This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
It feels weird writing NFL injury analysis with Week 12 still unfinished, especially when the reason for the delay is medical related. However, even with Baltimore still managing its COVID-19 outbreak, NFL teams and fantasy managers alike will need to begin their preparation for Week 13. Consequently, there could be an unforeseen benefit for the multiple postponements of the Steelers-Ravens game as the timing of waiver wire claims will be pushed back in most formats. Fantasy managers will now get extra time to see the health status of currently rostered players and may have a better idea of their possible availability several days before a backup may need to be officially added. The timing is particularly valuable coming out of Week 12 where several notable players sustained mild, but nagging, injuries.
The Giants quarterback joins the lengthy list of NFL players to suffer a hamstring strain in 2020. Jones sustained the injury in the second half of his team's win over the Bengals. He attempted to reenter the game following the injury but was unable to adequately drive off the injured leg. He underwent an MRI on the area that didn't reveal any significant tissue damage, suggesting a low-grade strain. The Giants are anticipating he will miss at least one week, though fantasy managers are keenly aware by now that he will return with an elevated risk of re-injury or aggravation. Colt McCoy will start in Jones' place. McCoy put up a modest stat line in his brief
It feels weird writing NFL injury analysis with Week 12 still unfinished, especially when the reason for the delay is medical related. However, even with Baltimore still managing its COVID-19 outbreak, NFL teams and fantasy managers alike will need to begin their preparation for Week 13. Consequently, there could be an unforeseen benefit for the multiple postponements of the Steelers-Ravens game as the timing of waiver wire claims will be pushed back in most formats. Fantasy managers will now get extra time to see the health status of currently rostered players and may have a better idea of their possible availability several days before a backup may need to be officially added. The timing is particularly valuable coming out of Week 12 where several notable players sustained mild, but nagging, injuries.
The Giants quarterback joins the lengthy list of NFL players to suffer a hamstring strain in 2020. Jones sustained the injury in the second half of his team's win over the Bengals. He attempted to reenter the game following the injury but was unable to adequately drive off the injured leg. He underwent an MRI on the area that didn't reveal any significant tissue damage, suggesting a low-grade strain. The Giants are anticipating he will miss at least one week, though fantasy managers are keenly aware by now that he will return with an elevated risk of re-injury or aggravation. Colt McCoy will start in Jones' place. McCoy put up a modest stat line in his brief appearance, completing 6 of 10 passes for 31 yards with no interceptions or touchdowns.
The Raiders also received good news from the MRI machine, as Jacobs' ankle sprain appears to be mild. The injury happened in Las Vegas' blowout loss to Atlanta in which Jacobs finished with 27 rushing yards and a lost fumble. The team believes he has a realistic chance of playing against the hapless Jets but plan on monitoring his reps throughout the week ahead. Those invested in Jacobs may want to consider adding Devontae Booker as an insurance policy should any problems with the sprain linger.
The veteran receiver missed his third game of the year due to his lingering hamstring problems. Jones attempted to play but was a late scratch, as the balky muscle group continued to limit his movement. Look for the Falcons to handle his recovery conservatively in this week's practice, limiting his availability. This approach has been commonplace with Jones throughout his career, and his status for Sunday's contest with the rival Saints will likely be a game-time decision.
Jones has logged two very different performances in his recent returns from the hamstring injury. In his first attempt, a Week 4 dud against the Packers, he finished with four receptions for 32 yards before making an early exit after aggravating the injury. He missed another week but returned in spectacular fashion in Week 6, hauling in eight catches for 137 yards and two touchdowns. Given the upside here, Jones is worth reinserting into your lineup if he is cleared to play, despite the elevated level of risk.
Turf Burns
Tua Tagovailoa: There is growing optimism the Dolphins will have Tagovailoa back in uniform on Sunday against the Bengals. The rookie quarterback did not play last week after spraining his left thumb during practice. The injury likely involved the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the thumb, a structure that helps stabilize the joint formed where the base of the thumb meets the metacarpal bone of the hand. Fortunately the sprain was mild, and Tagovailoa should be fine to play as long as the associated symptoms are under control. However, it is important to remember that Tagovailoa is left-handed, so any functional limitation or diminish in grip strength could impact his performance and final stat line. Consider holding him out if you have a healthier option at your disposal.
Todd Gurley: The Atlanta running back missed his first contest of the year with an undisclosed left knee injury. While the specifics remain vague, Gurley's left knee has become a chronic problem and is reportedly arthritic. Arthritis develops when the articular cartilage surrounding bone begins to breakdown. Healthy articular cartilage allows for easier motion and gliding at points of articulation. When the cartilage breaks down over time or following injury, the bones within joints rub on one another, causing pain, stiffness and fluid accumulation. Unfortunately, articular cartilage cannot be regrown or repaired, and individuals suffering arthritis simply have to address the symptoms and control the flare-up. As a result, it's hard to trust Gurley's long-term availability. Look for Brian Hill and Ito Smith to man the Atlanta backfield if Gurley is once again unable to play.
D'Andre Swift: The Lions running back has missed back-to-back games with a concussion. Swift's situation is a good reminder that concussions are unpredictable in nature with a high degree of variability in symptoms and individual response. He has made some progress in his league's mandated return to play protocol but must complete each step before he can return. Detroit will continue to employ a running back by committee approach should Swift missed a third straight outing.
Myles Gaskin and Salvon Ahmed: Gaskin did not play for the fourth straight week as he continues to work his way back from a sprained medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his knee. He was able to return to practice last week but has not been activated from the injured reserve. Fortunately, it does appear he's nearing a return, which could come as soon as Week 13. Keep a close watch on his level of participation in the coming days.
Ahmed's status remains less clear as he nurses a shoulder injury. Ahmed did not play in Week 12, limiting his chances of building on his impressive Week 10 performance in which he finished with 85 rushing yards and a touchdown. With Gaskin set to return, look for Ahmed's elevated number of opportunities in the Miami offense to be reduced moving forward.
