This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
The final week of the 2018 NFL regular season is upon on us. While some fantasy owners will spend Christmas day celebrating with a new title under the tree, others will lament lost opportunities of draft days past. Hopefully some of my advice helped you weather the storm when injuries hit, but for those who see their seasons play out until the bitter end, I have one last gift to give. Let's take a look at the injury concerns entering Week 17.
The Titans face a winner-take-all game in Week 17 when they face the rival Colts. However, it remains to be seen if they will have their starting quarterback available for the divisional showdown. Mariota was unable to finish the team's Week 16 win over Washington after suffering an elbow injury on his throwing arm. The team later described the injury as a "stinger." Unfortunately, the location and injury description suggest Mariota aggravated an injury that has bothered him since Week 1.
Mariota suffered an ulnar nerve (aka the funny bone) injury after being struck in the elbow during Tennessee's Week 1 loss to Miami. The impact left the quarterback with numbness in his right hands and fingers. Because the ulnar nerve delivers both sensory and motor messages to the forearm, wrist and hand, Mariota was left with the altered sensation and a diminished grip. He ultimately missed one game while recovering and was forced to wear a partial glove on his throwing hand upon his return.
The final week of the 2018 NFL regular season is upon on us. While some fantasy owners will spend Christmas day celebrating with a new title under the tree, others will lament lost opportunities of draft days past. Hopefully some of my advice helped you weather the storm when injuries hit, but for those who see their seasons play out until the bitter end, I have one last gift to give. Let's take a look at the injury concerns entering Week 17.
The Titans face a winner-take-all game in Week 17 when they face the rival Colts. However, it remains to be seen if they will have their starting quarterback available for the divisional showdown. Mariota was unable to finish the team's Week 16 win over Washington after suffering an elbow injury on his throwing arm. The team later described the injury as a "stinger." Unfortunately, the location and injury description suggest Mariota aggravated an injury that has bothered him since Week 1.
Mariota suffered an ulnar nerve (aka the funny bone) injury after being struck in the elbow during Tennessee's Week 1 loss to Miami. The impact left the quarterback with numbness in his right hands and fingers. Because the ulnar nerve delivers both sensory and motor messages to the forearm, wrist and hand, Mariota was left with the altered sensation and a diminished grip. He ultimately missed one game while recovering and was forced to wear a partial glove on his throwing hand upon his return. He ditched the glove during the bye week but irritated the issue in Week 11 during the team's first matchup with the Colts. Like his current issue, the second injury was described as a stinger.
The term stinger is usually used to indicate an injury to the brachial plexus, a bundle of nerves located between the neck and the shoulder. The final branches of the brachial plexus extend down into the elbow, wrist, and hand, forming multiple nerves, including the ulnar nerve. It seems plausible that Mariota's injury isn't a true stinger but instead a recurring issue with the nerve at the elbow. This creates a problematic situation in which it is very unlikely Mariota is 100 percent for the regular season finale. The Titans may still opt to start him over Blane Gabbert but look for his accuracy and strength to be diminished. As a result, Mariota is a precarious play in Week 17.
Turf Burns
Matt Breida: Breida's injury-plagued season has finally come to an end. The 49ers running back has battled through an assortment of injuries but was unable to shake a lingering ankle sprain. The team has already ruled him out for Week 17 allowing him to begin recovering for the 2019 campaign. Assuming Jerick McKinnon's recovery from a preseason ACL injury goes as planned, San Francisco could enter 2019 with two quality runners in the backfield.
Tevin Coleman: Atlanta's starting running back is currently dealing with a low-grade groin strain though the team is optimistic he will be available in Week 17. Groin injuries are difficult to manage for running backs, as the issue limits the lateral movement needed to hit holes and elude tacklers. Coleman will need to participate and do so effectively to have a realistic shot at playing against the Buccaneers. If Coleman is unable to go, Atlanta will turn to Brian Hill and Jeremy Langford to man the backfield.
James Conner: The Steelers running back remains a question mark for the regular season finale. Conner remains hampered by a high ankle sprain that has kept him out for three straight outings. Conner will need to see the practice field prior to the team's matchup against the Bengals if he is going to have a realistic shot at playing. Jaylen Samuels remains a must-own in all formats.
Todd Gurley: Gurley left those who invested in the running back high and dry during Week 16 after weeks of fantasy friendly productivity. The Rams running back was a late scratch Sunday after his inflamed knee limited his pregame routine. The injury seems minor, though the team is handling his treatment carefully to insure his availability for the postseason. He's currently listed as day-to-day, though it seems likely he sits on Week 17 as well. Snag C.J. Anderson if he somehow slipped through the cracks in your league.
Phillip Lindsay: The rookie running back was forced to the sidelines on Monday night after sustaining a wrist injury. The injury was deemed a sprain, though an MRI slated for Tuesday should provide better insight into the severity of the problem. It wouldn't be surprising to see the Broncos handle his treatment and recovery conservatively with an eye on next season. Lindsay owners may want to consider placing a waiver wire request on Royce Freeman just in case.
Lamar Miller: The Texans running game was nonexistent with Miller sidelined with an ankle injury. Fortunately, Miller appears to be progressing in his recovery and has a realistic shot at suiting up against the Jaguars. The team could easily opt to limit his workload with the playoffs looming, making Miller a risky play in all formats.
Demaryius Thomas: The Houston wide receiver suffered a torn Achilles in Week 16 and will miss the remainder of the season. The timing of the injury also insures that Thomas' recovery carries over into the 2019 season. Achilles tears have historically been career-altering injuries, especially for speed-dependent positions, though the surgery and recovery have improved in recent years. Look for Thomas to be a nonfactor in next year's drafts as he continues to work his way back.
Spencer Ware: Ware has been nursing two different injuries over the last few weeks, but it appears as though his hamstring strain is the primary reason for his extended absence. Even if he is cleared to return in time for the regular season finale, look for the Chiefs to ease his workload with an eye on the postseason. Look for playoff hero Damien Williams to remain the safer play in Week 17.
