I’ll be a licensed physical therapist in 8 months therefore, so nothing makes me shudder more than a week like the one we just had. As we move to Week Three, I’ll provide the post-apocalyptic injury report.
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Last week really rocked our world, didn’t it? Not only did we lose Drew Brees for six to eight weeks, we also lost Ben Roethlisberger for the season.
That’s only the beginning.
There are eight other player injuries with DFS implications, so let’s jump in.
Damien Williams
Williams’ injury is nebulous at this point. The team announced he has a “contusion” at his knee, but haven’t clarified the degree. If this is a true contusion of the periosteal bone (“bone bruise”) swelling and pain are going to be a factor. Additionally, expect him to miss two or three games with a true contusion. Conversely, if the team is using “contusion” as a broad term for a minor issue, Williams will be fine this week, with minimal setbacks.
Update: Williams has been ruled OUT.
LeSean McCoy
Shady had an MRI this week on his ankle after suffering an injury late in the fourth quarter on Sunday. The imaging report is “clear”, which rules out a high ankle injury, but tells us nothing about the pain he’s experiencing. Nonetheless, McCoy has a chance to play this Sunday, but it will depend on his practice participation and progress with the rehab team. All things considered, I don’t expect limitations for McCoy if he’s active.
Update: McCoy practiced on Thursday and we expect him to play Sunday as his teammate , Damien Williams, has already been ruled out. However, Shady has clearly been limited by pain this week, I would think very hard before putting him into lineups. Check out windailysports.com for other options.
James Conner
Conner’s situation is vague, but we know that his teammates and Conner himself say he’s fine. Conversely, a player’s knee being forced inward, like Conner’s, warrants concern for the MCL. However, the worst case scenario is that Conner is mildly uncomfortable and needs a brace for Week Three.
Update: A full participant at Friday’s practice, Conner could be a contrarian play this week if you still believe in this offense.
Devin Singletary
Singletary ran in a touchdown on Sunday, but not long after disappeared with a hamstring strain. Although the team has not given a grade of the strain (I, II, or III), research shows that even a grade I strains can cause one to three missed games. Furthermore, if Singletary tries to gut through a grade I or II, he can make matters worse. As a result, I’m avoiding him in DFS this week despite his optimistic “day-to-day” status.
Update: It’s now official, Singletary has been ruled OUT.
DeSean Jackson
Jackson is ruled out for week three and four. Watch this core muscle injury as it is closely related to “sports hernias.”
Tre’Quan Smith
I tweeted a picture of Tre’Quan’s injury here. We haven’t heard back from the Saints, but it’s not looking good for him in Week Three if you’re considering him as a flier.
David Njoku
Njoku took a nasty hit and landed on his shoulder and head. As a result, he did not finish the game and is now in the concussion protocol. Do not assume that he will be ready by Sunday, as concussions are fluid in nature. In fact, expect over-correction by teams moving forward after the protocol itself is now in question. Watch his status as the week progresses.
Update: Njoku also suffered a fractured wrist and will be out for at least the next month.
That will do it for the post-apocalyptic injury report of the week. The expectation is that these injuries will be clearer by Friday, then we can begin to dial in your lineups for the week.
Mid-week Additions
Cam Newton: Newton is styling a walking boot on his preseason injured foot. This comes as a surprise considering that Newton seemingly kicked that injury to the curb after not being listed on the injury report until this week. Check back with us later this week after we get more information on exactly what is hampering Newton.
Update: Newton has been ruled OUT.
Marlon Mack
Mack has not practiced as of Thursday. He is dealing with a calf injury which can be extremely debilitating for a running back. Look at Jordan Wilkins as a cheap option instead.
Update: Mack practiced on Friday which gives us some optimism. However, we can’t ignore then fact that Jordan Wilkins took first team reps all week. Look to pivot away from the Indi running backs if you want to stack this game.
Josh Jacobs
A picture from Jacobs’ phone was leaked with a caption of “I’ve lost 10lbs this week” apparently from an illness. That’s never a good sign. Throw in that Jacobs is also suffering from a groin injury leads to me fading him on the injury front.
Jimmy Graham
According to Ryan Wood, Graham did not practice today with a groin injury. These type of injuries can nag and linger for pass catchers who require a significant amount of lower extremity agility and change of direction. As of Thursday, I’m fading Graham this week.
Update: There’s some confusion about Graham’s groin situation as the Packers actually promoted a tight end from the practice on the same day that Graham missed practice. Add in the fact that even minor groin injuries can be debilitating for pass catchers and I’m ignoring Matt LaFleur’s positive positive practice report. You have better options at tight end.
Courtland Sutton
Sutton is out from practice with rib soreness, which can be tricky. The only limiting factor with rib injuries are a player’s ability to play through pain. In other words, his range of outcomes are too wide for me to plug him into any lineups this week.
Update: Sutton is not on the injury report headed into Sunday, which theoretically means he’s got no pain. Proceed with minimal caution.
Sterling Shepard
Shepard has been cleared for Sunday and should be good to go.
Alshon Jeffery
If it seems like Jeffery’s injury has been unclear, that’s because it is. There have been conflicting reports about Jeffery’s availability on Sunday, but the Eagles are “optimistic” about him. Even if he comes back, I’m looking elsewhere.
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Featured image via Erik Drost
