There were numerous season-ending injuries in the 2023 NFL Season. Below is my official medical advice on what you should do with your dynasty players and why!
Nick Chubb
Injury
Left knee injury in September of 2023 (MCL / ACL repair). Nick injured the same knee and the same ligaments in 2015.
Analysis
It is scientifically proven that new MCL / ACL grafts are not as strong as the original tissue. Being that this is the second injury to the same ligaments, this is a cause for concern. Chubb will be 29 next season, so his dynasty value is probably at an all-time low.
Dynasty Advice
Keep and pray for a strong recovery. They may look to add depth to the position, with Nick Chubb returning from injury and Jerome Ford not being as efficient as one had hoped. Watch Trav Seel‘s thoughts in our Unraveled Series.
Cam Akers
Injury
Achilles tear in 2021 – Repeat tear to same Achilles in Nov of 2023.
Analysis
Notoriously, data is not favorable to RBs with Achilles tears. Since this is his second one on the same side, it is not good news for Akers. At this point, there will be little to no market for Akers in dynasties. I fear that the end may be near.
Dynasty Advice
Keep/hold and pray for a strong recovery. He may be dropped by the end of summer if he does not return with the Vikings. You are not getting anything unless a late 4th for him, so if you decide to move on, be prepared to get pennies on the dollar.
JK Dobbins
Injury
Multiple Knee injuries, including ACL / LCL, with complications. In Week 1 of 2023, he suffered an Achilles’ tear.
Analysis
Like Akers, we know that data supporting RB’s return from Achilles tears are not strong. With a knee injury history, the odds are stacked against JK. Unlike Akers, there may still be a market for Dobbins if he returns to Baltimore, given that that offense is conducive to rushing TDs. Given how elite this player was once, someone may be willing to take a chance.
Dynasty Advice
Sell, if possible, to someone wanting to take a chance. Cam Akers’s return might save some of his value, but you will definitely be moving him at a discount.
Anthony Richardson
Injury
He injured his AC Joint in Week 5 of the 2023 NFL Season and was placed on IR. He also missed time in his rookie season with concussions as well.
Analysis
2023 was a season of highs and lows for the fourth overall pick. While only playing in 4 total games, he delivered 2 QB1-worthy performances and averaged a whopping 0.4 fantasy points per snap. He is already labeled as “injury-prone,” which should be music to our ears. I am confident he will change his playstyle, and with how protective the league is of QBs, I don’t know that we can count him out due to injury concerns, as some people already have. If he plays north of 14 games, it would not surprise me if he finishes as a top 5 fantasy quarterback in 2024.
Dynasty Advice
BUY in all formats. He is an elite prospect who showed he can produce in a small sample size.
Mike Williams
Injury
Chargers standout WR Mike Williams suffered a torn ACL in October of the 2023 season.
Analysis
While the jump ball specialist is expected to be ready for training camp, I have concerns about the former first-round pick. We know that Mike Williams is no stranger to injury, as nagging injuries throughout his career have hampered him. Even with this injury history, Williams has provided decent numbers from a fantasy standpoint from 2020-2022. However, with pass catchers Keenan Allen and Joshua Palmer on the roster, first-round WR Quentin Johnston in the 2023 NFL draft, and rumored to be selecting another pass-catching weapon in the first round of the 2024 draft, I fear there may be too many mouths to feed, and Williams may get lost in the shuffle.
Dynasty Advice
Sell if possible. There is a lot of change in LA, and Mike Williams might also be on the move. Coming off a severe injury and maybe learning a new team and offense, see if someone is willing to buy low.
Marcus Galie, DPT
