Jamaal Charles missed last week’s game with a high ankle sprain, but appears more likely to see action Monday night when the Chiefs host New England in a key AFC matchup. The term “high ankle sprain” is usually used to describe an injury to the syndesmotic ligaments of the ankle, which hold the lower ends of the tibia and fibula (lower leg bones) together. Injuries to these ligaments are usually more serious than to other areas of the ankle, causing significant pain and difficulty bearing weight.
Calvin Johnson, Arian Foster lead NFL Week 4 injury report
The injury list is shorter than it has been in previous weeks, but a number of key performers, including Jamaal Charles, Arian Foster, and Calvin Johnson, are dealing with injuries. In his weekly column, SB Nation Medical Expert Dr. Ali Mohamadi gives insight into the most notable injuries in the fantasy landscape and how they might affect your roster decisions for Week 4.
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A Grade 1 sprain, which Charles suffered, typically requires anywhere from 1-4 weeks of recovery time; a Grade 2 or 3 sprain, in which there is some degree of looseness of the ankle joint, could take longer and even require surgery if the tear is complete. Even if Charles is able to play Monday night, it is quite possible he would cede some carries to backup Knile Davis, who has done well as a replacement.
Arian Foster was unable to suit up against the Giants last week due to a hamstring strain. He’s listed as questionable for Sunday’s 1:00 p.m. contest against Buffalo. The Houston running back has a history of hamstring injuries, which are prone to aggravation if they’re tested before completely healed. Foster is reportedly going to play this week.
Wide receivers
Eric Decker, New York Jets, hamstring
NYJ (1-2) vs. DET (2-1), 1:00 p.m.
Decker has missed practice this week after aggravating a hamstring injury against Chicago. He is listed as questionable for the game against the Lions. Decker suffered the injury during New York’s loss to the Packers two Sundays ago, but was able to make it through 12 plays against the Bears. If Decker can’t go, Jeremy Kerley, Greg Salas, and David Nelson would likely see more Geno Smith passes come their way.
Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions, ankle
DET (2-1) @ NYJ (1-2), 1:00 p.m.
Megatron was sidelined most of the week in practice due to an ankle injury that has caused some pain and decreased range of motion. That said, he has ramped up his activity in practice the past two days and himself has stated that he plans to play against the Jets this afternoon. He will play this week.
Brandon Marshall, Chicago Bears, ankle
CHI (2-1) vs. GB (1-2), 1:00 p.m.
Marshall has played the past two weeks despite an ankle injury sustained in Week 1 against the Bills. Last week, he aggravated the injury, leaving temporarily but finishing the game. For yet another week, his practice time has been limited, as the ankle continues to cause him some discomfort, but he’s reportedly going to play through it again this week.
Tight ends
Vernon Davis, San Francisco 49ers, ankle
SF (1-2) vs. PHI (3-0), 4:25 p.m.
The 49ers tight end missed last week’s loss to Arizona after spraining his ankle in Week 2 when the joint bent awkwardly on a hit by Bears linebacker Jon Bostic. He is officially listed as questionable for Sunday’s game with undefeated Philadelphia. Head coach Jim Harbaugh expressed some optimism during the week over Davis’s status. Backup tight ends Derek Carrier and Vance McDonald, who himself has missed time due to injury, would be likely to see the majority of the action if Davis is unable to play.
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