Recapping the Injuries week 4 2017

By Armando Marsal
Armando Marsal There is never a dull moment in the NFL and there is also never a week where we do not see players go down with injuries. This week was no different as there were numerous players that suffered injuries. Some of which will force the players to miss a significant amount of time, even the season, while others could be back next week. Let’s take a look at some of these injuries and the potential impact.

Doug Baldwin – Seahawks: Baldwin suffered a groin strain, but after testing it appears that he avoided a serious injury and could even play in Week 4. It is definitely a situation worth monitoring, but keep in mind that these soft tissue injuries are tricky and can linger. Seattle plays against the Colts this week, which would be a favorable matchup for Baldwin. Paul Richardson could be the main beneficiary if Baldwin misses any time.

Kelvin Benjamin – Panthers: Benjamin suffered a knee injury that looked worse than what it was apparently. An MRI revealed that there is no structure damage to his knee, so fantasy owners can breathe a sigh of relief. At this time it is uncertain whether he will play in Week 4 or not, but I’d lean more towards doubtful than anything else. It is worth keep tabs on his practices this week, but I would not be surprised to see some DNP’s. If he misses, Devin Funchess will likely serve as the No. 1 wide out.

Michael Crabtree – Raiders: Crabtree left Sunday night’s game with a chest injury and never returned. He got X-Rays done, but results came back negative. This game was practically out of reach, so the fact that he did not return is not necessarily a bad sign by any means. We should hear more about the injury throughout the week, but at this time there is nothing indicating that he is in danger of missing Week 4.

Sammy Watkins – Rams: Watkins left Thursday night’s game with a concussion. He is now in the league’s protocol and will need to be cleared before stepping on the field again. He was having his best game of the season, catching 6-of-7 passes for 106 yards and two touchdowns. Tavon Austin also sustained a concussion in this contest.

Jay Ajayi – Dolphins: Ajayi briefly left Sunday’s game against the Jets with an arm injury, but was able to return and play through it. This does not appear to be an injury that will affect his status for Week 4 against the Saints, but it is worth noting. The matchup does not get better for him this upcoming week.

Matt Forte – Jets: Forte suffered a toe injury that knocked him out of Sunday’s game, however, X-Rays came back negative. Initial reports consider him day-to-day with the injury. We should know more regarding his status later in the week, although he has basically been nonexistent from a fantasy standpoint.

Melvin Gordon – Chargers: Gordon suffered a bone bruise on his knee, but it is considered minor at this time. For now it does not appear that his Week 4 status is in danger, however it is definitely a situation to keep a close eye on. He played in just 45 percent of the snaps due to the injury.

Darren Sproles – Eagles: Sproles suffered both a broken arm and torn ACL, and will miss the remainder of the season. Wendell Smallwood will likely be the main beneficiary of this situation.

Samaje Perine – Redskins: Perine suffered a bruised hand and is listed as day-to-day. He was unable to return to the game because of injury, leaving Mack Brown and Chris Thompson to carry the workload. Rob Kelley missed Week 3 due to a rib injury, so if Kelley and Perine are forced to miss this upcoming week, Thompson and Brown could be very busy. It is a situation worth keeping a close eye on. The back to own on this roster is Thompson.

Jesse James – Steelers: James suffered a shoulder injury that briefly knocked him out of Sunday’s game. However, he was able to return and play through it. He has been very quiet since his two-touchdown game to start the season. There is no indication that his Week 4 status is in doubt for now, but even when he is active, he is far too inconsistent to roster on a weekly basis.