Fantasy Football: Week 2 Injury Report
Injuries are an unfortunate part of football. It's one thing we hate having occur to not only the players we roster but within the game itself. With that said, this does create opportunities for teammates, opening up potential pickups in season-long leagues while also producing value plays in daily fantasy football.
Using the practice report, we can glean a lot of information based on who's available and what coaches are saying from press conferences. This knowledge can allow us to make emergency plans to pivot or change our lineups come Sunday morning when inactives are announced.
Based on this week's practice report, here are a few quick-hitters to give you a leg up on lineup decisions as crunch time approaches for Sunday lineup lock.
Who's In
Ben Roethlisberger (elbow) returned to practice on Friday after missing the first two days. The Pittsburgh Steelers are projected to score 26.9 points against the Kansas City Chiefs this week, and Roethlisberger should have a large part in that as the Chiefs defense are 31st based on numberFire's ranking.
New York Jets receivers Quincy Enunwa and Terrelle Pryor practiced in full this week after playing in Monday Night Football. It appears that Jermaine Kearse practiced this week and is expected to play this week. Enunwa's snap share (67%) and target market share (47.6%) could see a dip with the addition of another receiver.
Who's Probable
Josh Gordon (hamstring) was limited in practice this week after playing 78% of the teams offensive snaps in week 1. The Cleveland Browns released an updated depth chart this week listing Gordon as a starter, which implies that he should be good to go against the New Orleans Saints this week.
Will Fuller (hamstring) was close to playing this past Sunday and was even with the team in New England but the coaches decided to rest him. He's been limited in practice once again but if last week was an indication of how close Fuller is to returning then we can presume that he will play on Sunday. If any setbacks occur, expect Bruce Ellington (8 targets for 4 for 37 yards and a touch down) to get increased usage in his place once again.
Marcus Mariota (elbow) is currently expected to play after being injured during his Week 1 game against the Dolphins. His offensive tackles, Taylor Lewan and Jack Conklin, have been ruled out however. If you are playing on FanDuel, the Houston Texans are a top 3 defense based on price, good enough for tournament dart throws in case Mariota's health is worse than expected.
Who's Questionable
Aaron Rodgers has been a practice no-show this week after suffering a knee injury during Sunday's comeback against the Chicago Bears. The situation has been murky surrounding his availability on Sunday, so fantasy owners should have a backup in place. If Rodgers will not play expect the Packers to start DeShone Kizer, making the Minnesota Vikings DST ($4,400) an interesting tournament play on FanDuel.
Marlon Mack (hamstring) was inactive Week 1, which allowed Jordan Wilkins (56%, 17 touches) and Nyheim Hines (45%, 13 touches) to split the majority of running back snaps. Mack was a full participant on Friday but is still listed as questionable. If Mack can't go expect similar usage distributed between the duo. In case you missed it, Hines was one of JJ Zachariason's favorite adds this week.
Sony Michel (knee) and Rex Burkhead (concussion) are questionable this week. To make matters worse, the New England Patriots lost Jeremy Hill (knee) for the season during their game against the Houston Texans. Expect James White to carry a higher snap share this week, who was 5th among running backs in Reception NEP.
Paul Richardson (shoulder) was downgraded this week on Thursday and Friday. Never a good sign seeing players being downgraded midweek, especially when the direct backup (Maurice Harris) has been limited this week. Alex Smith is our second ranked quarterback this week and is projected for 20.24 points.
Leonard Fournette has been held out all week due to a hamstring injury. Even with missing practice, head coach Doug Marrone has been voiced his high comfort level with playing Fournette if barring any setbacks. Unfortunately the Jacksonville Jaguars kick off at 4:25 pm so unless you have T.J. Yeldon on your bench, its best to find another running back to start this week at the risk of having Fournette rest.
DeVante Parker made his return to practice this week after recovering from a finger injury. His status on Friday was listed as questionable, and its fairly uncertain whether he will play given that he was a full participant on Thursday and Friday. If Parker plays, we may have to temper expectations when it comes to Kenny Stills who exploded for 27 PPR points against the Tennessee Titans.
For dynasty owners excited to play Chris Godwin this weekend, you may want to hold your horses. DeSean Jackson was a full participant on Friday and listed as questionable. It will require DeSean Jackson to miss in order for Godwin to get a full compliment of snaps on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Doug Baldwin (knee) did not practice this week after a scary injury Week 1 against Denver Broncos. Because the Seattle Seahawks are playing on Monday night, re-draft owners should look to start someone else. Tyler Lockett makes for a good stash and is owned in 65% of ESPN leagues.
Who's Out
The Atlanta Falcons will be missing Deion Jones (foot) and Keanu Neal (knee) for a long period of time. The Falcons are the league's worst in defending against running back passes as they have ceded 110 and 109 catches in the past two seasons (ranks last), which bodes well for Christian McCaffrey.
Greg Olsen was did not practice this week and it looks like he will be missing many practices moving forward until he fully recovers from his foot injury. This elevates Christian McCaffrey's floor, but also should give Devin Funchess a bump in target volume. Funchess had 3 of his 5 targets after Olsen left in the first quarter of Week 1.
Devonta Freeman (knee) has been ruled out after Friday afternoon's practice. Expect Tevin Coleman to receive the bulk of the carries this week with Ito Smith sprinkled in to give Coleman a break. Coleman is a nice value play on FanDuel at ($5,900).
Eric Berry missed last week's practice and does not appear to be trending in the right direction this week. He is officially listed as doubtful, but expectations should be that he will not play. The Kansas City Chiefs defense will miss Berry's presence as the Chiefs allowed 28 points to the Los Angeles Chargers last week. They will be traveling to Pittsburgh and will be playing in this week's highest Vegas total at 53.5.
Kevin Johnson suffered a concussion in the opening game against the Patriots. The already thin Houston Texans secondary will mix in Aaron Colvin and Kareem Jackson to replace Johnson. Per Pro Football Focus, Corey Davis runs 48% of his snaps from the left side and should run a large amount of routes against both.
Carson Wentz has been limited in practice and was ruled out Friday afternoon. His receiver Alshon Jeffery (shoulder) is still not practicing this week and was ruled out. Mike Wallace (94% snap share, 3 targets) and Nelson Agholor (92% snap share, 10 targets) led the Philadelphia Eagles receivers in usage. Both are in prime matchups against a Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense who allowed a 1.10 Adjusted Defensive Passing NEP per play, double that of the 2nd worst team in Week 1.
Joey Bosa (bone bruise) has been ruled out of Sunday's contest against the Buffalo Bills. Although a big blow to the Los Angeles Chargers defense, this should have largely no impact against the Bills who are ranked last in numberFire's nERD metric.
Marquise Goodwin (bruised thigh) has missed practice this week and is out against the Detroit Lions. In his place Dante Pettis, the 2nd round draft pick, should start in his place. Pettis had 2 catches for 61 yards with an impressive touch down catch against the Minnesota Vikings.
Final Reminder
As is with all injuries, each individual situation is fluid. Make sure to keep tabs throughout the weekend and keep up with our numberFire player news feed for up to date reports prior to kickoff. Good luck this week!
