Week 6 is here. As both fantasy football and NFL teams begin to separate themselves, injuries are more impactful than ever. Lucky for us, we can drop and pick up impactful players with much more ease than NFL teams. Unfortunately, there were a lot of guys going down and medical carts being used this week. I am here to help guide you through the Week 6 fantasy football injury report.
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Week 6 Fantasy Football Injury Report
Week 6 Late Inactives:
Nick Chubb (RB) Cleveland Browns
Jarvis Landry (WR) Cleveland Browns
Russell Wilson (QB) Seattle Seahawks
Chris Carson (RB) Seattle Seahawks
JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR) Pittsburgh Steelers
Week 6 1 PM Inactives:
Sammy Watkins (WR) Baltimore Ravens
Ty’Son Williams (RB) Baltimore Ravens
Christian McCaffrey (RB) Carolina Panthers
Damien Williams (RB) Chicago Bears
Danny Amendola (WR) Houston Texans
Rodrigo Blankenship (K) Indianapolis Colts
Saquon Barkley (RB) New York Giants
Kenny Golladay (WR) New York Giants
Darius Slayton (WR) New York Giants
Curtis Samuel (WR) Washington Football Team
10/15/21 Update
Russell Wilson (QB) Seattle Seahawks
Finger Surgery, Initial Injury: 10/7/21
For the first time in his 10 year career, Russell Wilson will not be starting an NFL regular season game. That really is an incredible feat for a guy who means so much to his football team. The Los Angeles Rams ruined this streak after Wilson injured his middle finger on a Rams player’s helmet. The injury was on his throwing hand and found severe enough to require surgery, which he underwent the next day. The surgery revealed injuries to two separate joints on his finger.
The Seahawks QB suffered both a Mallet finger injury and a PIP dislocation. Mallet finger refers to when the tendon on the very end of your finger is partially or fully torn. This prevents you from being able to fully straighten your finger and accurately throw a football. In addition, Wilson’s joint in the middle of his finger was found to be dislocated or forced out of place. A variable timeline has been given due to this being a rare double injury to one finger. Expect Wilson to be out a month but his progress should be monitored after about three weeks. Wilson is headed to the IR as expected and the earliest he can return is Week 10.
Wilson suffered two serious finger injuries but will return later this season. – SIT/IR
Daniel Jones (QB) New York Giants
Concussion, Initial Injury: 10/10/21
Just as Danny was starting to Dime, he has been placed in the concussion protocol. The Giants QB took a helmet-to-helmet hit on the goal line last week and was immediately ruled out. He stumbled and was clearly not okay after the hit, being carted to the locker room shortly after. Daniel Jones‘ practice status this week will be the best indicator for how much time he will miss if any. A concussion refers to a mild traumatic brain injury and a disruption in the function of a person’s brain. The league has a standardized protocol, requiring players to complete five steps before being able to play. Jones does have a chance to play this week but only time will tell to see how he is progressing.
The Giants QB was officially listed as a non-participant in practice on Wednesday but he was able to get some work in. Jones was working on a side field, in full pads, running sprints and throwing passes. This is a great sign for his chances of playing on Sunday, but we will have to see how he responds to the workload.
Jones has officially been taken off the injury report and is cleared to start on Sunday against the Rams. He will also see the return of his favorite target from earlier in the season, as Giants WR Sterling Shepard will be in the lineup this week
Danny Dimes has cleared concussion protocol and should start this week. – START
Chris Carson (RB) Seattle Seahawks
Neck Injury, Initial Injury: Preseason (Long Term Issue)
In a bit of surprise, Seattle’s starting running back made his was on to the injury report last Tuesday ahead of their Thursday night game. Initially, it was unclear how serious of an issue this would be but at this point Carson has not practiced in two weeks and will mis his second straight game. There has also been talks about possibly putting Carson on the IR with this neck issue. A clear diagnosis has not been given but Carson is likely dealing with a disc issue in his neck. These type of injuries take a while to get under control and often require surgery or weeks of rehab to fully treat.
