This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
The Eagles lost a key member of their offense on Sunday when Sproles suffered an odd combination of injuries. The initial problem was a noncontact injury that occurred when Sproles took an awkward step. The subsequent force resulted in a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) that sent Sproles to the ground. In the process of falling, Sproles collided with Giants linebacker Darian Thompson. That impact fractured the right forearm of the Philadelphia running back. Further testing later confirmed both injuries and Sproles will now prep for not one, but two, surgeries.
The arm will be addressed first. Isolated fractures of the ulna following a direct blow are often termed nightstick fractures. Surgery for these types of injuries generally involves the insertion of a metal plate to stabilize the fracture site. The success rate for the procedure is high and shouldn't carry any long-term concerns.
The knee injury is the costlier of the two ailments and is what is effectively ending Sproles' season. Surgery to repair the torn ligament will be performed in the coming weeks with a likely estimated recovery timeline of eight to 10 months. During the time spent rehabbing his knee, Sproles will be able to allow his arm injury to appropriately heal. It will be interesting to see how the veteran Sproles responds to treatment, especially since he has previously flirted with retirement.
Philadelphia will look to fill their backfield void by committee. Wendell Smallwood likely will assume most of Sproles' pass-catching responsibilities and
The Eagles lost a key member of their offense on Sunday when Sproles suffered an odd combination of injuries. The initial problem was a noncontact injury that occurred when Sproles took an awkward step. The subsequent force resulted in a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) that sent Sproles to the ground. In the process of falling, Sproles collided with Giants linebacker Darian Thompson. That impact fractured the right forearm of the Philadelphia running back. Further testing later confirmed both injuries and Sproles will now prep for not one, but two, surgeries.
The arm will be addressed first. Isolated fractures of the ulna following a direct blow are often termed nightstick fractures. Surgery for these types of injuries generally involves the insertion of a metal plate to stabilize the fracture site. The success rate for the procedure is high and shouldn't carry any long-term concerns.
The knee injury is the costlier of the two ailments and is what is effectively ending Sproles' season. Surgery to repair the torn ligament will be performed in the coming weeks with a likely estimated recovery timeline of eight to 10 months. During the time spent rehabbing his knee, Sproles will be able to allow his arm injury to appropriately heal. It will be interesting to see how the veteran Sproles responds to treatment, especially since he has previously flirted with retirement.
Philadelphia will look to fill their backfield void by committee. Wendell Smallwood likely will assume most of Sproles' pass-catching responsibilities and see a bump in value, particularly in PPR leagues. LeGarrette Blount and Corey Clement will also see an increase in usage.
The Panthers wide receiver appears to have avoided a significant injury after an MRI failed to uncover any structural damage in his left knee. Benjamin was tackled awkwardly in the second quarter of the team's loss to New Orleans and was unable to finish the game. There was immediate concern about the structural integrity of the joint since the injury occurred to the same leg as his previously repaired ACL.
While the ligaments and the meniscus are apparently intact, that doesn't mean Benjamin is completely healthy. He could still have soft tissue damage or a potential knee strain. The team currently considers him day-to-day and are unsure about his availability for Week 4 against New England. Closely monitor his workload throughout the week to get a better idea of his status entering the weekend. Devin Funchess is worth a speculative add with Benjamin banged up and Greg Olson slated to miss multiple weeks with a broken foot.
Lingering soreness in his left knee placed Gordon on last week's injury report and appeared to limit him throughout Sunday's loss to the Chiefs. Gordon continues to insist the knee is fine, though reports of a minor bone bruise on the area have begun to surface. Unfortunately, even a small contusion can be problematic, considering the third-year running back has previously required microfracture surgery on this knee and missed time last year after spraining the same joint. Furthermore, bone bruises of the knee can require additional time to heal due to their continual contact with other areas of the joint. Gordon's upside outweighs his current level of risk, but it may be worth adding Branden Oliver as a reliable insurance policy.
Turf Burns
Doug Baldwin: The Seahawks receiver made an early exit on Sunday after straining his groin. The injury is a low-grade strain, and Baldwin is day-to-day entering the week. He would be a solid play against the porous Colts secondary should he suit up, but scale back your expectations a bit. Groin injuries can be very limiting for wideouts, as they hamper their lateral movement. Furthermore, groin strains are easily aggravated, elevating Baldwin's level of risk. Paul Richardson and Tyler Lockett would move up the depth chart if Baldwin is unable to play.
Michael Crabtree: A hard hit from Washington safety Montae Nicholson forced Crabtree from the game with what was described as a chest injury. Specifics on the injury have yet to be released, though he was able to fly home with teammates. Details on the injury should trickle out as the week progresses, but for now it seems likely he will ready to go for Week 4.
Tyler Eifert: The Bengals tight end is slated to miss multiple week due to an undisclosed back injury. His back was a major issue last season, limiting him to just eight games during the 2016 season. Eifert addressed the problem prior to Week 17, undergoing surgery in late December. The specifics regarding the surgery have been limited, although it is believed the injury was disc-related. The current issue likely is related to his previous problem, though surgery isn't an option for now. Fantasy owners should consider other alternatives, as Eifert's injury profile has become too risky to ignore.
Julio Jones: The Falcons wide receiver will be limited throughout the week after sustaining a lower back injury in Week 3. The injury is reportedly minor and isn't expected to keep him off the field on Sunday. Fantasy owners familiar with the All-Pro receiver understand that minor issues like this are a part of having Jones on your roster. He remains a top-tier wide receiver and should be utilized as such.
Jordan Reed and Rob Kelley: Neither player was in uniform against the Raiders and remain limited with the respective injuries. Reed, out with injuries to his sternoclavicular (SC) joint and ribs, took part in restricted practice last week but was a late scratch, while Kelley was unable to shake the pain associated with his costal cartilage rib injury. Look for both players to follow similar paths as last week, and it wouldn't be surprising if both ended up as game-time decisions again. Pain management for both injuries will be the primary focus for the Washington medical team.
Kelley's status becomes a bigger concern with rookie Samaje Perine nursing a bruised hand. Chris Thompson would be the biggest beneficiary if both backs are limited, while he remains a valuable PPR weapon.
