Last year Desanto had problems mentally with injuries. Remember his match with RBY when he forfeited? Also at Nationals he was having issues with his hand and he kept shaking it and freaking out. It seems to me as if Desanto struggles with pain. Tom asked Desanto what he wanted to do a couple weeks ago and it was Desantos decision to sit out. Seems like a small injury with mental precautions.
Just speculating like everyone else here, but IMO if Brands specifically said “it was Desanto’s decision to sit out” to me implies Brands thought he could wrestle if needed.