The Training Room: Week 8 Injury Recap
Kirk Cousins, QB Minnesota Vikings
Injury: Right Achilles
Projected Timetable: Season-Ending
Initial Thoughts:
The initial concern is a right Achilles rupture that will end his season. This is going to have huge implications for the Vikings for the rest of the season, including the potential return of Justin Jefferson. Good thing the trade deadline is near, but this could spell disaster for us for some of these weapons down the stretch.
Matt Stafford, QB Los Angeles Rams
Injury: Right Thumb
Projected Timetable: Week 9-11
Initial Thoughts:
Technically Stafford injured his right thumb twice, first after jamming his thumb against a defender's helmet and likely spraining his UCL on his throwing hand. He left the game and had his thumb taped up, returned to the game, and then reinjured it after catching a touchdown (you read that correctly) and slamming the ball down into the end zone while stretching out, spraining his thumb again. He did not return after the second incident. If a mild sprain, he could suit up with it likely taped up, but I am expecting this to cost him time. Notably, the Rams have a Week 10 bye, so he likely returns in Week 11.
Tyrod Taylor, QB New York Giants
Injury: Ribs
Projected Timetable: TBD
Initial Thoughts:
Taylor’s injury was significant enough to warrant being taken to the hospital and remaining there overnight. He likely has several fractures and thus will be out for a while. This will likely force the Giants to face the music against the trade deadline as Daniel Jones likely is not ready to return to play yet, either. This will likely make it sting a little less if Waller misses some time.
Kenny Pickett, QB Pittsburgh Steelers
Injury: Ribs
Projected Timetable: Week 10
Initial Thoughts:
Considering the Steelers play on Thursday night, I do expect his rib injury to keep him from playing on a short week. Expect him to return in Week 10 once his ribs and bruising heal.
Brock Purdy, QB San Francisco 49ers
Injury: Concussion Watch
Projected Timetable: Week 10
Initial Thoughts:
By video, with less than two minutes remaining in the game, Purdy was knocked down to the ground and slammed his head onto the turf, noticeably grasping at his head afterward. Considering secondary concussion risk is heightened within the first 7-10 days out from an initial concussion incident, Purdy is on watch for being placed in the concussion protocol again. The good news here is that the 49ers have their bye week, but if placed in the protocol the hope is that it is not an extended stay.
Desmond Ridder, QB Atlanta Falcons
Injury: Concussion Screening
Projected Timetable: TBD
Initial Thoughts:
While he cleared concussion screening and was cleared to return to play, the decision was finally made to bench him in favor of Taylor Heinicke. The Falcons offense moved more efficiently and effectively with the change, but we will find out if this move will remain moving forward.
Jonathan Taylor, RB Indianapolis Colts
Injury: Possible Right Ankle Sprain
Projected Timetable: TBD, Likely Week 9
Initial Thoughts:
Video surfaced of a play at the 2:15 left mark in the second quarter which involved Taylor popping up from being tackled and hobbling, seemingly feeling out his right ankle/foot. He only received two touches in the second half, one being the very first touch of the third quarter and then one catch for two yards later on in the game, after having over 90 yards in the first half. Head coach Shane Steichen stated that he was not injured, but this is one I’m watching closely as the week goes on.
Kendrick Bourne, WR New England Patriots
Injury: Right Knee
Projected Timetable: TBD
Initial Thoughts:
Initial reports indicate that he suffered an MCL injury but that imaging will determine if there is more. Upon video, I have some concerns about an ACL injury, but hope I am wrong. Monitor for updates on his status.
DeVante Parker, WR New England Patriots
Injury: Head
Projected Timetable: Week 9-10
Initial Thoughts:
Likely entering concussion protocol, he will now need to clear all phases in order to play next week. If he is not ready along with the Bourne injury, this should be a decent boost to Demario Douglas.
Diontae Johnson, WR Pittsburgh Steelers
Injury: Lower Extremity
Projected Timetable: Week 9
Initial Thoughts:
Known for spending immense time in medical tents, he required assistance from two trainers to get into the tent and then found himself right back out onto the field. While no information has been revealed yet, this was most likely an aggravation of his prior hamstring strain. For now, I am not worried, but I am monitoring his status closely considering they play on Thursday night.
