This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
Ryan Mallett
The Mallett Era in Houston has been put on a pause after just two games. Mallett was diagnosed with a torn pectoral muscle shortly after the team's loss to the Bengals. Mallett had appeared on the injury report with a chest injury but the severity wasn't made public until after his dismal performance. The former Arkansas Razorback was erratic throughout the game finishing with 189 yards and an interception while completing just 21 of 45 passing attempts.
The fact that Mallet was able to even play the game is remarkable given the severity of the injury. The pectoral muscles are located across the upper chest and are the muscles most often associated with pushing exercises like the bench press. However if you follow your pec across your chest and toward your armpit, you can feel the tendon of the pectoralis major as it heads toward the shoulder. In addition to its attachments on the sternum and ribcage, the pectoralis connects to the upper arm bone, the humerus. As a result, the pectoralis is able to play a role in multiple shoulder movement including flexing and extending the upper arm and pulling the arm toward the midline of the body in a motion known as adduction. It even plays a part in arm rotation. Each of these movements is critical to a fluid passing motion and an injury to the area would severely limit a quarterback as Mallett displayed Sunday with his inaccurate performance.
Surgery is often needed to reattach the muscle to the bone if the associated damage is significant. The Texans have said Mallett remains under evaluation though his season is over. If he does go under the knife, the necessary rehab takes approximately three months to complete and Mallett should be available for training camp. In the meantime, Ryan Fitzpatrick will return as the starting quarterback but remains largely fantasy irrelevant.
Arian Foster
Foster's status remains unknown though the Texans are optimistic he will finally return against the Titans after sitting out the team's last two contests. Foster has been dealing with strains to his groin and hamstring for a majority of the season and has missed three total games.
While his current state of uncertainty is frustrating, if you drafted Foster you had to know there would be risk in investing in an injury prone player. Things are complicated when numerous injuries occur on the same leg and Foster literally doesn't have a good leg to stand on. Foster's left leg is the primary area of concern. He has endured a torn meniscus and ankle surgery on the left side in addition to this year's left hamstring and groin strains. He has also previously torn the meniscus in his right leg. It would also be unwise to ignore the herniated disc in his lower back that prematurely ended his season last year. This laundry list of ailments simply means that Foster cannot afford to return hampered in any capacity. As a result, even the simplest of injuries needs more time to heal than normal.
Foster could return Sunday but don't bail on your back up plans. This injury could easily be aggravated and you don't want to be left without insurance.
Turf Burns
C.J. Anderson: The Broncos appear to have their man as Anderson has capitalized on injuries to Ronnie Hillman and Montee Ball. Neither back appears to be close to 100 percent, leaving Anderson as the starter in Denver.
Odell Beckham Jr.: Beckham made one of the most spectacular catches in NFL history to cap off an amazing first half performance against the Cowboys. However he was less productive in the second half and briefly left with a back injury. The injury is being listed as a contusion but the rookie wide out admitted the area remained sore. He could see his practice reps limited but he remains a must start against the Jacksonville barring a setback.
Larry Fitzgerald: While Fitz had hoped to play in the team's Week 12 matchup against the Seahawks, the team wisely opted to hold him out. The Pro Bowl receiver was diagnosed with a Grade II medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain following Week 11. As previously discussed, the grade means the ligament has been partially torn and the knee has been left unstable. Even with a brace, there's a high risk for additional complications and limitation. Consider other options for another week.
Marshawn Lynch: Beast Mode continues to play despite a tight lower back. Lynch will likely receive an additional day of rest but keep in mind Seattle plays on Thanksgiving night. Keep him in your lineups but scale back your expectations.
Latavius Murray: The Raiders running back is likely one of the top pick-ups this week but his availability for Sunday is dependent on whether or not he can complete the league's concussion protocol. Murray totaled 112 yards and two touchdowns on four carries before leaving with the head injury. He's got a tough schedule ahead but is still worth consideration if you need help in the backfield.
Bishop Sankey: Sankey suffered a "stinger" in Sunday's loss to the Eagles. A stinger occurs when a bundle of nerves that runs from the neck into the shoulder is injured usually after being overstretched. The lingering effects often quickly dissipate but nerve injuries can be finicky. He should be fine moving forward but closely monitor the situation.
Julius Thomas: The league's leader in touchdown receptions hopes to have a chance to pad his lead Sunday against the Chiefs after sitting out Week 12 with an ankle sprain. Monitor his status throughout this week's practice and expect his availability to come down to a game-time decision.
Terrance Williams: The Cowboys receiver suffered a fractured index finger in the team's win over the Giants. Fortunately the injury is isolated to the distal phalange, meaning only the tip of the finger is involved. Williams will be available for Dallas' Thanksgiving matchup against Philadelphia but has seen his targets and productivity diminish over the last few weeks.
