This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
The Eagles quarterback and a frontrunner for league MVP, Wentz, will not play again this season after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the team's win over the Rams on Sunday. Wentz was injured during the third quarter after absorbing contact from two Los Angeles defenders. He stayed in the game for the remainder of the series but limped off the field and was eventually replaced by backup Nick Foles.
When a player sustains an injury that is believed to involve the ACL, medical professionals will examine the integrity of the ligament using a variety of special tests. These tests, especially the Lachman test, are surprisingly accurate in determining a torn ACL. Reports following the game surfaced that manual tests on Wentz's knee indicated an ACL tear, which were later confirmed with a MRI.
Wentz is slated to undergo surgery in the coming days to repair the damage. It is believed the ACL was the only structure injured, though more information will trickle out following surgery.
The ACL is one of the primary stabilizing ligaments in the knee. It is involved in preventing excessive motion while walking, running and changing direction quickly. ACL injuries have gained notoriety in professional sports, as numerous athletes have succumbed to the injury. The NFL is no exception, with players like Tom Brady, Adrian Peterson, Jordy Nelson and countless others falling victim to the injury. This season alone, nearly 50 players have sustained an ACL tear, including Julian
The Eagles quarterback and a frontrunner for league MVP, Wentz, will not play again this season after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the team's win over the Rams on Sunday. Wentz was injured during the third quarter after absorbing contact from two Los Angeles defenders. He stayed in the game for the remainder of the series but limped off the field and was eventually replaced by backup Nick Foles.
When a player sustains an injury that is believed to involve the ACL, medical professionals will examine the integrity of the ligament using a variety of special tests. These tests, especially the Lachman test, are surprisingly accurate in determining a torn ACL. Reports following the game surfaced that manual tests on Wentz's knee indicated an ACL tear, which were later confirmed with a MRI.
Wentz is slated to undergo surgery in the coming days to repair the damage. It is believed the ACL was the only structure injured, though more information will trickle out following surgery.
The ACL is one of the primary stabilizing ligaments in the knee. It is involved in preventing excessive motion while walking, running and changing direction quickly. ACL injuries have gained notoriety in professional sports, as numerous athletes have succumbed to the injury. The NFL is no exception, with players like Tom Brady, Adrian Peterson, Jordy Nelson and countless others falling victim to the injury. This season alone, nearly 50 players have sustained an ACL tear, including Julian Edelman, DeShaun Watson and Dalvin Cook.
Peterson's recovery from his ACL tear in 2011 is one of the most well documented ACL cases in recent memory. The former Vikings running back returned to the field eight months after his injury and went on to win the 2012 NFL MVP. While recovery times continue to improve, Peterson's case is more of the exception than the rule. The expected recovery timeline is between eight to 12 months with most studies suggesting it takes a full year for the reconstructed ligament to display the same physical properties as the original one. As a result, there is a chance that Wentz's recovery could spill into the 2018 season.
However, the success rate of the procedure is high, and players like Brady and Peterson have gone on to have MVP-level seasons after their injuries. Furthermore, Wentz is only 24 years old and should be able to bounce back better than an older player. As a result, I wouldn't drastically alter Wentz's long-term value in dynasty and keeper leagues.
Foles will start for the remainder of the season and is worth a speculative add for teams invested in Wentz or in desperate need of a quarterback. Foles is a downgrade from his predecessor but does have a fantasy friendly schedule to close out the year with games against the Giants, Raiders and Cowboys. Additionally, the fantasy value of Philadelphia's receivers should also take a small hit.
Turf Burns
Amari Cooper: The Oakland receiver aggravated his left ankle injury during the second quarter and did not return. Cooper, who has been recovering from the ankle sprain and a concussion, clearly was limited by the ankle and was having trouble with lateral moves that stressed the ankle joint. He likely will see limited practice reps and be a gametime decision against the Cowboys. Even if Cooper is cleared to play, I would look elsewhere this week.
Alvin Kamara: A concussion sustained on the opening drive forced the dynamic rookie out of New Orleans' Thursday night loss to Atlanta. Kamara has since said he expects to play in Week 5 against the Jets but must first complete the league's mandated return to play policy. If he cannot go, look for Mark Ingram to assume the majority of the carries out of the Saints backfield.
Marcus Mariota: The Titans have admitted Mariota's sprained left knee altered the team's play-calling during the team's loss to the Cardinals. Mariota visibly struggled with his mobility and finished 16 of 31 for 159 yards and two interceptions. The team anticipates him practicing on Wednesday, but this is could be a gametime decision. Even if Mariota is cleared to start, it's hard to put much stock in a strong Week 15 performance. It is also worth noting Mariota has a history of left knee injuries, including medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprains in 2013 and 2015.
Josh McCown: A broken left hand has ended McCown's season. Surgery will be needed to mend the fracture site and will force the Jets to change signal callers. Bryce Petty is slated to make his fifth career start against the Saints on Sunday with Christian Hackenberg assuming the backup role. McCown should be fine entering the offseason when he will be a free agent.
Aaron Rodgers: Green Bay's recent success has opened the door for a late-season return from Rodgers. The 34-year-old quarterback has not played since suffering a broken collarbone in Week 6 against the Vikings. Rodgers underwent surgery to plate the area and has since progressed through his recovery plan and returned to practice. However, concerns about risking Rodger's long-term health linger, and the team continues to review the situation. Fantasy owners should continue to monitor the situation and keep in mind Rodger's return will be marked with an elevated level of risk.
Tom Savage: The Texans quarterback suffered a head injury in the team's loss to the 49ers but briefly returned to play. The incident is particularly troubling after sideline cameras captured Savage suffering what appeared to be a seizure. It appears Savage reaction to the hit is what is known as the fencing response. The fencing response is a neurological motor response resulting from a head injury that leaves the forearms rigid and extended. This type of abnormal posturing is used as an indicator of head trauma, specifically to the brainstem. Savage has been placed in the concussion protocol, but the episode is a glaring reminder of the perils of football and that continued steps to identify concussions and other head injuries remain necessary.
