CFB Injury Breakdown: Week 7
Injuries news can be difficult to gather in DFS College Football and therefore RotoGrinders will have a weekly injury report highlighting the key injuries across the country and possible value plays that can pop up because of them.
Quarterback
Gunner Kiel (Ribs) – Cincinnati – Gunner Kiel is doubtful to be behind center this weekend for the Bearcats, which leaves Munchie Legaux and Jarred Evans battling to draw the start against the Miami Hurricanes. Munchie Legaux doesn’t only have an awesome name, he was also a very successful QB for Cincinnati before tearing apart his knee early last season, and it’s a strong bet that he’ll be the one to draw the start. The matchup isn’t ideal, but Legaux could still be worth a flier in GPPs
Wes Lunt (Leg) – Illinois – Wes Lunt will miss 4-6 weeks with a broken leg, which means senior Reilly O’Toole is set to draw a start this weekend versus Wisconsin. O’Toole has been efficient in small doses for the Illini in the past, but Wisconsin is a large favorite by Vegas standards and so his ceiling here is limited.
Keenan Reynolds (Shoulder) – Navy – The master of the triple option, Keenan Reynolds is unlikely to play this weekend due to an injured shoulder. Tago Smith will likely draw another start and he’s more than capable of sustaining the Midshipman’s rushing attack.
Terrel Hunt (Leg) – Syracuse – Hunt is another QB expected to miss 4-6 weeks with a leg injury, and Austin Wilson will be given the reigns of the Orangemen’s offense. However, a date with #1 Florida State awaits him, so he’s not an advisable fantasy option.
Tanner McEvoy – Wisconsin – Word out of Wisconsin is that McEvoy and Joel Stave are set to split snaps this week at QB for the Badgers. Until the situation becomes more clear, you’ll want to avoid both of them, as split duty QBs don’t make for intriguing fantasy options
Other Questionable QBs: Garrett Grayson, Tanner Lee, Blake Decker
Running Backs
Todd Gurley – Suspension – Georgia – The breaking news of the week is the suspension of Todd Gurley, and the fantasy repercussions are deafening. This whole Georgia offense takes a major hit with the news, but Nick Chubb likely sees an enormous fantasy boost and becomes a near must-play on certain sites where he sits near the minimum price (especially considering Sony Michel is also doubtful).
Kenyan Drake – Leg – Alabama – Drake was lost for the season last weekend with a leg injury. While that injury certainly hurts the Alabama offensive attack, it at the very least clears things up in that busy Bama backfield. Both T.J. Yeldon and Derrick Henry are expected to pick up the slack and both see a bit of a fantasy boost with Drake out of the picture.
Karlos Williams – Ankle – Florida State – With Karlos Williams doubtful this weekend due to an injured ankle, sophomore Mario Pender is set for the first start of his Seminole career. Syracuse owns the nations 44th best rush defense, but Pender is ripping off 6.7 YPC this season and is a threat to catch the ball out of the backfield. He’s a very strong value play across the industry.
Derrick Green – Clavicle – Michigan – Green injured his collarbone and was lost for the season last weekend. Michigan will likely hand over the majority of the work in the backfield to De’Veon Smith, who’s averaging 6.0 YPC so far this season. Penn State is only allowing 60.2 yards on the ground per game on the season, so he’ll certainly have his work cut out for him in this one. There are better value options to choose from.
Others: Keith Ford, Kareem Hunt, Tre Madden, Tarean Folston
Wide Receivers
Rashad Greene – Concussion – Florida State – Jameis Winston’s favorite target suffered a concussion last week and his status has been uncertain for most of the week. However, after Thursday’s practice, Jimbo Fisher said he expected Greene to be ready for Saturday’s game against the Cuse. He’s one of the nations top WRs, so if he plays he’s always worth a look.
DeVante Parker – Foot – Louisville – Parker will make his 2014 debut this weekend after recovering from a broken foot suffered over the summer. While it’s not certain that he’ll be at 100%, this is a receiver who hauled in 55 passes for 885 yards and 12 TDs last season.
Jameon Lewis – Leg – Mississippi St. – Jameon Lewis is officially a “Game-Time Decision” for this weekend’s battle against Auburn and therefore, for fantasy purposes, it’s probably wise to avoid him this week. If he’s unable to go, then expect De’Runnya Wilson and Fred Brown to both see an uptick in targets.
Others: Malcome Kennedy, Gehrig Dieter, Issac Blakeney, Valdez Showers
Good luck this weekend and please comment with anything I may have missed.