This clearly has been bothering Carson for some time as the Seahawks running back was on the Week 1 injury report with a neck injury. He was able to fully practiced that week and started all four games earlier in the year but he appears to have aggravated the injury in practice. Back up Alex Collins was a must add for Carson fantasy owners last week and continues to be if available. Collins has provided a spark for this backfield and is in line to take over the starting duties until Carson returns .
Carson has been ruled out for the second week in a row with a long term neck issue. – SIT
Christian McCaffrey (RB) Carolina Panthers
Hamstring strain, Initial injury: 9/23/21
The Panthers star RB finds himself on the injury report again this year. Christian McCaffrey was injured during the Week 3 Thursday Night Football matchup against the Texans. He was ruled out of the game quickly with a hamstring strain but the good news is that the Panthers have announced he will not be heading to the IR. This news means that his hamstring injury is minor.
However, even minor hamstring injuries usually take two to three weeks to heal. The Panthers will need to be careful with their stud RB as hamstring strains have a high reinjury likelihood. McCaffrey staying on the Week 5 injury report may be the best case for his season production. The second injury is also usually more severe and would cause him to miss the majority of the season. For now, it is going to be rookie RB Chubba Hubbard leading the Carolina backfield. The no IR is an encouraging sign that we should have McCaffrey back on the field within the next month, barring any setbacks.
McCaffrey officially made his return to practice on Wednesday, October 6th. He was only a limited participant but this is a promising sign that he should be back soon. Despite the optimism regarding the Panthers stud RB’s return to practice last week, it appears McCaffrey’s hamstring is still not ready for game action. He had one limited practice on Wednesday this week but he was unable to practice Thursday or Friday. Hamstring strains are difficult injuries to return from and should not be rushed back. CMC is out this week and we will see if he is able to practice and play in Week 7.
McCaffrey has been ruled out this week with only one limited practice Wednesday. – SIT
Damien Williams (RB) Chicago Bears
COVID-19/Reserve List
The Bears running back tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week and will be unavailable for Chicago this week. Williams has filled in as Chicago’s lead back in the absence of RB David Montgomery, who is currently on IR with a knee injury. Rookie RB Khalil Herbet will now be the lead man in Chicago’s backfield against Green Bay this week.
Williams will be out with COVID this week. – SIT
Nick Chubb (RB) Cleveland Browns
Calf Injury, Initial Injury: 10/10/21
Cleveland’s workhouse running back and a huge part of this team, RB Nick Chubb will be out this week. Chubb has been unable to practice this week due to a calf injury he suffered last week. Specifics have not been given regarding the injury yet but the fact it has kept Chubb out of practice all week means he is likely dealing with a calf strain. These injuries refer to damage to the calf muscle and come with a high re injury rate. If Chubb is battling a calf strain, the Browns are wise to rest him until the muscle is ready and avoid the injury lingering throughout the season. Browns RB Kareem Hunt is a more than capable back up and will see an increased workload this week with Chubb’s absence.
Chubb has been ruled out this week with a calf injury after not practicing all week. – SIT.
10/13/21 Update
Rob Gronkowski (TE) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Fractured Ribs, Initial Injury: 9/26/21
Bucs stud TE Rob Gronkowski’s season has unfortunately cooled off after a hot start. The veteran TE briefly exited the game in Week 3 to get X-rays done on his ribs after a hard hit. Initially, X-rays came back as negative and he was able to return to the game and record a catch. The fact that Gronk was able to come back to the game and his status has been up in the air these past weeks seems crazy now. Details have come out that the Bucs tight end is currently dealing with multiple rib fractures and a punctured lung. This is an extremely painful injury. He has been officially been ruled out of the Bucs Week 6 matchup. I am surprised he was not put on the IR, as this will be his third game missed and he has not returned to practice.
Gronk is out for Week 6 and has yet to return to practice. – IR/SIT
Nico Collins (WR) Houston Texans
Shoulder Injury, Initial Injury: 9/19/21
Texans WR Nico Collins’ rookie campaign has hit a speed bump as he suffered a shoulder injury early in his Week 2 game. The specifics of the injury were not disclosed but it is being reported that he is expected to miss three to four weeks with this injury. Texans WRs Brandin Cooks, Anthony Miller, and Danny Amendola, who is questionable Thursday with a thigh injury, receive a mild target boost without Collins.
