This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
Travis Frederick, Zack Martin
Those aren't names that will appear on any fantasy draft board, but their overall health will have a huge impact on a top fantasy prospect. Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott is a top-five player with an average draft position of 3.2. While Elliott's individual talent is undeniable, part of what makes him so attractive is Dallas' stellar offensive line. However, both Frederick and Martin were added to the injury report in the last week, casting a bit of uncertainty about the heart of the line.
Frederick, Dallas' four-time Pro Bowl center, was the first to go down because of recurring pain in his neck and shoulder. The issue was significant enough that the Cowboys opted to send Frederick to Dr. Robert Watkins, a renowned orthopedist who specializes in spine-related injuries. Dr. Watkins linked Frederick's problem to "stingers," a nerve-related issue often caused by an overstretching of the brachial plexus.
The brachial plexus is the bundle of nerves between the neck and shoulder that extends down into the upper extremity. Fortunately, surgery is not being discussed and it is believed extended rest should allow the irritated nerves to calm down. Furthermore, Frederick might be able to modify his shoulder pads or add a "cowboy collar" to his padding to help better stabilize and protect the area of concern. Look for Frederick to be limited for the remainder of preseason with a Week 1 start the primary focus.
Martin, the team's Pro Bowl guard, suffered a more
Travis Frederick, Zack Martin
Those aren't names that will appear on any fantasy draft board, but their overall health will have a huge impact on a top fantasy prospect. Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott is a top-five player with an average draft position of 3.2. While Elliott's individual talent is undeniable, part of what makes him so attractive is Dallas' stellar offensive line. However, both Frederick and Martin were added to the injury report in the last week, casting a bit of uncertainty about the heart of the line.
Frederick, Dallas' four-time Pro Bowl center, was the first to go down because of recurring pain in his neck and shoulder. The issue was significant enough that the Cowboys opted to send Frederick to Dr. Robert Watkins, a renowned orthopedist who specializes in spine-related injuries. Dr. Watkins linked Frederick's problem to "stingers," a nerve-related issue often caused by an overstretching of the brachial plexus.
The brachial plexus is the bundle of nerves between the neck and shoulder that extends down into the upper extremity. Fortunately, surgery is not being discussed and it is believed extended rest should allow the irritated nerves to calm down. Furthermore, Frederick might be able to modify his shoulder pads or add a "cowboy collar" to his padding to help better stabilize and protect the area of concern. Look for Frederick to be limited for the remainder of preseason with a Week 1 start the primary focus.
Martin, the team's Pro Bowl guard, suffered a more obvious and scary injury in the team's preseason loss to the Bengals last weekend. Martin injured his left knee when Cincinnati cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick dove into his leg. Martin limped off the field, but a MRI later revealed all ligaments and other supportive structures intact. The final diagnosis was a hyperextended left knee and bone contusion, and the team is optimistic he will ready for Week 1. Bone contusions, especially to the knee, can be tricky to manage, but Dallas has to be relieved the injury was not worse.
With Martin and Frederick in tow, Elliott should be ready to rebound from last year's disappointing campaign. The third-year running back has looked sharp in training camp but might not see any preseason action as the Cowboys opt to protect their starter.
A healthy offensive line could also play dividends for quarterback Dak Prescott. Prescott struggled last season, particularly when left tackle Tyron Smith was out with an injury. Prescott was sacked 12 times and lost three fumbles during Smith's two-game absence.
TURF BURNS
Doug Baldwin: The Seattle receiver made his first significant step forward last week as he works his way back from undisclosed treatment on his knee. Baldwin has resumed running and the coaching staff continues to believe he will be available to start the regular season. The team's leading receiver has not appeared in preseason games after undergoing a procedure to address lingering soreness in his left knee. It is widely believed Baldwin underwent Orthokine on his knee, a treatment that utilizes the body's own anti-inflammatory properties. Given the remaining time, Baldwin has a realistic shot at playing in the opener. However, that all goes out the window should he suffer even the slightest setback during the recovery process. Tread cautiously for now.
Saquon Barkley: The Giants' top draft pick remains limited with a mild hamstring strain. He took part in some individual drills, but it appears New York will continue to utilize a conservative approach with its starting running back. Look for Barkley to spend the next few weeks cautiously rehabbing with a Week 1 start likely.
T.Y. Hilton: Andrew Luck's top target is dealing with a sprained shoulder, sustained in a recent practice. The Colts did not divulge the severity of the sprain or the location of the involved joint. However, the team has downplayed the issue and it seems unlikely this problem will be worth downgrading Hilton. The veteran wideout has missed just two games during his professional career and could be in line for a bounceback campaign.
Carlos Hyde: The Browns' newest running back suffered an undisclosed shoulder injury last weekend but isn't expected to miss time. Hyde's preseason performance should secure his place atop the Cleveland depth chart, even if he were to be temporarily forced to the sidelines. In the meantime, Duke Johnson and rookie Nick Chubb will see extra reps.
AJ McCarron: The Buffalo quarterback is expected to miss a few weeks after suffering a broken collarbone. McCarron is seeking additional medical opinions, but these likely have more to do with treatment than the nature of the injury. Collarbone fractures are common among quarterbacks with surgery occasionally required. Last season, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers missed eight games after undergoing surgery to mend a broken collarbone. McCarron should have more of a definitive timeline after visiting with doctors but look for this to be a multi-week absence. The injury opens the door for rookie Josh Allen with Nathan Peterman also getting consideration at quarterback.
Jerick McKinnon: The 49ers' running back remains out with a mild strain of his calf. The injury designation has not changed, though the team is now preparing to keep him out for the rest of the preseason. The shift is likely precautionary more than anything, and those with shares in McKinnon should remain patient. Look for his activity level to pick up as Week 1 draws closer.
New England RBs: The Patriots continue to befuddle fantasy owners with cryptic injury reports. Rex Burkhead, the team's expected starter in the backfield, recently missed time with what was described as "slight tear" in his knee. There was no indication where the tear was located or what kind of tissue was damaged. Burkhead has since returned to practice, but I would be hesitant to heavily invest in a player with any type of tear in the knee. Burkhead's teammate, Sony Michel, remains sidelined after undergoing a "minor procedure" on his knee and is not expected to return during the preseason. Michel's injury appears to be cartilage-related and should elevate his inherent risk.
