This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
The Raiders quarterback will be sidelined for at least two weeks after suffering an injury that sounds a lot worse than it actually is. Carr was removed from Sunday's game with what was initially described as back spasms. However, further testing found the root of the spasms, a lower back fracture.
The spine is comprised of segments known as vertebra. Each individual bone consists of multiple bony projections, including the spinous process on the posterior aspect and the transverse processes on each side. These projections help with movement, serve as anchor points for various ligaments and muscles, and help protect the back from trauma. Carr's fracture occurred to one of the transverse processes in his lower back.
The exact lumbar vertebrae Carr fractured hasn't been revealed though the location of the injury could play a role in his recovery. For example, the transverse processes of the L3 vertebra acts as an attachment site for the psoas major muscle, a muscle involved in hip flexion, hip rotation and forward bending of the spine. As a result, a fracture here could limit both back and hip function.
However, the transverse processes of the spine are not involved in weight-bearing, and an injured player can often return to action relatively quickly. Quarterbacks Tony Romo and Cam Newton both missed two weeks following transverse process fractures during the 2014 season. Newton's injury occurred in a car accident and only cost him one game, thanks to a conveniently timed bye week.
The Raiders
The Raiders quarterback will be sidelined for at least two weeks after suffering an injury that sounds a lot worse than it actually is. Carr was removed from Sunday's game with what was initially described as back spasms. However, further testing found the root of the spasms, a lower back fracture.
The spine is comprised of segments known as vertebra. Each individual bone consists of multiple bony projections, including the spinous process on the posterior aspect and the transverse processes on each side. These projections help with movement, serve as anchor points for various ligaments and muscles, and help protect the back from trauma. Carr's fracture occurred to one of the transverse processes in his lower back.
The exact lumbar vertebrae Carr fractured hasn't been revealed though the location of the injury could play a role in his recovery. For example, the transverse processes of the L3 vertebra acts as an attachment site for the psoas major muscle, a muscle involved in hip flexion, hip rotation and forward bending of the spine. As a result, a fracture here could limit both back and hip function.
However, the transverse processes of the spine are not involved in weight-bearing, and an injured player can often return to action relatively quickly. Quarterbacks Tony Romo and Cam Newton both missed two weeks following transverse process fractures during the 2014 season. Newton's injury occurred in a car accident and only cost him one game, thanks to a conveniently timed bye week.
The Raiders believe Carr will be back within two to six weeks. Based on previous cases, I'm guessing Carr is back on the earlier end of that recovery timeline. EJ Manuel will take over at quarterback for Oakland and may be worth a speculative add if a bye week or injuries has you scrambling for a signal caller.
The Seahawks were also left reeling after Sunday's game, as their lead running back was carted off the field with an air cast on his left leg. Testing after the game revealed Carson sustained a high ankle sprain and a lower leg fracture below the knee. The involved bone likely is the fibula based on reported information. The injury is similar to injuries sustained by Oakland's Derek Carr and Tennessee's Marcus Mariota late last year, but is more comparable to an injury sustained by Danny Woodhead during the 2014 season.
While a member of the Chargers, Woodhead sustained a specific type of fracture known as a Maisonneuve fracture. Named after the French surgeon Jules Germain François Maisonneuve, this type of injury occurs when the foot is planted and the leg is violently twisted outward. The resulting torque on the leg disrupts the ligaments of the distal ankle and the connective tissue between the two lower legs bones. The generated force also causes the fibula to break near the knee. The term isn't always openly labeled a Maisonneuve fracture but often reported as a high ankle sprain with a fractured fibula, the exact injury that Carson apparently suffered.
The ligament injury, and not the fracture, is the more pressing of the two injuries as the resulting damage can leave the ankle entirely unstable. Surgery may be warranted, though Seattle will continue to evaluate their options moving forward. In the meantime, Carson has been placed on the injured reserve, meaning he won't be eligible to play until December 3.
Head coach Pete Carroll has hinted Thomas Rawls will take on the feature back role with Eddie Lacy and C.J.Prosiselikely to see an increase in usage.
The Vikings will be without their rookie running back for the remainder of the season after he sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) on Sunday. He suffered the injury in noncontact fashion, hitting the turf after a hard cut. Head coach Mike Zimmer confirmed the injury on Monday, while also revealing Cook sustained additional damage to his meniscus. As discussed last week with Philadelphia's Darren Sproles, Cook is facing an estimated recovery timeline of eight to 10 months. As a result, there is a very real chance he will be limited in next year's training camp.
Minnesota's backup options have injury concerns of their own. Latavius Murray is next on the depth chart, but he's still working his way back from offseason ankle surgery. However, Murray seems to be the most likely candidate to start after Jerick McKinnon reportedly tweaked an ankle on Sunday. Neither player is going to make up for the talent lost with Cook but should be worth a flier if injuries have left your backfield depleted.
Turf Burns
Odell Beckham: The Giants wide out briefly left his team's loss on Sunday after dislocating the index finger on his right hand. The displaced joint was "reduced" or returned to alignment on the sidelines before Beckham returned to action. It's impossible to dislocate a joint without their being some sort of soft tissue damage, though the injury shouldn't affect his availability. However the receiver also tweaked his previously sprained ankle in the game, an injury that could prove to be limiting. Expect him to be limited throughout practice this week, but I'd be surprised if he didn't play. It would be wise to adjust your expectations for the immediate future.
Julio Jones: Jones' hip flexor injury appears to be mild and he should be fine following the team's Week 5 bye. Jones was forced from Week 4 after just 15 snaps after entering the week nursing a lower back issue. As previously discussed, Jones has become known for amassing these types of injuries but remaining in the lineup. Look for him to be active in Week 6.
Marcus Mariota: The Titans quarterback is currently listed as day-to-day with a strained hamstring. Even if he is able to play on Sunday, Mariota will be a risky investment. These types of injuries are prone to reinjury,,, as even the mildest strain can linger. Furthermore, the injury could limit Mariota's scrambling ability, a part of his game that adds worth to his overall fantasy value.
Green Bay backfield: Injuries have created a level uncertainty in the Packers backfield. Starter Ty Montgomery is dealing with multiple rib fractures sustained on the first play of the team's Thursday night win over Chicago. He's reported an improvement in pain and function, but will only return if he isn't at risk for a more significant internal injury. Backup Jamaal Williams is nursing a knee injury that could thrust Aaron Jones into a featured role on Sunday against the Cowboys. Jones is worth a gamble for the immediate future, but his long-term value remains dependent on Montgomery's overall health.
