This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
A toe injury sounds trivial; a minor inconvenience for a professional athlete. However, the league's top receiver and one of its top rushers are both being slowed by problematic toes. Like the gears in a car engine, the toes optimize performance and allow efficient, explosive movement. The toes contribute to weight-bearing, balance, and fluidity while walking and even more so in running. The toes help initiate acceleration by extending the lever arm of the foot. As a result, the multilayered intrinsic muscles of the foot and toes are active throughout the weight-bearing phase. The big toe is particularly important here as it is assumes high amounts of force. Some studies show that the big toe takes on more than 70 percent of a running individual's body weight.
The toe injury most commonly associated with football players is a metatarsophalangeal (MTP) sprain of the big toe, more commonly referred to as turf toe. In the ailment, the big toe is usually forced upward into hyperextension. Like most sprains, turf toe occurs in varying degrees of severity, with the mildest of injuries involving just the ligament and the surrounding capsule. However, in severe cases tiny bones at the base of the big toe can break, or the tendon that houses these bones can be strained. Moreover, turf toe often lingers and is easily aggravated, making it a difficult to manage injury. Some players require surgery while others can proceed after modifying their cleats.
Unfortunately, information surrounding the
A toe injury sounds trivial; a minor inconvenience for a professional athlete. However, the league's top receiver and one of its top rushers are both being slowed by problematic toes. Like the gears in a car engine, the toes optimize performance and allow efficient, explosive movement. The toes contribute to weight-bearing, balance, and fluidity while walking and even more so in running. The toes help initiate acceleration by extending the lever arm of the foot. As a result, the multilayered intrinsic muscles of the foot and toes are active throughout the weight-bearing phase. The big toe is particularly important here as it is assumes high amounts of force. Some studies show that the big toe takes on more than 70 percent of a running individual's body weight.
The toe injury most commonly associated with football players is a metatarsophalangeal (MTP) sprain of the big toe, more commonly referred to as turf toe. In the ailment, the big toe is usually forced upward into hyperextension. Like most sprains, turf toe occurs in varying degrees of severity, with the mildest of injuries involving just the ligament and the surrounding capsule. However, in severe cases tiny bones at the base of the big toe can break, or the tendon that houses these bones can be strained. Moreover, turf toe often lingers and is easily aggravated, making it a difficult to manage injury. Some players require surgery while others can proceed after modifying their cleats.
Unfortunately, information surrounding the injuries of both Brown and Ingram have been limited. Brown was questionable entering Monday night's win over the Bengals with a "minor" toe injury. He was able to suit up and played well, finishing with eight catches for 101 yards and a touchdown. Despite the fantasy friendly stat line, my guess is we haven't heard the last of Brown's injury. Fantasy owners preparing for the playoffs should anticipate another week of limited practice for Brown as Pittsburgh focuses on his availability against the rival Ravens.
New Orleans is taking the tight-lipped approach with specifics on Ingram's issue. The running back was listed as limited for Monday's practice, creating a level of uncertainty entering the fantasy postseason. While his injury may be minor, it's important to remember the Saints operate on a short week this week, as they are slated for the Thursday night game. Additionally, Ingram has a history of toe problems dating back to the 2011 season. Ingram missed the final four weeks of his rookie season after developing turf toe in his foot. The problem was so significant that offseason surgery ultimately was required. Turf toe again sidelined Ingram in 2013, forcing him out of five consecutive games. Additionally, an undisclosed toe issue surfaced about this time last season. Ingram continued to play in games but was regularly limited during the week of prep. Look for New Orleans to take a similar approach this time around. Ingram has received the bulk of the carries out of the backfield, but the team could add to the already increasing responsibilities of rookie Alvin Kamara to help minimize the amount of wear and tear placed on the former Heisman Trophy winner.
Dak Prescott and Matthew Stafford
The Dallas quarterback sustained a hand injury in the team's win over the Redskins on Thursday. Sideline cameras showed his throwing hand visibly swollen near his knuckles though he never missed a snap. The knuckles are the distal ends of the metacarpal bones. These bones, that bridge the area between the wrist and fingers, are commonly fractured following a direct blow or an axial load. Fortunately, X-rays taken on Prescott's hand failed to uncover a fracture, and the injury likely is a soft tissue or bone contusion. The Cowboys will benefit from 10 days in-between games, and fantasy owners can expect Prescott to be in uniform Sunday against the Giants.
Like Prescott, Stafford didn't break his hand on Sunday. However, Stafford's bruised hand appears to be more problematic, as the Lions are concerned about his ability to throw the ball. The area of concern is his middle, ring and pinkie fingers, three critical components of Stafford's grip on the ball. These are the three fingers that meet the laces of the football. Any limitation here could alter Stafford's throwing velocity and accuracy. Sadly, Stafford has been down this road before, sustaining finger injuries in previous season. He donned protective gloves in both cases but struggled to throw the ball. In 2011, Stafford broke the index finger on his throwing hand and proceeded to throw nine interceptions over the next three weeks. Last season, Stafford's precision again waned after he dislocated his middle finger, lowering his completion percent to end the year. He threw five interceptions over that same four-game span after throwing just four picks in the 12 games prior to the injury. This is a disconcerting precedent and makes Stafford a bit of a gamble against the Buccaneers.
Turf Burns
Amari Cooper: Cooper continues to nurse two different injuries. The Raider wide out was unable to play Sunday after failing to complete the NFL concussion protocol. However, reports have hinted that his sprained ankle remains a bigger concern for Week 14. While the ankle may be a problem, a second straight absence is guaranteed if he doesn't receive return-to-play clearance for his concussion. Keep a close eye on his progression throughout the week.
Rishard Matthews: The Tennessee receiver has missed two consecutive weeks with a hamstring strain despite making progress in his rehab. Titans coach Mike Mularkey admitted Matthews was almost ready to go on Sunday against the Texans, but the team opted to take the conservative approach with his recovery. Unfortunately, a tough matchup against Arizona's Patrick Patterson and the lingering risk of re-injury will make Matthews a risky play in Week 14.
Adrian Peterson: A neck injury kept Peterson out of the lineup in Week 13 and is threatening his Week 14 status. Information surrounding the nature of the injury is sparse, and it appears Peterson likely will be a game-time decision. Tread cautiously here and consider a more reliable, healthier option.
Delanie Walker: In addition to the ailing Matthews, another cog in the Titans offense remains banged up. Walker aggravated his previous ankle sprain in Week 13 after getting the joint caught underneath him. The tight end has been battling a bone bruise and sprained ankle since early October but has yet to miss a game. It would be surprising if he's in street clothes on Sunday, but monitor the situation throughout the week just in case.
