NFL Week 15 Injury Notebook

A different type of injury left the entire NFL community holding its breath during the early portions of Week 15.

Early Tuesday afternoon, a car accident hospitalized Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton. Bruce Henderson and Jonathan Jones of the Charlotte Observer provided chilling details about the crash:

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Observer reporter Karen Sullivan, who was walking south on Church Street, said she saw the truck travel over the top of the sedan and become airborne for a short distance, rolling side over side when it landed.

The windows shattered before the truck came to rest, Sullivan said. Newton lifted himself out through the back window and staggered over to the side of the bridge, where he waited for medical help.

Newton, lying on a sidewalk in black workout clothes, was treated on the bridge for at least 20 minutes. He and Pellot were strapped to backboards and in neck braces before being loaded into ambulances.

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Newton suffered two transverse process fractures in his spine. Transverse processes are bony extensions of vertebrae.

While transverse process fractures are quite painful, they do not typically result in long-term disability. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo missed just one game after suffering two of his own transverse process fractures earlier this year.

Far more important, however, is the fact that Newton escaped his terrifying ordeal without more serious injuries. After his hospital discharge, he took to Instagram to express his relief, sending a powerful message to his followers: "L1FE IS TO SHORT FOR YOU NOT TO APPRECIATE IT TO THE FULLNESS; THROUGH THE GOOD AND THE BAD!"

Newton headlines this week's injury notebook, but the photos of his heavily damaged vehicle put matters into perspective.

After all, there is much, much more to life than football.

Please note that the original form of this slideshow is current through Friday evening and will receive periodic updates throughout the weekend.

Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers (Red)

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Player: Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers

Injury: Two transverse process fractures

Latest News: According to ESPN.com's David Newton, backup quarterback Derek Anderson will start this week as Superman recuperates.

Alert Level: Red

Relevant Medicine and Anatomy: Two transverse processes extend outward from each vertebra. They function as attachment points for the muscles of the back. They do not contact the spinal cord or the nerves that exit from it.

Possible On-Field Limitations and Considerations: Transverse process fractures are mostly an issue of protection and pain control. The severe, acute pain from Newton's injuries should subside within the first few days. Then, residual pain and spasms will dictate his ability to twist, duck and throw—and thus effectively play football.

Fantasy Advice: Newton is out this week, but he could have a decent chance to take the field Week 16. Follow next week's practice statuses closely.

Follow-Up: Newton should be fine with time, and in the end, that's all that matters.

Eli Manning, QB, New York Giants (Green)

Matt Rourke/Associated Press

Player: Eli Manning, QB, New York Giants

Injury: Back injury

Latest News: The Giants list Manning as "probable" after he completed a full practice on Friday. According to the New York Daily News' Ebenezer Samuel, Manning didn't "really consider (himself) injured" earlier this week.

Alert Level: Green

Relevant Medicine and Anatomy: It seems likely Manning is dealing with a minor sprain or muscle spasm.

Possible On-Field Limitations and Considerations: Anti-inflammatory or anti-spasmodic medications may be necessary to help him play at full speed, but there doesn't seem to be much concern regarding the quarterback's health.

Fantasy Advice: Start him as needed.

Follow-Up: Minor spasms and sprains heal well with time.

Jamaal Charles, RB, Kansas City Chiefs, (Green-Yellow)

Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press

Player: Jamaal Charles, RB, Kansas City Chiefs

Injury: Knee, ankle injuries

Latest News: According to the team's injury report, Charles earned a "probable" tag after his practice status trended upward all the way to full participation throughout the week. Head coach Andy Reid—via The Associated Press' Herbie Teope—"expects to get full use and work" out of the running back.

Alert Level: Green-yellow

Relevant Medicine and Anatomy: Those watching Charles' injury saw him fall backward over his leg and twist his ankle. A precise diagnosis is unavailable, but his injury mechanism suggests the somewhat common high-ankle, MCL sprain combination injury.

Possible On-Field Limitations and Considerations: Charles already injured his left ankle earlier this year. Once he returned, he exploded onto the scene with 92 rushing yards and three total touchdowns in his first game back. While this new injury raises some concern, Charles' track record speaks for itself.

Fantasy Advice: Start him. There isn't enough out there to warrant benching the weekly fantasy stud.

Follow-Up: Barring an aggravation, Charles might fall off the injury report altogether next week.

Eddie Lacy, RB, Green Bay Packers (Yellow)

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Player: Eddie Lacy, RB, Green Bay Packers

Injury: Hip injury

Latest News: The Packers list their powerful running back as "probable." He practiced on a limited basis all week.

