While rankings and projections are beneficial, nothing is more critical for fantasy football than following injuries, as the landscape will change with nearly every significant one. Now that the preseason is officially behind us and we await opening night, here is an update on some critical injury reports to watch and their fantasy football impact.
Fantasy Football Injury Report: QB update
Here is where we currently stand on several of the critical fantasy football QBs dealing with injuries.
Carson Wentz
From once having his season in doubt, all signs are a go for the Colts QB. Wentz is on target to make the Week 1 start against the Seahawks and was activated off the COVID-19/reserve list on Thursday [September 2]. Along with their quarterback, WR Zach Pascal and C Ryan Kelly were also activated.
However, the Colts placed backup rookie QB Sam Ehlinger on the injured reserve after suffering a sprained knee in the preseason finale that will not require surgery. Should Wentz, for some reason, end up missing Week 1, the Indianapolis would turn to Jacob Eason as their starter.
Trey Lance
Head coach Kyle Shanahan announced to media on Monday [August 30] that rookie QB Trey Lance has a “small chip” in his right index finger and would miss seven days, according to a report from Matt Barrows of The Athletic. In the second quarter of the preseason finale, Lance seemed to strike another player’s helmet but remained in the game. Lance was seen with his finger taped during practice, but there is no concern this injury will linger into the regular season.
Ryan Tannehill
As reported last week, Tannehill was among nine Titans players and coaches who tested positive for COVID-19. Tannehill remains on the reserved list, but as of now, is not in danger of missing Week 1.
Joe Burrow
In what can only be described as a welcomed sight to fans and fantasy football managers alike, Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow took part in the team’s preseason finale on Saturday. While his debut lasted one series, it was a great sign as he continues recovering from his horrific knee injury suffered in 2020.
Fantasy Football Injury Report: RB update
Let’s see how injury bugs are affecting RB committees.
Tarik Cohen
Still recovering from a torn ACL suffered early in the 2020 season, the Chicago Bears placed Cohen on the reserve/PUP (physically unable to perform) list, according to Chicago Times reporter Brad Biggs. Cohen will miss at least the first six games of the 2021 regular season. There is no timetable for his return, as Cohen has not participated this offseason with the team.
J.K. Dobbins
After suffering what was confirmed to be a torn ACL in the Ravens’ final preseason game, Dobbins was placed on the IR on Sunday [August 29]. He will undergo surgery and miss the entire 2021 NFL season. Gus Edwards will lead the Ravens backfield with Ty’Son Williams as the RB2, followed by Justice Hill.
Travis Etienne
On Thursday, Jaguars rookie RB Travis Etienne underwent foot surgery on his Lisfranc injury, with noted expert Dr. Robert Anderson performing the procedure. Etienne will have about a four-month recovery but should be ready to go for the start of training camp next season.
Giovani Bernard
Per NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero, Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Giovani Bernard, who was not spotted at Thursday’s practice, is dealing with a mild high-ankle sprain. Pelisserio went on to say that Bernard is still expected to be back for next week’s matchup against Dallas.
However, I wouldn’t be surprised if Bernard misses at least Week 1 as head coach Bruce Arians could opt for the more cautious approach. Bernard is expected to be heavily involved in the passing game, drawing comparisons to Tom Brady’s new version of James White.
Saquon Barkley
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported there’s a “strong chance” Barkley will play in Week 1 against Denver. The organization won’t decide until next week and has been cautious, but there is optimism.
Anthony McFarland Jr.
According to the Steelers transactions report, the team placed McFarland (hamstring) on the IR, making him eligible to return in three weeks. The release of Jaylen Samuels leaves Benny Snell and Kalen Ballage as the backup RBs for the Steelers behind highly-touted rookie Najee Harris.
Xavier Jones
Jones appeared to injure his left ankle near the end of Saturday’s preseason loss to the Denver Broncos. Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reported that Jones suffered an Achilles injury that will require surgery. It was not stated whether or not this was a full or partial tear. The Rams waived Jones and, after clearing waivers, was placed on IR, where he will spend the 2021 season.
Kene Nwangwu
Nwangwu suffered a hyperextended left knee in the preseason and was placed on the IR, making him eligible to return in three weeks, according to Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. This is worth watching because RB Alexander Mattison has missed practice this week while dealing with an undisclosed injury.
WR update
News for pass catchers is essential in PPR leagues — let’s break down the WR fallout.
T.Y. Hilton
Colts WR T.Y. Hilton was placed on IR after reaggravating a neck injury in practice on August 25. Zak Keefer of The Atheltic reported Hilton has already undergone surgery.
Michael Thomas
Thomas is expected to miss the start of the season after undergoing surgery on his ankle in June. At the time of his surgery, Thomas’ initial timeline was 4-5 months. This places his return around the Saints’ Week 6 bye week. There is concern that Thomas could be on the sideline longer, but there have been few updates on his recovery. On August 31, Thomas was placed on the PUP list, meaning he cannot return until after the Week 6 bye.
The Saints have Marquez Callaway, Tre’Quan Smith, and Deonte Harris atop their receiving corps with Thomas out.
CeeDee Lamb
Per David Helman of the team’s official website, Lamb was among the trio of players to come off the COVID-19/reserve list on Thursday.
Brandon Aiyuk
According to ESPN NFL reporter Nick Wagoner, Aiyuk did not participate in practice on Thursday. Last week, Aiyuk suffered a mild strain in his left hamstring. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said, “hopefully, it’s just one to two weeks.” There is optimism, but the team will take a cautious approach heading into Week 1. He missed Week 1 last season due to a hamstring injury, making this feel like déjà vu.
Kenny Golladay
Per Ralph Vacchiano of SNY, Golladay returned to practice (hamstring) on Thursday. Golladay suffered the injury on August 3. Moreover, he’s had little to no time to develop chemistry with QB Daniel Jones this training camp.
N’Keal Harry
The Patriots have placed Harry (shoulder) on injured reserve. In Week 2 of the preseason, Harry injured his shoulder. He finished the preseason with just 2 catches for 23 yards. He’ll miss at least the first three games of the season.
TE update
Which fantasy-relevant tight ends are on the injury report as the season draws closer?
Noah Fant
According to Mike Klis of 9News, Fant again did not practice on Thursday but is expected to return next week in preparation for their Week 1 game. Fant has missed time with an undisclosed leg injury.
Irv Smith Jr.
According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, Irv Smith Jr. underwent surgery to repair his meniscus on Wednesday, ending his 2021 season. Behind Smith, backup Tyler Conklin has recovered from his hamstring injury and is set to play in Week 1. Adding depth, the Vikings also completed a trade with the New York Jets for Chris Herndon. However, whether or not he can become a fantasy asset for the first time in years remains to be seen.
Evan Engram
During the final game of the preseason, Engram limped off the field and was quickly ruled out with what the team is calling a calf injury. Engram is not practicing, and head coach Joe Judge acknowledged that he isn’t sure if Engram will be ready for Week 1. There is a possibility we see him placed on the IR. The Giants have activated former Vikings TE Kyle Rudolph off the PUP list, but they are also unsure of his Week 1 status.
