Weeks 8 and 9 were always going to be important weeks for the NFL Injury Report with 31 percent of the league going on their byes during this timeframe. The scheduled time off has been helpful for some, as multiple players appear on the verge of returning. Others limp into the time off hoping they too can return to form with the extra break.
The Giants rookie running back saw his season end when he suffered a horrific ankle injury against the Eagles. The ankle twisted violently as he was taken down, leaving the joint distorted at a gruesome angle. The New York medical staff acted quickly and Skattebo was carted off the field with his foot in an air cast.
Skattebo underwent surgery for an injury that was ultimately described as an open dislocation of the ankle. A dislocation occurs when a joint is forced out of alignment. The key word here, though, is open, meaning one of the ankle bones broke and penetrated through the skin. Because an open wound is created, the injury is considered a medical emergency. The primary reason is the risk of infection is substantially increased following these types of injury.
For example, former Washington quarterback Alex Smith suffered multiple infections when he suffered a compound spiral fracture of his tibia and fibula in November of 2018. Smith's injury required 18 surgeries and a recovery that lasted almost two years. However, not all open fractures result in infection or a multi-year
Weeks 8 and 9 were always going to be important weeks for the NFL Injury Report with 31 percent of the league going on their byes during this timeframe. The scheduled time off has been helpful for some, as multiple players appear on the verge of returning. Others limp into the time off hoping they too can return to form with the extra break.
The Giants rookie running back saw his season end when he suffered a horrific ankle injury against the Eagles. The ankle twisted violently as he was taken down, leaving the joint distorted at a gruesome angle. The New York medical staff acted quickly and Skattebo was carted off the field with his foot in an air cast.
Skattebo underwent surgery for an injury that was ultimately described as an open dislocation of the ankle. A dislocation occurs when a joint is forced out of alignment. The key word here, though, is open, meaning one of the ankle bones broke and penetrated through the skin. Because an open wound is created, the injury is considered a medical emergency. The primary reason is the risk of infection is substantially increased following these types of injury.
For example, former Washington quarterback Alex Smith suffered multiple infections when he suffered a compound spiral fracture of his tibia and fibula in November of 2018. Smith's injury required 18 surgeries and a recovery that lasted almost two years. However, not all open fractures result in infection or a multi-year recovery. Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott suffered a compound fracture and dislocation to his right ankle in 2020 that required "emergency" surgery. His rehab went smoothly, and he started Week 1 of the 2021 season.
Fortunately, Skattebo's surgery "went well," according to Giants coach Brian Daboll. He now faces a long recovery but could realistically be back in 2026, barring an unforeseen setback. Any associated ligament or cartilage damage could prolong the process but, again, a return for next year is plausible. Tyrone Tracy and Devin Singletary will man the Giants' backfield with Skattebo out.
Another rookie running back was injured Sunday, however, Judkins' injury is significantly less severe than Skattebo's. The Cleveland back suffered a low-grade acromioclavicular (AC) joint sprain in the loss to New England. An AC sprain is better known as a shoulder separation. Like most sprains, AC joints are classified based on the damage accrued by the ligament(s). However, the AC joint has its own classification that also incorporates any associated muscle damage. Fortunately, the injury is considered minor, meaning the damage is minimal and the neighboring muscles are likely intact. The Browns are calling Judkins day-to-day. The scheduled bye should allow him ample time to rest and recuperate, and a return in Week 10 seems likely.
Turf Burns
Saquon Barkley and A.J. Brown: After a relatively slow start to the year, the Eagles running back finally looked like himself on Sunday. Barkley finished with 14 carries for 150 yards and two touchdowns to go with 24 yards on four receptions. Unfortunately, he suffered a groin injury in the second half and was removed from the win over New York. It sounds like the decision to hold him out was purely precautionary, as the team has downplayed the severity of the issue. With Philadelphia on a bye in Week 9 and a Monday Night Game looming in Week 10, Barkley should get plenty of treatment time and be ready to go against the Packers. The plan is the same for Brown who did not play against the Giants due to a hamstring strain. The early NFL injury reports entering Week 10 will be solid indicators of whether the time off was enough to get both players back on the field.
Nico Collins: A concussion suffered in Week 7's Monday Night loss to Seattle kept Collins out for Week 8. It is relatively uncommon for a player to complete the return-to-play protocol in one week's time, so Collins sitting out with the team operating on a shortened week of practice seemed virtually guaranteed. It is unclear where Collins is in the 5-step protocol, but the last phases require him to be on the field participating before being examined by an independent neurological consultant. Monitor his availability in practice throughout the week ahead to get a better idea about his chances of playing in Week 8 against the Broncos.
Joe Flacco: Like Judkins, the Bengals quarterback is nursing a shoulder injury that is likely an AC sprain. He was injured when he landed on the tip of shoulder and is now considered day-to-day. Monitor Flacco's status throughout the week ahead to get a better idea of whether he will be available against the Bears. If he is sidelined, Cincinnati will turn back to former starter Jake Browning.
Lamar Jackson: Ravens head coach John Harbaugh told reporters he "expect[s] him to be out there Thursday," when asked about Jackson's status entering Week 9. The former MVP has missed three straight outings with a hamstring strain but was a full participant in Monday's walkthrough practice. Jackson will return with an elevated degree of injury risk, as the top risk factor for hamstring injuries is a prior strain. However, Jackson's ceiling is too high to consider benching him, and he should be utilized as normal in all formats.
Puka Nacua: The Rams believe Nacua will be an active participant in Wednesday's practice and be available to play against the Saints in Week 9. The wideout did not play in Week 7's win over Jacksonville due to a low-grade ankle sprain. The team was off in Week 8, giving Nacua two full weeks of rest and recovery. While he may need to wear a brace or tape the ankle in his return, Nacua remains a must start.
Carson Wentz: The Vikings quarterback is out for the year with a left shoulder injury that originally occurred in Week 5. The injury is being reported as a dislocation, with the forced alignment causing multiple secondary issues including a torn labrum and shoulder fracture. The break occurred to the glenoid rim, the outer rim of the "socket" of the glenohumeral (GH) joint. Wentz aggravated the injury in Week 8 and will now undergo surgery to stabilize the area. Minnesota will hand the reins back to J.J. McCarthy, who has not played since suffering a high ankle sprain in Week 2.
