This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
Washington will enter Week 14 down to their third string quarterback. McCoy has been lost for the season after breaking his leg just two weeks after starter Alex Smith went down with a broken leg of his own. McCoy was injured early in the team's loss to the Eagles when his right leg whipped into safety Malcolm Jenkins. He limped off the field before an X-ray revealed the impact fractured McCoy's distal fibula.
McCoy's injury is not as severe as Smith's and comes with a drastically different course of treatment. McCoy's injury is isolated to the fibula, the smaller of the two lower leg bones, while Smith broke both the fibula and the tibia. Smith's injury was also classified as an open fracture, meaning the fragmented bone broke through the skin and soft tissue surrounding the area. Fortunately, McCoy's injury was closed.
McCoy's recovery should occur significantly quicker. To start, it currently does not appear McCoy will require surgery to stabilize the fracture. Even if surgery is ultimately necessary, the bone should mend faster, as the fibula is not considered a weight-bearing bone. McCoy could theoretically be cleared to play in roughly six weeks, though it's unlikely Washington will still be playing at that time. The same can be said for Denver cornerback Chris Harris Jr. who suffered a similar injury in his team's win over Cincinnati.
Mark Sanchez takes over as Washington's starting quarterback, though he isn't a waiver wire priority. Furthermore, his presence is likely
Washington will enter Week 14 down to their third string quarterback. McCoy has been lost for the season after breaking his leg just two weeks after starter Alex Smith went down with a broken leg of his own. McCoy was injured early in the team's loss to the Eagles when his right leg whipped into safety Malcolm Jenkins. He limped off the field before an X-ray revealed the impact fractured McCoy's distal fibula.
McCoy's injury is not as severe as Smith's and comes with a drastically different course of treatment. McCoy's injury is isolated to the fibula, the smaller of the two lower leg bones, while Smith broke both the fibula and the tibia. Smith's injury was also classified as an open fracture, meaning the fragmented bone broke through the skin and soft tissue surrounding the area. Fortunately, McCoy's injury was closed.
McCoy's recovery should occur significantly quicker. To start, it currently does not appear McCoy will require surgery to stabilize the fracture. Even if surgery is ultimately necessary, the bone should mend faster, as the fibula is not considered a weight-bearing bone. McCoy could theoretically be cleared to play in roughly six weeks, though it's unlikely Washington will still be playing at that time. The same can be said for Denver cornerback Chris Harris Jr. who suffered a similar injury in his team's win over Cincinnati.
Mark Sanchez takes over as Washington's starting quarterback, though he isn't a waiver wire priority. Furthermore, his presence is likely to have a negative impact on the Washington receivers and tight ends. Sanchez finished Monday's night loss with a mere 100 passing yards, while Josh Doctson led all Washington receivers with a paltry 51 yards on three receptions.
The Panthers tight end has been lost for the season after suffering another foot injury. Olsen's foot problems date back to last season when he fractured the fifth metatarsal in his foot in Week One. He refractured the surgically repaired area this season but was back in action three weeks later. Unfortunately, the aftereffects of the multiple injuries remained, making his foot vulnerable to re-injury. Sadly, the risk materialized over the weekend when Olson tore the thick, fibrous band of connective tissue known as the plantar fascia.
The plantar fascia runs from the heel to the base of the toes, providing support for the arch of the foot. It is specifically designed to withstand the increased forces that come with weight-bearing activities like walking, jumping or running. Unfortunately, repetitive activity or isolated trauma can cause the plantar fascia to become inflamed, resulting in plantar fasciitis, a chronic and limiting condition. A procedure known as fasciotomy may be warranted if the problem lingers.
However, a tear to the plantar fascia, like the one Olsen just endured, is managed differently. A complete tear or rupture of the fascia actually mimics the fasciotomy, releasing any tension in the tissue. The subsequent treatment focuses on managing the associated symptoms like pain and swelling, while insuring developing scar tissue is properly aligned. Regrettably, this takes weeks, not days, and Olsen will not play again this season. Look for the former Pro Bowler to spend the offseason recovering and evaluating the overall integrity of his foot to determine the next step in his career. Ian Thomas will step into the top tight end spot in Carolina with a favorable matchup against the Browns on tap for Week 14.
Turf Burns
Matt Breida: While the 49ers running back has admirably attempted to play through an assortment of injuries during the season, his productivity has often left fantasy owners wanting more. The difficult decision to start or sit Breida will not be an issue for Week 14, as the team has already ruled him out. Apparently, he aggravated his lingering ankle issue in pregame warmups and again during the game. As a result, rookie Jeff Wilson Jr. received the bulk of the carries out of the backfield and is worth consideration in all fantasy formats.
Chris Carson: The Seattle running back avoided a serious injury against the 49ers when he dislocated his index finger. While the need for stitches suggests the dislocation was open, the injury isn't quite as bad as it sounds. The primary reason for downplaying the injury is linked to the overall status of the bone. Carson did not suffer a fracture when the injury occurred and, as a result, should have a realistic shot at playing in Week 14. Serendipitously, Seattle faces off against Minnesota on Monday Night Football, providing Carson another day of recovery. Look for the Seahawks leading rusher to be in uniform for a critical contest between two teams vying for a NFC wildcard spot.
James Conner: The Steelers will have to try to end their two-game losing streak without the services of their leading rusher. Conner suffered an ankle sprain in the loss to the Chargers and will not play against the Raiders. The severity of the injury is being downplayed, though the fact that Conner has already been ruled out suggests this is a more moderate sprain or even a high ankle sprain. Coach Mike Tomlin has said the team will turn to a running back by committee approach, though rookie Jaylen Samuels looks to be the most fantasy friendly option. Samuels is likely to receive a bulk of the carries and will have the unique distinction of carrying tight end eligibility in Yahoo leagues.
Melvin Gordon: The Chargers are cautiously optimistic Gordon's MCL sprain will be healed enough to allow the former Pro Bowler to return in Week 14. However, the success of Justin Jackson could buy Gordon an additional week of recovery to insure his long-term health. Jackson thrived against the Steelers, rushing for 63 yards and a touchdown, despite only receiving eight carries. As a result, the team could opt to treat Gordon conservatively in order for him to be close to 100 percent for the stretch run and a potential playoff outing. Look for this to be a game-time decision with Jackson becoming a must-own in all formats.
A.J. Green: The Bengals, already playing without Andy Dalton, will finish out the year without the services of their top wide receiver. Green aggravated the toe injury that has limited him throughout the year and is now facing season-ending surgery on the digit. The recovery for this type of injury generally requires a minimum four-month recovery window that could impact Green's availability for training camp. He will carry an elevated level of inherent risk entering next year's fantasy drafts.
