Melvin Gordon RB, Chargers: moderate MCL sprain
Gordon entered week 12 battling a recurring hamstring injury and a knee injury, and he left with a new MCL sprain. An MRI showed a moderate (grade 2) sprain, which means he should miss at least a few weeks. Inside Injuries is showing a 4 week Optimal Recovery Time, so he shouldn’t return until week 16. He is currently a High Injury Risk and could remain there for the rest of the season, even once he is cleared. Gordon’s new knee injury could leave the ligaments slightly stretched out, even after four weeks, so the possibility remains that he could aggravate the knee with one wrong movement or hard hit. Hamstring strains are highly recurrent, so that will also continue to be something to watch.
Evan Engram TE, Giants: hamstring strain
Engram never saw the field on Sunday due to a hamstring strain suffered during warmups. He wasn’t ruled out, but he didn’t feel quite right. It was the right decision to keep him on the bench as this could have easily been made worse had he tried to play through it. With a week off, Engram has a shot at suiting up in week 13, but Inside Injuries is showing a 2 week Optimal Recovery Time.
Andy Dalton QB, Bengals: thumb sprain
Andy Dalton’s season is over after injuring his right thumb. Dalton was hurt attempting to dive on a ball that was snapped over his head. Initial evaluations indicated a sprain, but scans revealed a more serious ligament tear. He could still need to undergo surgery. Dalton previously missed time in 2015 with a right thumb fracture, but this is unrelated. Jeff Driskel will replace Dalton under center.
Marlon Mack RB, Colts: concussion
Mack was ruled out late in the fourth quarter with a concussion. He totaled 96 yards on 17 touches before going down, another solid day for the young RB. When healthy, Mack has been the best runner for the Colts this season, but he always seems to be banged up. He has already battled foot, ankle and hamstring injuries, and he also underwent offseason shoulder surgery. Now Mack must clear concussion protocol if he is going to suit up in week 13. We will need to watch his practice participation closely throughout the week to get a feel for how he is progressing.
Kenyan Drake RB, Dolphins: shoulder injury
Drake wasn’t able to finish the game on Sunday after aggravating a shoulder injury that has forced him to miss practice time over the last few weeks. Like last week, he will be no-contact at practice heading into week 13. Consider him on the probable side of questionable, but this injury will continue to bother him. He is going to be playing at less than 100% for the rest of the season as he tries to play through the injury.
Vance McDonald TE, Steelers: hip injury
A hip injury briefly forced McDonald out of the game on Sunday, but he was cleared to return later in the second half. Expect him to be limited at practice this week, but he should have a shot at suiting up. Inside Injuries is showing a one-week Optimal Recovery Time if it’s mild. His Injury Risk is now Elevated (23%) while his Health Performance Factor is Below Average (54%). This injury shouldn’t be a long-term concern, but it could hurt his performance for the next week or two.
Jack Doyle TE, Colts: kidney injury
The Colts have placed Jack Doyle on I.R., ending his season. Doyle briefly tried to return to the game after getting injury but lasted just a few plays. He was taken to the hospital for further evaluation and underwent “a procedure,” likely to address a lacerated kidney. Early reports are that his prognosis is good to return in 2019, but the Colts will certainly feel his absence the rest of this year. He was on the field for over 80% of their offensive snaps when he was active. Eric Ebron will take over as the Colts #1 tight end.
Sony Michel RB, Patriots: back injury
After an awkward tackle in the second half that essentially bent Michel in half, he was down for a minute in obvious pain. He hobbled off and missed the following series but was able to finish out the game. This is a new problem for Michel, who has a concerning history of knee problems. Michel was already an Elevated Injury Risk, and now he is right on the border of being High Risk (23% risk of injury). That’s very concerning as he has been a huge factor in the Patriots offense this year, and the playoffs are approaching quickly. While it doesn’t look like this will force him to miss week 13, he could miss some practice time and will continue to be playing at less than 100%. Michel will continue to be a high-risk, high-reward RB2.
Keke Coutee WR, Texans: hamstring strain
Once again, Coutee aggravated his hamstring Monday night and should be considered very questionable for week 13. Coutee’s hamstring problems started back in April. Every time it seems like he gets healthy, he re-injures it within a few weeks. Following the game, Coutee wasn’t confident that he could recover in time to play in six days. As of Tuesday Coach O’Brien hinted that he was making progress and could play. This is a horrible idea. The Texans have pulled off eight straight wins and are in a good spot to make the playoffs. Coutee isn’t going to be anywhere near 100% if he suits up in week 13, and the goal should be to get him as healthy as possible late in the season. He won’t fully recover until the offseason. Inside Injuries is showing a new 4 week Optimal Recovery Time, meaning he shouldn’t return before week 16. His Injury Risk will continue to be very High.
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