This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
During the 2013 NFL season, the Packers lost their Pro Bowl quarterback to a fractured clavicle (collarbone) during a defeat at the hands of a division rival. Rodgers' shoulder injury occurred in the first quarter after his arm was driven into the ground by a defender. The weight of the linebacker applying the hit compounded the fall, sending a high amount of force through Rodgers' left arm. The hit applied an axial load to the bone, the perfect mechanism of injury for a clavicle fracture. Rodgers would miss his team's next seven starts before making a late season return.
Fast forward four years and it's déjà vu all over again for Green Bay. Rodgers has once again sustained a collarbone fracture in a nearly identical scenario to the one recounted above. This time, Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr delivered the devastating blow, driving Rodgers to the turf. Unfortunately, Rodgers' second injury is bit more complicated than his previous ailment due to two key contributing factors: the involved arm and the expected treatment option.
To start, Rodgers' new injury is to his throwing arm. As a result, Rodgers would likely be unable to toss a football during the earlier stages of recovery as the injury site must be stabilized to allow for proper healing. He will be able to maintain his conditioning, but his arm strength could suffer from being immobilized.
To combat this issue, Rodgers will undergo a more aggressive treatment option: surgery. The fractured bone will be reinforced
During the 2013 NFL season, the Packers lost their Pro Bowl quarterback to a fractured clavicle (collarbone) during a defeat at the hands of a division rival. Rodgers' shoulder injury occurred in the first quarter after his arm was driven into the ground by a defender. The weight of the linebacker applying the hit compounded the fall, sending a high amount of force through Rodgers' left arm. The hit applied an axial load to the bone, the perfect mechanism of injury for a clavicle fracture. Rodgers would miss his team's next seven starts before making a late season return.
Fast forward four years and it's déjà vu all over again for Green Bay. Rodgers has once again sustained a collarbone fracture in a nearly identical scenario to the one recounted above. This time, Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr delivered the devastating blow, driving Rodgers to the turf. Unfortunately, Rodgers' second injury is bit more complicated than his previous ailment due to two key contributing factors: the involved arm and the expected treatment option.
To start, Rodgers' new injury is to his throwing arm. As a result, Rodgers would likely be unable to toss a football during the earlier stages of recovery as the injury site must be stabilized to allow for proper healing. He will be able to maintain his conditioning, but his arm strength could suffer from being immobilized.
To combat this issue, Rodgers will undergo a more aggressive treatment option: surgery. The fractured bone will be reinforced with surgical hardware, stabilizing the fracture site. As a result, Rodgers could begin using his shoulder earlier in recovery. Still, complications like infection can occur following surgery, and there's always a risk that the implant could fail or displace stress to another area of the bone. Therefore, determining when Rodgers will return to action remains difficult.
Fantasy owners should anticipate a recovery measured in weeks, not days. Green Bay did opt to keep him off the injured reserve but continues to emphasize that there is a real chance Rodger's season is over. Brett Hundley will take over as the Packers starting quarterback with Joe Callahan moving into a backup role. Hundley did little to inspire a major waiver wire bid from fantasy owners, throwing three picks in the loss to the Vikings. Those in one quarterback leagues may take a replacement-by-committee approach, selecting an available signal caller based on matchups. The wide receivers of the Packers should also be downgraded for the immediate future as they will need time to adjust to their new signal-caller.
Jameis Winston and Golden Tate
The collarbone was also involved in injuries to two other players after Winston and Tate both suffered acromioclavicular (AC) sprains during Week 6.
The AC joint is located where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade at bony process known as the acromion. The AC joint acts like a strut, permitting the arm to be raised overhead. It is fortified by two ligaments, the acromioclavicular (AC) and coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments. The positioning of the ligaments leaves them vulnerable to injury, particularly when the tip of the acromion is forcibly pushed downward following a direct blow or collision.
AC sprains are graded on a six-grade system based on the amount of damage to the aforementioned ligaments and several nearby structures. A Grade 1 sprain is considered minor and is marked by microtearing of the ligaments. A more moderate Grade 2 sprain involves a tear of the AC ligament but minimal CC ligament involvement. A Grade 3 injury indicates a complete tearing of both ligaments with displacement of the end of collarbone. The final three grades are considered severe and involve varying degrees of displacement of the collarbone and additional damage to the surrounding muscles.
Winston's AC sprain appears to be a low-grade sprain. He's currently considered day-to-day. However, Winston likely will be a gametime decision since his throwing arm is the involved limb. AC sprains can be fortified by bracing but that could lead to a restriction in range of motion. As a result, downgrade Winston entering the team's matchup against the Bills.
Tate's injury seems to be more significant as the Lions are preparing to be without his services for a few weeks. This includes Detroit's Week 7 bye week. He should be okay upon his return, but fantasy owners in need of wide receiver depth should consider a bid on Kenny Golladay.
Turf Burns
Stefon Diggs: The Vikings wide out didn't play on Sunday due to a groin strain. The decision to hold out Diggs wasn't overly surprising considering he was unable to practice all week and has a history of groin issues. The time off will give him a better chance to play Sunday against Baltimore. Closely monitor his workload throughout the week to get a better idea of his availability.
Leonard Fournette: The Jacksonville rookie has impressed in the first few weeks of his professional career, rushing for 596 yards. However, an ankle sprain forced him to prematurely leave the team's loss to the Rams on Sunday. The injury is reportedly minor, but a stark reminder of Fournette's long-standing foot and ankle problems. Despite the Jaguars downplaying the severity of the injury, look for the rookie to see limited action in practice throughout the week. Furthermore, the team may alter their approach and lighten Fournette's workload, giving additional carries to Chris Ivory. Fournette should still be utilized in all formats, but it would be wise to scale back your expectations.
Emmanuel Sanders, Isaiah McKenzie, and Demaryius Thomas: Denver's prominent receiving threats limped off the field Sunday night during the team's surprising loss to the Giants. Sanders was carted off the field in the second half with what was later described as a right ankle sprain. McKenzie quickly followed Sanders with an ankle sprain of his own. Both players are slated to miss time and considered "week-to-week." Fortunately Thomas is not expected to miss any games after a MRI on his lower leg failed to uncover a significant injury. Look for him to be limited throughout this week's slate of practice but suit up in Week 7. Bennie Fowler III should also see an increase in targets.
