David Chao, MD
2 min read • August 28, 2023
Posted in
This marks the second installment in the injury analysis of the top 10 anticipated fantasy football defenses for this season, according to FantasyPros. In the previous segment, we delved into the breakdown of defenses ranked 6th to 10th, with insights provided by the Pro Football Docs team (link article here).
Today, we are set to dissect the injury outlook for each defense within the top five, as they prepare for the upcoming 2023 NFL season.
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The 49ers had one of the best defenses last season and enter the season as one of the healthiest defenses.
However, starting strong safety Talanoa Hufanga recently underwent a PRP procedure to promote healing for a baker cyst in his knee. Baker cysts have a high association with meniscus tears and that may be the case with Hufanga.
The Pro Football Docs are not confident he can make it through the season without further issues.
Former first-round selection Javon Kinlaw also continues to grapple with knee issues, and missed last week's preseason match due to an illness. Nevertheless, this could potentially mark one of Kinlaw's healthiest offseasons in his career, considering he participated in only six games last season.
Starting linebacker Dre Greenlaw has been contending with a hamstring injury, although it is not projected to prevent his participation in the team's inaugural game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
This is the Cowboys’ year!
Just kidding, even though it may be true. The team reintroduces one of the NFL's top-tier defenses and has brought on board former Defensive Player of the Year, Stephon Gilmore.
Among the trio of starting safeties, Donovan Wilson, a key component, has been absent for a significant portion of training camp due to a right calf injury. Reports indicate a projected absence of 4-6 weeks, placing his potential return just ahead of the Cowboys' Week 1 matchup against the Giants. In the previous year, Wilson led the team with an impressive 101 tackles and secured the fifth spot in sacks with 5.0.
Promising rookie linebacker DeMarvion Overshown sustained a torn left ACL during a recent preseason game. The third-round selection had been in contention for a starting weakside linebacker position. He will be sidelined for the entirety of the 2023 NFL season.
The Eagles' defense led the league lead in sacks during the previous year, amassing a remarkable 70. As they move into this year, they remain steadfast in their pursuit of maintaining supremacy on the line of scrimmage. However, the recent thumb surgery undergone by Haason Reddick poses a potential challenge to this objective.
Reddick, who led the team with 16 sacks last season, underwent thumb surgery last week to be back for the start of the season. The injury to Reddick's thumb occurred during a joint practice session with the Cleveland Browns. While his return is anticipated by the beginning of the NFL season, there is a possibility that he will require a protective cast.
Meanwhile, defensive tackle Fletcher Cox has been grappling with knee soreness. Despite being 32 years old, Cox has built a reputation as a stalwart throughout his career, consistently participating in a minimum of 14 games each season. The Eagles have strategically granted Cox periodic rest days to effectively manage his workload.
The Buffalo Bills consistently showcase a formidable defensive unit under the guidance of head coach Sean McDermott. However, the team experienced a loss in the offseason as defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier departed.
Furthermore, the team's significant free-agent acquisition from the previous offseason, Von Miller, continues his recuperation from a torn ACL and meniscus suffered on Thanksgiving last season. His journey to readiness for the start of the upcoming season is an arduous one. To optimize his recovery, Miller is expected to transition to the left side from his customary right defensive end position, providing a healthier outside leg for maneuvering around opponents. Realistically, Miller's return to his usual form might not materialize until the midway point of the 2023 season.
Safety Micah Hyde only played in just two games last year due to a herniated disk in his neck, which required surgery. Now fully rehabilitated from the neck procedure, the Pro Football Docs offer reassurance that concerns related to his neck should not impede his performance this season.
The Jets possess one of the NFL's finest young defenses, featuring recognized players such as Sauce Gardner, Quinnen Williams, and D.J. Reed.
Nevertheless, the team suffered a significant setback when veteran safety Chuck Clark sustained a torn ACL during minicamp. The Jets enlisted Clark as the team's strong safety alongside Jordan Whitehead. Former Packers safety Adrian Amos was signed as a replacement, with Ashtyn Davis slated for backup duty.
Defensive end Carl Lawson, now two years post his ACL tear, is expected to regain his explosiveness and flexibility, enhancing his sack count.
Written by David Chao, MD
