The Infirmary Report: Post Week 3

by Jason Allwine · Fantasy Football

The worst part of our beloved game is the frequency of injuries. It’s an unfortunate byproduct of such a fast-paced, contact-heavy sport. It’s something that is important to remember as we approach the first full week of the preseason. Luckily for the NFL players, they have access to some of the best doctors in the world and can usually return to form at least by the next season. Unfortunately for us fantasy players, it’s not always easy to know when a player will get hurt. To another degree, sometimes your roster isn’t big enough to plan ahead for an injury. This series, the Infirmary Report, will give you advice on the injuries that have happened every week during the season. Without further ado, here is the Infirmary Report: Post Week 3 of regular season action.

A.J. Green, WR, Cardinals

Injury: Green suffered a knee injury against the Raiders on Sunday.

Expected Return: The severity and timeline are still unknown.

Key Takeaway: 

I think every week I say something about Rondale Moore. If this injury to A.J. Green is serious, and Moore finally returns next week, then he will definitely be a valuable fantasy asset. Let’s face it, Green is 34 with an injury history. A knee injury is the last thing you want to see. Every other Cardinals receiver gets a bump with a DeAndre Hopkins return looming larger.

David Montgomery, RB, Bears

Injury: Montgomery injured his lower leg against the Texans.

Expected Return: He is Questionable for Week 4.

Key Takeaway: 

With a day to day injury he will probably be out there Week 4, but this would be an injury to keep your eye on. Khalil Herbert has been highly efficient when Montgomery is out, so if he’s available he should be rostered. It’s possible that Montgomery gets reinjured and Herbert becomes a true bell-cow.

Joe Mixon, RB, Bengals

Injury: Mixon was taken out of Sunday’s game due to a sore ankle.

Expected Return: He is Questionable for Week 4.

Key Takeaway: 

Joe Mixon will probably be out there in Week 4. He says he’s good and there’s no report that there’s anything serious. Mixon has struggled with ankle injuries before, so this is definitely something that needs to be monitored. Samaje Perine is one of the more valuable handcuffs out there with Chris Evans being an interesting flyer in deeper leagues.

Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, Lions

Injury: St. Brown went to the sideline with an ankle injury but got taped up and returned.

Expected Return: He is Questionable for Week 4.

Key Takeaway: 

Amon-Ra St. Brown is a bona fide stud and was taped up and returned to the game.

Amon-Ra St. Brown Advanced Stats & Metrics Profile

He will hopefully be fine going forward. St. Brown owners just need to keep an eye on it. If he does miss time, T.J. Hockenson is probably the player that will see more of an uptick in volume.

D’Andre Swift, RB, Lions

Injury: Swift hurt his shoulder in the loss to the Vikings.

Expected Return: The severity and timeline are still unknown.

Key Takeaway: 

Jamaal Williams is the obvious benefactor from this injury, but it’s also possible that those beating the drum for Craig Reynolds may see the field too. It appears that Swift will miss at least one week, but the timeline is still unknown. Take the flier on Reynolds in deeper leagues and pay attention to his usage next week.

Sammy Watkins and Christian Watson, WR, Packers

Injury: Sammy Watkins and Christian Watson picked up a hamstring injuries over the week.

Expected Return: Watkins was placed on IR and is missing at least three more weeks, and Watson is Questionable for Week 4.

Key Takeaway: 

The Green Bay Packers can’t catch a break in the receiving game. Since losing Davante Adams, it has really only been rookie Romeo Doubs that has proven any worth. With both Watson and Watkins out, he took eight targets for eight catches, 73 yards, and a touchdown. Robert Tonyan also saw more targets and catches in Week 3 than he did in Weeks 1 and 2 combined. He may finally be back.

Jalen Guyton, WR, Chargers

Injury: Guyton suffered a knee injury against the Jaguars.

Expected Return: The specific severity and timeline are still unknown. However, it is believed to be serious.

Key Takeaway: 

With this injury believed to be serious, the Chargers receiver corps is taking another major hit. Hopefully for them Keenan Allen can return in Week 4, but without Guyton they have lost their speed element. Look for all pass catchers to step up in Guyton’s absence. Mike Williams might see a couple more deep shots.

Dalvin Cook, RB, Vikings

Injury: Cook re-dislocated his shoulder against the Lions.

Expected Return: He is Questionable for Week 4 and vows to play.

Key Takeaway: 

The last time Dalvin Cook wore a shoulder sling to play in a game he ran for 205 yards and two touchdowns against the Steelers. I’m gonna trust his judgement and fully expect him to play next week. Whether or not he gets reinjured is anyone’s guess. However, he’s shown he can play through this injury, so he probably will. Stash Alexander Mattison just in case the worst happens.

Mac Jones, QB, Patriots

Injury: Jones suffered a high ankle sprain against the Ravens.

Expected Return: The exact timeline and severity are still unknown, but fantasy gamers should expect at least a placement on short-term IR.

Key Takeaway: 

Perhaps the worst news from this week was the injury to Mac Jones. He was clearly in a tremendous amount of pain, and an injury to a young QB who hopes to lead this franchise back to greatness is never good. Next week the Patriots play the Bills, so Belichick will likely be hesitant to throw out Bailey Zappe. Look for Brian Hoyer to get the initial start.

Michael Thomas and Jarvis Landry, WR, Saints

Injury: Thomas injured his foot, and Landry injured his ankle against the Panthers.

Expected Return: Both are Questionable for Week 4.

Key Takeaway: 

Both of these injuries are not believed to be serious, but both of these receivers are well past the age apex. Both also have battled injuries in the past. Chris Olave will be the WR1 at some point this season. He’s impressed as the WR3, and there’s still time to trade for him. Olave needs to be started every single week.

Travis Homer, RB, Seahawks

Injury: Homer injured his ribs Sunday against the Falcons.

Expected Return: He is Questionable for Week 4.

Key Takeaway: 

Depending on the seriousness of this injury, Kenneth Walker is the player that stands to benefit the most. He can see some more usage in situations that he isn’t normally used. DeeJay Dallas is also a decent handcuff if Homer misses time. However, the injury seems to be bruised ribs, so Travis Homer will probably be fine.

Julio Jones, WR, Buccaneers

Injury: Jones picked up a knee injury over the week.

Expected Return: He is Questionable for Week 4.

Key Takeaway: 

Todd Bowles said Julio Jones could have played, but they were just being cautious. He should be out there in Week 4, but if he isn’t look for Russell Gage to have another decent game. Mike Evans will be back, and hopefully Godwin will return too.

Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Dolphins

Injury: Tagovailoa suffered what should’ve been a concussion but was allowed back into the game. It will be monitored over the week.

Expected Return: He is Questionable for Week 4.

Key Takeaway: 

The way it goes with concussions, and especially concussions to important players, is they will likely play the following week. Concussion protocol doesn’t seem to mean anything for stars.