NFL DFS Injury Report: Week 15
Joshua Slatky, PA-C, ATC is a physician assistant at Northwest Georgia Orthopedics and Sports Medicine and avid DFS player. In his work as a physician assistant and athletic trainer, he has worked with sports teams from high school to various college levels, to the NFL.
Week 14 had a few key injuries and few surprises. After returning to practice and looking like they would play, Michael Thomas and Theo Riddick were surprise inactives for Week 14. Fortunately, this news was out in time to adjust lineups prior to lock. However, if you settled on Matt Forte or Melvin Gordon, you were likely left disappointed as they managed only a combined 14 plays before Forte exited with a torn meniscus and Gordon left with knee and hip sprains. Jordan Reed played, but was hampered by his separated shoulder and did not come close to paying off his high salary. I hope that you at least had Le’Veon Bell, which may have saved your day.
Week 15 is here and we are down to the last three weeks of regular season. From an injury standpoint, this is an interesting time of year. As teams positions themselves for the playoffs, how they manage injuries will vary. Teams trying to make the playoffs are more likely to push players back onto the field. Teams that have locked up playoff spots are more interested in getting injured players healthy, while teams riding out the rest of the season may or may not push to get players back. Young, unproven players will be looking to shine as teams begin to consider their future direction.
There are a few cloudy situations out there that I will be trying to clarify them through the week. If you do not have the rotogrinders app and are not getting up-to-the-minute news, you are missing out. As always, I will post an update Friday night or early Saturday. I will also try to get news out as soon as possible on twitter @slakdogg. As always, do not hesitate to drop me any questions. Best of luck this week!
Last Updated: Wednesday PM
Color Coding
GREEN: Nearly certain to play. Unlikely to have an on-field limitations.
YELLOW: Likely to play. May have some snap count or mild on-field limitations.
ORANGE: Questionable to play. If able to play, likely to be significantly limited in snap count and/or on-field performance.
RED: Unlikely to play or already ruled out.
PURPLE: In concussion protocol. Play status unknown but if active, should play without restriction.
Arizona Cardinals
1.John Brown (WR) — ORANGE – Expect to see Brown limited in practice for the remainder of the year as the Cardinals attempted manage the effects he has from sickle cell. However, I would also watch for a potential role change with Wednesday’s release of Michael Floyd. Brown may see some increased offensive role after playing on 37% of Week 14 snaps.
2.Jermaine Gresham (TE) — GREEN – Gresham did not practice Wednesday with a sore knee but is expected to return to practice Thursday. He has begun to play a bigger role in the offense over the past couple of weeks and should play without limitation Sunday versus the Saints.
UPDATE: Gresham returned only to limited practice Thursday and Friday. There is concern that he was not able to practice fully. Downgrade to YELLOW for Week 15.
3.J.J. Nelson (WR) — GREEN – Nelson also sat out of practice Wednesday with a sore knee. He is expected to play Sunday and is locked into the starting role, replacing Michael Floyd.
Atlanta Falcons
1.Mohamed Sanu (WR) — ORANGE / YELLOW – Sanu returned to limited practice Wednesday after missing Week 14 with a groin strain. The Falcons made it clear from the onset of the injury that their goal was to have Sanu back for Week 15. His return to practice indicates that he is on track to play this weekend.
UPDATE: Sanu was removed from the injury report and is expected to play Sunday. Upgarde to YELLOW for Week 15.
2.Julio Jones (WR) — ORANGE / RED – Jones missed practice Wednesday as he continues to recover from turf toe. Head coach Dan Quinn told the media that he media that Jones had a sprained toe and not turf toe. I am disappointed to report that those are the same thing with only difference being that turf toe traditionally refers specifically to the great toe. Sprains to the other toes are very rare and would not likely keep Jones off the field. Turf toe is a very problematic issue that can be difficult to get healed. It will severely limit a player’s ability to drive off the ball, accelerate, decelerate, and change directions. At this point, I would be a bit surprised if he played, especially if Sanu is able to go.
UPDATE: Jones has been ruled OUT for Week 15.
Baltimore Ravens
1.Jimmy Smith (CB) — ORANGE / RED – Smith, the Ravens’ top cornerback, was carted off the field Monday night with an ankle injury. He was unable to practice Wednesday and his status is unclear for Sunday. Early in the week, I suspect that he will be out, but even if he is able to play through the injury, his ability to change direction will be limited, giving a boost to the Philadelphia receiving game.
UPDATE: Smith has been ruled OUT for Week 15.
Buffalo Bills
1.Sammy Watkins (WR) — GREEN – Watkins skipped Wednesday practice to rest his surgically repaired foot. After playing 94% of the snaps in Week 14, work on the assumption that he is as close to full health as anyone this late in the season. I would not allow injury concerns to limit DFS exposure any more than it would with any player.
