NFL DFS Injury Report: Week 2
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.
The 2016 NFL season has already stood out from an injury standpoint. I cannot remember a Week 1 that featured so many surprises as game day approached. Rob Gronkowski practiced during the week (though limited), was listed as questionable on the NFL game injury report and then didn’t travel to Arizona with the team. Chris Ivory dealt with a calf injury during the week, was expected to play, and then was inactive, ending up in the hospital with an unspecified illness.
Thomas Rawls and Christine Michael split touches when many thought that Rawls would be used as a decoy if at all. Keenan Allen (ACL) is out for the year, and Robert Griffin (shoulder fracture) is out for the near future.
Here is the status report for the early week. I will provide an update after game injury reports are released Friday and again throughout the weekend until inactive lists are posted. Best of luck in Week 2!!
Last Updated: After Sunday Inactive Report release.
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.
Arizona Cardinals
1.J.J. Nelson (WR) – YELLOW – Bruce Arians said that Nelson could have returned to Sunday night’s game, but he did not practice on Wednesday. I think they will limit him in practice this week, but he should be ready to play this week.
UPDATE: Nelson is INACTIVE for Sunday’s game against Tampa Bay.
2.Larry Fitzgerald (WR) – GREEN – Fitzgerald did not practice Wednesday with knee pain. Seems like veteran treatment to me.
Atlanta Falcons
1. Julio Jones (WR) — GREEN / YELLOW — Jones re-injured his ankle Sunday. He was limping around on the sideline but did not come out of the game. He will be limited in practice this week but is likely to play Sunday. The nature of recurrent ankle injuries worries me that he could be limited throughout the season. There is always an increased risk of in game injury as he had Sunday. He did not look as clean coming off the ball or coming out of breaks in the second half against Tampa Bay. Despite this, Jones played 85% of the team’s snaps with 8 targets Sunday
2.Mohamed Sanu (WR) – GREEN / YELLOW – There were reports that Sanu was walking with a significant limp following Sunday’s game. He did not look limited to me on film. He was in on 86% of snaps with 5 targets. He was limited on Wednesday but Dan Quinn told the media he planned to increase the practice load for Sanu and Jones through the week. I will be watching practice status through the week.
3.Devonta Freeman (RB) – YELLOW – Freeman was limited in Wednesday’s practice. With him participating Wednesday, he should play Sunday.
There is concern when skill players have soft tissue injuries, as seen with hamstring setbacks in Week 1. I am sure he will be questionable on the game report but still think he will play. Any limitation may further open the door for Tevin Coleman, who already saw 49% of Sunday’s snap versus Tampa Bay.
Baltimore Ravens
1. Breshad Perriman (WR) – YELLOW / ORANGE – Perriman missed practice Wednesday with a calf injury. It is being reported as mild. He should play this weekend but may see even fewer snaps than the 31% he saw this past Sunday.
GAME TIME UPDATE: Peririman is active against the Browns but remains a risky option both due to injury and potentially low snap count.
2.Kenneth Dixon (RB) – OUT – Dixon will not play as he continues to recover from an MCL sprain.
Buffalo Bills
1. Sammy Watkins (WR) – YELLOW / ORANGE – Adam Schefter reported just prior to Sunday’s game that Watkins was experiencing pain in his surgically repaired foot. Watkins played on 86% of the snaps and had 9 target but did look limited at times in Sunday’s game. Now he faces a short turnaround time this week. He missed Monday’s practice but has told the media that he is fine. He was limited at Wednesday’s walk through. As with most weeks, he is a high risk/high reward play.
2.Charles Clay (TE) – GREEN / YELLOW – Clay was held out of practice with a sore knee on Monday. He practiced limitedly on Tuesday and Wednesday and it appears he will be ready to play Thursday.
Carolina Panthers
1. Jonathan Stewart (RB) – GREEN – Stewart was limited Wednesday in practice with an ankle injury. This feels more like veteran treatment than any serious injury. He should be good Sunday.
