Week 11 could be a defining one for fantasy leagues, as a plethora of talented players suffered injuries that could threaten their availability for the fantasy postseason. With Thanksgiving and the associated changes in the NFL schedule on the horizon, the time allotted for rest and recuperation for players on the NFL Injury Report may be further impacted and lead to additional time lost.
Drake London and Michael Penix
The Panthers loss was particularly hard on the Falcons' passing game as both London and Penix limped off the field with knee injuries.
London's injury has been diagnosed as a left posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) sprain, and the receiver will be considered week-to-week moving forward. PCL injuries have jumped to the forefront of the fantasy consciousness after high-profile players like Jayden Daniels and Brock Bowers sustained the injury. As its name suggests, the PCL sits behind the better known anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This positioning allows it to stabilize the knee while acting as an axis of rotation for the joint. Given it importance to the integrity of the knee, even a mild PCL sprain can result in a functional limitation and require time off to adequately heal.
Daniels missed two games earlier this season following his PCL sprain, while Bowers limped through several games before sitting out three contests to allow his knee to heal. San Francisco wide out Ricky Pearsall made his return to the field in Week 11 after missing six straight games with what was initially ruled a minor PCL sprain. Rams receiver Puka Nacua missed six weeks and five games with a moderate PCL sprain last season. These cases set a precedent that those invested in London will not want to hear. A multiweek absence seems likely for the receiver even if the sprain is a low-grade injury. Atlanta's fading playoff hopes could also influence his time lost, and it would be wise to seek a replacement with staying power. In the meantime, Darnell Mooney and David Sills will move up the Falcons depth chart.
Kirk Cousins will be the man throwing passes to whoever suits for the Falcons after Penix suffered a season-ending knee injury against the Panthers. The early reports indicate the ligament of primary concern is the ACL, though further medical testing is still being performed. A Grade 2 sprain seems like the most plausible diagnosis and additional damage to the PCL must be ruled out. Penix already has been placed on the injured reserve and can be sent to the waiver wire in standard formats. The final diagnosis and subsequent treatment options will impact his value in franchise or keeper leagues. Remember, Penix tore his right ACL twice while in college.
The Packers running back appears to have avoided a serious injury after leaving the field early in the team's win over the Giants. Jacobs was awkwardly taken down near the sidelines with his knee trapped underneath him. This mechanism of injury is consistent with a PCL sprain, though the team is calling the issue a knee contusion. While not as a severe as a PCL injury, a knee contusion can be equally problematic. The location of the contusion is key, as bruises of the knee cap can be functionally limiting and slow to heal based on the biomechanics of the joint. While Green Bay is cautiously optimistic that Jacobs could play against the Vikings, Emanuel Wilson becomes a must add on the waiver wire. Wilson was productive during his increase in usage against the Giants in Week 11, finishing the day with 40 yards on 11 carries and a touchdown.
Turf Burns
Nico Collins: Collins was a surprise addition to the Houston injury report. The receiver was listed as a limited participant in practice Monday due to an ankle injury. This doesn't sound like a serious concern, and the team likely is playing things conservatively with a shortened week of practice. Monitor his availability as the week progresses to get a better idea on his status.
Emari Demercado: The Arizona running back suffered a high ankle sprain in Sunday's loss to San Francisco. Demercado is expected to miss time, which elevates Bam Knight to the starting role. Trey Benson, out since suffering a torn meniscus in Week 4, has yet to return to the practice field.
Dillon Gabriel: The Browns rookie quarterback suffered a concussion in the team's loss to the Ravens. He has entered the return-to-play protocol and, as we have seen with players like C.J. Stroud and Jaxson Dart, is unlikely to complete the necessary steps without missing time. Rookie Shedeur Sanders replaced Gabriel on Sunday and is expected to start against the Raiders.
Sam LaPorta: The Lions tight end, surprisingly, was moved to the IR over the weekend due to a back injury. The specifics surrounding the injury remain unknown, but the new designation guarantees he misses four weeks. Brock Wright will serve as Detroit's top tight end though he was held to two catches for eight yards in the loss to Philadelphia.
Aaron Rodgers: The veteran quarterback did not finish the team's win over the Bengals after suffering a wrist injury in his nonthrowing hand. The injury is believed to be a small wrist fracture, though the team remains tight-lipped regarding specifics. The wrist is formed by the distal ends of the bones of the forearm and the eight tiny carpal bones. The exact bone(s) involved influence treatment options and the potential time lost. While the team has ruled out surgery as a possibility, Rodgers' status for Week 12 remains unclear. Another update could come as the week progresses and more details emerge, but for now it looks like he will miss at least one week. Mason Rudolph will start against the Bears if Rodgers is unable to play.
C.J. Stroud: While Collins seems likely to play Thursday night against the Bills, Stroud's status is less certain. He remains in the league's concussion protocol and appears poised to miss his third consecutive game. I warned Stroud could be facing an extended absence when the injury initially occurred due to a prior concussion. The long-term effects of concussions are cumulative, increasing the chances Stroud experiences prolonged and more serious symptoms. Look for Davis Mills to make another start in Week 12.
Jaylen Warren: A mild ankle sprain limited Warren in the second half of Pittsburgh's win over Cincinnati. The decision to hold him out appears to be more of a precautionary measure than anything else, though the team could opt to manage his workload to ensure his long-term health. Look for Kenneth Gainwell to see an increase in usage even if Warren is cleared to face the Bears.
