This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
The rookie running back was unable to finish his team's upset win over the Steelers on Monday night after suffering a toe injury. The specifics remain unclear, but it sounds like Gibson is dealing with turf toe.
Turf toe most frequently occurs when the big toe is forced into hyperextension, injuring the ligaments and/or the joint capsule that surround and stabilize the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. The MTP joint is situated in the area between the bones of the toe and the midfoot. Turf toe gets its name because the mechanism of injury commonly occurs on the unyielding surfaces of turf fields. While it may seem like a minor issue, turf toe can be very painful and extremely limiting. The toes are active in balance and weight-bearing with the big toe sometime assuming as much as 70 to 100 percent of the body's weight during activity.
While we await for much information on Gibson's injured toe, the precedent set by other offensive weapons to suffer toe injuries is not encouraging. Over the past few seasons both Davante Adams and Zack Moss missed multiple games after suffering their respective toe injuries, with several other players also enduring multiweek absences for turf toe-related issues. Those invested in the Washington running back would be wise to begin looking for alternative options for the next week or two. Peyton Barber will see an increase in reps for the Washington Football Team, with J.D. McKissic also moving up the depth chart. Barber received the
The rookie running back was unable to finish his team's upset win over the Steelers on Monday night after suffering a toe injury. The specifics remain unclear, but it sounds like Gibson is dealing with turf toe.
Turf toe most frequently occurs when the big toe is forced into hyperextension, injuring the ligaments and/or the joint capsule that surround and stabilize the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. The MTP joint is situated in the area between the bones of the toe and the midfoot. Turf toe gets its name because the mechanism of injury commonly occurs on the unyielding surfaces of turf fields. While it may seem like a minor issue, turf toe can be very painful and extremely limiting. The toes are active in balance and weight-bearing with the big toe sometime assuming as much as 70 to 100 percent of the body's weight during activity.
While we await for much information on Gibson's injured toe, the precedent set by other offensive weapons to suffer toe injuries is not encouraging. Over the past few seasons both Davante Adams and Zack Moss missed multiple games after suffering their respective toe injuries, with several other players also enduring multiweek absences for turf toe-related issues. Those invested in the Washington running back would be wise to begin looking for alternative options for the next week or two. Peyton Barber will see an increase in reps for the Washington Football Team, with J.D. McKissic also moving up the depth chart. Barber received the goal-line carries, including a one-yard touchdown plunge, with McKissic doing most of his damage through the air, hauling in 10 receptions for 70 receiving yards.
The Raiders are expecting to be without the services of Jacob for the second straight week. Jacobs' ankle sprain is reportedly mild but is clearly limiting his availability. In most ankle sprains, the involved ligaments sit on the outside or lateral aspect of the ankle and are used to stabilize the joint with side-to-side motion. The medical staff will continue to manage any of Jacobs' lingering symptoms while treating the injured ligaments and surrounding musculature. Jacobs will need to take the field to really test the injured joint, so a return to practice would serve as a good sign of a step forward in his recovery. Unfortunately, that may not occur until next week, as coach Jon Gruden revealed he is skeptical about Jacob's availability in Monday's press conference. As a result, it looks as though Devontae Booker will remain the feature back in Las Vegas. Booker failed to capitalize on an increased workload in Week 13, totaling just 50 yards on 16 carries.
With the team coming off a late-season bye, there is growing optimism from Carolina that they will finally welcome back McCaffrey into the starting lineup. It has been an injury-plagued season from the Pro Bowl running back who has missed time with a high ankle sprain and an acromioclavicular (AC) sprain in his shoulder. A return from McCaffrey, just in time for the fantasy postseason, would be a welcome addition for those who invested one of the top overall picks in the 24-year-old. McCaffrey has been productive when he has played, scoring six touchdowns in his three appearances. Keep an eye on his availability throughout the week ahead before finalizing any roster decisions. While McCaffrey's inherent injury risk will not be considerably higher than normal, keep Mike Davis on your roster just in case something unusual does occur.
Turf Burns
Clyde Edwards-Helaire: The rookie running back was active for Sunday's win over the Broncos but failed to log a single snap. Edwards-Helaire missed two practices late last week due a stomach illness that reportedly cost him a few pounds to his weight. Coach Andy Reid stated after the game he was made available only as an emergency option. The decision may have proved costly for fantasy managers left high and dry by the late night no-show. Look for Edwards-Helaire to return to practice in the week ahead with the hopes of resuming his usual place on the depth chart for the team's Week 14 contest with the Dolphins.
Frank Gore: The ageless wonder was unable to continue in Sunday's loss to the Raiders after suffering a concussion. The injury occurred on the second play of the game and paved the wave for a breakout performance from Ty Johnson. Concussions are a common occurrence in the NFL, and it isn't unusual to see a player suffer multiple concussions over the course of their career. However, it is important to keep in mind that the effects of concussions are cumulative, meaning each subsequent head injury builds on the prior ones. As a result, symptoms can be worse and last longer. Gore doesn't have a lengthy history of concussions but did sustain one back in 2014. The veteran running back will be subjected to the league's mandated return to play protocol before he can resume football-related activities. With La'Mical Perine still on the injured reserve with a high ankle sprain and a possible absence for Gore, Johnson has a realistic chance to build on his Week 13 performance. Johnson rushed for 104 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries and should be a top waiver wire target.
Daniel Jones: The Giants will give Jones "every opportunity" to prove he is healthy enough to play in Week 14's critical game against the Cardinals. Jones did not play against the Seahawks due to a hamstring strain suffered in Week 12. The injury impacted his mobility and his ability to fluidly deliver a pass. He did return to practice in a limited fashion late last week but will need to get more reps to earn the confidence of the team's medical and coaching staffs. Colt McCoy would remain the starter should Jones be unable to play.
Cam Newton: Newton remains hampered by a lingering abdominal injury that first popped up last week. Despite the injury, Newton was able to start for the Patriots in Week 13 and rewarded those who opted to play him with three touchdowns: two on the ground and one through the air. However, the touchdowns overshadowed a mediocre performance in which he threw for just 69 yards. The outing was Newton's second straight game in which he threw for less than 100 yards and his third of the season. The abdominal issue limited him again on Monday and doesn't appear likely to improve quickly. As a result, Newton will be a touchdown-dependent option in the week ahead.