Collins has returned to practice this week and has a chance to play this week. His practice status will need to be monitored moving forward.
Collins has returned to practice from an undisclosed shoulder injury and has a chance to play this week. – MONITOR
T.Y. Hilton (WR) Indianapolis Colts
Neck Surgery, Initial Injury: 8/25/21, Surgery: 9/1/21
Colts WR T.Y. Hilton suffered a neck injury in practice this offseason and was dealing with disc issues in his spine. Surgery was performed to help fix the issue and the procedure is not thought to be season ending. The surgery was a good call as these spinal disc issues do not just go away with rest and can become a long term issue. Hilton remains on the IR for now but after five weeks he has made his return to practice on Wednesday. Based on how he handles practice, he has a chance of playing this week. I would not expect too much production from the Colts receiver in his first game back. It may take some time for the veteran to find his role in an offense that has been playing without him for two months.
Hilton returned to practice this week and has a chance to play this week. – MONITOR
Joe Burrow (QB) Cincinnati Bengals
Throat Contusion, Initial Injury: 10/10/21
Here is some positive news for this Week 6 injury report. Joe Burrow was taken to the hospital after last week’s game but he is expected to be okay moving forward. The Bengals QB’s visit to a local hospital was precautionary with a throat contusion. A throat contusion refers to swelling and bruising of the throat musculature. In most cases, the throat will be sore for a bit but there is no structural damage or long-term issue. The reason for taking him to the hospital is that this is too important of an area to risk as it controls your breathing, eating, and speaking. Burrow could see some limited practices but is not expected to miss time right now.
Burrow bruised his throat last but is expected to be good to go moving forward. – START/MONITOR
Saquon Barkley (RB) New York Giants
Low Ankle Sprain, Initial Injury: 10/10/21
The troubles continue in New York as their freak athlete RB suffered a freak accident Sunday. Giants RB Saquon Barkley injured his ankle last week after stepping on a Cowboys player’s foot. He was quickly ruled out of the game and carted off to the locker room as his ankle swelled up like a balloon. The positive news is the injury is only a low ankle sprain and that X-rays came back as negative for an ankle fracture.
A low ankle or inversion sprain refers to damage to the lateral ankle ligaments due to the foot rolling inwards. This is the injury we think about when someone “rolls their ankle”. This injury limits a player’s ability to cut and change directions quickly. Barkley’s practice status will give us a better idea of how much damage was done to the ligaments. Best case, he returns to practice this week in a limited fashion and has a chance to play on Sunday. Worst case, the damage is significant and he is out for at least a month. Giant’s backup RB Devonte Booker is a quality waiver wire pick up for at least this week, and possibly more.
Barkley rolled his ankle Sunday and his practice status will need to be monitored. – MONITOR/SIT
Tua Tagovailoa (QB) Miami Dolphins
Rib Injury, Initial Injury: 9/19/21
The Dolphins young QB Tua Tagovailoa was hit in the ribs and knocked out of the game in the first quarter in Week 2. It was a scary sight for Tua-believing Dolphins fans, as the QB was carted off the field and was unable to return to the game. After initial reports of no structural damage, it has been announced that after further testing, Tua does have fractured ribs.
Tua has officially returned from IR and is back to practice this week. He has a chance to play this Sunday but his practice status should be monitored. The recovery timeline is normally three to eight weeks with this injury, depending on the severity of the fracture. This is a painful injury, that will limit his mobility and will discourage him from taking hits. Dolphins backup Jacoby Brissett will be taking over the starting QB position during Tua’s absence.
Tua has returned from IR with fractured ribs and may play this week. – MONITOR/SIT
Kenny Golladay (WR) New York Giants
Knee Injury, Initial Injury: 10/10/21
Man, the Giants love the injury report as much as the loss column, and it looks like Week 6 is more of the same. The Giants’ big offseason acquisition is on the injury report again this week, with a knee injury. There is a reason Golladay made my Top 5 Players to Avoid article this offseason. He is an incredible talent who can just not stay healthy.
The injury occurred in the first quarter when Kenny Golladay hyperextended his knee. He tried to play through the injury but it worsened and he was ruled out for the second half. The good news is that an MRI ruled out a severe season-ending injury which some initially feared. He is expected to miss one or two weeks with the injury and no specific injury diagnosis has been given yet. The Giants WR group is dealing with numerous injuries right now but rookie Kadarius Toney and Sterling Shepard, if healthy, will see a boost in targets.