Carolina Panthers
1.Luke Kuechly (LB) — PURPLE / GREEN – Kuechly was a bit of a surprise Week 14 inactive as he was unable to clear concussion protocol for the second consecutive week. He returned to practice Wednesday in full gear, making a Week 15 return likely.
Chicago Bears
1. Marquess Wilson (WR) — RED – After missing Week 14 with a groin strain, Wilson returned to limited practice Wednesday. Alshon Jeffrey is back this week and Bears have nothing to play for, so I think they will take their time getting Wilson back on the field.
Cincinnati Bengals
1. AJ Green (WR) — RED / ORANGE – Green returned to a limited practice Wednesday after missing the past three games with a hamstring strain. While this is a good initial move toward playing, I think Week 16 is more realistic. With the Bengals currently out of the playoffs in the AFC, they may push for him to come back early, so this is still a situation worth monitoring through the week.
2.Brandon LaFell (WR) — GREEN – Following the script from last week, LaFell rested his knee on Wednesday. After playing 92% of the Week 14 snaps, I expect this to be his regular routine the remainder of the season. I expect him to play without limitation.
Dallas Cowboys
UPDATE: Dez Bryant (WR) was added to the injury report Thursday with a sore back. He did practice limited Friday and is still expected to play. Back issues are always worrisome, but I expect him to play through it. I would put his status as YELLOW with concerns with setbacks up to game time.
Detroit Lions
1. Theo Riddick (RB) — ORANGE / RED – I missed on Riddick last week, but will try again this week. I was very surprised he was unable to play Week 14 with a wrist injury after practicing Thursday and Friday. Even if casted, players can typically play with wrist injuries. Very few wrist injuries would prohibit non-throwers from playing. While he was listed on the injury report with only a wrist, Riddick has been dealing with lingering ankle pain, which may have played a role in the decision to sit him. The Lions lead the NFC North by a full two games, so they may simply be allowing Riddick to return to full health in preparation for the playoffs. Without a clearer status, he would be a high risk/high reward play for Week 15.
UPDATE: Riddick did not practice this week and has been listed as doubtful on the game injury report. He is expected to miss Week 15.
2.Zach Zenner (RB) — PURPLE – Zenner is in the concussion protocol. He practiced limited Wednesday, which is nearly essential to play on the weekend, but it is too early to tell if he might clear protocol in time for Sunday’s game at the Giants.
UPDATE: Zenner practiced on a limited basis through the week but has not yet cleared protocol. Having practiced all week, he still has the opportunity to do prior to game time Sunday.
3.Eric Ebron (TE) — GREEN – As usual, Ebron was limited Wednesday but is expected to play Sunday.
Green Bay Packers
1.Aaron Rodgers (QB) – YELLOW / ORANGE – Rodgers missed practice Wednesday and is expected to also miss Thursday with hamstring and calf injuries. He has been dealing with the hamstring issue for the past couple of weeks. Based on 10 touchdowns and zero interceptions over the past four games, his passing game appears fine. However, there could be concern about his legs as he has seen a decrease in rushing yards over those same four weeks, capped with -6 yards rushing Sunday. I do a have a little more concern this week as now he has the calf strain as well. Also, single digit temperatures are expected in Chicago this week. That only makes it more likely for something to tighten up on him.
UPDATE: Rodgers failed to practice all week. There has been a week-long assumption that Rodgers will play, but failing to practice all week brings concern that he may not be ready. I still think that he will play, but I am more cautious than I was before. I would downgrade him to ORANGE for Week 15.
2.Randall Cobb (WR) — GREEN / YELLOW – Cobb twisted his ankle Sunday. He missed a few plays but was able to return. He went through limited practice Wednesday indicating that he should be ready for Week 15.
3.James Starks (RB) — PURPLE – After only playing seven snaps Sunday, it has been revealed that Starks in the concussion protocol. He did not practice Wednesday, which is generally a bad sign for the following weekend. I am leaving it open at this point, but would lean closer to him missing Week 15.
UPDATE: Starks is listed as doubtful on the game injury report. He has not cleared concussion protocol but the Packers are leaving the door open if he is able to clear prior to game time. That is extremely unlikely.
Houston Texans
1. Lamar Miller (RB) — YELLOW / ORANGE – In keeping with recent weeks, Miller played only 49% of the Week 14 snaps. He logged 21 carries but did temporarily leave the game injured. He is pretty banged up but continues to play and be effective. With the tiebreaker, the Texans lead the AFC South but must keep winning to make the playoffs. I expect that Miller will remain on a snap count but will also carry a heavy load when he is in the game going forward.
UPDATE: Miller was not listed on the game injury report. There was never serious doubt as to whether or not he would play. With his recent snap count reduction as the Texans attempt to preserve him, I am leaving his status unchanged.
