This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
The San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers continue to struggle with injuries and lost two more key offensive players over the weekend. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo aggravated his previously injured right ankle and is expected to miss multiple weeks. Garoppolo initially suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 2 against the Jets and was sidelined for two weeks. While he was able to return, the ankle remained an issue and limited his productivity. In his last four outings, Garoppolo has thrown five interceptions to three touchdowns while averaging 176 passing yards per game. He has also fumbled twice.
When an ankle is sprained, we tend to focus on the degree of damage sustained by the ligament or ligaments. However, other structures can be injured when an ankle sprain occurs. For example, the muscles that help stabilize the joint can also be strained as they too are forcibly wretched when the injury is sustained. As a result, it is important to treat the sprained ligament and the additional problematic areas. If the ligament heals but the stabilizers remain compromised, the injured athlete can remain functionally limited and predisposed to re-injury or another injury along the kinetic chain.
There is no guarantee that was the issue limiting Jimmy G. but he has not looked like himself since the initial injury occurred. Now the Niners will have to navigate at least the next six weeks with Nick Mullens at the helm. It's also worth noting that surgery has least been discussed for Garoppolo's ankle and
The San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers continue to struggle with injuries and lost two more key offensive players over the weekend. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo aggravated his previously injured right ankle and is expected to miss multiple weeks. Garoppolo initially suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 2 against the Jets and was sidelined for two weeks. While he was able to return, the ankle remained an issue and limited his productivity. In his last four outings, Garoppolo has thrown five interceptions to three touchdowns while averaging 176 passing yards per game. He has also fumbled twice.
When an ankle is sprained, we tend to focus on the degree of damage sustained by the ligament or ligaments. However, other structures can be injured when an ankle sprain occurs. For example, the muscles that help stabilize the joint can also be strained as they too are forcibly wretched when the injury is sustained. As a result, it is important to treat the sprained ligament and the additional problematic areas. If the ligament heals but the stabilizers remain compromised, the injured athlete can remain functionally limited and predisposed to re-injury or another injury along the kinetic chain.
There is no guarantee that was the issue limiting Jimmy G. but he has not looked like himself since the initial injury occurred. Now the Niners will have to navigate at least the next six weeks with Nick Mullens at the helm. It's also worth noting that surgery has least been discussed for Garoppolo's ankle and could become a more realistic treatment option if he doesn't show improvement over the next few weeks.
Mullens was up-and-down in his two starts this season but looked comfortable against the Seahawks, finishing 18-of-25 for 238 passing yards and two touchdowns. He's likely worth a speculative add for those reeling from injuries.
Unfortunately, Mullens has a short week of prep, and his receiving targets are dwindling. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel remains sidelined with a hamstring strain and is expected to miss a second straight game on Thursday night. Tight end George Kittle will also be out after suffering a fractured foot in the loss to the Seattle. The location and treatment options for Kittle's injury remain unclear, but both will dictate how long he remains out. Generally speaking, most fractures heal in four to six weeks, but that timeline often increases when the bones of the foot are involved. Fifth metatarsal fractures have become an increasingly common fracture site for receivers and tight ends. Kittle's teammate, the aforementioned Samuel missed nearly four months after breaking his fifth metatarsal earlier this year. A break to one of the bones of the midfoot has the potential to be even more problematic, especially if surgery is necessary. The team could provide an update in the coming days but the initial estimate for Kittle is eight weeks. As a result, I'm recommending those invested in Kittle to prepare for this injury as though it is a season-ender. Jordan Reed would be the top option to replace Kittle, though he's also working his way back from injury. Reed suffered a sprained left knee in Week 3 but is in line to be activated from the injured reserve this week.
Turf Burns
Kenny Golladay: Detroit will be without Golladay for at least one week due to the hip injury he sustained in the team's Week 8 loss to the Colts. The Lions have not provided many details, but the fact that they are bringing in veteran receivers, including Mohamed Sanu, for tryouts is a good indicator it's a more moderate injury. Look for Golladay to miss multiple weeks with this problem, making him an IR candidate.
Aaron Jones: The Green Bay running back has missed back-to-back weeks with a calf strain suffered in practice. He was limited in Monday's practice, and the Packers medical staff is traditionally conservative with its handling of these types of injuries. The recent COVID-19 outbreak that will keep both Jamaal Williams and AJ Dillon out for Thursday will not influence their decision, and they appear to be leaning toward keeping Jones on the sidelines. Tyler Ervin and Dexter Williams would man the backfield if Jones remains unable to play.
Seattle RBs: The Seahawks will likely be short on healthy running backs as well with Chris Carson unlikely to return in Week 9. Carson continues to work his way back from a midfoot sprain and will be limited throughout this week's practices. Carlos Hyde is also not expected to play, as he continues to nurse a hamstring strain. As a result, rookie DeeJay Dallas will remain the feature back and look to build on a solid Week 8 in which he carried the ball 18 times for 41 yards and a touchdown while also hauling in five receptions for 17 yards and a score.
Christian McCaffrey: The No. 1 rated running back in ADP could make his long-awaited return this week after being sidelined for the past six weeks. McCaffery suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 2 and was placed on the IR. He has been trending upward over the past few weeks and is expected to practice throughout the week ahead. He will need final clearance from the team's medical group, but there is growing optimism that he'll be back on Sunday against the Chiefs.
Andy Dalton: The Cowboys brought in Dalton just in case something were to happen to Dak Prescott. Unfortunately, something did happen to Prescott, but Dalton hasn't been available to serve as the team's safety net as expected. He led Dallas to a win in the game in which Prescott dislocated and broke his ankle but was ineffective against the Cardinals. He then suffered a concussion against Washington and did not play against Philadelphia. He will now miss a second straight outing after being placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday. As a result, rookie Ben DiNucci Is slated to make his second straight start at quarterback against a hard-nosed Steelers defense. Downgrade all Dallas position players for the upcoming week.
Calvin Ridley: The Falcons wide receiver suffered a midfoot sprain against the Panthers that was later graded as mild. While he has an outside shot to play, remember the midfoot is crucial to the overall integrity of the foot, and it's important to Ridley's long-term health that he not rush back. With a Week 10 bye on the horizon, don't be surprised if Atlanta opts to hold Ridley for extra rest and recuperation.