Cincinnati Bengals
1. Tyler Eifert (TE) – OUT – Eifert has already been ruled out for Week 2 as he recovers from ankle ligament reconstruction.
Cleveland Browns
1. Robert Griffin (QB) – OUT – RGIII broke his coracoid, a bony extension off of the scapula at the end of Sunday’s game against the Eagles. The Browns have not designated whether they will designate him for return or not. If it were his throwing shoulder, he would be out for the year. Since it is his left shoulder, he should be able to come back in 8-10 weeks if the club decides to designate him for return.
Denver Broncos
1. Demaryius Thomas (WR) – YELLOW – There is always concern when a reports surface that a player is seeking a second opinion regarding an MRI finding. However, Thomas participated limitedly in light on-field work and practiced Wednesday. Gary Kubiak indicated to the media that he thought Thomas would play Sunday. Thomas himself said he would be taking it day to day. Based on his early participation, he likely will play, but I will be watching the situation closely.
UPDATE: Despite practicing very limitedly even through Friday’s practice, Thomas was listed as questionable and is expected to play. I am keeping at YELLOW. I do think he continue to be physically limited in game play.
2.Bennie Fowler (WR) – YELLOW – Fowler did not play Thursday against the Panthers but did participate in practice Monday. He was then held out of Wednesday’s practice. With the Thomas injury, the Broncos are likely to want to get Fowler back on the field. By game time, Fowler will be nearly 6 weeks since his elbow fracture and the bone is likely to be completely healed. He may have some strength reduction as he continues to get back to functional activity level.
UPDATE: Fowler has not recovered from his elbow injury and is OUT for week 2.
Indianapolis Colts
1. Colts (DEF) – The Colts have an amazing 12 defensive players on the injury report. Vontae Davis (CB) and TJ Green (S) did not practice on Wednesday and are already doubtful for Sunday. All of the other players are listed as questionable with varying activity in Wednesday’s practice. It is a walking MASH unit, and the effects of injuries on the defense were evident this past week.
UPDATE: Vontae Davis (CB), TJ Green (S), Patrick Robinson (CB), and Henry Anderson (DT) have all been ruled out. Trent Cole (LB) is listed as doubtful. I also expect him to miss Sunday. The good news for the Colts is that Darius Butler (CB), Antonio Cromartie (CB), Clayton Geathers (S), and Robert Mathis (LB) are listed as questionable and all four look primed to play. This is a relative boost for the Colt defense though they are still very thin, especially in the defensive backfield.
Jacksonville Jaguars
1. Chris Ivory (RB) — RED / ORANGE — Ivory was released from the hospital on Tuesday, but his status is still uncertain. He was not at practice Wednesday. Kudos to the Jacksonville organization for keeping mum the nature of Ivory’s hospitalization. I have been scouring for some insight as to the nature of the illness. I have found nothing. My concern is that his calf injury may have in fact ended up to be a blood clot. I have not seen any report to confirm this, but with the progression of events, it is a possibility. I seriously doubt he plays Sunday, but will be looking for status updates and more specifics for his hospitalization through the week.
UPDATE: Ivory has been ruled OUT for Sunday’s game at San Diego.
2.Julius Thomas (TE) – GREEN / YELLOW — Thomas suffered a sprained ankle and Sundays game against the Packers. He may be limited this week in practice but should be ready to go this weekend.
Kansas City Chiefs
1.Jamaal Charles (RB) — RED / ORANGE — Charles was inactive last week and there has not been much optimism from Andy Reid about him returning this week. He practiced exclusively with the scout team Wednesday. He seems to be moving in the right direction, but based on reports I have seen this week; I don’t think he plays Sunday. If he does, he will likely be in a limited role.
UPDATE: Charles was listed as doubtful in the official game injury report. If he plays (which I think to be highly unlikely), he will be very limited. He remains RED / ORANGE.
GAME TIME UPDATE: Charles is INACTIVE for Sunday’s game. Look for a snap split between Charcandrick West and Spencer Ware.
