The Tank Dell Dilemma
December 7, 2023
Get an update on Week 11 NFL injuries affecting top players. Insights into Burrow, Watson, Jones, Achane, Andrews, and others. Stay informed for your fantasy lineups!
Let’s dive in for the Week 11 injuries that occurred. This is all recap information, so be sure to listen in to the Destination Devy Injury Pod that posts before next week’s games to learn every important update and impact of injury for your starters for the week. If you ever wonder why so many football players get injured, remember that they go through multiple car wrecks every game day and somehow get back up.
Unfortunately, Burrow suffered a wrist ligament tear that will require season-ending surgery. The good news is that the outcomes of these surgeries are typically very good and should allow him to return to his prior form within 5-6 months, meaning he will likely be cleared for OTAs or camp. Take advantage of this unique buy low opportunity on one of the top quarterbacks in the league. Acquire for 2024.
Early in the week, we found out that Watson suffered a fracture in his shoulder that requires season-ending surgery. He will now aim for 2024 for a comeback.
The good news for Seattle is that Smith could return to the game for the last drive after suffering a reported triceps bruise, an odd injury given the mechanism of Aaron Donald hitting his elbow. The bad news is that Pete Carroll stated that Geno’s status for an early turnaround on Thursday night is unclear and he may miss some time. Monitor his status moving forward.
Unfortunately, he suffered a significant left knee sprain that will likely cost him several weeks. Via video, it appears to be an MCL sprain, which he has quite an extensive history of dealing with. I am projecting this to cost him at least two games, with a chance for an even longer absence.
While he did attempt to return to the game, there is still a chance this reinjury to the same knee will cost him at least one game. Details have been minimal so far, so monitor his status closely. If he is active for week 12, I would be hesitant to start him until we see him escape from a game unscathed.
While he has been officially listed with an oblique injury via video it appeared it may have been a lower extremity injury, such as a groin strain. My concern, especially given his history of multiple groin injuries, is a sports hernia, which he has suffered in the past. Hopefully, we hear more soon, but for now, operate under the assumption that Walker misses Thursday night and potentially another game at the minimum. Boost to Zach Charbonnet.
Foreman suffered a reinjury of his prior right ankle sprain, costing him multiple snaps and leading to a three back committee. With Khalil Herbert back and Roschon Johnson running hard, the main concern is that Foreman will lose his lead on this backfield and give it back to Herbert.
I am not concerned about Hill’s hand injury moving forward, as he was able to return to the game and make multiple catches without issue. He told reporters that he has no issues with his hand. No concern into next week.
Unfortunately, Kupp suffered a right low ankle inversion sprain that prevented him from returning to the game. The good news is that he was pushing to return, but the Rams staff held him out. There is likely a decent chance he can suit up for week 12, but monitor his status closely.
While the injury did not appear to limit his ability to return to the game and make multiple catches, he did suffer what appeared to be a right high ankle sprain. He may wind up popping up on the injury report in practice this week, but as long as it is mild he should be able to suit up without issue in week 12.
Two brutal season-ending injuries this week, this one to one of the top tight ends in the league. He suffered a left ankle ligament tear and fibula fracture that will require season-ending surgery. He should be able to return to the field at full-go around June or July of next year with minimal issue. However, we currently have a key example of a player who has lost explosiveness and may have been hampered by this exact surgery: Tony Pollard. I still believe you should be acquiring Andrews right now on one of the few opportunities to acquire for cheap.
I hope this information helps as the week goes on. We still have one more game on Monday night to monitor. Follow me on Twitter/X @jmthrivept for further injury analysis and updates.
