This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
The Colts running back will miss time after suffering a broken hand in the team's win over the Jaguars. The injury required surgery and Mack has already been ruled out for Week 12.
The wrist and the hand are made up of numerous bones of varying sizes and shapes. At the end of the forearm sit the eight carpal bones of the wrist. These tiny bones form the true wrist as well as the carpal tunnel and are fortified by an extensive network of ligaments. If an injury occurs here it is classified as a wrist or hand sprain.
After the carpals, sit the metacarpals of the hand. The five metacarpals bridge the area between the phalanges (fingers) and the wrist, and serve as an anchor site for muscle attachment. The distal ends of the metacarpals form the knuckles of the hand. The second and third metacarpals are anchored to the carpal bones, making them generally immobile. Conversely, the fourth and fifth metacarpals are mobile to allow for a higher degree of motion at the wrist and pinkie.
Specifics are limited on the exact bone involved, but Mack's injury has been reported as a metacarpal fracture. Given that surgery was necessary, it is likely the bone broken became displaced or misaligned. Surgery will involve the placement of surgical hardware, potentially a plate or screws, to stabilize the fragmented pieces and assist in healing.
Metacarpal fractures aren't uncommon in the NFL, especially for running backs. Fortunately, the success rate
The Colts running back will miss time after suffering a broken hand in the team's win over the Jaguars. The injury required surgery and Mack has already been ruled out for Week 12.
The wrist and the hand are made up of numerous bones of varying sizes and shapes. At the end of the forearm sit the eight carpal bones of the wrist. These tiny bones form the true wrist as well as the carpal tunnel and are fortified by an extensive network of ligaments. If an injury occurs here it is classified as a wrist or hand sprain.
After the carpals, sit the metacarpals of the hand. The five metacarpals bridge the area between the phalanges (fingers) and the wrist, and serve as an anchor site for muscle attachment. The distal ends of the metacarpals form the knuckles of the hand. The second and third metacarpals are anchored to the carpal bones, making them generally immobile. Conversely, the fourth and fifth metacarpals are mobile to allow for a higher degree of motion at the wrist and pinkie.
Specifics are limited on the exact bone involved, but Mack's injury has been reported as a metacarpal fracture. Given that surgery was necessary, it is likely the bone broken became displaced or misaligned. Surgery will involve the placement of surgical hardware, potentially a plate or screws, to stabilize the fragmented pieces and assist in healing.
Metacarpal fractures aren't uncommon in the NFL, especially for running backs. Fortunately, the success rate following surgery is high and history suggests Mack may not be sidelined for as long as some are speculating. Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith broke his fourth metacarpal during the 1999 season and underwent surgery to fix the break. The procedure involved the insertion of metal plate and six surgical screws but Smith was back in action 12 days later and missed just one game in the process. Another Cowboys running back, DeMarco Murray, didn't miss a single outing after eight screws and a plate were needed to repair a fractured fourth metacarpal during the 2014 season. Furthermore, a study examining football players at multiple levels of play revealed an average return to play of less than a week.
As a result, I'm guessing the increased value for running backs Jonathan Williams and Jordan Wilkins will be brief. Look for Mack to return before the end of the month and don't be shocked if he is back in action by Week 13.
Turf Burns
Saquon Barkley: Barkley will be in uniform Sunday when the Giants face off against the Bears. The Giants running back picked up a minor shoulder injury entering the bye week and was still receiving treatment for the high ankle sprain that forced him out of three games earlier in the season. Hopefully, the time off allowed Barkley to adequately recuperate and he can return to top form. New York's remaining games ranks as the seventh most favorable schedule for running backs.
Tyreek Hill: The Chiefs receiver will undergo an MRI on his injured hamstring to determine the extent of the strain. Hill was limited during Kansas City's Week 11 win over the Chargers in Mexico City. Fortunately, the speedster will have the benefit of a well-timed bye week to rest and recuperate. If the strain is minor, he could be ready for Week 13, though these types of injuries tend to be problematic for speed-dependent receivers. Keep a close eye out for the MRI results to get a better idea of what to expect moving forward.
T.Y. Hilton: A shortened week of preparation may make a Week 13 return difficult for the Indianapolis receiver. Hilton has made progress in his recovery from a calf strain that has kept him in street clothes for the Colts' last three outings. However, even if he is cleared to return, utilizing Hilton will be a calculated risk. Calf strains can be tricky to manage and can be easily aggravated. Look for him to be a game-time decision. Teammate Zach Pascal continues to see a high number of targets with Hilton out but has failed to build on his Week 9 production. Since hauling in five passes for 76 yards and a touchdown against the Steelers, Pascal has managed just four receptions for 43 yards on 13 targets.
George Kittle: There seems to be growing optimism in San Francisco that the Pro-Bowl tight end will return in the week ahead. Kittle has missed two consecutive games with knee and ankle injuries, and a decision on his availability likely will come later in the week. If Kittle returns, he's a must start with the Niners set to face a Green Bay defense that has struggled against tight ends.
Tyler Lockett: The substantial swelling in Lockett's lower leg appears to have subsided without the need for surgery. As a result, the Seahawks receiver is expected to suit up Sunday against the Eagles. Lockett suffered a shin contusion in Week 10 that required him to spend time at the hospital. The trip appears to have been purely precautionary and Russell Wilson should have his favorite target for Week 12.
JuJu Smith-Schuster: The Steelers wideout is nursing a pair of injuries after last weekend's game against the Browns. Smith-Schuster suffered an undisclosed knee injury and a concussion in the loss. The health of the knee won't matter if he can't complete the league's mandated return to play protocol for concussed players, making it the top priority effecting his availability. Remember the effects of concussions are cumulative, and Smith-Schuster does have a history of concussions. Consider him questionable at best for the week ahead.
Kansas City Running Backs: The Chiefs backfield continues to be decimated by the injury bug with Damien Williams and LeSean McCoy making early exits on Monday night. Williams suffered a rib injury in the second quarter, while McCoy was removed from the game to be evaluated for a concussion. The duo will have the off week to recover, but the injury concerns might make Darrel Williams a speculative waiver wire addition for teams with wiggle room on their rosters.
