This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
I don't normally highlight injuries on the defensive side of the ball, but two notable injuries could have significant fantasy implications. In Seattle, Sherman is lost for the season after suffering a torn Achilles tendon on Thursday night. Sherman's absence in the secondary will be beneficial for opposing team's wideouts, with Atlanta's Julio Jones getting the first crack at the depleted unit. Former Seahawk Byron Maxwell was signed to fill Sherman's spot on the roster, though he's battled hamstring injuries with Miami prior to his release.
Sherman's injury also could have long-term ramifications. Achilles injuries historically have been problematic for NFL players, especially cornerbacks. A medical study revealed the average recovery time following Achilles repairs is approximately 11 months. The study went on to say that the majority of these individuals experienced a decrease in performance. As a result, it seems likely that the veteran cornerback will have his recovery spill into next season and could struggle upon returning.
The Dallas defense has a major problem on its hands, although Lee is expected to play again this season. The Cowboys linebacker is expected to miss multiple weeks after suffering his second hamstring injury of the season. Dallas' D looked lost in the two games he missed earlier in the season and struggled against the Falcons following Lee's departure. In the seven games Lee has started, the Cowboys have surrendered an average of 19 points to their opponents, including the 27 Atlanta scored on Sunday after
I don't normally highlight injuries on the defensive side of the ball, but two notable injuries could have significant fantasy implications. In Seattle, Sherman is lost for the season after suffering a torn Achilles tendon on Thursday night. Sherman's absence in the secondary will be beneficial for opposing team's wideouts, with Atlanta's Julio Jones getting the first crack at the depleted unit. Former Seahawk Byron Maxwell was signed to fill Sherman's spot on the roster, though he's battled hamstring injuries with Miami prior to his release.
Sherman's injury also could have long-term ramifications. Achilles injuries historically have been problematic for NFL players, especially cornerbacks. A medical study revealed the average recovery time following Achilles repairs is approximately 11 months. The study went on to say that the majority of these individuals experienced a decrease in performance. As a result, it seems likely that the veteran cornerback will have his recovery spill into next season and could struggle upon returning.
The Dallas defense has a major problem on its hands, although Lee is expected to play again this season. The Cowboys linebacker is expected to miss multiple weeks after suffering his second hamstring injury of the season. Dallas' D looked lost in the two games he missed earlier in the season and struggled against the Falcons following Lee's departure. In the seven games Lee has started, the Cowboys have surrendered an average of 19 points to their opponents, including the 27 Atlanta scored on Sunday after Lee's early exit. In the two games he has not played that total jumps to 35 points per game. That bodes well for the Eagles, Chargers and Redskins.
If Dallas' schedule wasn't already tough enough, they enter a stretch in which the play three games in 12 days thanks to their annual Thanksgiving game. As a result, Lee will be hardpressed to return ahead of schedule. Until Lee returns, I would avoid utilizing the Dallas defense and upgrade the offenses of the opposing teams.
Turf Burns
Zach Ertz: The Eagles tight end completed a full practice and should be ready to go for Philadelphia's Sunday night matchup with the division rival Cowboys. Ertz was a late scratch in Week 9 but appears to have fully utilized the Week 10 bye. Keep an eye on his availability just in case he suffers a setback, but he is definitely trending in a positive direction.
Will Fuller: The Texans have already been hit hard by injuries, and now Fuller adds his name to the list. The wide receiver suffered multiple rib fractures against the Rams and could miss Houston's Week 11 game against Arizona. Organ damage is the primary concern when a player suffers multiple rib fractures. If Fuller was able to escape any internal damage, then his availability for Week 11 should come down to pain management. Fuller hasn't had the best of seasons, and this latest setback may be the final excuse fantasy owners needed to look elsewhere.
Marcus Mariota: Tennessee's signal caller was listed as limited Monday as he receives treatment for multiple injuries. Mariota emerged from Sunday's win over the Bengals with a sore shoulder and a mild ankle sprain. Neither injury seems overly concerning, but expect the Titans to carefully manage his practice load this week with the team playing on short rest. He should be available Thursday against the Steelers.
Philip Rivers: The Chargers quarterback has been placed in the league's mandated concussion protocol after self-reporting symptoms on Monday. The team is unsure when Rivers was injured during their loss to the Jaguars. However, the former Pro Bowl quarterback did the responsible thing by informing the Los Angeles' medical team about his lingering issues and now can be appropriately treated. The situation is a good reminder that concussions can be unpredictable and be accompanied by delayed symptoms. Rivers should have enough time to complete the various stages of the protocol, but look for Kellen Clemens to see a healthy dose of practice reps in the week ahead.
Devonta Freeman: Freeman is also in the concussion protocol after taking a blow to the head early in the team's win over the Cowboys. Early reports already have suggested he will not play this week and could be sidelined for multiple games. This could be linked to Freeman's past, as he has a history of head injuries and previously missed a game during the 2015 season with a concussion. As discussed earlier, the effects of concussions are cumulative, meaning individuals with multiple head injuries often experience more significant and longer lasting symptoms. While Freeman does have extra time to complete the protocol with the Falcons slated for the Monday night game, fantasy owners would be wise to look elsewhere this week and roll with a healthier option.
Drew Stanton: The Cardinals may be forced to play their third-string quarterback after Stanton suffered a sprained knee in the team's loss to the Seahawks. The exact ligament Stanton injured remains undisclosed, though any limitation would negatively impact the quarterback's mobility. Arizona will turn now to Blaine Gabbert to keep their dim playoff hopes alive. Gabbert's presence likely will hamper Larry Fitzgerald's value and could make it difficult for Adrian Peterson and the Cardinals running game.
Jameis Winston: The Buccaneers have already ruled out Winston for Week 11 as he continues to rehab his injured throwing shoulder. I detailed Winston's issues in last week's column and continue to believe his muscle injury is more of a problem than his AC sprain. The team continues to insist Winston will return this season, but the team's overall record may ultimately influence their decision. Ryan Fitzpatrick remains the starter for now.
Aaron Jones and Ty Montgomery: The Packers backfield limped off the field despite a win against the Bears. Jones suffered a knee injury early in the first quarter while Montgomery was forced out after aggravating a prior rib injury. Jones' injury has been diagnosed as a moderate medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain and is expected to keep him out for at least three weeks. Montgomery's injury isn't as severe, though his availability for Week 11 is far from guaranteed. If Montgomery is unable to suit up the Packers will be forced to start Jamaal Williams against the Ravens.
