Broken. Crack. Fracture. All these terms can be used interchangeably to describe damage to a bone. This week's NFL Injury Report is filled with players managing bone-related ailments. While these terms may be interchangeable the differences in fractures can be wide, as they may vary in cause, pattern of the break and other medical-related classifications. This degree of variability often dictates treatment options that in turn influences time lost. Let's take a look at several of these cases.
The Chargers quarterback suffered a broken hand in the team's win over the Raiders. The injury occurred to his left hand after he struck it on the helmet of Las Vegas safety Jeremy Chinn. He briefly left the game but returned to action with the hand casted and gloved. X-rays on the injury revealed a fractured metacarpal. The metacarpal bones are the bones that bridge the area between the wrist and fingers. The distal ends of the metacarpals form the knuckles of the fist. Herbert underwent surgery on Monday to repair the fracture site, suggesting the bone fragments displaced when they broke. Surgical hardware will stabilize the bone and help ensure the bones adequately fuse together during the healing process.
While it seems impossible to play football a week after surgery for a broken bone, Herbert could still play in Week 14. The medical staff will address any of Herbert's associated symptoms and then pad the area to protect it. Because the injury occurred to his non-throwing hand, the injury should not be functionally limiting. Furthermore, there have been other examples of players who underwent metacarpal fractures and did not miss time following surgery, including former NFL players DeMarco Murray and Terrell Owens. The Chargers have labeled Herbert as day-to-day, and he will get an extra day of recovery with the team playing Monday night. Hopefully we get a better idea of his availability before Sunday's slate of games, but he does appear to be trending in the right direction. Trey Lance will start if Herbert is unable to go.
While there is reason for optimism about Herbert's status, Rodgers is a good example of how a fracture can be limiting for a quarterback, even on a non-throwing hand. Rodgers' injury is multiple fractures in his wrist, though all the breaks were classified as nondisplaced, meaning surgery was not necessary. However, Rodgers did not look comfortable in his return to action, finishing 10-of-21 for 117 passings yards, with no touchdowns. He also fumbled early in the second half. Given the description, it remains likely Rogers' injury involves the distal ends of his lower arm bones or the tiny carpal bones. Without a specific diagnosis, it's hard to speculate how long the wrist will be a problem, but most bones take four to six weeks to heal completely. This process can be prolonged if the invovled bone is one that has a poor blood supply. Rodgers is expected to play in Week 14 despite also suffering a nasal laceration in the loss to the Bills, but it is worth exploring healthier options in all formats.
Jones is another quarterback with a bone injury, but his ailment involves his lower extremity. The Colts quarterback is reportedly playing with a broken fibula. The fibula is the smaller of the two lower leg bones and sits on the outside aspect of the leg. While the fibula is not considered a weight-bearing bone, it still plays a crucial role in stability and functional movement. Details surrounding the nature of Jones' fracture are limited, but the injury appeared to effect Jones' mobility in the loss to Houston. He had just one rush attempt for a single yard and he did not scramble out of the pocket. Jones will continue to play despite the injury, but those invested in the signal caller will need to appropriately adjust their expectations.
The Chargers running back is working his way back from an ankle fracture that is believed to have involved the previously discussed fibula. Fibula fractures often accompany an ankle sprain, as a lateral malleolus fracture or an avulsion fracture can happen when a small piece of bone is pulled away from the fibula by a one of the ankle ligaments. Hampton has not played since suffering the injury in Week 5 but has entered his 21-day practice window after being sent to the injured reserve. He did not play against the Raiders but could be activated in time for Monday's game. Look for Los Angeles to split carries with Kimani Vidal as they look to ease Hampton back into the mix.
Turf Burns
Marvin Harrison: Harrison was unable to finish his first game back following his emergency appendectomy. The reason for his departure was not related to his previous surgery but instead a new heel injury. A heel injury could be a variety of things including a bruised fat pad, a bone contusion of the calcaneus, or a plantar fascia injury. The Cardinals did not provide much insight on the nature of the injury, but coach Jonathan Gannon did compare the problem to the heel injury that is currently sidelining Cardinals cornerback Max Melton. As a result, it seems likely Harrison will miss his third game in the last four contests. Michael Wilson will take over at the top of the Arizona depth chart.
Aaron Jones: The Vikings veteran running back is considered day-to-day with a shoulder injury sustained in the loss to the Seahawks. He was injured on a play that resulted in a fumble and was unable to return. The team did not reveal details about the injury, but reports have suggested it is not considered serious. Look for him to be limited throughout the week ahead, with Jordan Mason becoming an intriguing waiver wire addition if he is available.
Amon-Ra St. Brown: Brown made an early exit from Detroit's Thanksgiving Day loss to the Packers and was not at practice on Monday when the team began their preparation for Thursday's game against the Cowboys. St. Brown suffered an ankle sprain that coach Dan Campbell said could sideline him for at least one week. Fortunately, the ankle is not a high ankle sprain and not considered a long-term issue. He will be evaluated throughout the limited week ahead, but anyone rostering St. Brown should have an insurance policy readily available. Jameson Williams excelled after St. Brown went out, catching seven of his 10 targets for 144 yards and a touchdown. Isaac TeSlaa also benefited from the elevated role, catching two passes for 35 yards and a touchdown.
Kyren Williams: Williams briefly left Sunday's loss to the Panthers with an ankle sprain. Fortunately, coach Sean McVay relayed Williams' ankle was feeling "pretty good" Monday, and it does not appear as though he will miss time. Blake Corum remains the backup running back.
