Injury Rundown or Let’s Make Draft Season More Frustrating

Injuries are impossible to predict. Some players are correctly labeled injury prone, but in the NFL everyone is an injury risk. Hell, coaches are tearing their ACL’s on the reg these days. That’s not good for anyone.
While we can’t predict who will get hurt, we can minimize the risk by noting who’s hurt in the preseason. Keep in mind this isn’t an exact science. NFL teams are required to tell the truth but if you believe they do, well, you probably enjoy Pete Carroll press conferences.
We know certain injuries linger, especially the dreaded hamstring which always seems to ruin seasons. If I can help it, I’m avoiding all hamstring pulls unless I see the player return at 100%. Damien Williams, a player I’m still in on despite Fantasy Twitter falling in love with Darwin Thompson, is an example. Aaron Jones, who is not on the injury report (see how much truth is told) is one I’ll avoid until he makes it through a game clean.
Some injuries are manufactured to avoid playing. Superstars do this often. You know what? I’m fine with this. I’d prefer my players make in to the regular season. More and more teams are doing this, and I support it. I wish the Jets had done this a week earlier, but who needs a starting linebacker anyway?
The Jets. The Jets most certainly do.
The following is a list of all the injured fantasy relevant (and some not) that have been reported. It’s not complete, as I had to add several players who weren’t listed despite being shut down for the preseason. But hey, it’s only a rule to report truthfully on injuries. This isn’t an avoid list by any means, but it’s a helpful tiebreaker at worst. I’ve marked these players on my overall ranks which should be posted later today.
This list is as of 8/20 at 6 PM. Now, I know what you’re thinking. This would be way more useful after week 3 of preseason, where several key players will unfortunately be hurt. I agree, but I’m away drafting this weekend so this is the best I can do. Consider this a starting point. You can add other injured players as you go. You might enjoy the extra work.

Cam Newton (QB, Panthers) – Newton is recovering from shoulder surgery which ended his 2018 season. All reports indicate he looks sharp in training camp. There was no fear that he’d miss time, but if his shoulder is ok, we can draft the him, as well as the Panthers WRs with confidence.

Anthony Miller (WR, Bears) – Miller injured his ankle during the preseason and is unlikely to play in any remaining games. He is officially questionable for Week 1. You shouldn’t have started Miller week 1 anyway, but this is concerning for the breakdown hype I gave him. I’m still drafting him, but a tad bit later than before. Perhaps the injury dips his value. Ankles typically aren’t too much of a concern unless it’s a high ankle sprain or a fracture. He will hopefully be fine.

Trey Burton (TE, Bears) – Burton suffered a hernia during the preseason and is questionable for week 1. I wasn’t excited about Burton anyway, so I dropped him out of the top 12 TEs. He’s probably not draftable.

AJ Green (WR, Bengals) – After suffering another lower leg injury, this time his ankle, Green is out for 6-8 weeks, cutting into the start of the season. This is coming off a season ended by a leg injury. The Bengals says they hope to get Green back “by the first half of the season”, so the recovery time is a guessing game. I’d probably avoid him if I could. This seems like another lost year. Is there upside, yes? But will there be frustration when he’s out for an additional few weeks? Also yes. Seems like a trade target rather than a draft pick.

Antonio Callaway (WR, Browns) – Callaway is suspended 4 weeks for violating free substance abuse policy. He was a fringe pick at best, so he was removed from the rankings entirely.

Kareem Hunt (RB, Browns) – Hunt is suspended for the first 8 weeks of the season. Counting the Browns bye week, Hunt won’t be available until week 10. He is completely undraftable unless your league has an IR spot that counts suspensions. If it does, it’s still not a great pick. Also, you need a better league if the IR spot counts players in Hunt’s situation. Step your game up people.

Odell Beckham Jr. (WR, Browns) – Beckham was listed as probable with a hip injury. This is likely nothing, and basically an excuse to keep him out of preseason games. Still, with a prolific history of injuries, it’s something to keep in mind as a tiebreaker.

D’Onta Foreman (RB, Colts) – Foreman tore his tricep after signing with the Colts and is out 4 months. Poor guy can’t catch a break. He also can’t catch a football right now, you know, with the tear in his arm. Remove from your board if he was on it.

Paris Campbell (WR, Colts) – A semi-popular sleeper, Campbell has a hamstring injury and is questionable for week 1. With this and the uncertainty of Luck, I would pass entirely on Campbell.

