This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
When the Cowboys receiver first appeared on the team's injury report with a bruised heel, I suggested the injury might actually be plantar fasciitis. Cooper recently admitted he was dealing with a "form of plantar fasciitis." However, another wrinkle in the situation was added when it was later reported the root of the problem may not be the plantar fascia but one of the intrinsic muscles of the foot.
The plantar fascia is a collection of thick connective tissue that originates at the heel and runs the length of the bottom of the foot. It protects the area, while supporting and stabilizing the arches of the foot. It is designed to help divert stress placed on the foot but can become irritated or inflamed if over-stretched or torn. Inflammation in the area is referred to as plantar fasciitis.
The plantar fascia also protects the underlying muscles of the sole of foot. The intrinsic muscles of the foot are divided into four distinct layers. These muscles control movement of the foot and toes while working synergistically with the plantar fascia to support the arches of the foot. The extent of this relationship appears complex, as studies have revealed that weak intrinsics likely contributes to plantar fasciitis. As a result, it seems debating on the true nature of Cooper's injury might be semantics at this point. However, it's likely a chronic condition and should be expected to linger even when Cooper does return to the field. As a result, the
When the Cowboys receiver first appeared on the team's injury report with a bruised heel, I suggested the injury might actually be plantar fasciitis. Cooper recently admitted he was dealing with a "form of plantar fasciitis." However, another wrinkle in the situation was added when it was later reported the root of the problem may not be the plantar fascia but one of the intrinsic muscles of the foot.
The plantar fascia is a collection of thick connective tissue that originates at the heel and runs the length of the bottom of the foot. It protects the area, while supporting and stabilizing the arches of the foot. It is designed to help divert stress placed on the foot but can become irritated or inflamed if over-stretched or torn. Inflammation in the area is referred to as plantar fasciitis.
The plantar fascia also protects the underlying muscles of the sole of foot. The intrinsic muscles of the foot are divided into four distinct layers. These muscles control movement of the foot and toes while working synergistically with the plantar fascia to support the arches of the foot. The extent of this relationship appears complex, as studies have revealed that weak intrinsics likely contributes to plantar fasciitis. As a result, it seems debating on the true nature of Cooper's injury might be semantics at this point. However, it's likely a chronic condition and should be expected to linger even when Cooper does return to the field. As a result, the Dallas medical team will be tasked with managing any associated symptoms, and it won't be shocking to see his number of practice reps reduced throughout the season.
Cooper did his best to alleviate any concerns about his level of potential productivity, revealing he previously played through a similar problem during his time at Alabama and during his rookie campaign with the Raiders. Cooper finished his first season in the NFL with 72 receptions for 1,070 yards and six touchdowns. Drafting Cooper will be a calculated gamble with plenty of upside, but look for him to be a fixture of the injury report for the start of the year.
Cooper's absence has allowed second-year Michael Gallup to see more reps, and he's emerging as a potential sleeper in all formats. He's shown growing chemistry with quarterback Dak Prescott and has hauled in four receptions for 62 yards and a touchdown in team-limited preseason action.
The Carolina quarterback is hoping to have a bounce-back season after a shoulder injury negatively impacted his 2018 season. However, another injury is currently limiting the 2015 NFL MVP and could affect his availability for Week 1.
Newton suffered a mid-foot sprain in the team's preseason loss to the Patriots. The injury was initially believed to be an ankle injury but ultimately diagnosed as a mid-foot sprain.
The mid-foot is made up of the five tarsometatarsal joints that are formed where the long metatarsal bones of the foot meet with the cuboid bone and the three cuneiform bones. Multiple ligaments are located in the area to stabilize the foot, specifically with weight-bearing. The linchpin of the five tarsometatarsal joints is the second joint, an area fortified by a particularly strong ligament known as Lisfranc's ligament. Often times when the mid-foot is injured this ligament will avulse a small piece of bone, creating the infamous Lisfranc fracture.
Fortunately, Newton appears to have avoided a Lisfranc injury with the injury being described as mild. The team expressed "cautious optimism" that he will be ready for the regular season. Newton is doing his best to back up these claims, progressing smoothly through the first phase of treatment. He has already shed the walking boot, meaning the injured area is capable of withstanding normal weight-bearing.
The Panthers medical team likely will gradually build up the amount of stress placed on and through the area to ensure the stability of the foot, but there are already whispers that Newton could be back at practice in the near future. As a result, fantasy owners shouldn't drastically alter their draft day plans and continue to draft Newton in his current slot. He will continue to carry an elevated level of risk based on his prior injuries but remains a top-10 option.
Last week I attempted to crack the case on Luck's curious lower leg injury. I never expected the answer to come in a press conference in which Luck announced his retirement from football. During his speech, he cited multiple injuries in his injured leg including a calf strain, posterior impingement of the ankle and a high ankle sprain. Luck admitted the numerous injuries he has sustained throughout his career were a driving force behind his decision. Looking through his injury history, it's not hard to see why Luck appeared so beaten down. In addition to his current problems, the quarterback has dealt with concussions, a lacerated kidney, torn abdominal muscles and a complex labrum tear in his throwing shoulder. Jacoby Brissett will take over as Indianapolis' starting quarterback, and I hope Luck is able to find peace of mind and good health away from the field.
Turf Burns
Odell Beckham 
: I'm still not overly concerned with Beckham's bruised hip. The team has been cautious with his recovery, holding him out of 11-on-11 drills and all preseason action. It would have been nice to see Baker Mayfield and Beckham get some early reps together, but the Browns opted to take a conservative approach instead. Beckham will still enter the year as an elite fantasy wide receiver. I'm also taking a similar approach with Tampa Bay's Mike Evans who remains limited by an undisclosed quadriceps injury.
Lamar Miller 
: The Texans lost their starting running back on his first carry of the preseason. Miller suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the team's preseason loss to the Cowboys on Saturday and will miss the remainder of the season. Duke Johnson will take over as Houston's lead back with Buddy Howell moving up the depth chart.
Adam Thielen 
: The Vikings wide out did not play in his team's third preseason game due to lingering soreness. The decision appears precautionary, and head coach Mike Zimmer went on to say that Thielen would have played had this been a regular season contest. With Thielen unlikely to play in the preseason finale, the next time we see the receiver will be in Week 1 against the Falcons.
