This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
The Miami Dolphins
Normally it's an illness that spreads through locker rooms, limiting player availability and performance. However, a noncontagious problem is running rampant in Miami, as three of the team's top contributors on offense are nursing different shoulder injuries.
To begin, the shoulder is much more than an isolated joint. The shoulder complex begins near the chest at the sternoclavicular (SC) joint. The SC joint is formed at the site where the collarbone (clavicle) meets the breastbone (sternum). Injuries to the SC joint are relatively uncommon, though players like Danny Amendola and Ben Roethlisberger have previously sustained them.
The next major shoulder joint sits at the opposite end of the collarbone where it meets a bony process of the shoulder blade (scapula), forming the acromioclavicular (AC) joint. The AC joint serves as a strut for the shoulder, producing a pivot point that allows for a high degree of motion. Injuries to the AC joint are often referred to as shoulder separations. Miami wide receiver DeVante Parker suffered a left AC sprain over the weekend and is considered "week-to-week." While surgery will not be necessary, plan on Parker sitting for at least two weeks.
The glenohumeral (GH) joint is the joint that most people associate with as the true shoulder. This ball-and-socket joint is designed for mobility and allows the arm to move in wide range of motion. However, the stability of the joint is sacrificed to allow for this extra movement. Fortunately, the body has natural fortifications that help
The Miami Dolphins
Normally it's an illness that spreads through locker rooms, limiting player availability and performance. However, a noncontagious problem is running rampant in Miami, as three of the team's top contributors on offense are nursing different shoulder injuries.
To begin, the shoulder is much more than an isolated joint. The shoulder complex begins near the chest at the sternoclavicular (SC) joint. The SC joint is formed at the site where the collarbone (clavicle) meets the breastbone (sternum). Injuries to the SC joint are relatively uncommon, though players like Danny Amendola and Ben Roethlisberger have previously sustained them.
The next major shoulder joint sits at the opposite end of the collarbone where it meets a bony process of the shoulder blade (scapula), forming the acromioclavicular (AC) joint. The AC joint serves as a strut for the shoulder, producing a pivot point that allows for a high degree of motion. Injuries to the AC joint are often referred to as shoulder separations. Miami wide receiver DeVante Parker suffered a left AC sprain over the weekend and is considered "week-to-week." While surgery will not be necessary, plan on Parker sitting for at least two weeks.
The glenohumeral (GH) joint is the joint that most people associate with as the true shoulder. This ball-and-socket joint is designed for mobility and allows the arm to move in wide range of motion. However, the stability of the joint is sacrificed to allow for this extra movement. Fortunately, the body has natural fortifications that help reinforce the area, including the fibrocartilaginous ring known as the labrum and the rest of the shoulder capsule.
The capsule comprises connective tissue, ligaments and tendons that engulf the shoulder joint. The shoulder capsule arises from the labrum and has multiple attachment points on the shaft of the upper arm bone known as the humerus. The capsule is particularly active when an athlete attempts explosive motions like those involved with throwing a football and also helps reduce the substantial degree of stress placed on and through the rotator cuff muscle group.
Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill is currently recovering from a capsule injury, likely a small tear somewhere in the structure. The degree and location of a capsule tears often dictates recovery. Unfortunately, specifics surrounding Tannehill's injury remain unspecified making it difficult to estimate a definitive timeline. Furthermore, attempting to play through the pain may limit his effectiveness and could exacerbate the problem. Tannehill only recently began to throw without pain but continues to target a November 25 return against the Colts. However, that seems like a best-case scenario, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him sit through the end of the month.
It's not all bad news, as running back Kenyan Drake was able to shake off his undisclosed shoulder injury on Sunday and return for the second half of the team's loss to the Packers. Drake has recently lost carries to veteran Frank Gore, though it doesn't appear this seemingly mild injury is to blame. He will remain a risky play in Week 12 when Miami's comes off their bye week to face the Colts.
Turf Burns
Rob Gronkowski: The former All-Pro tight end has missed back-to-back games and three of New England's last four outings due to lingering ankle and back injuries. While the bye week should provide Gronk with additional rest and make a Week 12 return highly possible, the expectations on his overall productivity should be properly adjusted. He's no longer a top tier tight end for fantasy purposes and has not found the end zone since Week 1. It may be worth considering more reliable, healthier options for the remainder of the season.
Julian Edelman: Another of Tom Brady's favorite targets enter the bye week nursing an injury, as Edelman was a spectator for the end of the team's loss to Tennessee. The wideout suffered an ankle injury late in the contest and did not return with the game out of hand. While specifics surrounding the injury are unsurprisingly vague, there is growing optimism that Edelman will not miss any time. Pay attention to his availability at practice throughout the week leading up to the team's Week 12 matchup with the Jets to get a better idea of his health status.
Joe Flacco: The Ravens continue to closely monitor Flacco's injured hip. While the nature of the injury remains undisclosed, the quarterback was seen on crutches following Baltimore's most recent outing. The injury does not sound overly severe, and adding Lamar Jackson would be a speculative move more than anything. Look for this to be a game-time decision.
Marvin Jones: The Lions wide receiver avoided ligament damage in his injured knee but will miss time with a bone contusion in that area. Bone contusions can take a considerable amount of time to adequately heal, as the body's natural response treats the injury similarly to a fracture. The biomechanics of the knee often delay the process, prolonging recovery. Consider Jones week-to-week for now. Jones' absence will increase the workload of TJ Jones and rookie Brandon Powell.
Sammy Watkins: It seems that a week off was enough to get Watkins' ailing foot right, as the Chiefs expect him to suit up in Week 11 against the Rams. However, there are growing concerns about the condition of the field in Mexico City. An unsafe playing surface could be particularly problematic for a receiver coming off a foot injury, especially one who has previously undergone surgery on area. If the team is concerned about Watkins' safety, they could opt to hold him out through their Week 12 bye.
Cooper Kupp: The Rams will be without Kupp for the remainder of the season after the receiver tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee. The timing of the injury is equally as frustrating, as his recovery is likely to spill into next season. Look for him to be limited in training camp with an early-season absence a possibility.
Chris Carson: Despite an abbreviated week of preparation, Carson is expected to return Thursday against the Packers after missing time with a hip injury. However, the breakout performance of Rashaad Penny could cut into Carson's workload. Penny, the team's rookie running back and top pick in last year's draft, rushed for 108 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries.
