Witten--what is your gut instinct? (1 Viewer)

[jvdesigns2002]

Hey Everybody,

I have a team in a non ppr league that starts 2 tight ends per week. I drafted qb's, rb's, and wr's with my early picks--so I missed out on the stud TE's. I however was able to get Witten late in the draft with his spleen situation. I personally drafted him with hopes of using her for about 10 games (I assume that he would probably miss a few weeks with his spleen). I backed him up with Fred Davis/Kyle rudolph. This is only my 2nd year playing fantasy football. I just wanted to get your gut instincts on how much time you would guess that Witten would miss with this type of injury. Do you guys get the feeling this is an injury where he might miss a couple weeks or is this a season threatening type of deal? I know we aren't doctors--but I'm merely curious to your thoughts and instincts on this.

 

[Run It Up]

I dont think he plays until week 3.

They have really sold short how serious his injury was, it was pretty dumb of him to not have surgery.

He gets hit hard enough for his spleen to re-injure he could die.

 

[jvdesigns2002]

Thanks for the reply. Yeah, I was thinking that a spleen injury sounds like a pretty serious thing--but it seems like the cowboys/media make it seem like its a relatively minor injury. My gut instinct is that he's probably going to miss 3-4 games. Anybody else have thoughts or gut instincts about this?

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

I think he'll be there next week. He's close today and it's eleven days until the next game.

 

[Jene Bramel]

They have really sold short how serious his injury was, it was pretty dumb of him to not have surgery.He gets hit hard enough for his spleen to re-injure he could die.

I don't think Witten or the team misrepresented the injury. Every indication thus far is that, while serious, it's likely been a very low grade splenic laceration. There's no indication for surgery -- unless the laceration had progressed -- especially since there are risks for serious infections for people without a spleen.He absolutely will not be cleared for contact until the tissues have fully healed. Once that happens, Witten is at no higher risk of splenic rupture than a player who'd never had an injury to their spleen.

 

[Sabertooth]

I think he gets out there week 3 and plays really well.

 

[rickyg]

Yeah definitely not season ending. It's a spleen laceration. It's pretty much already healed they are just being cautious with him. Not the type of injury where there is a heightened risk of re-injury as long as he is fully healed. I say they hold him out tonight and 50/50 for week 2.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

Tom Orsborn ‏@tom_orsborn

Jason Witten is on the field stretching while wearing cleats, shorts, T-shirt and gloves.

Calvin Watkins ‏@calvinwatkins

Jason Witten getting some pregame work in with a trainer. Leg kicks are high and he's looking pretty good.

Tim MacMahon ‏@espn_macmahon

Jason Witten's stretching outfit, for those interested: Backwards cap, T-shirt, long-sleeve undershirt, gloves, shorts, low socks, cleats.

 

[Acrobat7]

yep, he's expected to be active.

 

[curta269]

Right now, I have him starting. With Heath Miller as my backup, I feel I might as well gamble and hope he plays tonight.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Joe Bryant sent an email blast about 30 minutes ago saying he's heard from a reliable source that Witten will be active and, presumably, play tonight.

We'll see if this is just Witten and the Cowboys tweaking the Giants and their defensive staff, but if the MRI yesterday was clear, there's no risk for re-injuring the spleen. If he does play, it seems likely that he'll only play in select packages (red zone, third down, etc.) given that he's not participated in padded practices, game plan installation and his conditioning is almost certainly less than 100%.

We'll see.

 

[flooredyas]

Joe Bryant sent an email blast about 30 minutes ago saying he's heard from a reliable source that Witten will be active and, presumably, play tonight.We'll see if this is just Witten and the Cowboys tweaking the Giants and their defensive staff, but if the MRI yesterday was clear, there's no risk for re-injuring the spleen. If he does play, it seems likely that he'll only play in select packages (red zone, third down, etc.) given that he's not participated in padded practices, game plan installation and his conditioning is almost certainly less than 100%.We'll see.

I'd rather have him in my lineup than on my bench today then. I'll take my chances on those RZ looks for a TD or 2.

 

[NDyse10]

Even if he is active tonight I don't see him getting many snaps. Then from here on out they will ease him back in. Look for him to be back to himself around Week 3 or 4.

 

[GregR]

Witten is playing according to numerous media sources.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

The Cowboys don't gain a ton from putting him out there unless he's ready to go. And if I understood Dr. Jene right earlier if the spleen is healed it's not something you need to worry about him injuring again by playing. Think you have to start the guy unless you've got a really good option.

 

[Skyryder222]

The Cowboys don't gain a ton from putting him out there unless he's ready to go. And if I understood Dr. Jene right earlier if the spleen is healed it's not something you need to worry about him injuring again by playing. Think you have to start the guy unless you've got a really good option.

