Several notable players went down in Week 7, with injuries that could impact both team outlooks and fantasy football lineups moving forward. Here’s the latest breakdown and medical insight from Sports Injury Central and ProFootballDoc:
Jayden Daniels – Hamstring
By video review, Daniels appeared a half-step slow while still wearing his left knee brace from a prior MCL injury. The good news — it’s not the same knee. The brace may have prevented a re-aggravation, but Daniels now has a new right hamstring strain. The severity is still unclear and will depend on imaging results. He jogged off under his own power but was held out to prevent a long-term setback. Washington has managed him conservatively, and even if the strain is mild, Daniels is likely to miss some time. There’s no such thing as a one-week hamstring injury, though an IR stint would only come with a Grade 2 or 3 strain.
Bryce Young – Ankle
Young twisted his right ankle after getting his Achilles stepped on while planting his back foot. He exited the game, and Andy Dalton finished in relief. Carolina has momentum with a three-game win streak, but it seems unlikely Young will play next week against Buffalo. Fortunately, the injury does not appear severe enough to require injured reserve, and Dalton gives the team a steady short-term option.
Sauce Gardner – Concussion
Sauce Gardner entered concussion protocol after exiting Sunday’s game. Recovery timelines vary — roughly half of players clear in time for the next game, while the rest need more time. For now, he’ll be evaluated daily, and his Week 8 status remains uncertain.
Maxx Crosby – Knee/Back
Crosby leader suffered minor knee and back injuries but avoided serious damage. Video review suggests a contusion or slight hyperextension, and with Las Vegas entering its bye week, Crosby should have time to recover without missing a game.
Darren Waller – Pectoral
Dolphins tight end Darren Waller sustained a pectoral injury, which could range from a mild muscle strain to a tendon tear. If it’s the latter, surgery would be required and his season could be in jeopardy. Further testing will determine the extent of the damage, but for now, his status is week-to-week.
