This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
Dez Bryant and Terrance Williams
The Cowboys receiving corps limped out of Sunday's big win over the Chiefs. Both Bryant and Williams were unable to finish the game after sustaining ankle injuries. Bryant was injured in the fourth quarter after taking a hard hit from Kansas City's Ron Parker. After the hit, Bryant's right ankle became trapped between Parker and the turf. The outward twisting motion is generally associated with a high ankle sprain, though following the game, Bryant described the injury as a more of a bruise.
Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett also downplayed the severity of the injury on Monday, but did reveal Bryant is also managing a mild knee injury. He's considered day-to-day and could end up being a game-time decision for Week 10. It's worth mentioning that Bryant has a lengthy history of injuries on this area. He suffered a fibula fracture that required surgery during his rookie season and missed time during the 2015 season with a fractured fifth metatarsal on the same foot. The current injury is not nearly as significant, but even the slightest bit of instability at the joint should be appropriately managed. Given the circumstances, Bryant owners should downgrade the wide out, even if he is cleared to play against the Falcons.
Williams also made an early exit in the fourth after aggravating his previously sprained ankle during his ninth catch of the game. Williams initially injured his left ankle in the season opener but has yet to miss time.
Dez Bryant and Terrance Williams
The Cowboys receiving corps limped out of Sunday's big win over the Chiefs. Both Bryant and Williams were unable to finish the game after sustaining ankle injuries. Bryant was injured in the fourth quarter after taking a hard hit from Kansas City's Ron Parker. After the hit, Bryant's right ankle became trapped between Parker and the turf. The outward twisting motion is generally associated with a high ankle sprain, though following the game, Bryant described the injury as a more of a bruise.
Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett also downplayed the severity of the injury on Monday, but did reveal Bryant is also managing a mild knee injury. He's considered day-to-day and could end up being a game-time decision for Week 10. It's worth mentioning that Bryant has a lengthy history of injuries on this area. He suffered a fibula fracture that required surgery during his rookie season and missed time during the 2015 season with a fractured fifth metatarsal on the same foot. The current injury is not nearly as significant, but even the slightest bit of instability at the joint should be appropriately managed. Given the circumstances, Bryant owners should downgrade the wide out, even if he is cleared to play against the Falcons.
Williams also made an early exit in the fourth after aggravating his previously sprained ankle during his ninth catch of the game. Williams initially injured his left ankle in the season opener but has yet to miss time. The current setback likely will limit Williams' practice availability but it sounds like he's expecting to play in Week 10. He could be worth a fantasy flier in deeper leagues, especially if Bryant misses any time.
The Buccaneers will be without Winston for the next few weeks due to multiple injuries to his throwing shoulder. Winston has played with an acromioclavicular (AC) sprain on his right shoulder since Week 6. The AC joint sits where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade, creating the strut of the upper extremity. Multiple ligaments help fortify this area, but their positioning leaves them vulnerable to injury. These injuries are generally not as limiting as a glenohumeral joint injury but can still alter a thrower's mechanics.
Unfortunately, Winston is dealing with a muscular injury in addition to his sprain. On Monday, various reports revealed the quarterback also has been managing a posterior deltoid contusion. The deltoid is a major muscle of the shoulder and helps initiate multiple shoulder motions. The area of concern in Winston's shoulder is most active in shoulder extension but also plays a role in rotation. A strain or contusion to the area would be functionally limiting and could make Winston vulnerable to a more problematic injury like a true dislocation.
Winston's recent struggles make a bit more sense when the two injuries are coupled. Now, after aggravating the injury in the loss to the Saints, the Buccaneers have opted to shut him down for a minimum of two weeks. The decision is sound, especially since the team no longer has the benefit of a Week 11 bye. The time off should allow Winston to regain his arm strength and give him the best chance at finishing the year. Veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick will take over at quarterback but will be a risky play, especially if Mike Evans' one-game suspension is upheld.
Turf Burns
Jamison Crowder and Jordan Reed: Two of Kirk Cousins' top targets were sidelined Sunday with hamstring injuries. Both Crowder and Reed were unable to suit up after straining their hammys in the previous week. Washington head coach Jay Gruden said both players are progressing in their respective recoveries and will be considered day-to-day entering this week's practice sessions. Fantasy owners need to tread cautiously with each player. Hamstring injuries are notoriously fickle, and each player carries an elevated level of risk. Reed will be a particularly risky play due to his lengthy history of hamstring problems. Crowder doesn't have history to worry about, but these types of injuries can be especially challenging for speedy receivers. Crowder admitted the injury limited his explosiveness, and anyone willing to play him in Week 10 should scale back their expectations.
Zach Ertz: Another NFC East player remains hampered by a hamstring strain. Ertz did not play in Philadelphia's trouncing of Denver after it was clear during warmups that the injury was still an issue. Ertz's absence allowed backup tight end Trey Burton to have a big game, making him a solid fantasy plug-in should Ertz miss any more time. Fortunately the Eagles are off in Week 10, allowing Ertz another week of recovery. Look for him to return in Week 11 against the rival Cowboys.
Devonta Freeman and Julio Jones: In Atlanta, injury concerns for two of the team's top offensive weapons are expected to linger throughout the week. Freeman, who was questionable last week with a shoulder stinger, is now nursing a new undisclosed injury. It appears he is set for another week of limited practice reps, further decreasing his already subpar production. Freeman has not rushed for 100 yards since Week 3 and hasn't found the end zone since Week 4. Keep a close eye on the injury report, but Freeman owners may want to explore all their options entering the week ahead.
Jones' name being linked to an injury isn't surprising, as the wideout routinely has been listed on the injury report throughout his career. Like Freeman, specifics surrounding Jones' ailment are vague, although the team did refer to the problem as a lower leg injury. Jones has played successfully through lower leg issues throughout his career, and this latest issue isn't overly concerning at this point. Look for Atlanta to conservatively manage his practice load so that he can take the field Sunday against the Cowboys.
Aaron Rodgers: The Packers quarterback provided a bit of insight into his collarbone injury when he recently revealed the fracture was displaced and required 13 screws to repair. This information lets us know that the bone shifted upon breaking and was stabilized along the shaft of the bone. While there is some optimism that Rodgers could return before the end of the season, Green Bay's record could influence the team's decision. Stash Rodgers if you have an open IR spot but don't waste the roster space if you need to add talent.