Golladay is dealing with a knee injury and is expected to miss at least this week. – SIT/MONITOR
Dallas Goedert (TE) Philadelphia Eagles
COVID 19/Reserve List
The Eagles placed their starting TE on the COVID 19/Reserve list on Monday. With a game on Thursday night, his status is in doubt. Goedert would need to produce two negative COVID tests before the game.
Goedert is on the COVID list and in danger of missing TNF. – MONITOR/SIT
Taysom Hill (QB) New Orleans Saints
Concussion, Initial Injury: 10/10/21
Another QB concussion finds its way on the Week 6 injury report. Well, kind of depending on what you classify Taysom Hill as. The Saint’s Swiss army knife was carted off the field last week after a hard hit to the head. Hill was coming over the middle for a catch and a Washington CB delivered a blow to his head. New Orleans QB2, TE2, WR3, and RB2 are officially in the league’s concussion protocol.
Now, this is a good time to point out that no two concussions are made the same. The brain is a very complicated system that we don’t fully understand and symptoms can last days to months. Hill has a chance to play this week but his status will need to be monitored closely. I expect Saints RB Alvin Kamara to see more carries and targets if Hill is unable to play this week.
Taysom Hill is in the concussion protocol and his status should be monitored. – MONITOR
Juju Smith-Schuster (WR) Pittsburgh Steelers
Shoulder Dislocation, Initial Injury: 10/10/21
Juju may have played his last snap for the city of Pittsburgh. In the second quarter of the game against the Broncos, he took a hard hit to his shoulder and instantly walked off the field. The Steelers WR dislocated his shoulder and required season-ending surgery. Let’s not forget that Smith-Schuster tested the free agency market before signing just a 1 year deal with Pittsburgh. Juju will have to work hard this off-season to build some stability in his shoulder as dislocations can become a chronic issue for players. Luckily for the Steelers, WRs Chase Claypool, Diontae Johnson, and James Washington are all capable playmakers.
Juju is out for the rest of the season after shoulder surgery. – DROP
Curtis Samuel (WR) Washington Football Team
Groin Injury, Re-injured: 10/10/21, Initial Injury: 6/2/21
Another player I have been concerned about for a while joins the Week 6 injury report. Washington’s offseason addition Curtis Samuel cannot seem to kick this groin issue. The speedy WR originally injured his groin back in June and took several months off before returning to practice. A week before the season started, he reinjured his groin again and started the year on the IR. I tried to warn y’all but this was the first BAD sign. Last Sunday, Samuel suffered another setback, aggravating his groin injury and being held out of the game.
A groin injury limits a player’s ability for a quick change of direction movements due to damage to the inner hip muscle. As a shifty and speedy receiver, Samuel will need his groin to be at full strength for a productive season. Groin injury also comes with a high reinjury risk, which is what we are seeing here. At this point, this injury is unlikely to go away any time soon and I would look for other fantasy options. Washington WR’s Terry McLaurin and Adam Humphries will see a boost in targets as some of the only healthy options left.
Samuel has again reinjured his groin and his health should not be trusted. – DROP/SIT
Maxx Williams (TE) Arizona Cardinals
Knee Injury, Initial Injury: 10/10/21
Just as the TE was becoming a big part of this Arizona offense, his season is likely over. Maxx Williams suffered a gruesome knee injury last Sunday and the belief is it is a season-ending injury. No official word has been given yet but should be soon. Feel free to wait for clarification but best case this will be a multiple-week absence.
Williams likely suffered a season-ending knee injury. – DROP/MONITOR
Quintez Cephus (WR) Detroit Lions
Broken Collarbone, Initial Injury: 10/10/21
The Lions can ill afford any name added to the injury report for Week 6, especially a bright spot in their dismal passing offense. Quintez Cephus has emerged as Detroit’s WR1 and vertical deep threat this season. The big body receiver had been a productive and reliable target for QB Jared Goff. Unfortunately, Detroit can’t seem to have nice things as the promising young WR will miss an extended amount of time.
