This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
The veteran quarterback has struggled with a shoulder injury over the past few weeks, but it's a new ailment that prevented him from finishing the Saints' Week 10 win over the 49ers. Brees did not return to the game after halftime due to a rib injury sustained in the first half. Testing on the area has revealed fractures to multiple ribs and a collapsed right lung.
The rib cage is designed to protect the underlying organs of the body. It comprises 12 pairs of ribs, the sternum (breastbone), the thoracic vertebrae of the spine and segments of connective tissue known as costal cartilage. However, rib injuries can occur if enough stress is applied. Rib or cartilage fractures are often very painful but can heal nicely when given time. However, the injury becomes more complicated if any damage is accrued by the underlying organs. In Brees' case, he has suffered significant damage to his lungs, specifically a collapsed lung.
A collapsed lung, clinically known as a pneumothorax, occurs when the pleural cavity, the covering surrounding the lungs, is damaged. The pleural cavity is a double membrane filled with fluid. It assists in breathing while helping maintain the pressure of the lungs. If the cavity is punctured, the pressure becomes imbalanced and air is forced into the area, collapsing the associated lung. Sometimes blood can fill the area in an injury known as a hemothorax. A collapsed lung results in pain and difficulty breathing.
The rate of recovery for an individual
The veteran quarterback has struggled with a shoulder injury over the past few weeks, but it's a new ailment that prevented him from finishing the Saints' Week 10 win over the 49ers. Brees did not return to the game after halftime due to a rib injury sustained in the first half. Testing on the area has revealed fractures to multiple ribs and a collapsed right lung.
The rib cage is designed to protect the underlying organs of the body. It comprises 12 pairs of ribs, the sternum (breastbone), the thoracic vertebrae of the spine and segments of connective tissue known as costal cartilage. However, rib injuries can occur if enough stress is applied. Rib or cartilage fractures are often very painful but can heal nicely when given time. However, the injury becomes more complicated if any damage is accrued by the underlying organs. In Brees' case, he has suffered significant damage to his lungs, specifically a collapsed lung.
A collapsed lung, clinically known as a pneumothorax, occurs when the pleural cavity, the covering surrounding the lungs, is damaged. The pleural cavity is a double membrane filled with fluid. It assists in breathing while helping maintain the pressure of the lungs. If the cavity is punctured, the pressure becomes imbalanced and air is forced into the area, collapsing the associated lung. Sometimes blood can fill the area in an injury known as a hemothorax. A collapsed lung results in pain and difficulty breathing.
The rate of recovery for an individual who has suffered a collapsed lung is generally dependent on the size of the pneumothorax. If it is large, a chest tube may be needed to remove the problematic air. If not, the hole will gradually repair itself, allowing the lungs to stabilize. As a result, time is often the best treatment option to let the lung and the accompanying rib injuries heal.
Brees' injury involves fractures to both sides of his ribcage and is likely going to keep him out for multiple weeks. Fortunately, the long-term effects appear minimal. In the meantime, Jameis Winston is the most likely candidate to replace Brees and could have real value in the weeks ahead.
The Panthers quarterback suffered a right knee injury in the team's loss to the Buccaneers. The injury has since been diagnosed as a low-grade medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain, and Bridgewater has not been ruled out for Week 11. The encouraging news is the injury is mild and will not require surgery, suggesting there was no substantial meniscus involvement. Additionally, the involved knee is opposite Bridgewater's previously repaired knee. During the 2016 season, Bridgewater suffered a left knee dislocation that included a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The Panthers will likely limit his workload throughout the week ahead in hopes of having him suit up against the Lions. Even if Bridgewater does play, the injury could impact his mobility and limit his fantasy value. P.J. Walker would get the start if Bridgewater is unable to go.
There is growing concern that whoever starts at quarterback for the Panthers will not have the advantage of having McCaffrey in the backfield. The team is growing increasingly pessimistic that his sprained shoulder will be healthy enough for Week 11. McCaffrey has now missed seven of Carolina's last eight games. He missed six straight with a high ankle sprain and last week with a sprained acromioclavicular (AC) joint. While the shoulder injury was described as a mild sprain, the lingering symptoms continue to be an issue. He was unable to participate in any of last week's practice sessions and may once again be limited.
If McCaffrey is held out in Week 11, then I think there is a strong possibility he also sits for Week 12. The Panthers have a bye week in Week 13, and the team could easily opt to incorporate that into their rehab and recovery plan. Furthermore, if they are unable to pocket a few more wins in the coming weeks, Carolina could opt to protect a keystone of their franchise and shut down McCaffrey for the remainder of the season. Look for Mike Davis to remain the feature back in Carolina for the immediate future.
Turf Burns
Chris Carson: The Seahawks desperately miss Carson's presence in the backfield, though the running back does appear to be inching toward a return. He was active in last week's practice before ultimately being ruled out against the Rams. Carson continues to work his way back from a midfoot sprain that has been slow to heal. He was a nonparticipant on Monday, which could be a bad sign with Seattle playing on Thursday and facing a shortened week of preparation. Look for this to be a true game-time decision. Teammate Carlos Hyde (hamstring) appears a bit ahead of Carson as he was able to return to practice on Monday, though it was in a limited capacity.
Kenny Golladay: The Lions have not provided much of an update on the status of Golladay's balky hip, though his extended absence from the practice field remains a good indicator that he is still on the mend. Unless he is able to take part in some sort of organized team activity, I'm betting Golladay misses a third straight game.
Joe Mixon: Mixon is another player who has provided his investors with little reason for optimism. He has not appeared in a game or practice since Week 6 as he continues to battle a lingering foot sprain. Even the benefit of a well-timed bye week hasn't allowed Mixon to make much progress, and he remains a giant question mark entering Week 11. The uncertainty of the injury and the extended length of his time off suggests Mixon will be an inherently risky play even if he is cleared in time to suit up against Washington. Look elsewhere this week.
Calvin Ridley: The Falcons wide receiver, out since Week 8 with a foot sprain, was able to do some side work with the team's medical staff on Monday. Despite the obvious progression, the team has said they will have a better idea of his availability on Wednesday. As we have already seen with players like Carson and Mixon, midfoot injuries can linger and be difficult to treat. Keep an eye on Ridley's level of participation in the week ahead, but have a reliable insurance policy readily available.
Matthew Stafford: The Lions quarterback has endured a rough few weeks that has included a false positive COVID-19 test, and a head and neck injury that briefly forced him out of Week 9. The injury bug struck again in Week 10 as he sustained a right thumb injury in the win over Washington. Fortunately, X-rays were negative, and Stafford appears confident he will be ready to play against the Panthers.