2.DeAndre Hopkins (WR) — GREEN / YELLOW – For the first time in a couple of a months, Hopkins showed up on the injury report with a hamstring
injury resulting in a limited Wednesday practice. As he played 99% of the Week 14 snaps, I expect that he will progress through practice during the week and be ready to play Sunday against Jacksonville.
3.C.J. Fiedorowicz (TE) — PURPLE – Fiedorowicz suffered a concussion during the Week 14 win versus the Colts. He missed Wednesday practice, which leaves his Week 15 status up in the air. News regarding his status should be out prior to Sunday lock, but if playing an earlier slate, I would shy away due to the missed practice. More often than not, missing practice with concussion results in missed game time.
UPDATE: Fiedorowicz failed to clear concussion protocol and has been ruled OUT for Week 15.
4.Braxton Miller (WR) — RED – Miller was placed on IR with a shoulder sprain and is out for the season.
Indianapolis Colts
1.Andrew Luck (QB) — GREEN – Luck rested Wednesday with a sore shoulder and elbow. He is expected to play Week 15 as the Colts try to win their way into the playoffs.
2.Dwayne Allen (TE) — YELLOW / ORANGE – Allen missed practice Wednesday with a sore hip. A missed Wednesday practice is nothing new for Allen; however, after a three-touchdown game Week 13, he was held without a catch Week 14. Trends like this always worry me that the injury may be more severe than indicated. The Colts have significant offensive line issues, which may be why Allen was kept in to block more during Week 14, but I would watch the situation closely going forward.
UPDATE: Allen practice in full on Friday and is expected to play Sunday. Allen is not the most athletic tight end, so the hip injury still concerns me. I think he will continue to be limited coming off the ball and creating separation. I am leaving his status unchanged.
3.Donte Moncrief (WR) — RED – Moncrief injured his hamstring during the Week 14 loss to the Texans. He did not practice Wednesday and is unlikely to play Week 15 at Minnesota.
Jacksonville Jaguars
1.Chris Ivory (RB) — RED / ORANGE – Ivory missed the past two weeks with a hamstring injury and looks to be a long shot to return for Week 15. The Jaguars are playing for nothing, giving them no incentive to push Ivory back.
UPDATE: Ivory has recovered well and practiced full Friday. He was removed from the injury report and will play Sunday. Upgrade to YELLOW.
2.Julius Thomas (TE) — RED – Thomas was placed on IR with a back injury and will be out for the rest of the season.
3.Allen Hurns (WR) — RED – Hurns remains sidelined with a hamstring injury. He did not practice Wednesday and there is no timetable for his return.
4.Denard Robinson (RB) – RED – Robinson continues to recover from an ankle injury. He was inactive Week 14 and did not return to practice Wednesday. I expect him to miss Week 15 as well, leaving T. J. Yeldon to likely carry the running back load.
Miami Dolphins
1. Ryan Tannehill (QB) — RED – Tannehill was forced from the Dolphins’ Week 14 game following a low hit to his leg. There were early reports that the Dolphins feared an ACL tear. MRI showed a sprain of the ACL and MCL. The term sprain medically refers to any injury to a ligament. However, in general, “sprain” is used for partial thickness injuries and “tear” is used for full thickness ligament injuries. Partial thickness MCL injuries are common whereas partial thickness ACL injuries are rare. Typically, if the ACL is injured, it tears completely. Partial thickness ACL injuries may be treated conservatively with rehab, but if the functional aspect of the ACL is lost, surgical may still be required. Either way, expect Tannehill to miss extended time, up to the remainder of the season, as he recovers.
Minnesota Vikings
1.Stefon Diggs (WR) — YELLOW – Diggs was limited Wednesday with a sore knee. He only played on 58% of Week 14 snaps, catching 3 of 5 targets. Diggs has dealt with nagging injuries through the season, and I expect him to play Sunday versus the Colts.
2.Sam Bradford (QB) — GREEN – Bradford was limited Wednesday with a sore shoulder. He is expected to play without limitation Sunday.
3. Adrian Peterson (RB) — ORANGE — Peterson has been activated from IR and is expected to play Week 15. His role is unclear, but the Viking will likely go with the hot hand as they try to make the playoffs. This is the man that came back and looked full speed only six months after ACL reconstruction. He has the potential to be a high upside GPP play.
New England Patriots
1.Danny Amendola (WR) — RED – Amendola missed Week 14 with a high ankle sprain. The Patriots have made it clear that they are focused on having him ready for the playoffs. He is not expected to play Week 15.
New Orleans Saints
1.Mark Ingram (RB) — ORANGE – Ingram is clearly hampered by toe and knee injuries. He played on only 30% of offensive snaps Sunday, getting only eight touches. He is expected to be very limited during the practice week. He is likely to play Week 15, but I would use caution until he shows a more pronounced role in the offense.
