The last few weeks have seen several big names succumb to concussions and as a result brought more focus on a very hot topic in the NFL. A concussion's a scary injury that can be accompanied by unpredictable and occasionally life-threatening side effects. Furthermore, multiple concussions can lead to life long symptoms and permanent damage after a player's retired from football. Led by Commissioner Roger Goodell, the NFL is actively researching concussions and their after-effects in an effort to protect not only current players, but retired ones as well.
A concussion occurs when an athlete's normal brain function is disrupted following a blow to the head or neck. Neural functions like balance and memory recall are often affected, but occasionally more severe processes like vision and breathing can become interrupted. Concussions are classified and graded based on loss of consciousness as well as the results of cognitive and medical tests including MRIs and CAT scans.
Athletes that suffer concussions are more carefully monitored than in the past. Formerly, a football player would be cleared to play if all major symptoms had subsided, but recent research has shed light on the severity of exposing an athlete to another concussion while they're still recovering from one. Now, athletes will be withheld if they show any signs of lingering effects, including headaches, and must be symptom-free for 24 hours before they're allowed to return to the field. Furthermore, the symptoms can't return with physical exertion.
Recently, Philadelphia running back Brian Westbrook and Buffalo quarterback Trent Edwards have missed time recovering from concussions. Edwards has yet to be cleared by team physicians, but is expected to be ready to go for Week 10. Westbrook's a bigger question mark as he is dealing with an ankle issue in addition to his concussion. His status should be carefully monitored throughout the week as he'll likely be a game-time decision. LeSean McCoy would continue to start if Westbrook can't suit up.
Week 9 also saw the Redskins' Clinton Portis and the 49ers' Glen Coffee leave with concussions. With a Thursday game on the schedule and less time to recover, Coffee's already been ruled out for Week 10. The same is likely for Portis, who lost consciousness and doesn't recall the helmet-to-helmet play that forced him out against Atlanta. While Coffee's absence shouldn't effect the 49ers offense too drastically, the absence of Portis will impact an already struggling Washington offense. Ladell Betts will become the feature back against Denver if Portis remains shelved.
With the NFL taking concussions very seriously and the severity of these injuries become more and more clear, fantasy owners who own players affected by concussions would be wise to have a backup plan. While concussions were once considered a minor injury, players are now more likely to miss multiple games following a head injury. Keep this mind when monitoring and reading injury reports and press releases.
Rest is vital for more than just concussions, and it appears to have served Arizona's Anquan Boldin well. Despite Boldin's strong desire to play, coach Ken Whisenhunt opted to rest his wide receiver in Week 9 to allow Boldin's sprained right ankle more time to heal. Coach Whisenhunt thinks the move has already paid off and feels Boldin will be at or near 100 percent when the Cardinals take on the Seahawks. The Pro Bowler was an active participant in the weight room on Monday despite the team being rewarded with a day off. Expect Boldin to take the field in Week 10 and take advantage of a Seahawks' secondary giving up 219 yards a game through the air.
The news wasn't as good in Cincinnati as the Bengals have lost wide receiver Chris Henry for the season. The receiver was placed on injured reserve following Monday's surgery to repair his broken left forearm. He was injured when Baltimore corner Fabian Washington landed on his arm following a catch. His absence should boost the values of both Laveranues Coles and wideout Andre Caldwell.Maurice Purify, Quan Cosby and Jerome Simpson will all get a chance to fill in for Henry.
After missing the Raiders' last four games, running back Darren McFadden's expected to return to the backfield when Oakland takes on division rival Kansas City. McFadden's missed time following an arthroscopic procedure to repair the cartilaginous disc known as the meniscus in his right knee. The meniscus serves as a buffer between the upper leg bone, the femur and the lower leg bones, the tibia and fibula. They're often injured when the knee is violently twisted, and the menisci are pinched between bony protuberances of the femur. Surgery often results in a partial menisectomy rather than an actual repair. The torn piece is excised, and rehabilitation is begun. The stability of McFadden's knee should no longer be an issue, but a brace may be worn as an added precaution. Temper your expectations, as Oakland will likely ease him back into the rotation.
McFadden isn't the only Raider expected to return in Week 10. Wide receiver Chaz Schilens is scheduled to make his season debut on Sunday after missing the first eight games of the season while recovering from a broken bone in his left foot. He broke the fifth metatarsal in his left foot after an impressive preseason and training camp. The metatarsals are five bones that sit between the tarsal bones and phalanges (toe bones). While some movement does occur at these joints, the metatarsals are more important in weight bearing. The strongest of these bones is the fifth metatarsal located on the outside of the foot. It serves as the primary weight-bearing support for the foot and fracture at this location is often referred to as a Jones' fracture. With the metatarsal's importance in weight-bearing, it's easy to understand why Schilens' recovery has taken longer than expected. Schilens is finally able to run and make the necessary cuts and explosive movements his position requires and is eager to make an impact on a sluggish Raiders' offense. While quarterback JaMarcus Russell has yet to prove he's capable of putting up big numbers in the passing game, Schilens may be worth a flier in PPR-leagues if you have room on your roster.
Article first appeared 11/10/09