Andrew Luck – (QB, Colts) – Oh boy. Just yesterday, ESPN had an article saying there’s serious doubt Luck plays week 1. I’m not worried so much about Luck, but TY Hilton and the wealth of TEs on the team if he’s out for a significant stretch. It’s starting to feel a lot like 2017 again. I think I’m still fine drafting Hilton around the 2-3 turn, and Mack in round 3, but I docked each a bit. Luck is now just ahead of Baker as my QB 5, but only because it’s easy to stream when all the team’s play. Hopefully we get more definitely info soon after the third pre season game. At least we did see him warm up this time, already an improvement from 2017.

Ezekiel Elliott (RB, Cowboys) – Imagine if this holdout continues into the regular season because Jerry Jones said “Ezekiel who?” to reporters. This is in play as it appeared Zeke returned from Mexico to potentially sign a contract, then returned since the joke heard around the fantasy world. I think Zeke still needs to go at #4, and don’t fully believe he misses significant time, if any, but Tony Pollard is a must draft now, especially if you go Zeke.

Amari Cooper (WR, Cowboys) – Cooper is suffering with Planter fasciitis in his heel. The Cowboys aren’t worried about this at all, but maybe they should be. I had this in the bottom of my foot back in college and I could barely walk. I’m not a professional athlete, believe it or not, but I’m skeptical. I was never big on Cooper this offseason, so I’ll pass on him unless it’s a big discount.

Phillip Lindsay (RB, Broncos) – Lindsay is listed as probable coming off of wrist surgery in the off season but there are no indications that he will miss time. He may miss time due to Royce Freeman cutting into his workload. He’s still a very low end RB 2, but a much better flex option, assuming he gets passing down work now that Theo Riddick is injured. Fun fact – Riddick was so low on my list I didn’t even give him an injury blurb. That’s a burn.

DaeSean Hamilton (WR, Broncos)  – Hamilton suffered a hamstring injury, typically the most annoying for a player to experience in preseason. Coupled with the return of Emmanuel Sanders way ahead of schedule, and I’ve backed off Hamilton. It’s a shame as I though he’d be a decent double digit round flier early on.

Emmanuel Sanders (WR Broncos) – Ok, I have a lot of doubts here. Sanders is expected to play week 1 despite tearing his Achilles at the end of last season. He was active in preseason week 2 and the reports are he looked good. Nobody recovers from this injury this quickly. It likely ruined D’Onta Foreman’s career a player ten years younger. Yet Sanders, past 30 and with years of NFL mileage on him, is expected to be ready to go. I’ve moved him up, significantly, but I don’t think you can rely on him in 2019. This is extremely tough to come back from.

Jamaal Williams (RB, Packers) – Williams is recovering from a hamstring injury. He’s questionable, and while it doesn’t sound serious, it lets Aaron Jones create some distance from Williams. You know, like the opposite Williams does when running from defenders. Jones had his own hamstring injury, but seems to be over it, which is the only reason I didn’t list him as well. Williams is still the handcuff to own and there’s a chance Jones isn’t the bell cow back though the Packers are praying he is.

Ryquell Armstead (RB, Jaguars) – Armstead suffered a concussion and may not play in week 1. Armstead’s main value is being Leonard Fournette’s backup, a role that leads to multiple starts most years. Hopefully Armstead is ok. Other than handcuff, I wouldn’t be drafted Armstead anymore.

Keke Coutee (WR, Texans) – Couter suffered an ankle injury which is only considered minor, but looked way worse. He’s questionable for week 1, but I’d imagine he’d be ok, if not for the Texans WR curse which states all receivers must be injured on this team. I did the sign of the cross while typing this entry.

Will Fuller (WR, Texans) – Maybe instead of all Texans WR, I really meant Fuller. He’s actually healthy right now, recovering from his ACL tear and will be ready for Week 1. He’s a true difference maker, but just can’t stay healthy. If he does, the sky is the limit. I ranked him baking in the elevated risk.

Albert Wilson (WR, Dolphins) – Wilson is listed with a hip injury but should be ready to week 1. Not that you want to collect Dolphins’ receivers, but he’s a game breaking type of player who could also goes weeks without recording a catch. Yeah, I know, not a ringing endorsement. There’s plenty of worse late round fliers though.