UPDATE: Ingram was not listed on the Saints game injury report. He will play Week 15, but his role is still unclear. He is a high risk, high reward play, but only due to his role in the offense. Upgrade to YELLOW due to his removal from the injury report.
2.Michael Thomas (WR) — YELLOW / ORANGE – After resuming practice prior to the Week 14 game versus Tampa Bay, Thomas was a surprise inactive. He practiced limited Wednesday putting him on track to return for Week 15, but I am a little concerned that his foot may limit him upon return. The Saints are notorious for vague or false injury information, but I will be watching for any information regarding his status.
UPDATE: Thomas was not listed on the team’s game injury report. He is expected to play Week 15, but I will leave his status unchanged.
New York Giants
1. Shane Vereen (RB) — PURPLE – Vereen’s return from IR was short as he is now in the league’s concussion protocol. He practiced limited Wednesday, giving hope that he will be able to return for Week 15.
UPDATE: Vereen practiced through the week on a limited basis but has not yet cleared concussion protocol. As he practice this week, there is a chance still that he can clear protocol prior to game time. He is still questionable.
UPDATE #2: Vereen has cleared protocol and is expected to play Sunday.
New York Jets
1.Matt Forte (RB) — RED / ORANGE – Forte played only six snaps before being forced from the game Week 14. After missing Wednesday practice, he told the media that an MRI revealed a meniscus tear. He also said that he hoped to play Saturday versus the Dolphins. I think this is unlikely, especially considering the short week. If he plays, expect his role to be very limited.
UPDATE: Forte returned for Friday’s practice on a limited basis. He is considered a game time decision. His status is unchanged. If he plays, I expect him to be very limited.
2.Brandon Marshall (WR) — YELLOW – Marshall was limited Wednesday with a plethora of injuries (back, foot, knee). He has been playing hurt all season. After playing 93% of the Week 14 snaps, there is no reason to think that he will not play Week 15.
3.Quincy Enunwa (WR) — YELLOW – Enunwa was limited Wednesday with sore ribs but is expected to play Sunday. His role has been reduced with Bryce Petty taking over under center. While he should play, rib injuries will reduce his ability to stretch for balls and may make him timid in situations where he is likely to get hit.
Oakland Raiders
1.Michael Crabtree (WR) — YELLOW – Crabtree injured his finger last Thursday. Head coach Jack Del Rio said that the injury was similar to that of Derek Carr. This leads me to think he also suffered a dislocation. This is not likely to cost Crabtree time, but may limit his catching ability. He may be forced to buddy tape the fingers, which will hamper his feel for making a catch.
2.Amari Cooper (WR) — YELLOW – Cooper was limited Wednesday with a shoulder injury. This is a new injury for him and could pose some mild limitation though there is no sign that he is in danger of missing Week 15.
Philadelphia Eagles
1.Jordan Matthews (WR) — GREEN – Matthews was held out of practice Wednesday to rest his lingering ankle injury. After playing 97% of the Week 14 snaps, there is no reason to think he will be limited Sunday at Baltimore.
2.Darren Sproles (RB) — PURPLE / RED – Sproles suffered a concussion on a cheap shot while fielding a punt Sunday. There have been reports that Sproles had temporary loss of consciousness, which makes him very unlikely to play Week 15.
UPDATE: Sproles failed to clear concussion protocol and has been ruled OUT for Week 15.
3.Wendell Smallwood (RB) — RED – Smallwood was placed on IR after suffering and MCL sprain. He is out for the season.
San Diego Chargers
1.Melvin Gordon (RB) — RED – Many DFS players were in trouble early when Gordon left Week 14 after only eight plays. He suffered knee and hip sprains and has already been ruled out for Week 15. As the Chargers are playing for nothing, they are likely to take a conservative route. I would not be surprised if he ends up being out for the season.
San Francisco 49ers
1.Torrey Smith (WR) — PURPLE / RED – Smith was knocked unconscious Sunday versus the Jets and continues to experience concussion symptoms. He did not practice Wednesday and is unlikely to play Sunday.
UPDATE: Smith did not clear concussion protocol and has been ruled OUT for Week 15.
2.Vance McDonald (TE) — RED – McDonald was placed on IR after suffering a scapula fracture Sunday. He is out for the season.
Washington Redskins
1.Jordan Reed (TE) — ORANGE / YELLOW – Reed made an impressive return to play Week 14, but he was only able to play on 10 snaps, catching his lone target. While he was able to play, he was very limited by the shoulder separation that kept him out of Week 13. He is expected to play Week 15 against the Panthers. Plus, he will have the benefit of an extra day of rest as the Redskins play Monday night. I do think he will continue to be limited by the shoulder, but this should improve as the days and weeks progress. The Redskins will need whatever he can offer as they continue to fight for a wildcard spot.