He is active and playing according to NFL network just now

 

[Lash]

guys, there is no "easing back in" on a spleen injury

it is kinda like the early reports cards you got in school Unsatisfactory/Satisfactory or Pass/Fail

if the MRI was clean he can go, if it wasn't then he can't go

the only limitation is conditioning/gameplan if the MRI was clean

and i'd venture to say that with Witten and Romo and the coaches all being longterm holdovers and the fact that he could be sitting in on all meetings i can't imagine gameplan would be an issue

so i'm thinking only conditioning may cost him some snaps

and the email just again popped that he is active

i say start him unless your backup is another top10 option

 

[ConnSKINS26]

Damn, I was hoping he just wouldn't play...I'm starting Kendricks right now, so I'd love to be able to start Witten instead...but it feels too risky. Not because I think he'll re-injure it, but because I think it could result in him playing WAY less snaps than usual.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

The Cowboys don't gain a ton from putting him out there unless he's ready to go.

This is a divisional game against the team they are chasing, if he can play he will.

 

[dcgangstas]

He's active according to ESPN.

I'm still starting Dustin Keller this week; he ate the Bills up last year.

 

[ConnSKINS26]

The Cowboys don't gain a ton from putting him out there unless he's ready to go.

This is a divisional game against the team they are chasing, if he can play he will.

I think what he was trying to say was that he can't imagine the Cowboys playing him, if he's not ready for his normal workload. Could be wrong.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

witten is a very good blocker as well, lets not forget that he can help keep Romo upright even if he isnt fully involved in the passing game plan

 

[shadyridr]

if you have witten yoi have to start him imho

 

[solorca]

Respect within for playing, but as a fan of the guy, I wish he would have sat for a week. I hope he's actually ready to go and this isn't a stupid move.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

I think what he was trying to say was that he can't imagine the Cowboys playing him, if he's not ready for his normal workload. Could be wrong.

That's it. Agree he may be scaled back a bit due to conditioning, but bet he's close to his normal role if he's really active.

 

[PatsWillWin]

I'm still starting Dustin Keller this week; he ate the Bills up last year.

Funny, I took Keller as a Witten backup and I'm considering going the other way. Keller himself is listed as questionable and has not practiced all week.

 

[browerjs]

Drafted Witten in the 10th last night and took Rudolph as a backup.. I'm really torn, but think I'll most likely go with Rudolph. I'd imagine Witten's plays are going to be limited so I'd rather go with someone that I know is going to be in a full role.

 

[kyoun1e]

Have Scott Chandler starting right now.

Don't think I have much to lose by starting Witten.

Last year vs. NYG:

3 rec, 12 yards

7 rec, 69 yards

KY

 

[CrazyFox]

guys, there is no "easing back in" on a spleen injuryit is kinda like the early reports cards you got in school Unsatisfactory/Satisfactory or Pass/Failif the MRI was clean he can go, if it wasn't then he can't gothe only limitation is conditioning/gameplan if the MRI was cleanand i'd venture to say that with Witten and Romo and the coaches all being longterm holdovers and the fact that he could be sitting in on all meetings i can't imagine gameplan would be an issueso i'm thinking only conditioning may cost him some snapsand the email just again popped that he is activei say start him unless your backup is another top10 option

This was my thinking as well. Either he was cleared or he wasn't. If he was, then there would be no reason to limit him based on that...only on whether or not he was in football shape and prepared to execute the game plan. I can't imagine the game plan being a problem but I wonder on his conditioning if he's ready to play a full game. I think he's a risky start...but like you say it depends on what your other options are.

 

[netnalp]

Witten's gut says he sits.

 

[pghrob]

I am going to start Witten tonight over Gresham vs. the Ravens. Witten is active and playing and you have to know he is going to play full tilt.

 

[pghrob]

Respect within for playing, but as a fan of the guy, I wish he would have sat for a week. I hope he's actually ready to go and this isn't a stupid move.

With all the recent attention related to player safety and the class action suit from former players on concussions, it would be foolhardy for the team physician to clear him to play if he was not able to do so safely without undue risk.

 

[PatsWillWin]

As others have said, there's no working in slowly back from a spleen injury. He's either recovered enough to play, or not. Only two choices.

But there may be something to be said about getting back into football/contact shape. How long has it been since he's hit or been hit? He's a veteran so that may not be a big deal, but that could be a reason that they give him a few more breathers than they normally do. Game shape doesn't happen in a morning.

There's also a non-0% chance that this is all some kind of ploy by the Cowboys and they'll activate him to not play him, but that seems like a waste of an active roster spot for marginal gain (if any).

I may be leaning towards Keller just because I'm watching this game and don't want to be pissed off the whole time if Witten plays like 20 snaps, lol. If he blows up, at least I can tell myself that Keller might put up some numbers this weekend.

Quality of life lineup decision.

 

[pghrob]

You know he is ready.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/eye-on-football/20063149/report-jason-witten-willing-to-sign-medical-waiver-to-play-wednesday

In mid-August, Cowboys tight end Jason Witten suffered a "very serious" lacerated spleen (as if there are nonserious spleen lacerations). Though Witten didn't need surgery, he remains doubtful for Wednesday night's opener but apparently is willing to do just about anything to get on the field.

That includes, according to a report from Chris Mortensen of ESPN, signing a medical waiver that "would absolve the team and its doctors of liability in case he re-injures his spleen" against the Giants in the season opener.