Cephus’ shoulder was driven down hard into the ground on a tackle last week and he broke his collarbone. The bone is going to take at least six weeks to heal but could very likely take two full months. He would then have to be slowly worked back into contact as the bone is vulnerable during the healing period. The Lions will turn to WR’s Amon-Ra St. Brown, Kalif Raymond, and KhaDarel Hodge to fill the void. These pass catchers are all unproven so it is hard to say which one Goff will trust if any.
Cephus broke his collarbone and will have an extended absence, maybe the rest of the season. – DROP/IR
Damien Harris (RB) New England Patriots
Chest/Rib Injury, Initial Injury: 10/10/21
New England’s lead RB Damien Harris exited Sunday’s game multiple times and was ultimately unable to return their last drive. Harris was reported to have picked up a chest and rib injury during the game. Fortunately, no significant injuries were found with diagnostic imaging, and Harris is listed as day-to-day. For now, it seems like Harris has some minor bumps and bruises that may lead to limited practices. It is worth nothing, that both Gronk and Tua were given initial good news about their rib injuries as well. Harris should be monitored going forward this week but does have a good chance of playing. He will have to work his way off the injury report and Belichick’s dog house in Week 6, after fumbling on the goal line last week.
Harris suffered some minor chest and rib injuries but should be good to go this week. – MONITOR/START
Clyde Edwards-Helaire (RB) Kansas City Chiefs
MCL Sprain, Initial injury: 10/10/21
The Cheifs young RB has gotten off to a rough start this year, much like his team. After seeing his workload diminish, he now has a knee injury to deal with. Clyde Edwards-Helaire (CEH) had to be helped off the field after injuring his knee against Buffalo. He was found to have suffered an MCL sprain that was significant enough to land him on the IR.
An MCL injury refers to ligament damage to the inner part of your knee and is key in side-to-side knee stability. This injury usually comes with a two to three-week recovery timeline. A MCL sprain would limit the RB’s route running and change of direction ability due to lack of knee stability until properly healed. Kansas City veteran RBs Darrel Williams and Jerrick McKinnon will look to carry the load in CEH’s absence.
The young Kansas City RB is on IR with an MCL sprain. – SIT/IR
Cody Parkey (K) New Orleans Saints
Groin Injury, Initial Injury: 10/10/21
There is no good news for the only kicker on the Week 6 injury report. Saints new kicker Parkey reportedly tweaked his groin during pregame warm-ups this week and the injury continued. He fought through the injury and kicked in the game but did miss two out of five extra point attempts. Cody Parkey’s injury was deemed significant enough to land him on the IR where he will be for at least three weeks. A groin injur severely hinders a player’s ability to lift their leg up high and produce the power needed with place kicking. It will be interesting to see if the Saints continue their carousel of kickers by bringing someone else in. New Orleans original kicker Will Lutz may be able to return from IR after the team’s Week 6 bye week.
Parkey is headed to the IR with a groin injury. – DROP
David Montgomery (RB) Chicago Bears
Knee Injury, Initial Injury: 10/3/21
The best player on this unappealing Bear’s offense suffered a scary-looking injury late in the fourth quarter of a game already decided. Despite the obvious pain David Montgomery was in, it appears the star RB has avoided a serious season-ending injury. The initial fear was an ACL tear due to him hyperextending his knee to cause the injury but it is being reported this is not the case. Montgomery has been officially diagnosed with a knee sprain and is expected to miss three to five weeks. It’s difficult to give a more accurate timeline because a “knee sprain” is about as specific as saying a “knee injury”. However, it does seem safe to say the productive fantasy RB will be back in starting lineups this season.
Montgomery suffered a knee injury that will have him miss multiple weeks but is not season-ending. – SIT/IR
Logan Thomas (TE) Washington Football Team
Hamstring Strain, Initial Injury: 10/3/21
Washington survived an offensive shootout in Atlanta last week without one of their top targets. The converted tight end Logan Thomas limped off the field on the team’s first possession of the game and was unable to return. Thomas injured his hamstring in a non-contact injury while running upfield. Hamstring strains are tricky injuries that require at least two weeks to recover from.