Curtis Samuel, WR Washington Commanders
Injury: Toe
Projected Timetable: Week 10-11
Initial Thoughts:
He entered the game with a foot injury and wound up getting knocked out of the game with a toe injury, likely either a toe sprain or turf toe. If just a minor sprain, he may only miss one game, but if turf toe he could wind up missing several weeks. Monitor for updates throughout the week but prepare to find another option for this next week.
Drake London, WR Atlanta Falcons
Injury: Groin Strain
Projected Timetable: Week 9-11
Initial Thoughts:
Return to play is dependent on the grade of strain that occurred. If he suffered a mild groin strain, he could wind up playing this next week. If moderate grade, it may be two to three weeks. Hopefully, it is mild, because I am personally excited to see how London performs with Taylor Heinicke at quarterback.
Darren Waller, TE New York Giants
Injury: Hamstring Strain
Projected Timetable: Week 9-11
Initial Thoughts:
Two variables will now impact Waller’s outlook for fantasy: if this was truly a setback from his prior hamstring strain, it could wind up costing him several weeks until he feels fully healthy and ready to return. A report did come out saying that he felt healthy enough to return to the game, but the Giants were cautious with him and held him out. Say he winds up playing in Week 9, the other variable we don’t know is what quarterback is throwing him the ball. Hope for the best when it comes to this hamstring setback.
| Player | Position | Team | Injury | Week of Injury | Projected Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deshaun Watson | QB | CLE | Head, Right Shoulder | Week 7 | Week 10-12 |
| Kirk Cousins | QB | MIN | Right Achilles | Week 8 | Season Ending |
| Daniel Jones | QB | NYG | Neck | Week 5 | Week 10-TBD |
| Justin Fields | QB | CHI | Right Thumb Dislocation | Week 6 | Week 9-10 |
| Anthony Richardson | QB | IND | Right AC Sprain | Week 5 | Season Ending |
| James Conner | RB | ARI | Knee | Week 5 | Week 11 |
| Matthew Stafford | QB | LAR | Right Thumb | Week 8 | Week 11 |
| De'Von Achane | RB | MIA | Ankle | Week 5 | Week 11 |
| Khalil Herbert | RB | CHI | Right High Ankle | Week 5 | Week 10 |
| Pat Freiermuth | TE | PIT | Hamstring Reinjury | Week 7 | Week 11-12 |
| Tyrod Taylor | QB | NYG | Ribs | Week 8 | Week 11-12 |
| Justin Jefferson | WR | MIN | Right Hamstring | Week 5 | Week 10-12 |
| Ryan Tannehill | QB | TEN | Right Ankle | Week 6 | Week 9-12 |
| Kenny Pickett | QB | PIT | Ribs | Week 8 | Week 10 |
| Brock Purdy | QB | SF | Concussion watch | Week 7-8 | Week 10 |
| Desmond Ridder | QB | ATL | Concussion Screening | Week 8 | Benched |
| Zay Jones | WR | JAC | Knee | Week 5 | Week 9-10 |
| Kendrick Bourne | WR | NE | Right Knee | Week 8 | Week 13-season ending |
| Jimmy Garoppolo | QB | LV | Back | Week 6 | Week 8 |
| Jonathan Taylor | RB | IND | Right Ankle | Week 8 | Week 9 |
| DeVante Parker | WR | NE | Concussion | Week 8 | Week 10 |
| Deebo Samuel | WR | SF | Hairline Fracture Clavicle | Week 6 | Week 10-11 |
| Curtis Samuel | WR | WAS | Toe | Week 8 | Week 10-11 |
| Kyren Williams | RB | LAR | Ankle, IR | Week 6 | Week 12 |
| Drake London | WR | ATL | Groin Strain | Week 8 | Week 9-11 |
| Darren Waller | TE | NYG | Groin Strain | Week 8 | Week 9-11 |