So ... Witten is a crazy person then. It doesn't really matter: Mortensen also reports that the Cowboys don't view Witten inking the waiver as reason to play him against the Giants.

Oh, and also: CBS Dallas-Fort Worth and 105.3 the Fan talked to Cowboys VP Stephen Jones, who said that any medical waiver is "news to me" and "not in the cards."

“That's news to me,'' Jones told radio station 105.3 The Fan. "No, that's not in the cards.''

Witten already has been cleared to play in Week 2, but is still awaiting a CAT scan to firm up his status in New York. And he traveled with the team to the Big Apple, but it's just bananas to think that Dallas would put one of their most important players on the field with leaky insides, regardless of how important the matchup is for its postseason hopes.

Beating the Giants is pretty critical (doing it once last year would've gotten Dallas in the playoffs), but losing Witten for a longer period isn't worth getting him on the field for Week 1.

Dallas' skill-position guys are crazy banged up heading into the season: Witten's spleen injury comes along with Miles Austin's wonky hamstring, Dez Bryant's knee tendonitis and DeMarco Murray's wrist, not to mention Murray coming off a major ankle injury in 2011.

If form holds, the Cowboys will lose one or two of those guys at some point during the season. And that is when Witten's health really will be critical, which is precisely why the risk of putting him on the field in Week 1 outweighs the reward.

For more NFL news, rumors and analysis, follow @EyeOnNFL on Twitter, subscribe to our RSS Feed watch Pro Football 360 daily at 3 p.m. ET and NFL newsletter. You can follow Will Brinson on Twitter here: @willbrinson.

 

[Bankerguy]

Decoy for the most part. Might be lined up in the slot a lot to keep him away from extra contact. Might get red zone looks. I would not start unless I was deparate. Cant imagine anyone in this boat without a single game being played yet.

 

[NBusiness]

I think this may be more of a " gamesmanship " kind of active, and not really a real active if u get my drift. I don't think we see him but for a few plays and with no

Production. Just a hunch though.

 

[phrozen]

I am going to start Witten tonight over Gresham vs. the Ravens. Witten is active and playing and you have to know he is going to play full tilt.

made the same move

 

[UnderDawgs]

Starting Witten over Cook. HAVE to!

 

[Blick]

Starting Witten over Cook. HAVE to!

 

[unckeyherb]

Got him going. He's good for a td tonight. Book it.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Decoy for the most part. Might be lined up in the slot a lot to keep him away from extra contact. Might get red zone looks. I would not start unless I was deparate. Cant imagine anyone in this boat without a single game being played yet.

If contact could be a problem he wouldn't be out there -- it could kill him. Spleens are an all or nothing deal as I understand it. And it's pretty rare for a team to make a guy active to serve as a decoy. They might trot a guy out there after an in-game injury to keep the D on its toes, but rosters spots are pretty valuable.

 

[Blick]

Decoy for the most part. Might be lined up in the slot a lot to keep him away from extra contact. Might get red zone looks. I would not start unless I was deparate. Cant imagine anyone in this boat without a single game being played yet.

I could see if this being the situation if it were Dez or Austin, but I don't think they would do it with a TE. Especially since John Phillips is an adequate pass catcher.

 

[pghrob]

Decoy for the most part. Might be lined up in the slot a lot to keep him away from extra contact. Might get red zone looks. I would not start unless I was deparate. Cant imagine anyone in this boat without a single game being played yet.

If contact could be a problem he wouldn't be out there -- it could kill him. Spleens are an all or nothing deal as I understand it. And it's pretty rare for a team to make a guy active to serve as a decoy. They might trot a guy out there after an in-game injury to keep the D on its toes, but rosters spots are pretty valuable.

 

[ImTheScientist]

My gut tells me Tuck will bust his spleen completely tonight.

 

[stratocatter]

I'm still starting Dustin Keller this week; he ate the Bills up last year.

Funny, I took Keller as a Witten backup and I'm considering going the other way. Keller himself is listed as questionable and has not practiced all week.

Yeah I'm in the same boat. Starting the guy I know is active, since I have no crystal ball to see what happens with Keller. I think I trust a spleen more than a hammy.

 

[Da Guru]

My gut tells me Tuck will bust his spleen completely tonight.

Probably a nice bounty for for the hit that gets Wittens spleen removed.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

I'm still starting Dustin Keller this week; he ate the Bills up last year.

Funny, I took Keller as a Witten backup and I'm considering going the other way. Keller himself is listed as questionable and has not practiced all week.

Yeah I'm in the same boat. Starting the guy I know is active, since I have no crystal ball to see what happens with Keller. I think I trust a spleen more than a hammy.

you dont even need your spleen!

 

[NCPanthersFan]

Witten>M. Bennett Wish I had some better choices but this seems like a no brainer.

 

[llcoolj]

Witten or Pettigrew?

 

[kardplayer]

Have Witten on two teams.

Starting Olsen over Witten.

Sitting Witten over Kendricks.