These injuries have a high reinjury rate which often causes a more severe injury than the original. Hamstring strains can linger throughout the season will limit a player’s running and jumping ability. Thomas has been placed on the IR and is expected to miss four weeks. This move means there has been some substantial damage to his hamstring and returning to play in four weeks seems optimistic.
Thomas is dealing with a hamstring strain and has been placed on IR – DROP/IR
D.J. Chark (WR) Jacksonville Jaguars
Ankle Fracture, Initial Injury: 9/30/21
This Week 6 report contains an added injury to the insult that is Jacksonville Jaguars football. Last Thursday night, their big-play WR D.J. Chark was rolled up on by a fellow teammate and had to be carted off the field. Unfortunately, Chark fractured his ankle, which will require surgery and likely end his 2021 season. With the Jags looking abysmal, there is no reason for them to risk bringing back their young WR this year. Fellow WRs Marvin Jones Jr. and Laviska Shenault should see a boost in targets for the rest of the season.
Chark’s season is likely over with a fractured ankle. – DROP
Will Fuller (WR) Miami Dolphins
Broken Finger, Initial Injury:10/3/21
Will Fuller’s Miami career is off to a rocky start after missing the first two games for non-injury reasons and getting hurt early in Week 4. The Miami WR broke his finger while attempting to make a diving catch on an underthrown ball. He was immediately ruled out of the game and is now expected to miss “ a few weeks”. A broken bone is going to take about six weeks to fully heal normally but there is a possibility he returns closer to the four-week mark. His recovery timeline will be up to how much Fuller and the Dolphins want to risk a reinjury. The Dolphins are fairly healthy at WR otherwise, with DeVante Parker and Jaylen Waddle leading the way.
Fuller broke his finger and will likely be out four to six weeks. – IR/SIT
K.J. Hamler (WR) Denver Broncos
ACL Tear, Initial Injury: 9/26/21
The Denver WR room received another blow this week to another talented young WR. Hamler joins his teammate Jerry Jeudy on the IR after tearing his ACL in Week 3. Hamler will miss the rest of the season with this injury. ACL tears are serious knee injuries that can take a year or more to fully recover from. With the Broncos down both of their top slot WR options, look for TE Noah Fant to have an increased role in the offense. WRs Courtland Sutton and Tim Patrick will also see an increased role.
Hamler is out for the rest of the season with an ACL Tear. – DROP/IR
Scotty Miller (WR) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Turf Toe, Initial Injury: 9/26/21
The Bucs WR suffered a turf toe injury during his Week 3 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. The injury is being reported as severe and that the WR will miss a substantial amount of time. Turf toe refers to damage to the ligaments of the big toe that happens with the toe is pushed too far back. This injury has a high reinjury likelihood and with this level of damage, the IR seems inevitable. Miller was filling in for WR Antonio Brown who was out with COVID so this shouldn’t have a major fantasy impact.
Miller is likely headed to the IR with a turf toe injury. -DROP/SIT
James White (RB) New England Patriots
Hip Subluxation, Initial Injury: 9/26/21
The Patriots RB James White was carted off in his Week 3 matchup with a leg injury. The injury is being called a hip subluxation, which is the same injury Washington QB Ryan Fitzpatrick suffered. The injury refers to the hip bone being forced partially out of the hip socket. This is a painful and serious injury that can sometimes require surgery to repair. After further testing, it was found that White’s injury is severe enough to likely end his 2021 season. Patriots RBs Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson will see an increased workload in White’s absence.
The Patriots RB is expected to miss the rest of the season. – DROP
Jarvis Landry (WR) Cleveland Browns
MCL Sprain, Initial injury: 9/19/21
Cleveland WR Jarvis Landry suffered a knee injury in the first quarter of his Week 2 game against the Texans. Landry was unable to return to the game but it appears a severe injury was avoided. An MRI revealed a mild MCL sprain that will limit him for a few weeks. Landry has been officially placed on the short-term IR and will miss at least three weeks. An MCL injury refers to damage to the inner part of your knee and is key in side-to-side knee stability.
This injury usually comes with a two to three-week recovery timeline. This injury would limit the WR’s route running and run after catch ability due to lack of knee stability until properly healed. Cleveland WR’s Donovan Peoples-Jones and Odell Beckham Jr., who is slated to return this week, would see a bump in value in Landry’s absence.
