Just as he was heating up C.J. Anderson went down with injury Week 13

The Jocs and Docs Show is back with our weekly injury wrap up. Dive in as our experts give you all you need to know about the major NFL injuries of the past week.

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C.J. Anderson – DEN – RB

Docs (Dr.Khalid)

C.J. Anderson finally seemed to be showing some of the promise that lured many fantasy owners to draft him as a top six pick this year. While battling many nagging injuries, and with the Broncos seeming to find a groove in Gary Kubiak’s system, Anderson was looking to become the RB that we all thought we would see this year. Unfortunately, those plans were placed on hold when Anderson’s ankle was rolled up this week. It is hard to speculate as to how severe his ankle injury is, as video does not show the sprain directly. What we do know is that this was not an ankle sprain that could just be taped up, as Anderson did not return.

Ankle injuries can be tricky to rehab. Outside of the pain and swelling, the lateral ankle ligaments contain nerve fibers that control how the body senses where the ankle/foot is in space. What that means is that if it is not allowed to heal, Anderson could be at risk of reinjuring the ankle. Proprioceptive training is actually a part of rehab after an ankle sprain for that very reason. Either way, I expect Anderson to have a questionable tag leading up to next Sunday. His practices will need to be monitored closely.

Jocs (Aman)

The emergence of Brock Osweiler as a legitimate quarterback has clearly opened up the running game for the Denver Broncos. C.J. Anderson has undergone a revival under Osweiler, and in the three games that Osweiler has started, Anderson was averaging over 6.2 yards per carry. Ronnie Hillman will fill in as the lead back in the absence of Anderson, with Juwan Thompson providing relief. Hillman will likely see over 20 carries and has provided a spark to the Broncos’ running game this year. Thompson is the better pass blocker, so he may cut into Hillman’s passing downs. Regardless, Hillman is a high-end RB2 in the potential absence of Anderson.

Dontrelle Inman – SD – WR

Docs (Dr. Khalid)

After taking a massive shot on Sunday, Dontrelle Inman was placed on a stretcher and carted off the field. The immediate worry in any situation like this is protecting the airway and stabilizing the neck and spine. Once stabilized, the player is usually taken for X-rays or CT scans to evaluate the neck. Fractures and dislocations of the spine have to be ruled out, as these can be threatening to the spinal cord. Once a neck injury is hopefully ruled out, the player is usually evaluated for concussion and observed closely overnight for any changes.

Fortunately for Inman, evaluation of his neck was negative for any major issues. This essentially places him in a similar situation that Allen Hurns was in last week. Inman’s status for next week is very murky right now.

Jocs (Kethan)

Inman was a WR4 even after the loss of Keenan Allen. Assuming he misses next week against KC, that leaves the Bolts with Malcom Floyd, a banged up Stevie Johnson, and practice squad call-up Javontee Herndon. Floyd is not seeing many targets since his return from a shoulder injury and is a boom-or-bust WR4. Stevie Johnson is the Chargers most targeted WR, however he did exit Sunday’s game with a groin injury. If he can shake it off by Sunday he is a solid WR3 option in PPR leagues.

Overall, the Chargers’ offensive outlook continues to get bleaker. With an injury-ravaged and porous OL, no real running game to speak of, and a WR corps lacking any big playmakers, it’s gotten to the point where even a great QB like Philip Rivers can’t save them. Honestly, I would avoid starting any Charger WR at all costs next week.

Andrew Luck – IND – QB

Docs (Dr. Khalid)

Although not injured this week, Andrew Luck is reportedly on track to play in two-to-three weeks. Luck was a top draft pick in many leagues this year and was overall very underwhelming prior to this injury. There were reports that Luck was playing through different rib and shoulder injuries causing him to be ineffective as well. Once he returns, I believe Luck will be 100% healed from whatever injuries were ailing him before. His kidney injury will be healed when he returns and his abdominal strain should have had plenty of time to heal.

Jocs (Kethan)

If he’s been made available, anybody who wants to pick up Luck needs to consider the ramifications. It’s playoff time now and with Luck still two-to-three weeks out, you may not get any use out of him until possibly the championship. If you have a bye and can afford to stash him then go ahead. However, for teams that can’t afford a stashed roster spot, you should probably roll with what you have or stream based on matchups. He can definitely be the difference between winning your league and just making a deep run, but unless you’re supremely confident in your squad, I would advise against it.

The views of this show are strictly our own personal opinions and are in no way affiliated with any institution or any of our employers. All medical knowledge expressed is solely based off our own knowledge and no private patient information was obtained or used to formulate these opinions.

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Asad Khalid, M.D., Jie Chen, M.D., and Rob Williams, M.D. are orthopedic surgeons and sports maniacs at heart. Aman Khalid and Aditya Patel are law students and former “athletes.” Follow the show @jocsanddocs and listen to them on iTunes.