This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
The health of the Cowboys center took a dramatic turn late last week when the lineman discovered he has an autoimmune disorder known as Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). Frederick had recently been dealing with neck and shoulder issues that were initially believed to be related to "stingers." However, further testing revealed the nerve-related problems to be the result of GBS.
GBS is rare problem in which the body's natural immune response turns on the nerves of the body, attacking the "insulation" surrounding the peripheral nerves. GBS has a wide range of symptoms depending on the severity of the condition, ranging from mild numbness and weakness to paralysis.
Fortunately, Frederick's case was caught early and he has already started treatment that includes intravenous immunoglobulin therapy (IVIg). The early diagnosis and treatment, coupled with Frederick's age and level of fitness, increases the chances that the All-Pro center is able to make a complete recovery. However, GBS remains a serious issue that pushes playing football to the background. Frederick will need time to heal, and his recovery will be measured in weeks and months, not days. It wouldn't be unheard of to see Frederick sit for the entire season. Best wishes to Frederick and his family as he begins the road to recovery.
The Eagles quarterback has yet to receive full clearance from the Philadelphia medical staff, and it's looking increasingly likely he will miss time to start the year. Wentz suffered a left knee injury in Week 14 of
The health of the Cowboys center took a dramatic turn late last week when the lineman discovered he has an autoimmune disorder known as Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). Frederick had recently been dealing with neck and shoulder issues that were initially believed to be related to "stingers." However, further testing revealed the nerve-related problems to be the result of GBS.
GBS is rare problem in which the body's natural immune response turns on the nerves of the body, attacking the "insulation" surrounding the peripheral nerves. GBS has a wide range of symptoms depending on the severity of the condition, ranging from mild numbness and weakness to paralysis.
Fortunately, Frederick's case was caught early and he has already started treatment that includes intravenous immunoglobulin therapy (IVIg). The early diagnosis and treatment, coupled with Frederick's age and level of fitness, increases the chances that the All-Pro center is able to make a complete recovery. However, GBS remains a serious issue that pushes playing football to the background. Frederick will need time to heal, and his recovery will be measured in weeks and months, not days. It wouldn't be unheard of to see Frederick sit for the entire season. Best wishes to Frederick and his family as he begins the road to recovery.
The Eagles quarterback has yet to receive full clearance from the Philadelphia medical staff, and it's looking increasingly likely he will miss time to start the year. Wentz suffered a left knee injury in Week 14 of the 2017 season and required surgery to repair the associated damage. While many have been quick to compare the injuries and subsequent recoveries of Wentz and Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, it's important to remember the two were different in two very important ways. To start, Wentz' injury was more complex. In addition to tearing his ACL, Wentz also sustained a partially torn iliotibial (IT) band and meniscus damage. His injury also happened later in the season, making it more likely his recovery would impact the 2018 season. Wentz isn't behind in his recovery, he just needs more time. As a result, a Week 1 absence seems probable and a multiweek absence to start the season wouldn't be surprising.
Turf Burns
Jay Ajayi: Wentz isn't the only Philly position player dealing with injury issues. Ajayi did not appear in the team's preseason matchup against the Browns due to an undisclosed lower body injury. Consider him day-to-day for now and hope the Eagles provide a more substantial update over the next few days.
Doug Baldwin: The Seahawks continue to insist Baldwin will be ready to go for Week 1, and coach Pete Carroll even hinted the Pro Bowl receiver could make an appearance in the team's preseason finale. Baldwin has been sidelined with a sore knee that was treated with an undisclosed procedure. It doesn't appear he's suffered any sort of setback, and Baldwin remains a top-15 WR in most formats.
Saquon Barkley: The Giants rookie continues to progress in his rehab protocol for a minor hamstring strain. Barkley has been an active participant in team drills and shown little signs of limitation. The team will likely take a cautious approach with his workload until Week 1, but fantasy owners should anticipate him making his professional debut against the Jaguars.
Marlon Mack: Things aren't going quite as smoothly for Indy's running back. The second-year runner out of South Florida sustained his own hamstring strain in the preseason opener and has yet to return to practice. His Week 1 status is now in jeopardy, especially if he's unable to return to the practice field during the week ahead. Hamstring injuries are notoriously fickle and a conservative treatment plan is often the best course of action. I still think Mack has a chance to have a breakout year, it just might not start until Week 2 or Week 3 of the regular season.
Josh Gordon: The Browns wideout has yet to practice with the team despite being activated from the non-football injury list over the weekend. He's reportedly dealing with tightness in his hamstring and remains limited to working with the Cleveland medical staff. It will be interesting to see if his time away from football has any effect on his overall conditioning and health. The early return isn't encouraging, though a return to practice could ease these lingering concerns. Gordon continues to have phenomenal upside but remains an inherently risky investment.
Marqise Lee: The Jaguars have placed Lee on the injured reserve, ending his season before it even started. The wide receiver was hit low in the team's preseason game against the Falcons and was eventually carted off the field. The team has reported he will need surgery to address a ligament-related injury. The timing of the injury is unfortunate for this year but should allow him to return in time for the 2019 season.
Rishard Matthews: There finally seems to be clarity on the injury that forced the Titans receiver to miss training camp and much of the preseason. It is being reported that Matthews' undisclosed leg injury was actually a torn meniscus in his knee. He underwent surgery in early August to address the problem and was recently activated from the PUP list. Based on the current timeline, Matthews likely underwent a meniscectomy, a procedure in which the damaged cartilage is removed rather than repaired. The knee should be okay moving forward, but Matthews could need some time to return to top physical shape due to his prolonged absence. Consider snagging Matthews at a discounted rate in any upcoming drafts.
AJ McCarron: Further testing on McCarron's injured right shoulder revealed his clavicle (collarbone) still intact. As a result, McCarron has been able to reinsert himself into the discussion at quarterback for the Bills. While he was still managing lingering soreness over the weekend, McCarron is expected back at practice this week. Those hoping to draft Josh Allen may want to let this situation play out before bidding on the rookie.
