This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
Tampa Bay is optimistic that Winston will be cleared to play by midweek, setting the stage for a Sunday return against the Packers. Winston has missed three straight games after it was decided that an extended rest would be the best course of action for a sprained acromioclavicular (AC) joint and bruised deltoid on his throwing arm. The Buccaneers also elected to utilize a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection to optimize the time off. In a PRP injection, a sample of the injured athlete's blood is extracted and spun down to its basic components in a machine known as a centrifuge. A protein rich mixture is taken from the sample and re-injected into the athlete at the injury site. The PRP mixture is highly concentrated with platelets, the primary element of blood responsible for clotting. The influx of platelets stimulates the body's natural healing response and allows it to work more efficiently.
The treatment, along with the extended rest, appears to have worked, with Winston reporting considerable improvement. Winston does have a favorable matchup against the Packers, but his long-term value could still depend on the team's performance. If the team's minimal playoff odds are completely erased, the Bucs could shut him down and shift their focus to next year.
The tight end made his first in-game appearance Sunday since fracturing his foot in Week 2. However, his return was little more than a cameo, after lingering soreness in his surgically repaired fifth metatarsal limited him to
Tampa Bay is optimistic that Winston will be cleared to play by midweek, setting the stage for a Sunday return against the Packers. Winston has missed three straight games after it was decided that an extended rest would be the best course of action for a sprained acromioclavicular (AC) joint and bruised deltoid on his throwing arm. The Buccaneers also elected to utilize a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection to optimize the time off. In a PRP injection, a sample of the injured athlete's blood is extracted and spun down to its basic components in a machine known as a centrifuge. A protein rich mixture is taken from the sample and re-injected into the athlete at the injury site. The PRP mixture is highly concentrated with platelets, the primary element of blood responsible for clotting. The influx of platelets stimulates the body's natural healing response and allows it to work more efficiently.
The treatment, along with the extended rest, appears to have worked, with Winston reporting considerable improvement. Winston does have a favorable matchup against the Packers, but his long-term value could still depend on the team's performance. If the team's minimal playoff odds are completely erased, the Bucs could shut him down and shift their focus to next year.
The tight end made his first in-game appearance Sunday since fracturing his foot in Week 2. However, his return was little more than a cameo, after lingering soreness in his surgically repaired fifth metatarsal limited him to 24 snaps. Olsen recently met with his surgeon, renowned foot specialist Dr. Robert Anderson, who did not find any new structural damage. Instead, the soreness has been attributed to the recovery process, and Olsen is expected to proceed as planned.
However, this small setback is a not-so subtle reminder of the complex nature of Jones fractures. The location of a Jones fracture makes it slow to heal due to the limited amount of available blood. Furthermore, secondary or follow-up procedures are commonly required due to hardware failure or poor union of the bone fragments. While it appears Olsen avoided these complications, his availability remains unknown. Even if the former Pro Bowler is able to play, he will remain a precarious play for the rest of the season.
Turf Burns
Kelvin Benjamin: The Bills have listed Benjamin as, "day-to-day" despite a torn meniscus in his right knee. There have been cases where players have played through this type of injury, though they are often painful and functionally limiting. Surgery to repair or excise the damaged cartilage remains the best course of treatment, and Benjamin's long-term availability is a serious question mark.
Amari Cooper: The Raiders wideout is dealing with a pair of injuries after taking a hard hit on Sunday. Cooper is currently in the league's mandated concussion protocol while also nursing a sprained ankle. Normally, an ankle sprain would be a concern for a receiver, but the injury is irrelevant if Cooper cannot complete the protocol in time. Fantasy owners should watch for signs of progression throughout the week but should consider other, healthier options enter Week 13.
Rishard Matthews: Tennessee's leading receiver was a late scratch Sunday after being a limited practice participant leading up to the weekend. Matthews is recovering from a mild hamstring strain sustained in practice. Look for Matthews to take a similar approach this week with another game-time decision looming.
Cam Newton: A lingering thumb injury may be the culprit behind Newton's recent inaccuracy. According to coach Ron Rivera, Newton's thumb is still sore since he hit it on, "somebody's back" during the team's Week 10 win over Miami. The problem has impacted Newton's grip, altering his delivery. The injury isn't overly concerning but should give fantasy owners enough reason to scale back their expectations entering Week 13 in New Orleans. Newton struggled against the Saints earlier in the year, throwing three interceptions.
Aaron Rodgers: Green Bay's Pro Bowl signal caller was seen throwing downfield passes prior to last week's game. Rodgers, out since Week 6 with a fractured collarbone, will be eligible to return to practice Friday. Rodger's current health status is not surprising considering the surgery he underwent was designed to stabilize the fracture site and facilitate better healing. The Packers have not publically committed to a return to play timeline but have admitted Rodgers is progressing through his rehab protocol. The former MVP cannot take part in a game until Week 15. He may need a week to shake off any lingering rust, but Rodgers may be worth a speculative add, especially for team's looking for added quarterback depth.
Matthew Stafford: The Lions quarterback suffered a sprained right ankle in the team's Thanksgiving Day defeat. Fortunately, he's reporting an improvement in the injury and expects to play in Week 13. His mobility may be slightly impacted, which could hurt his production against a tough Baltimore defense. Tread cautiously here this week.
Damien Williams: The Dolphins are being a bit cryptic with the specifics surrounding Williams' shoulder injury. There have been reports describing the injury as a dislocation, and others referring to the issue as a separated shoulder. While the terminology seems to be suggesting the same sort of injury, each describes an injury to a specific area. The term separation is usually reserved for injuries to the AC joint, while injuries to the glenohumeral joint are typically labeled as subluxations or dislocations. A dislocation likely would be more problematic as it could include the glenoid labrum. Regardless of label, Williams is not expected to play in Week 13. Hopefully Miami will provide more insight in the coming days so that Williams' value for the remainder of the year can be determined. Kenyan Drake will be the full-time feature back for now.
Paxton Lynch: Lynch will miss the next two to four weeks after sustaining a high ankle sprain against the Raiders. High ankle sprains are often slow to heal, and it wouldn't be surprising if Lynch sits for the remainder of the season. Trevor Siemian will return to the starting quarterback role, a move that should help Demaryius Thomas and the rest of Denver's aerial assault maintain their value.