Alert Level: Yellow

Relevant Medicine and Anatomy: The nature of Lacy's hip injury is unclear. However, his likely availability this week suggests a minor injury such as a contusion.

Possible On-Field Limitations and Considerations: Hip injuries can drastically limit a running back's effectiveness on the field. They can prevent him from quickly turning his hips outward to start off the line of scrimmage or from sharply changing directions.

Fantasy Advice: Lacy certainly merits a starting fantasy spot. However, he told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Tom Silverstein that "he (had) hurdles before being cleared." A backfield timeshare seems possible, and owners need to temper expectations a bit.

Follow-Up: If Lacy's injury constitutes nothing more than a contusion, it will heal well by next week.

Ryan Mathews, RB, San Diego Chargers (Orange)

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Player: Ryan Mathews, RB, San Diego Chargers

Injury: Ankle injury

Latest News: The Chargers gave Mathews an optimistic "questionable" designation despite him missing practice all week. Nevertheless, USA Today's Lindsay Jones tweeted head coach Mike McCoy said Mathews could play despite his lack of repetitions.

Alert Level: Orange

Relevant Medicine and Anatomy: On replay, Mathews' injury mechanism suggested the possibility of a high-ankle sprain. High-ankle sprains involve the ligaments that connect the bones of the lower leg to one another, and in general, they heal more slowly than their low-ankle counterparts.

Possible On-Field Limitations and Considerations: Even if Mathews takes the field, high-ankle sprains can lead to pain and instability whenever a player plants and turns—not a good recipe for a running back.

Fantasy Advice: The Chargers take on a tough Denver Broncos run defense this week. Even if Mathews plays, owners should look elsewhere except in the most desperate scenarios.

Follow-Up: Unfortunately, this injury may be the kind that lingers week in and week out for some time. Ankle injuries and running backs do not mix well.

Andre Johnson, WR, Houston Texans (Green to Red)

Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press

Player: Andre Johnson, WR, Houston Texans

Injury: Concussion

Latest News: ESPN's Tania Ganguli tweeted that as of Friday, Johnson is still awaiting medical clearance to play following last week's concussion.

Alert Level: Green if active, otherwise red

Relevant Medicine and Anatomy: Johnson briefly lost consciousness after the violent hit that caused his injury. He fell to the ground with arms outstretched, a position that reflects the brain's brief loss of control over the body. Loss of consciousness after a hit to the head immediately diagnoses a concussion.

Possible On-Field Limitations and Considerations: Once Johnson returns, he should play at full speed. However, players with a history of multiple concussions—he suffered one in 2013, as well—tend to recovery more slowly.

Fantasy Advice: If Johnson receives medical clearance before Sunday, owners can safely start him this week. Concussions only rarely become symptomatic after a player completes the protocol.

Follow-Up: Johnson is approaching the late stages of his career, but further concussions could lead to longer-lasting symptoms due to his history. Hopefully, he can avoid more injuries.

Torrey Smith, WR, Baltimore Ravens (Orange)

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Player: Torrey Smith, WR, Baltimore Ravens

Injury: Knee sprain

Latest News: Smith got in a full day of practice on Friday, according to the team's injury report. He thus earned a "probable" tag. However, ESPN.com's Jamison Hensley notes Smith also earned a "probable" designation last week but played in only 15 snaps after "his knee swelled up in pregame warm-ups."

Alert Level: Orange

Relevant Medicine and Anatomy: The diagnosis of "knee sprain" isn't very specific. The fact that his knee swelled last week suggests his injury lies within the joint space itself, with one possibility being a meniscus injury. The meniscus sits between the femur—the thigh bone—and the shin. It helps distribute the body's weight over a larger surface area within the joint.

Possible On-Field Limitations and Considerations: Smith clearly played the role of a decoy last week, logging no receptions at all during his team's victory over the Miami Dolphins. The chances of such a scenario unfolding this week is, unfortunately, reasonably high.

Fantasy Advice: Be very careful here. This may be one of the shakier "probable" tags in recent memory. Follow reports on Smith's health closely this weekend and look to the waiver wire if you can.

Follow-Up: Persistent knee swelling often necessitates arthroscopic knee surgery to both diagnose and treat the underlying problem. Nothing yet suggests Smith is heading down such a path, but the possibility exists.

Demaryius Thomas, WR, Denver Broncos (Yellow)

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Player: Demaryius Thomas, WR, Denver Broncos

Injury: Ankle sprain

Latest News: The Broncos list Thomas as "probable" after his practice status trended upward all week.

Alert Level: Yellow

Relevant Medicine and Anatomy: A healthy ankle lets a wide receiver pivot and cut away from defenders. Injured ligaments can make doing so painful.

Possible On-Field Limitations and Considerations: While Thomas' ankle injury may put a slight damper on his agility, athletic trainers can add supportive taping to his shoe to help make up the difference.

Fantasy Advice: Thomas burned fantasy owners last week with just 11 receiving yards, and his ankle probably played a role. However, his practice statuses this week offer much more reassurance. Start him.

Follow-Up: As long as the star wideout can avoid a setback this week, his ankle injury should fade into memory soon.

Julius Thomas, TE, Denver Broncos (Yellow)

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Player: Julius Thomas, TE, Denver Broncos

Injury: Ankle sprain

Latest News: Thomas looks to return from a three-game absence due to his ankle sprain. He practiced all week, including a full session on Friday, which led the Broncos to designate him as "probable" to play.

Alert Level: Yellow

Relevant Medicine and Anatomy: Thomas' prolonged absence suggests a Grade-2 sprain or a partial ligament tear. Grade-2 sprains lead to ankle instability—and thus a higher risk of further injury in addition to pain and swelling.

Possible On-Field Limitations and Considerations: Thomas caught nine touchdown passes in his team's first six games. As a tight end, his value relies more on his size and less on his agility.

Fantasy Advice: The big tight end remains a red-zone target despite his injury, though he probably isn't yet back to 100 percent. Start him anyway.

Follow-Up: Even serious ankle sprains usually scar down well with time. In a few cases, however, repeat sprains can lead to chronic instability.

Jadeveon Clowney, LB, Houston Texans (Red)

Patric Schneider/Associated Press

Player: Jadeveon Clowney, LB, Houston Texans

Injury: Microfracture surgery

Latest News: According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Clowney underwent microfracture knee surgery earlier this week.

Alert Level: Red, both now and into 2015

Relevant Medicine and Anatomy: Microfracture surgery tricks the body into healing articular cartilage damage in an attempt to prevent or delay arthritis. During the procedure, a surgeon drills small holes—"microfractures"—into articular cartilage defects. This lets deeper areas of bone—areas that carry richer blood supplies—access and bleed into the injury site. Over time, fibrocartilage heals outward from the fractures into the defect, replacing the lost cartilage.

Possible On-Field Limitations and Considerations: Clowney will need to work extremely hard to return from this one. He will surely remain off his feet for weeks and even months while his body forms fibrocartilage, as bearing weight too early risks damaging the new tissue. He must then slowly rehab his leg back to full strength. The entire recovery process often requires the better part of a year or more. Even then, the surgery represents a salvage technique, not a cure.

Fantasy Advice: Avoid the Texans defense this week regardless of the news, as Houston faces Andrew Luck's Indianapolis Colts.

Follow-Up: Clowney's microfracture surgery represents the latest blow to his nightmarish rookie season. The entire NFL can only hope he recovers well and realizes his potential.

Fantasy Football Quick Hits

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Quarterbacks

• The Philadelphia Eagles ruled out quarterback Nick Foles this week. He continues to recover from a clavicle fracture.
• According to ESPN's Adam Schefter—via ESPN.com's Josh Weinfuss—Arizona Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton is "week-to-week" after spraining his knee on Thursday. On Friday, Fox Sports' Mike Jurecki tweeted that Stanton suffered damaged to both his ACL and MCL.

Running backs

• The Denver Broncos injury report offers some reassurance on running back C.J. Anderson. Despite his ankle injury, his practice status trended upward all week. He is likely a safe fantasy play.
• Detroit Lions running back Reggie Bush only got in two limited practices this week. The team lists him as "questionable" as he continues to rehab his troublesome ankle.

Wide receivers

• According to the Washington Redskins injury report, wide receiver DeSean Jackson practiced on a limited basis all week. He is recovering from a fibula contusion, and he is "questionable" to play.
• Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones did not practice all week. The team designates him as "questionable" to play, but his inactivity is concerning. Nevertheless, given his performance last week, owners will be hard-pressed to sit him if the team activates him. Follow his status closely this weekend.

Tight ends

• Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen remains on his team's injury report with a knee issue. However, he earned a "probable" tag. He also played through the injury last week, catching 10 passes in the process.

Dr. Dave Siebert is a second-year resident physician at the University of Washington and a member of the Professional Football Writers of America. He plans to pursue fellowship training in Primary Care (nonoperative) Sports Medicine.

Stats were obtained from NFL.com official statistics.

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