The Infirmary Report: Post Week 8

Fantasy Football

The worst part of our beloved game is the frequency of injuries. It’s an unfortunate byproduct of such a fast-paced, contact-heavy sport. It’s something that is important to remember as we approach the first full week of the preseason. Luckily for the NFL players, they have access to some of the best doctors in the world and can usually return to form at least by the next season. Unfortunately for us fantasy players, it’s not always easy to know when a player will get hurt. To another degree, sometimes your roster isn’t big enough to plan ahead for an injury. This series, the Infirmary Report, will give you advice on the injuries that have happened every week during the season. Without further ado, here is the Infirmary Report: Post Week 8 of regular season action.

Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Bengals

Injury: Chase has a hairline hip fracture and torn labrum.

Expected Return: He’s out for 3-4 weeks, avoiding the IR.

Key Takeaway: 

Before any games kicked off this week, news broke that Ja’Marr Chase would land on IR and that he would be out for 4-6 weeks with a hip injury. It later came out that he would only be week-to-week. That’s better than IR but still a huge blow after back-to-back two-touchdown performances from Chase. The Bengals take on the Browns tonight where they will show how they are replacing Chase’s production. Obviously, Tee Higgins becomes the WR1, but I see Tyler Boyd and Hayden Hurst being leaned on more.

Gus Edwards, RB, Ravens

Injury: Edwards is battling a hamstring injury.

Expected Return: He is Questionable for Week 9.

Key Takeaway: 

Hamstring injuries can linger but, as it was reported, this one seems minor. Given that the injury was sustained on Thursday Night Football, I expect Gus Edwards to play in Week 9. If he doesn’t, then he will without a doubt be 100-percent by Week 10. For now, stash Justice Hill as he’s looked explosive in his opportunities.

Mark Andrews, TE, Ravens

Injury: Andrews is now battling a shoulder injury.

Expected Return: He is Questionable for Week 9.

Key Takeaway: 

Just as it was with Edwards, this injury isn’t “serious.” I would expect him to play Week 9, but this season from Mark Andrews has been concerning. Isaiah Likely had six receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown when Andrews went down. He’s a top waiver wire add this week as Andrews can’t seem to stay healthy or hit a stride.

Rashod Bateman, WR, Ravens

Injury: Bateman reinjured his foot on Thursday.

Expected Return: He is Questionable for Week 9.

Key Takeaway: 

Again, this Ravens injury is deemed “not serious.” What that means is he’ll probably be back at less than 100-percent. This means his chance of re-injury will be very high. Devin Duvernay led Ravens receivers in fantasy points in Bateman’s absence. There’s also a possibility the Ravens trade for a WR before the deadline.

Christian Watson, WR, Packers

Injury: Watson picked up a concussion in his return from a hamstring injury.

Expected Return: He is Questionable for Week 9.

Key Takeaway: 

This one seemed less serious than some of the concussions we’ve seen this season.

Christian Watson Advanced Stats & Metrics Profile

He was able to get back up fine, but the new protocol made him leave the game. I assume he’ll get through the concussion protocol this week and play Week 9. He got hurt in the first quarter after taking a screen for 12 yards. He is slowly but surely getting acclimated to this offense. Unfortunately, he keeps getting hurt.

Cooper Kupp, WR, Rams

Injury: Kupp picked up an ankle injury toward the end of Sunday’s game.

Expected Return: He is currently Questionable for Week 9.

Key Takeaway: 

He was quoted after the game saying he dodged a bullet and he should be fine. Look for him to maybe miss Wednesday’s practice and then go limited the rest of the week. Cooper Kupp should be out there against Tampa next Sunday. Thank God too as I’ve already lost Chase, Hall, Javonte, and Mike Williams across my teams.

Irv Smith Jr., TE, Vikings

Injury: Smith Jr. picked up an ankle injury on Sunday.

Expected Return: The severity and timeline are still unknown. Currently, he is Questionable for Week 9.

Key Takeaway: 

This injury seems more serious than the others, but we are still waiting on MRI results. I expect him to miss at least miss Week 9 and potentially another week depending on the severity. If he does miss time, it will be up to backup tight end Johnny Mundt. Mundt has 11 receptions and 75 yards so far this season.

Adam Thielen, WR, Vikings

Injury: Thielen picked up a knee injury, but he did return to the game.

Expected Return: He is Questionable for Week 9.

Key Takeaway: 

Given that he returned to the game, Thielen should be back out there for Week 9. Expect him to have some limited practices this week, but otherwise, he should be good to go. We will learn more over the coming days. If he does miss time, obviously Justin Jefferson gets a boost but so does K.J. Osborn. Osborn should be rostered if he isn’t already.

DeVante Parker, WR, Patriots

Injury: Parker sprained his knee in Sunday’s win over the Jets.

Expected Return: He is Questionable for Week 9.

Key Takeaway: 

I’m gonna agree with Rapoport here. I think Parker will probably miss Week 9, and then rest up during the bye to return for Week 11. The Patriots are run-heavy and still have other weapons to where they won’t need to rush Parker back. Look for Tyquan Thornton to step up. Additionally, look for Jakobi Meyers to continue his streak.

Mark Ingram, RB, Saints

Injury: Ingram sustained a knee injury in Sunday’s win over the Raiders.

Expected Return: The severity and timeline are unknown, but he is currently Questionable for Week 9.

Key Takeaway:

Mark Ingram will probably miss time given his age and the fact no one is downplaying the injury right now. We will see how severe it is, but for now, expect him to miss at least Week 9. Alvin Kamara finally awoke this week, scoring three touchdowns. Taysom Hill will also be leaned on for a couple of extra carries in short-yardage situations. Jordan Howard becomes an interesting stash as well as he may be elevated from the practice squad.

Richie James, WR, Giants

Injury: James picked up a concussion on Sunday.

Expected Return: He is Questionable for Week 9.

Key Takeaway:

Richie James has been “serviceable” all season because of injuries to most of the Giants’ targets. However, he hasn’t seen more than three targets since Week 3. This injury won’t affect the team, and there’s not necessarily a pick-up to make because of it. Wan’Dale Robinson will probably receive the two extra targets. If Kenny Golladay isn’t traded, he may return soon too.