Week in and week out, injuries dominate the NFL headlines, leveling the playing field in some instances and altering the trajectories of potential playoff runs or securing a top draft pick. A wide variety of injuries including finger, knee, ankle, and stress fractures make up just a portion of the multitude of issues teams deal with on a weekly basis.
With the status of several top players in question, having a licensed physical therapist to interpret the NFL Week 6 injury reports will help you gain an advantage.
Below are the top NFL Week 6 injuries to consider when placing your Week 6 NFL betting picks. Please note that all NFL Week 6 odds and lines are current as of Thursday, October 14.
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NFL Week 6 Injuries & Betting Tips
Russell Wilson, QB, Seattle Seahawks (Right Mallet Finger)
Seattle Seahawks @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Russell Wilson has played through many injuries in his career as Seattle’s signal-caller, however, he won’t be able to with his latest injury. Wilson suffered a mallet finger injury to his middle finger following a collision with Aaron Donald attempting to bat down his pass in last Thursday’s game.
The injury resulted in the tendon connecting at the top bone in his finger rupturing, along with a fracture at the next joint below at the proximal interphalangeal joint. Considering the fracture creates instability along with the inability to extend the finger, this prevents him from adjusting his grip on the football.
He physically could not try to play through this even with splinting.
An example of a mallet finger and the specific area injured. Image Credit: Providence Orthopaedics
He underwent surgery on October 8, ending his consecutive games played streak at 149, which dated back to his rookie year. The expectation is that Wilson returns Week 10, but veteran Geno Smith steps in and has a full week to prepare for the Steelers in Week 8.
However, Smith isn’t Wilson, and the Seahawks fly East which makes my NFL bet of the day 1 unit on the Steelers Moneyline (-220) at Caesars.
- Read our full Week 6 Seahawks vs Steelers betting picks & tips.
Antonio Gibson, RB, Washington Football Team (Shin Stress Fracture)
Washington Football Team vs Kansas City Chiefs
Antonio Gibson is dealing with a stress fracture that first was made public during practice prior to Week 4. A stress fracture is different from other fractures in that these fractures are stable and are the result of repeated stress on the area.
This injury has likely been present for longer than Week 4, but only worsened to the point where it began affecting his ability to practice. Stress fractures can worsen through repeated overuse, but the Washington Football Team will be focusing on load management to get him through the season.
Missed practices and limited reps will be the norm, but this shouldn’t keep him out of any games. It’s unlikely that his production will suffer either, though the volume of work may vary at times.
Other players with injuries that could affect the game include the Chiefs’ Clyde Edwards-Helaire who is out on IR for at least the next three weeks due to a left MCL sprain. Additionally, Gibson’s teammate Curtis Samuel continues to deal with a groin injury dating back to the offseason, allowing him to play 5 total snaps this season.
Considering all of this, my betting pick is 1 unit on the Chiefs to cover the spread -6.5 (-110) at Caesars.
- Read our full Week 6 Washington vs Chiefs betting picks & tips.
Saquon Barkley, RB, New York Giants (Left Low Ankle Sprain)
New York Giants vs Los Angeles Rams
Saquon Barkley went down with a left ankle injury during the first quarter of the Giants’ loss to the Cowboys on Sunday. This was a standard inversion low ankle sprain as a result of the foot rolling inward, damaging the lateral ligaments.
Normally, these injuries can be taped up to control swelling and provide stability to play through them, but the severity of the injury appeared to prevent an attempt. This injury is not related to last season’s ACL injury on the opposite side, but it is expected to keep him out at least the next two games.
Add in the uncertainty of Daniel Jones‘ availability as he works through a concussion and Kenny Golladay‘s knee injury, and the Giants are a heavy underdog against a talented Los Angeles Rams team in Week 6, which is reflected in the NFL gameday odds.
My betting pick is 2 units on the Rams Moneyline (-550) at Caesars.
- Read our full Week 6 Giants vs Rams betting picks & tips.
Saquon Barkley’s latest injury will likely cost him a few games, leaving the New York Giants in a difficult spot. (Image: USA TODAY Sports)
Lavonte David, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Low Ankle Sprain)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Philadelphia Eagles
Lavonte David suffered a low ankle sprain Sunday following Ndamukong Suh rolling up on his ankle during a blitz. Normally, low ankle sprains are able to be played through, but this injury is designated as week-to-week.
David would struggle greatly moving sideline to sideline, not effectively pushing off his ankle. He also would likely be a step slower on his assignment and unable to pivot as quickly, allowing the offensive player to create space. Even if he could play, the Buccaneers are on a short week with little time to effectively rehab.
Losing their second-leading tackler along with Tom Brady working through a thumb injury, Antoine Winfield Jr. out with a concussion, and Rob Gronkowski out while still dealing with rib injuries, could expose several weaknesses in Tampa Bay’s game.
Both teams have had volatility in their scoring this season, but the Buccaneers have been able to put up 30+ points in 4 out of their 5 games which makes my betting pick .5 units on the Buccaneers to cover the spread -7 (+100) at Caesars.
- Read our full Week 6 Buccaneers vs Eagles betting picks & tips.
Damien Harris, RB, New England Patriots (Chest/Rib Injuries)
New England Patriots vs Dallas Cowboys
Damien Harris was in and out of the game against the Houston Texans before leaving for good with a rib injury late in the game. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Harris “checked out OK" but has not returned to practice as of Wednesday.
Whether these are simple contusions, a costochondral injury, or even fractures, this may bring more pain-related limitations come Sunday.
It’s not clear whether Harris will play Sunday, but this could reduce the effectiveness of New England’s rushing attack. If Harris does play, I expect him to see a reduced workload with the bulk of snaps going to Rhomandre Stevenson with occasional work from Harris in certain packages or the passing game.
Whether Harris plays or not, the Cowboys are healthier and a more talented team which makes my betting pick 1.5 units on the Cowboys to cover the spread -3.5 (-110) at Caesars.
Other Week 6 Notable Injuries
- Pittsburgh Steelers WR JuJu Smith-Schuster suffered a right shoulder dislocation that will require surgery to repair his labrum, ending his season.
- Green Bay Packers CB Jaire Alexander went on IR last week for his AC Joint sprain and surgery is a strong consideration that would end his season.
- San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle was placed on IR last week following a nagging calf injury sustained in Week 1. He will be eligible to return in Week 8.
- Los Angeles Chargers OT Bryan Bulaga suffered a core muscle injury requiring a repair. He is expected to return sometime in December.
- Houston Texans OT Laremy Tunsil suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his thumb. This will require surgery and he is expected to be out for four weeks.
- Chicago Bears QB Justin Fields suffered a hyperextended left knee in Week 5 but appeared to avoid serious damage and is expected to play Week 6.
- Detriot Lions C Frank Ragnow required surgery following a significant turf toe injury sustained in Week 4, ending his season.
Kyle’s Injury Report Betting Record: 20-11 +6.43 units
Thanks for reading our NFL Week 6 Injury Report! For more NFL Week 6 betting tips, check out our NFL Week 6 Best Bets and NFL Week 6 Parlay Picks.