Kenyan Drake (RB, Dolphins) – This is a big one. Drake has a foot injury that has him in a walking boot. He’s definitely out for the preseason and may miss the beginning of the season. I’d be ok with taking Drake at a discount, but I wouldn’t draft him unless was going straight to the bench. I’ve moved Kalen Ballage above him. Maybe this is all Ballage needed to Barrage into the starting lineup. That alliteration failed for sure.

Julian Edelman (WR Patriots) – Edelman has a thumb injury that the Patritos don’t seem too concerned with, but he’s been injured so many times it has to be mentioned. I don’t think Josh Gordon affects Edelman’s value, but his regular appearances on the IR does. He’s still a top 20 WR.

Josh Gordon (WR, Patroits) – Yes, yes, he’s back, so go ahead and rejoice. Just know we don’t really know what shape he’s in and he’s automatically the biggest risk of a pick in fantasy, and that includes two players holding out and Tyreek Hill. Gordon is a top 30ish WR that will go much, much higher. The upside is limitless, but the downside is 0 points. That elite season is half a decade ago.

N’Keal Harry (WR, Patriots) – Harry has both foot and hamstring ailments that don’t sound overly serious. However, the biggest ailment for Harry is the addition to Josh Gordon. He’s gone from sleeper pick to waiver wire fodder. If/when Gordon is suspended, Harry becomes an interesting pick up – though the Patriots haven’t developed an outside WR since the Jets had Chad Pennington at QB.

Golden Tate (WR, Giants) – Tate is suspended for the first 4 weeks of the season due to taking a banned substance. He should be a decent, if not spectacular, Flex option for PPR leagues when he returns. Now, not to get all preachy, but Tate took a fertility drug, realized it was banned, stopped, and immediately told the NFL and got suspended. When he appealed, he lost. Meanwhile, Tyreek Hill… You know what, forget it. There’s no point anymore. Just, good job NFL.

Sterling Sheppard (WR, Giants) – Sheppard was questionable with a thumb injury for Week 1, but seems like he’s good to go at this point. He’s returned to practice in full. Keep in mind there’s plenty of targets in this offense going to Saquon and Evan Engram, so even as the default WR1, he’s really the third option. Temper expectations.

Chris Herndon (TE Jets) –  Herndon would have been a top 10 option at the position if he wasn’t a drunken idiot and got suspended for 4 games. He’s a good, sneaky add in week 4 if you have a troubling TE situation and the room for a week long hold.

Quincy Enunwa (WR Jets) – Enunwa suffered a groin injury, but has played in two preseason games since the injury, so it seems like he’s ok. Enunwa is no stranger to injury, so hopefully he can stay healthy for when I draft him in the last round of every league.

Derrick Henry (RB, Titans) – Henry was in a walking boot due to a calf injury early in the preseason. He’s recently returned to practice and may play in the third preseason game. I expect he’ll be held out as a precaution. I’d lean toward him being ready for week 1, but this is another red flag for a player I don’t like. Let’s see if I can move Dion Lewis into the top 40 again like last season (I’m kidding, maybe).

Dalanie Walker (TE, Titans) – Walker seems to be nearly 100% after suffering an ankle injury, which was a polite way of saying his foot got turned around 180 degrees. I don’t expect all that much from Walker, but he’s a solid pick if you miss on all the exciting TEs.

Dallas Goedert (TE, Eagles) – Goedert was shut down for the preseason with a calf injury. The Eagles are confident he will play week 1. Goedert himself doesn’t have much fantasy value, but if he is hampered or slowed at all, it only increases Zack Ertz’s. Teams with Ertz can look forward to celebrating prematurely 4-5 times this year, thinking their player scored when it’s really Goedert.

Corey Clement (RB, Eagles) – A knee injury has slowed Clement down, but he should be ready to go for the regular season. There’s talent here but not enough snaps. Clement will need to find a new team to have true fantasy relevance.

