This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
After missing six weeks with a high ankle sprain, the Panthers running back was finally back in action in Week 9 and looked every bit the guy who people took with the top overall pick in most drafts. McCaffrey finished with 69 rushing yards, 82 receiving yards on 10 receptions and found the endzone twice. Unfortunately, his return could be brief, as he sustained a new injury late in the game.
Initially ruled a rib injury, the injury is now being listed as a right shoulder injury. While the Panthers have been tight-lipped on the specifics, the two differential diagnoses and the manner in which the injury occurred could provide some clues as to what McCaffrey is dealing with. My guess is he is dealing with a sprain to one of the joints located at the ends of the clavicle (collarbone). The collarbone is a crucial part of the shoulder. The first point of articulation is the sternoclavicular (SC) joint located where the collarbone meets the sternum (breastbone). Injuries here can be particularly worrisome due to neighboring nerves and blood vessels in the area. On the opposite end of the collarbone, closer to the tip of the shoulder, sits the acromioclavicular (AC) joint. The AC joint is routinely sprained in football, especially if a player is driven into the ground. AC sprains occur in varying degrees involving the multiple ligaments that fortify the joint.
If McCaffrey did in fact sprain either joint, he is at risk for missing
After missing six weeks with a high ankle sprain, the Panthers running back was finally back in action in Week 9 and looked every bit the guy who people took with the top overall pick in most drafts. McCaffrey finished with 69 rushing yards, 82 receiving yards on 10 receptions and found the endzone twice. Unfortunately, his return could be brief, as he sustained a new injury late in the game.
Initially ruled a rib injury, the injury is now being listed as a right shoulder injury. While the Panthers have been tight-lipped on the specifics, the two differential diagnoses and the manner in which the injury occurred could provide some clues as to what McCaffrey is dealing with. My guess is he is dealing with a sprain to one of the joints located at the ends of the clavicle (collarbone). The collarbone is a crucial part of the shoulder. The first point of articulation is the sternoclavicular (SC) joint located where the collarbone meets the sternum (breastbone). Injuries here can be particularly worrisome due to neighboring nerves and blood vessels in the area. On the opposite end of the collarbone, closer to the tip of the shoulder, sits the acromioclavicular (AC) joint. The AC joint is routinely sprained in football, especially if a player is driven into the ground. AC sprains occur in varying degrees involving the multiple ligaments that fortify the joint.
If McCaffrey did in fact sprain either joint, he is at risk for missing time. The Panthers are currently listing him as day-to-day, though the situation should become clearer as the week progresses. Hopefully if you are invested in the Panthers backfield you were able to hang onto to Mike Davis should McCaffrey be unable to play.
The Dolphins receiver suffered a foot injury over the weekend and needed to be carted off the field. X-rays taken after the injury occurred ruled out a fracture, and the team is currently listing the injury as a sprain. Williams' situation provides a good opportunity to remind fantasy players the value in specific medical imaging. X-rays are generally the initial medical test performed. A standard X-ray image provides a two-dimensional look at the bony structures of the injury site. As a result, X-rays are utilized to locate any potential fractures or other bone-related injuries. However, X-rays seldom provide insight to the overall integrity of soft-tissue structures like muscle or ligaments.
To visualize the damage to these tissues, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often ordered. An MRI is created using magnetic fields and radio waves. Multiple pictures of an area are taken in an assortment of views. These slices are then spliced together to create a detailed, three-dimensional look at the area in question. As a result, a specific diagnosis, including the tissue involved and the severity of the damage, can be made.
For Williams, it is nice to learn the X-rays were negative, but an MRI will provide a more appropriate understanding of the problem and the associated recovery timeline. The team is currently listing him as day-to-day but, thanks to players like Calvin Ridley and Joe Mixon, we have already seen that even a mild foot sprain can result in a multiweek absence. It sounds like Williams will miss at lease one week while continuing to be evaluated.
Turf Burns
A.J. Brown: The Titans wide receiver did not participate in Monday's practice, just days ahead of their Thursday night matchup with the Colts. The time off is no reason to panic, as Brown has received routine days off each week since returning from a bone bruise to his knee. Even with a shortened week of practice, those invested in Brown should feel confident about his availability and start him with confidence.
Nick Chubb: Chubb is progressing nicely in his recovery from a medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain in his right knee. He was given a six-week recovery window when the injury initially occurred in Week 4 and remains in line to hit that marker. He returned to practice on Monday and is on track to play against the Texans. While the knee should be close to 100 percent, Chubb has opted to wear a stabilizing brace on the joint to help support the MCL, especially during lateral movements. These motions are common for running backs when making hard cuts and eluding defenders. Despite the growing optimism regarding his health, it wouldn't be surprising to see Cleveland cap Chubb's workload and continue to lean more heavily on Kareem Hunt in his first few weeks back.
Baker Mayfield: The Browns quarterback has been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list but has not yet tested positive for the virus. He was sent to the list after coming in close contact with a member of the Cleveland staff who has tested positive. He will now enter self-quarantine for the immediate future and will need to continue to produce negative tests in order to return. He still has time to return ahead of Week 10's matchup against the Texans, but that could all change if he ultimately contracts the virus. Look for the Browns to provide routine updates in the days ahead.
Andy Dalton: The Dallas signal-caller did test positive for the coronavirus and was unable to suit up against the Steelers. The Cowboys have a bye week in Week 10, giving Dalton a chance to complete the COVID protocol and the concussion protocol in time for Week 11's game against the Vikings. Garrett Gilbert would get his second straight start if Dalton is unable to play.
Austin Hooper: Cleveland is expected to have Hooper back in the lineup after he needed an emergency appendectomy during the lead up to Week 7. Most appendectomies are performed laparoscopically, setting up a quick return without many complications. Feel free to utilize Hooper as you would normally.
Miles Sanders: The Eagles expect Sanders to return to action after the team's much needed bye week. Sanders has missed back-to-back games with an undisclosed knee injury. He is expected to be a full participant in practice and in the lineup for the team's Week 11 divisional meeting with the Giants.
