Daniel Jones, Neck – Unknown
The hit that knocked Giants QB Daniel Jones out of the game. You can see his neck snap back hard. 👇 pic.twitter.com/Z6AEuwZ1AF
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RalphVacchiano) October 8, 2023
Jones suffered what appeared to be more of a whiplash-type injury after taking a sack Sunday. X-Rays were negative. At this time, it appears Jones avoided any kind of serious injury and is possible to suit up Week 6.
Anthony Richardson, Grade III AC Joint Sprain – 4-8 Weeks
There appears to be some concern about the instability of his AC sprain, which would require surgery. At the time of this article, the outcome of his second opinion is unknown. What remains clear is that Richardson is set to miss at least four weeks, possibly more. A Grade 3 sprain means there was a completely ruptured ligament. The tissue will heal over the next two to four weeks, and then the repaired tissue will need time to strengthen and become resistant to re-injury.
Anthony Richardson is in pain… again… pic.twitter.com/oC75KNEEWd
— Mr Matthew CFB (@MrMatthew_CFB) October 8, 2023
This second part is key, as Richardson is a rushing quarterback. Especially since, at this point, he seems yet to learn how to protect his body during hits. Given this is not Richardson’s first injury, I would expect the Colts to bring him back in about six to eight weeks. Once he does come back, expect him to be more conservative in his running.
De’Von Achane, Knee Injury – 4-6 Weeks
I am reading multiple sources saying, “The team is not expected to be season-ending.” While that is positive news, it also means that this injury is a type that season-ending could be a possibility. That is concerning. The biggest knock I, and many others, had on Achane was his size. He is very fast and looks unstoppable when he gets the ball, but he is also smaller for a running back. These types of injuries have limited other “fast” running backs in the past, but I hope for Achane’s sake that isn’t the case for him.
Without knowing the exact injury, it’s hard to project how this will affect Achane going forward. If this is season-ending, we could expect Achane to be ready in Week 1 and hope he doesn’t go through a typical “slump” following his return from a season-ending injury. I expect him to be back sometime around Week 12, but it will be interesting to see how the running back landscape has changed in Miami in the meantime. Also, it will be interesting to see how the coaching staff adjusts Achane’s workload to preserve him for those game-breaking plays.
James Conner, Knee Injury – 4-6 Weeks
Hell of a run by James Conner but he’s been out since this carry. pic.twitter.com/bPGwm1Ne3d
— Darren Urban (@Cardschatter) October 8, 2023
The nature of this injury is unknown at this time. However, the timeline appears to suggest MCL or possible meniscus injury. Conner was placed on IR, so he will be out for at least four weeks. Conner is in the sunset years of his career, so an injury like this is less impactful to his long-term value than it would have been a few years ago.
Khalil Herbert, High Ankle Sprain – 3-4 Weeks
High ankle sprains tend to knock running backs out for several weeks. This is due to the amount of cutting and changing directions required for the running back position. At this time, the severity of this high ankle sprain is unknown. I am estimating a moderate high ankle sprain, which would put him at about 3-4 weeks until he returns.
Roschon Johnson/JuJu Smith-Schuster/Tank Dell, Concussion – Week to Week
All three of these backs suffered concussions in Week 5, so their availability for Week 6 depends on their progress through the concussion protocol. I would expect all to miss one week. That timeline seems to be the trend for most NFL athletes this year following concussion.
Justin Jefferson, Strained Hamstring – 4-7 Weeks
This is the play Justin Jefferson injured his hamstring on 🤕pic.twitter.com/Qf2JcSEA1i
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) October 8, 2023
He’s been placed on IR; this looks like a more significant hamstring strain for Jefferson. Minnesota has a Week 13 bye, so it’s very possible the Vikings shut him down until Week 14. These have a high re-injury rate, so sitting him longer than four weeks is the safe play.
Travis Kelce, Lateral Ankle Sprain – Week to Week
Hell of a run by James Conner but he’s been out since this carry. pic.twitter.com/bPGwm1Ne3d
— Darren Urban (@Cardschatter) October 8, 2023
Fantasy managers everywhere held their breath as they watched Kelce slip on the turf and go down right away. While speculation ran rampant online, Kelce went to the locker room for treatment. He was able to return and appears to have suffered a lateral ankle sprain. I fully expect Kelce to play Week 6, even if it is a short week.
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