Landry will miss at least three weeks after being placed on the short-term IR. – SIT/IR
Tyrod Taylor (QB) Houston Texans
Hamstring Strain, Initial Injury: 9/19/21
Poor ATS legend Tyrod Taylor. His up and down career suffers another setback as he injured his hamstring during a TD run against the Browns in Week 2. The injury is being reported as significant after testing, leading to an extensive injury timeline. Taylor is looking at about a four to six-week recovery period with moderate damage to his hamstring. Hamstring injuries are troublesome as they also tend to linger and reinjure easily. This limits Tyrod’s ability to make plays with his legs and throw the ball efficiently due to reduced lower body power. With Tyrod out multiple weeks, it will be the rookie Davis Mills’ turn to be the starting QB for the mighty Houston Texans. Be careful what you wish for kid.
Tyrod Taylor will miss multiple weeks with moderate damage to his hamstring. – SIT/DROP
Jerry Jeudy (WR) Denver Broncos
High Ankle Sprain, Initial Injury: 9/12/21
It was a scary sight in Week 1 when the Denver WR got tackled with his ankle pinned under him and was carted off the field. Thankfully, he did not break his ankle which was initially feared and the X-rays came back negative. Jerry Jeudy did still suffer a high ankle sprain, a significant injury, and the reason he is still on this Week 5 injury report. High ankle injuries are much worse than the common low ankle sprains that we more typically see.
These types of injuries lead to not only more playing time missed but also are more likely to lead to a chronic issue. The timetable currently being reported is four to six weeks, but I would expect closer to six weeks of missed time. This injury is going to affect Jeudy’s route running and cutting ability moving forward in the season. Denver WR’s Courtland Sutton and Tim Patrick will look to fill in Jeudy’s big role in the offense.
Jeudy is going to miss significant time with a high ankle sprain and his fantasy production will be affected the majority of the season, especially the first eight to ten games- IR/DROP
Michael Gallup (WR) Dallas Cowboys
Calf Strain, Initial Injury: 9/9/21
The Cowboys potent offense received a significant blow as one of their top WRs suffered a calf injury in their game against the Bucs. Michael Gallup has already been put on the short-term IR and was given a timetable of three to five weeks to return to play. A calf strain means that there has been damage to muscles in the back of a player’s lower leg. These injuries, like hamstring strains, have a tendency of lingering and can reinjure if not given enough time to properly heal. Gallup will have a difficult time accelerating and jumping with this injury due to the muscle not being as powerful. Fellow WRs Lamb and Cooper were already must starts but should see an increase in targets with Gallup sidelined.
Gallup is on the short-term IR with a calf strain. I would not expect solid fantasy football production until closer to Week 6 for the WR- SIT/IR
Tre’Quan Smith (WR) New Orleans Saints
Hamstring Injury, Initial Injury: 8/3/21, Short-term IR
One of the Saints’ projected top WRs coming into the season, Tre’Quan Smith has been placed on the short-term IR with a hamstring injury that he suffered at the beginning of August. Expect a bump in WR Marquez Callaway’s targets in the early part of the season with both Saint’s WRs Smith and Thomas on the IR.
Michael Thomas (WR) New Orleans Saints
Ankle Surgery, Initial Injury: 8/13/20, Surgery: June 2021
Let’s finish this Week 6 injury report with the diva of the group. After a disappointing 2020 season due to an ankle injury, the general consensus was that Thomas was going to have offseason ankle surgery in the offseason and there would be no lingering effects going into the 2021 season. Of course, things didn’t go as planned and he had the surgery done in June, basically guaranteeing he would miss the start of the 2021 season.
The Saints will be without their number one receiver for at least the first six weeks of the regular season as Thomas was placed on the Injured Reserve (IR). On the injury front, the surgery should improve his route running and run after catch ability. Michael Thomas is not a WR you are going to be able to depend on to get you to your fantasy playoffs this year. However, he may help you win in the playoffs IF things go according to plan this time.
This injury report will be updated until Week 6 ends. Make sure to stay up to date on all the latest injuries this season over on Twitter @SGPNFootballDoc!
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