negatively impact a quarterback's ability to throw a football. If you still were clinging to hope that Darnold could be an effective fantasy option, let the injury be the thing that finally forces you to look elsewhere.
A.J. Green and Sammy Watkins: Both veteran wide receivers aggravated hamstring injuries in their respective teams' losses and could be staring at extended absences. A firm timetable has not been given on either player, though they will both be facing similar rehab and recovery protocols. Consider adding younger, healthier receivers in Cincinnati and Kansas City like Tee Higgins or Mecole Hardman for the immediate future.
Diontae Johnson: The Steelers wide receiver corps is like a hydra, strike one down and two more take its place. Johnson suffered a back contusion in the first half of the team's win over Philadelphia. His absence paved the way for Chase Claypool who hauled in three touchdown passes and ran for another. Claypool is worth targeting if he remains on the waiver wire, but it does sound like the Steelers expect Johnson back in action on Sunday.
Christian McCaffrey: The Panthers have been rolling recently despite losing McCaffrey to a high ankle sprain in Week 2. He was placed on the injured reserve shortly after suffering the ailment but will be eligible to return for Week 6 against the Bears. However, just because he is eligible does not mean Carolina will automatically place him on the active roster. He was initially given a recovery window of four to six weeks and must pass extensive testing to return to action. Look for more information to surface as the week progresses with Mike Davis remaining the feature back if McCaffrey is still hampered. Even when McCaffrey does return to the mix, look for the Panthers to ease him back and monitor his workload.
Michael Thomas: While it wasn't his high ankle sprain that kept him out of the lineup on Monday, the extra week off will be particularly valuable when coupled with New Orleans' impending bye week. Thomas has been out since suffering the injury in Week 1 but should be close to full strength when he returns the field October 25 against the Panthers.
