This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
The Washington quarterback saw his season end over the weekend when he suffered a gruesome leg fracture. The injury occurred when Smith's leg became trapped under his body as he was taken down by Houston's J.J. Watt and Kareem Jackson. The violent force broke the two lower leg bones, the tibia and fibula. Smith was placed in an aircast and taken off the field before heading to the hospital for emergency surgery.
More details emerged following the procedure, including more details about the break itself. Reports indicate the fracture was a compound fracture, meaning the fractured bone broke through the surrounding soft tissue. The nature of the fracture was also revealed, as additional reports classify the fracture as a spiral fracture. Both details will influence Smith's impending recovery, though this should not be perceived as a career-ending injury.
The first potential concern will be infection. Compound or open fractures are much more likely to develop osteomyelitis, an infection of the bone that stunts the healing process. Fortunately, this risk should be diminished by the fast response of the medical team on the field and his quick entry into the operating room.
The next area of focus will be the associated soft tissue damage. At least one of Smith's lower leg bones pierced the skin and the extent of the damage to the skin and muscle must be determined. This problem will require additional treatment that would be amplified if any neighboring nerves were also damaged. Nerve injuries
The Washington quarterback saw his season end over the weekend when he suffered a gruesome leg fracture. The injury occurred when Smith's leg became trapped under his body as he was taken down by Houston's J.J. Watt and Kareem Jackson. The violent force broke the two lower leg bones, the tibia and fibula. Smith was placed in an aircast and taken off the field before heading to the hospital for emergency surgery.
More details emerged following the procedure, including more details about the break itself. Reports indicate the fracture was a compound fracture, meaning the fractured bone broke through the surrounding soft tissue. The nature of the fracture was also revealed, as additional reports classify the fracture as a spiral fracture. Both details will influence Smith's impending recovery, though this should not be perceived as a career-ending injury.
The first potential concern will be infection. Compound or open fractures are much more likely to develop osteomyelitis, an infection of the bone that stunts the healing process. Fortunately, this risk should be diminished by the fast response of the medical team on the field and his quick entry into the operating room.
The next area of focus will be the associated soft tissue damage. At least one of Smith's lower leg bones pierced the skin and the extent of the damage to the skin and muscle must be determined. This problem will require additional treatment that would be amplified if any neighboring nerves were also damaged. Nerve injuries takes a substantially longer time to recover and would require extended time off to combat any associated loss of function or muscle atrophy. This holds true for any potential blood vessel damage as well.
Smith's recovery will also be dictated by any associated ligament damage. The location of the aircast as Smith was carted off the field, suggests the injury occurred near the distal tib-fib joint. Fractures here are often complicated, as they include the supportive structure of the ankle. Ligaments do not heal as fast as bone tissue and often fail to return to their initial strength.
Surgical hardware, likely a rod, was utilized to stabilize Smith's fracture. Additional wiring was likely applied as well as the fracture occurred in a spiral pattern. Fortunately, the surgery has a high success rate, though the subsequent rehab is measured in months not weeks. Early estimates have Smith out for six to eight months, suggesting his recovery could carry over into training camp.
Colt McCoy takes over for Smith, starting with a Thanksgiving Day matchup with Cowboys. McCoy has not made an NFL start since the 2014 season. While he did notch a win over Dallas that season, his final stats weren't particularly fantasy friendly, as he finished with 299 passing yards, one interception and a rushing touchdown. Mark Sanchez was signed to back up McCoy.
Turf Burns
Sam Darnold: The status of the Jets rookie quarterback remains in doubt despite a well-timed bye week. Darnold is nursing a sprained foot and only recently began jogging without pain. He would need to participate in some form of practice by Wednesday to have a realistic shot at playing against New England. Avoid the situation and look elsewhere for now.
Jimmy Graham: The Packers tight end will attempt to play through a broken thumb sustained on Thursday. He will look to stabilize the injured digit with a splint, though that could easily limit his productivity. As a result, Graham will be a high-risk play for Week 12.
O.J. Howard: Tampa Bay is also dealing with an injury to its starting tight end. Howard suffered an undisclosed ankle injury, though the early reports were "good" according to Bucs head coach Dirk Koetter. Howard is slated to receive a second opinion on the ailment that should help clarify his status entering the weekend. Those results aren't expected until midweek, and it wouldn't be surprising to see this end up being a gametime decision. Howard owners should have a reliable backup readily available.
Kerryon Johnson: The Lions rookie running back will be a spectator for Detroit's Thanksgiving Day matchup against rival Chicago. Johnson suffered a sprained knee in Sunday's game against the Panthers, though he will avoid surgery. The specific ligament involved has not been provided, although he is currently considered "week-to-week." While it's an unfortunate setback, Johnson still has a chance at a late-season return and will retain his fantasy value. In the meantime, LeGarrette Blount and Theo Riddick will split the carries for the Lions with Riddick and his 41 receptions carrying added weight in PPR leagues.
Marcus Mariota: While it was initially believed Mariota aggravated his previous elbow injury, the Titans are now classifying the injury as a stinger. A stinger, or burner, is a traction injury to a bundle of nerves known as the brachial plexus. The brachial plexus runs down from the neck into the shoulder and arm, and innervates the muscles of the area while also providing cutaneous feedback. As a result, individuals who suffer a stinger often experience pain as well as loss of muscle strength and function. While the injury is not at the same site as Mariota's previous injury, it's worth noting the ulnar nerve he injured in Week 1 is a branch of the brachial plexus. The Titans don't play until Monday, putting fantasy owners in a precarious spot. Even if Mariota does play, a drop in efficiency and productivity seems likely.
Doug Martin: Martin did not play in the second half of the Raiders' win over the Cardinals. It was later revealed he was sidelined by a minor ankle injury. While the team has downplayed the severity of the injury, there has been some grumbling that team will look to get DeAndre Washington more reps over the next six games. Martin should be available in Week 12, but his role and usage remains unclear.
Calvin Ridley: The Falcons explosive rookie was limited in Monday's practice with a thigh injury. Fortunately, the issue does not appear serious, and Ridley should get a chance to repeat his previous success against the Saints. The wide receiver scored three touchdowns while hauling in seven passes for 146 yards in a Week 3 loss to New Orleans. Keep an eye on his availability in the few days leading up to the Thanksgiving Day matchup, just in case.
