This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
The Titans quarterback was removed in the third quarter from the team's loss to the Texans with what was described as a shoulder injury. It has since been revealed that he is suffering from a low-grade acromioclavicular (AC) sprain though Tennessee has expressed optimism that he will be available for Week 14's contest against the Giants.
Mettenberger's injury occurred when Texans' All-Pro defender J.J. Watt collided with the signal caller. The AC joint is located where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade at a bony process known as the acromion. It is one of four articulations that comprise the shoulder and acts similarly to a strut, allowing for increased range of motion in the shoulder. While the damage to the stabilizing ligaments in Mettenberger's shoulder is minor, there is still plenty of cause for concern.
The symptoms associated with the sprain, like pain and inflammation, will functionally limit the quarterback's throwing motion. As a result, Mettenberger's power and accuracy could be negatively affected. Even with numerous bracing options available, it would be smart to avoid the Titans QB if a healthy option is available. The largely ineffective Jake Locker would take over if Mettenberger were unable to play.
Whoever ultimately starts for the Titans will be short a receiver after Hunter sustained a scary injury in the loss to the Texans. The second-year wide out remains in a Houston-area hospital after lacerating his spleen during Sunday's game.
The spleen is one of the larger internal organs and is situated in the upper left quadrant of the human body. It is part of the immune system and is responsible for filtering the blood and fighting infection. Unfortunately the spleen is one of the most commonly injured abdominal organs despite being protected by the rib cage.
Surgery, or in some extreme cases removal, can be necessary dependent on the severity of the damage. Luckily Hunter appears to have avoided serious damage and will likely avoid a trip to the operating room. Instead he will remain under observation for a few more days to insure the injury site is properly healing. While he hasn't been ruled out just yet, it's hard to imagine a scenario in which he takes the field this week. A return later in the season isn't unheard of as Cowboys tight end Jason Witten came back from a lacerated spleen in a little under three weeks back in 2012. In the meantime, Kendall Wright and Nate Washington will receive additional targets with Derek Hagan and Kris Durham moving up the depth chart.
Kansas City's Pro Bowl running back is dealing with a knee contusion. Charles experienced swelling around the area during Sunday's loss to the Broncos though he was able to play through the issue. The injury isn't overly concerning but it's one worth monitoring throughout the week. If the swelling worsens or persists the Chiefs may be forced to turn to Knile Davis. The Chiefs do have a tough matchup on tap with the team traveling to Arizona to face the Cardinals and their hard-nosed defense.
Jeffery continues to struggle with a lingering hamstring strain that has been a problem for most of the season. He was limited Monday and did not practice Tuesday. The decision appears to be purely precautionary but is a bit troublesome with the Bears hosting the Cowboys on short-rest and several other external factors. To start hamstring strains are very problematic for speedy receivers since the muscle helps control explosive movements and sudden start and stops. Furthermore the weather in Chicago could come into play with near-freezing temperatures expected on Thursday. Low temperatures can cause joints and muscles to stiffen and also impair nerve conduction. As a result a player can experience a decrease in coordination and an increase in injury risk. Tread carefully with Jeffery and fellow receiving targets Brandon Marshall (ankle) and Martellus Bennett (foot).
Turf Burns
Andre Ellington: Ellington's status for Week 14 has yet to be determined after he suffered a hip pointer in the team's loss to the Falcons. Hip pointers can be very painful and it remains too early to speculate on his availability. Watch his level of participation during the week and consider adding Marion Grice as an insurance policy.
Nick Foles: Foles' collarbone is still healing and he doesn't appear to be an immediate threat to earn back the starting quarterback position from Mark Sanchez. Foles has not played since Week 9 and has been forced to watch Sanchez lead the Eagles to a 4-1 record in his absence.
Rashad Jennings: Just weeks after returning from a medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his knee, Jennings is now battling an ankle sprain. The injury appears minor but the fear for a cascade injury will persist until he can prove he's healthy. Keep him in the lineup unless he suffers a setback and is unable to play.
Marshawn Lynch: The man known as Beast Mode is mulling retirement with a lingering back injury serving as one of his primary reasons. Lynch has compressed cartilage in his spine that is causing him reoccurring discomfort. Replacing cartilage is extremely difficult and even impossible in certain cases. It will not likely affect his productivity for the remainder of the season but an injury of this magnitude could alter his quality of life down the road.
Tyrann Mathieu: The Cardinals secondary took a big hit after Mathieu underwent surgery to repair a fractured and dislocated left thumb. He is expected to miss at least three weeks recovering. While the injury won't directly alter fantasy landscapes, it's a big win for the offenses of the Chiefs, Rams, and Seahawks. All three teams are schedule to face the Cardinals over the next three weeks.
Torrey Smith: Coach John Harbaugh downplayed the severity of Smith's injuries to his right knee and leg and expects to have him in the lineup against the Dolphins. Smith has warmed up after a chilly start and is averaging 5 receptions, 75 yards and a touchdown over the last four weeks.
