The Training Room: Week 17 Injury Updates

Well, that went by fast. It feels like just yesterday I was introducing myself as a new member of the 4for4 Team, discussing Week 1 injuries and hopefully helping you during the start of your fantasy football season. We have had a lot of ups and downs along the way. Some bumps and bruises. But we finally made it. I hope Week 17 was kind to you and that you were able to secure your championship and prove once and for all that you are better than every one of your league mates.

I know for me personally, I have enjoyed being here with you every step of the way. I appreciate you stopping by, reading this, and supporting the 4for4 brand. 2022 brings new goals for me personally and I hope to continue to get better as an injury analyst and fantasy football manager to help you all in the future. So before this final injury wrap up I just was to say: Thanks again for following along this season. It has meant a lot.

Michael Gallup, WR Dallas Cowboys

Injury: Left ACL Tear

Projected Timetable: season-ender

Potential Replacement(s): Cedric Wilson

Initial Thoughts:

Likely the biggest injury blow this week was Michel Gallup tearing his left ACL as this not only will have playoff ramifications but could affect Gallup’s 2022 season. Based on the timing of his injury it’s likely that Gallup starts next season on the PUP as he recovers from this injury. Gallup is an unrestricted free agent this offseason and with an ACL this will likely impact his choices. As a result, it’s possible that he will return to Dallas. Time will tell, but the Cowboys will be without Gallup for the rest of this season.

Jimmy Garoppolo, QB San Francisco 49ers

Injury: right thumb injury - torn UCL

Projected Timetable: 2-3 weeks

Potential Replacement(s): Trey Lance

Initial Thoughts:

Last week we learned that Jimmy Garoppolo injured his right hand and would be limited in the upcoming weeks. San Francisco later revealed that the injury was a right thumb fracture and torn UCL. This can make gripping very difficult, especially the football. Garoppolo was adamant that he would play against the Texans but when it was all said and done, Trey Lance was under center. It is likely Lance gets another shot under center in Week 18 as Garoppolo should need more time to recover from his right thumb injury.

Drew Lock, QB Denver Broncos

Injury: right AC joint sprain

Projected Timetable: 0-3 weeks

Potential Replacement(s): Teddy Bridgewater, Brett Rypien

Initial Thoughts:

Drew Lock exited Sunday’s game briefly with a right shoulder injury. The fact that Lock was able to return to action is a great sign, however, looking at his injury, I have some concern about an AC joint sprain. For overhead athletes, this injury can be very painful. It is possible that Lock got an injection after the injury. This combined with the adrenaline rush of playing can help a player finish the game, but it is common for the pain to get worse as the week goes on. As a result, QBs who have sustained this injury have finished games before missing the following week. Assuming he can clear the concussion protocol, Teddy Bridgewater would be next in line. If not Brett Rypien is the next man up.

Ronald Jones, RB Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Injury: ankle injury (unknown)

Projected Timetable: unknown

Potential Replacement(s): Ke'Shawn Vaughn, Le'Veon Bell

Initial Thoughts:

On the second play of the second half of Sunday’s game against the New York Jets, Ronald Jones appeared to sustain an ankle injury. By video, there was not much to see but this was Jones’ last carry and he did not return to the game. It’s possible that this injury is minor as nothing was jumping as to what could have happened, however, it’s not good that Jones was not able to finish the game. Jones' situation will require monitoring this week to determine the extent of his ankle injury.

Kyle Pitts, TE Atlanta Falcons

Injury: hamstring injury

Projected Timetable: 2-4 weeks

Potential Replacement(s): Hayden Hurst, Lee Smith

Initial Thoughts:

Soon after a long 61-yard reception, Falcons’ TE Kyle Pitts injured his right hamstring while running a route. Pitts tried to battle through the injury but ultimately was unable to finish the game. It sounds like the Falcons are leaving the door open for Pitts to return but with a soft tissue injury like this, it is not likely. Follow the practice reports, but if I had to speculate at this time I would say Pitts is out in Week 18.

Michael Carter, RB New York Jets

Injury: concussion

Projected Timetable: 1 week

Potential Replacement(s): Ty Johnson

Initial Thoughts:

Michael Carter was ruled out of Sunday’s game versus Tampa Bay with a concussion. He will have to clear the league’s concussion protocol before he can return to action. His status for next week is uncertain. With the Jets’ season over it would not be shocking for New York to just keep their talented rookie RB out in preparation for the 2022 season.

Tyler Conklin, TE Minnesota Vikings

Injury: rib injury

Projected Timetable: 0-3 weeks

Potential Replacement(s): Chris Herdon, Luke Stocker

Initial Thoughts:

Tyler Conklin took a huge hit to his midsection during Sunday night’s game. If Conklin did not sustain a rib fracture his chances of playing in Week 18 are better. Although as many fantasy gamers are well aware rib injuries (fractures or not) can still result in games missed.

Past Injuries Discussed: