As a celebration of the start of the NFL season (ok, a couple weeks late) and the publishing of my 250th article yesterday on America’s 250th Anniversary, I have extended all my current paid subscribers a free month. This should already be reflected on your account (please let me know if it has not). Whether you are a paid subscriber or a free subscriber, I thank you for your support!
Now, for the analysis of four notable injuries around the NFL that occurred this past week - including to key players who are on the Detroit Lions upcoming schedule. Wishing all these exciting-to-watch players a swift, full recovery.
Jaxson Dart, QB - Left MCL/PCL/meniscus
Giants vs Lions, Week 16
Initially, there were reports that Dart avoided a major injury. But after further imaging, it was determined that the injury was severe enough to need surgery. The surgery likely ends his season, but there is a small possibility he could return in the playoffs.
Most MCL injuries do not need surgery. However, surgery can be indicated for an unstable Grade 3 MCL, distal tear, entrapment of the torn ligament, or multi-ligament tears like we saw with Derrick Barnes’ MCL/PCL in 2024…
Barnes missed the rest of the season but has been very healthy since.
In Dart’s case, he has a multi-ligament MCL/PCL tear like Barnes, but Adam Schefter reports that the meniscus is the main concern. About 5% of MCL tears have associated medial meniscus tears. Dart may be getting a meniscus repair which carries a 3-6 month recovery. While the knee injury is significant, the long-term prognosis should be good.
If Dart decides to seek another opinion, the doctor who magically healed David Montgomery’s MCL in 2024 may still be available…
Jameis Winston now becomes the starting QB for the Giants, which gives the aforementioned Derrick Barnes a chance for redemption…
Caleb Williams, QB - Right hamstring
Bears vs Lions, Week 12 & 17
The Bears star QB went down in a heap with what looked like might be a severe injury, as he appeared to be in extreme agony and was carted off. Good news for Williams and the Bears, as it turned out to just be a mild right hamstring strain that won’t keep him out long, if at all.
This is a good reminder that different players will have different reactions to injuries on the field, and that is just fine. Williams may have been understandably emotionally frustrated with having to leave a close game late in the 4th quarter. The ubiquity of high-def cameras everywhere in an NFL stadium also means that every momentary reaction will be captured.
Williams does have a history of hamstring issues in his past. Could there have been an antecedent right hamstring strain caused by the awkward posing in this Rivalries jersey photo shoot?
You don’t have to do everything the photographer tells you to do, Caleb.
Jayden Daniels, QB - Left elbow dislocation
The main takeaway from the video is that you are apparently allowed to freely swear on national TV if you’ve won seven Super Bowls.
As for Daniels, this is the same left elbow dislocation as last season. While the injury may look gruesome, his season isn’t necessarily over, as he returned in just five weeks last year without getting surgery. However, this repeat dislocation means there is just too much laxity in the elbow joint at this point.
He has three main options going forward:
Surgery now, which likely ends his season.
Brace it and try to finish out the season, with surgery after the season.
Brace it forever.
In addition, strengthening his arms is probably a good idea that carries no negative side effects.
I do know of someone who could offer some fun tips on strengthening that left arm…
Jayden Reed, WR - Neck/spine
Packers vs Lions, Week 7 & 18
It’s subtle, but you can see Reed take a blow to the top of the helmet. He immediately goes limp.