Antonio Brown (WR, Raiders) – While Brown’s absolutely disgusting feet are the health issue, I’m more concerned about his mental health. Maybe Brown needs to wear two helmets to protect the remaining brain cells he has. He has truly gone off the deep end, returning to practice Monday after leaving again Sunday and then filing his second grievance with the NFL over his helmet. Could we have a Ratatouille situation, where a small, cute animal has been controlled Brown’s action under the helmet for years? It’s possible. I’d say this – if Brown plays in the 3rd preseason game, I think he’s fine as a late second round pick. If he doesn’t but practices until the regular season, I think it’s a little worrisome, but still a decent turn selection. But if he sits all preseason, I’m not touching him. He should have an idea by Thursday when the Raiders play. I wouldn’t be shocked if the feet situations is more serious than stated, and the helmet is a distraction from it. Then again, the rat controlling Brown via his hair is pretty believable at this point.

Cooper Kupp (WR Rams) – Cupp is recovering from an ACL tear and should be active for week 1. The only concern is the Rams may bring him back on slowly, keeping him on a pitch count. If they do that, his value is lowered, BUT he should be on the field for the important downs, including the Red zone, where he’s Goff’s favorite target. I’m all for him in the 4th round , and have him ahead of Brandin Cooks.

Todd Gurley (RB, Rams) – Here’s the fantasy question on everyone’s mind. Considering we haven’t seen Gurley play, there’s no way I’ll be able to give any definitive answer. However, let’s read the tea leaves here. Firstly, Gurley is only practicing every other day to save some wear and tear. Second, they completely held out Malcolm Brown from the second preseason game. That’s not a sign that Brown sucks; it’s the borderline starter treatment. I think it’s a sign Gurley’s not 100%. Now, even scaling back his workload can make Gurley an easy top 10 back. But it’s a risk. Late 2nd round it’s tough to pass him but I expect most people will grab him earlier. If he falls to the third round, you’re required to take him.

Melvin Gordon (RB, Chargers) – Most people believe Gordon’s holdout is more serious than Zeke’s. Personally, I’m not a fan of either. Gordon’s almost certainly is continuing to the regular season which is never pretty. Maybe the Chargers will pay realizing they don’t have a bell cow back on the roster and the window is closing fast. But maybe the Chargers will continue to be incredibly cheap. Gordon shouldn’t go before the 5th round until the information changes. 

Keenan Allen (WR, Chargers) – Allen suffered an ankle injury and has been shut down for the remainder of the preseason. Like Beckham, it doesn’t sound serious but it’s still something to monitor because of Allen’s history. His injuries have been fluky, but some people just don’t have a lot of luck. 

DK. Metcalf (WR, Seahawks) – Metcalf has surgery on his knee and will be out a few weeks. The procedure was minor, but you shouldn’t have been drafting him anyway honestly. This opens the door for David Moore to be a decent sleeper, if the Seahawks planned to throw more than 17 times a game. 

Jimmy Garoppolo (QB, 49ers) – Remember when people liked Jimmy Garoppolo? I guess 7 career games was too early to determine his future. Garoppolo will start week 1 and is in no danger of missing time recovering from his ACL tear. However he’s been reported to be awful in camp. Nobody has bad reports in camp so he must be brutal. He should only be drafted in 2 QB leagues and I wouldn’t stream him until we see something. 

Jerick McKinnon (RB 49ers) – Another ACL victim, McKinnon was placed on the IR as he had a setback in his recovery. He’s eligible to play this year, but this set back clears things up in the backfield. Unfortunately, I think this leaves McKinnon out of the mix. 

Raheem Mostert (RB, 49ers) – The heroic Mostert will forever be a favorite of Bloggin Hood. After I spent way too much FAAB to get him, I accidentally started him on a Thursday Night game, I sure he was even playing. He immediately ran a 50 yard TD in, then broke his arm in horrifying fashion, replayed at least 8 times more than necessary. I then won the league, keeping Mostert on the roster in his memory. Ok I didn’t win the league but I think I won the game. Maybe. Sadly, Mostert is dealing with a concussion on top of recovering from the broken arm, so he carries little draft value, even with McKinnon sidelined. However, I expect Big Mustard will rise again at some point in the near future. 

Darrius Guice ( RB, Redskins) – A hugely popular pick last season, Guice’s ACL tear was devastating for fantasy and real football. It seems to keen rearing it’s ugly head – Guice is not clear for contact yet. This make Adrian Peterson the biggest draft value this season, even if it’s a short term fix. It also means Guice will assuredly be overvalued. Don’t fret Guice believers. He’s one of the first players I would try to acquire for the second half. I could see him shifting titles if the Redskins are decent. But let’s be honest, he’s starting the year as a stash at best.