This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
While six teams received much-needed time off in Week 7, 26 other teams took the field. The results weren't pretty, as the margin of victory for Sunday's games was 18.6 points. Even worse, the injury list grew even longer with several notable names making early departures.
The Jets rookie quarterback was injured in the first half of the team's blowout loss to the Patriots. Wilson injured his right knee when he was twisted during a take down by New England linebacker Matthew Judon. The result was a knee sprain, though the involved ligament is not the dreaded anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
Wilson's injury occurred to the ACL's partner, the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). The two ligaments cross with the ACL running in front of the PCL. Together, the cruciate ligaments prevent excessive movement at the knee with the PCL specifically preventing hyperextension of the joint. The PCL also plays a role in rotation of the knee by creating an axis point. Fortunately, the PCL is stronger than the ACL, and Wilson's injury has been diagnosed as a mild or low-grade sprain.
The Jets have provided a two- to four-week recovery window for their quarterback with a trip to the injured reserve a strong possibility. However, I would err on the side of caution and anticipate Wilson returns on the latter end of the expected timeline. A PCL injury can be difficult to manage, and New York will handle their top prospect cautiously.
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While six teams received much-needed time off in Week 7, 26 other teams took the field. The results weren't pretty, as the margin of victory for Sunday's games was 18.6 points. Even worse, the injury list grew even longer with several notable names making early departures.
The Jets rookie quarterback was injured in the first half of the team's blowout loss to the Patriots. Wilson injured his right knee when he was twisted during a take down by New England linebacker Matthew Judon. The result was a knee sprain, though the involved ligament is not the dreaded anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
Wilson's injury occurred to the ACL's partner, the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). The two ligaments cross with the ACL running in front of the PCL. Together, the cruciate ligaments prevent excessive movement at the knee with the PCL specifically preventing hyperextension of the joint. The PCL also plays a role in rotation of the knee by creating an axis point. Fortunately, the PCL is stronger than the ACL, and Wilson's injury has been diagnosed as a mild or low-grade sprain.
The Jets have provided a two- to four-week recovery window for their quarterback with a trip to the injured reserve a strong possibility. However, I would err on the side of caution and anticipate Wilson returns on the latter end of the expected timeline. A PCL injury can be difficult to manage, and New York will handle their top prospect cautiously.
The Browns running back took a sizeable step forward Monday, participating in practice. Chubb has missed Cleveland's last two outings with a calf strain but does appear to be progressing. Hopefully he continues to improve and can return for Week 8 against the rival Steelers. Chubb's backfield mate Kareem Hunt will not play as he nurses a calf injury of his own. Fortunately, D'Ernest Johnson proved he's more than capable of filling in after rushing for 146 yards and a score with Chubb and Hunt out.
While Chubb is showing signs of improvement, Cleveland's quarterback remains limited. Mayfield has a torn labrum and fractured humerus in his nonthrowing shoulder. He did not play against the Bronco and was unable to return to Monday's practice. Mayfield's fracture is nondisplaced, meaning surgery to repair the bone won't be necessary. However, it seems likely surgery will be needed at some point to address the torn cartilage. Furthermore, the fractured humerus could worsen if he is hit before adequate healing has occurred. As a result, time remains Mayfield's best course of treatment at the moment, and another week off seems likely. Case Keenum would receive a second straight start if Mayfield sits again.
The Raiders enter the bye with two of their top offensive weapons nursing injuries. Waller did not play Sunday after suffering an ankle injury in practice. It sounds like the injury is mild, but the timing of the situation made it difficult for the tight end to be ready for Sunday's game. He will continue his treatment throughout the week ahead in hopes of returning to the practice field next week to prepare for the Giants in Week 9. Jacobs did suit for up Las Vegas' win over Philadelphia but suffered a chest injury and did not return after halftime. Fortunately, Jacobs avoided any serious internal injuries, and the issue is being described as a chest contusion. He should be fine with a week of rest and treatment, and be back in action against the Eagles. Kenyan Drake would see an increase in usage should Jacobs miss any time.
Turf Burns
Davante Adams: The Packers wide receiver is a giant question mark for Thursday's matchup with the Cardinals. Adams was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list after testing positive, but the restrictions placed on the wideout suggest he is vaccinated. As a result, he must provide two separate negative COVID-19 tests 24 hours apart before he can return to play. He may be hard-pressed to complete the protocol with the team taking part in the early game. Prepare to look elsewhere in Week 8.
Miles Sanders: The Eagles running back injured his ankle in the team's loss to the Raiders. Specifics regarding the nature of the injury have been limited, though the team is expecting him to miss two to three weeks. It seems likely Sanders suffered an ankle sprain, but his recovery timeline would be dictated by the location and severity. If he did suffer the more significant high-ankle sprain, look for Sanders to miss the full three weeks. Kenneth Gainwell will be the feature back in Philly with Sanders sidelined.
Patrick Mahomes: The Chiefs signal-caller absorbed a hard hit in Sunday's loss to the Titans and was removed from the game. He completed the concussion protocol where it was determined he did not suffer a concussion. However, keep a close eye on Mahomes throughout the week ahead to see if he misses any practice time. He's too good to consider benching, but it may be time to scale back your expectations for the foreseeable future.
Dak Prescott: The Cowboys quarterback strained his calf in Dallas' Week 6 win over the Patriots and spent the bye week resting and rehabbing. He is no longer wearing the protective boot he donned after the game, and the team is optimistic he will be ready for this week's contest against the Vikings. Dallas handled Prescott conservatively earlier in the year when he strained his latissimus dorsi, and it wouldn't be surprising if they limit his practice reps, even if he is cleared to return. The Cowboys play the night game on Sunday, making the situation a bit trickier to navigate, but all signs point to Prescott playing. Cooper Rush would start at quarterback if Prescott is unable to play.
Russell Wilson: Seattle could be in line to see their Pro-Bowl quarterback back in action earlier than expected. Wilson is set to have the pins removed from his surgically repaired middle finger. Wilson is currently on the IR and would be eligible to return in Week 10 after the team's Week 9 bye. He seems to be ahead of schedule, giving the Seahawks and fantasy managers a glimmer of hope that the season isn't quite lost just yet.
