This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
Two of Houston's top three picks in the 2017 NFL Draft have now suffered season-ending injuries. Just weeks after quarterback DeShaun Watson was lost for the year with an ACL tear, Foreman tore his Achilles tendon following a 34-yard touchdown run in the team's win over the Cardinals. The third round pick out of Texas was not touched on the play and was eventually carted off the field. Foreman's injury is more significant than Watson's and it wouldn't be surprising to see his rehab carry over into next season. Studies have shown recovery time for these types of injuries can take up to a year, with NFL players averaging somewhere between nine and 11 months. Furthermore, running backs often find a return to previous levels of performance difficult, based on the demands of the position. Foreman's young age will help combat some of these factors but he faces a tough road to recovery.
The Giants receiver gave fantasy owners headaches of their own after missing Sunday's win with a migraine. However, migraine headaches are a bigger problem than a "normal" headache and a common problem among the general population. A migraine is marked by moderate to severe head pain and often accompanied by other symptoms including sensitivity to light, vomiting, and, in some extreme cases, loss of consciousness. Several factors including genetic predisposition, stress, physical exertion and weather changes are all believed to influence migraines, though the exact root of the condition remains widely unknown. Medication
Two of Houston's top three picks in the 2017 NFL Draft have now suffered season-ending injuries. Just weeks after quarterback DeShaun Watson was lost for the year with an ACL tear, Foreman tore his Achilles tendon following a 34-yard touchdown run in the team's win over the Cardinals. The third round pick out of Texas was not touched on the play and was eventually carted off the field. Foreman's injury is more significant than Watson's and it wouldn't be surprising to see his rehab carry over into next season. Studies have shown recovery time for these types of injuries can take up to a year, with NFL players averaging somewhere between nine and 11 months. Furthermore, running backs often find a return to previous levels of performance difficult, based on the demands of the position. Foreman's young age will help combat some of these factors but he faces a tough road to recovery.
The Giants receiver gave fantasy owners headaches of their own after missing Sunday's win with a migraine. However, migraine headaches are a bigger problem than a "normal" headache and a common problem among the general population. A migraine is marked by moderate to severe head pain and often accompanied by other symptoms including sensitivity to light, vomiting, and, in some extreme cases, loss of consciousness. Several factors including genetic predisposition, stress, physical exertion and weather changes are all believed to influence migraines, though the exact root of the condition remains widely unknown. Medication exists to treat the associated symptoms and help manage the frequency of migraines, but there is no outright cure. Shepard should be cleared in time for the team's Thanksgiving Day game, but the shortened week may influence his availability at practice.
Chris Thompson and Samaje Perine
Washington's running back unit continues to be decimated by injury. The team entered Week 11 without starter Rob Kelley, thanks to a medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain in his knee and an accompanying ankle sprain. Things got worse on Sunday as Thompson, the team's dynamic playmaker, suffered a fractured fibula and has since joined Kelley on the injured reserve. Fortunately for Thompson, the injury should have minimal long-term ramifications. The fibula, one of the two lower leg bones, sits on the outside of the leg but isn't considered a primary weight-bearing bone. The fracture site will heal with time and he should be fine entering training camp in 2018.
Washington will now turn to the Perine as their starter back. Sadly, the rookie isn't 100 percent healthy either, as he is reportedly nursing a finger injury. It doesn't appear the problem will affect his availability, but it could negatively impact his grip. Any limitation here could increase his chances of fumbling, something he's struggled with since preseason. He's unquestionably worth a waiver wire claim, but expectations should be appropriately managed.
The Rams expect Woods to miss multiple weeks after the receiver injured his shoulder in the team's loss to the Vikings. Further testing revealed surgery isn't necessary though Los Angeles remains a bit tight-lipped on the specifics surrounding the injury. The injury has been designated as a sprain, though the exact area involved remains undisclosed.
The mechanism of injury (the way the injury occurred) suggests the problem is with his acromioclavicular (AC) joint, the area where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade. Woods was injured as a Rams defender landed on top of him, putting an axial load through the AC joint and collar bone. This type of stress is similar to the injury that resulted in Aaron Rodgers' fractured collarbone. Again, testing has shown surgery will not be necessary, though time will still be needed for the area to heal. For comparison sake, Patriots receiver Chris Hogan has yet to return to action after suffering a similar injury on October 29. As a result, Woods owners should anticipate a mid-December return.
Turf Burns
Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving: The Cowboys will take the field on Thanksgiving Day for the 40th straight year and 50th time in the past 52 Thanksgivings. Dallas is in the middle of a two-game slide that coincides with the Ezekiel Elliott suspension and the loss of three key contributors in all three phases of the game.
The offense and special teams likely will receive a jolt from the possible returns of left tackle Tyron Smith and kicker Dan Bailey. Smith, who has missed two games with a groin strain, should help keep Dak Prescott off the turf. Prescott has been sacked 12 times during Smith's two-game absence after being sacked a total of 10 times in the previous eight games. A healthy Smith should stabilize the offensive line and increase the productivity of Prescott and the rest of the Dallas offense.
Bailey also has been sidelined with a groin injury, though the team is optimistic he will return on Thursday. The All-Pro kicker has returned to practice and was seen attempting 50-yard field goals. The Cowboys will keep Mike Nugent on the roster for now to act as an insurance policy should Bailey's aggravate his previous injury. Groin injuries are notoriously fickle and Bailey could be vulnerable during a powerful kick attempt.
The Dallas defense will remain short-handed, as linebacker Sean Lee already has been ruled out. His absence is a big win for the Chargers offense and should help elevate the value of players like Melvin Gordon, Philip Rivers and Keenan Allen.
Leonard Fournette: The Jaguars running back admitted his ankle injury is likely to linger all season, an all too common problem for the rookie. Fournette entered the draft with lingering concerns about his foot and ankle after he dealt with recurring ankle problems during his final year at LSU. The fears appear warranted as Fournette battled a toe injury in the preseason and missed Week 7 with the current ankle injury. While his heavy workload in Week 11 suggests Jacksonville isn't overly concerned with his durability, he remains a high-risk, high-reward fantasy option.
Devonta Freeman and Jacoby Brissett: Both players remain in the league's concussion protocol. Brissett reportedly is progressing, and the Colts think he has a legitimate chance to play against the Titans on Sunday. Freeman's availability is less certain, as the Falcons have hinted he could miss more time. Monitor their progress throughout the week.
Jordan Reed: The former Pro Bowler remains hampered by a hamstring injury and shouldn't be counted on for Thursday's Thanksgiving night matchup with the Giants. All accounts suggest he never had a good chance at playing against the Saints and was still listed as a nonparticipant on Monday. Reed's current level of risk continues to outweigh any potential productivity.