2.Spencer Ware (RB) – YELLOW – To further cloud the situation, Ware did not practice Wednesday with a sprained toe. Like all sprains, toe sprains come in a variety of degrees but have at time put players out for extended periods. This news only surfaced on Wednesday, which leads me to think that the injury is mild. The chief concern is that this type of injury can severely hinder cutting ability and explosion. With significant DFS impact, I will watch this one closely heading into the weekend.
UPDATE: Ware practiced the remainder of the week and will be ready to go Sunday. GREEN.
Miami Dolphins
1. Devante Parker (WR) — ORANGE — Head coach Adam Gase told the media that Parker was close to being active Sunday. I am not yet ready to buy in. He has had so many setbacks with the hamstring, I would need him to go through a reasonable week of practice before I could be convinced to roster him. Even if he is active, the risk for an injury in warm ups or during game play feel higher than average due to his history.
UPDATE: Parker is listed as questionable on the game injury report. He has told the media that is physically ready to play. I will move him to YELLOW / ORANGE as I expect him to be on a snap count. Further, there is always concern that he could have a setback in warm up or during the game.
UPDATE #2: Jordan Cameron and Arian Foster are both listed as questionable but practiced full. They should play and should not be limited. GREEN.
Minnesota Vikings
1. Jerick McKinnon (RB) – ORANGE – McKinnon did not practice Wednesday trying to recover from a foot injury. He was very limited in week 1 with only two touches. Failure to practice Wednesday leads me to think that he still has limitations. Since McKinnon played week 1 I think that he will play in Week 2 despite those limitations.
UPDATE: McKinnon practiced full Thursday and Friday. He is no longer on the injury report. GREEN
New England Patriots
1.Rob Gronkowski (TE) — ORANGE / YELLOW — We can always count on the Patriots to keep us guessing when it comes to injury. I would not be surprised if there is some backlash from NFL with regard to Gronkowski. He was listed as questionable on the Friday injury report which should mean there is a 50-99% chance he plays. He then did not travel with the team. There are two ways to look at this scenario. Either the Patriots want him fully healthy before they return him to the field or the injury is more significant than it initially appeared. I will have to watch practice and beat writer reports closely with plans to better update this later in the week.
UPDATE: Gronkowski was listed as a limited participant in practice this week but did basically nothing. This is probably the toughest call of the week, especially considering New England’s history of keeping injury information at a minimum. My gut instinct is that he will be on the inactive list. Fortunately, the Patriots play at 1pm, so we will have inactive information prior to lock on FanDuel. ORANGE.
GAME TIME UPDATE: Gronkowski is INACTIVE for Sunday’s game against the Dolphins.
UPDATE #2: After practicing full on Wednesday and Thursday, Hogan was limited on Friday and is questionable for Sunday. He had off-season shoulder surgery. He was reportedly limited due to his surgically repaired shoulder. Again, its the Patriots. Information is sparse. I think he will play, but I will try to update the situation Saturday and will post inactives once released.
New York Jets
1. Quincy Enunwa (WR) – YELLOW – Enunwa injured his ribs during his breakout game Sunday. He participated limitedly Monday but all signs point toward him playing Thursday against the Bills. Rib injuries are generally quite painful and thus he could be limited or apprehensive about taking a hit, but I think we will see him on the field.
New Orleans Saints
1. Josh Hill (TE) – RED – Hill’s ankle sprain is being reported as a high ankle sprain. These are more significant than typical lateral ankle sprains with average return to play closer to a month. I expect him to miss at least the next couple of weeks.
Oakland Raiders
1. Taiwan Jones (RB) – ORANGE – Jones is in the concussion protocol. He only got tree touches in a crowded Raider backfield Sunday. Even if he clears protocol, he is a long shot flier to break through this packed situation.
Philadelphia Eagles
1. Zach Ertz (TE) – RED / ORANGE – The reports indicate Ertz has a left 1st rib injury which has some displacement where the rib meets the sternum (breastbone). Aside from being a very painful injury, if there is any instability of this joint it could put Ertz at great risk to play. Further displacement of the rib could puncture the lung or injure the great vessel structures in the neck. Based on what I am reading preliminary; I would be very surprised if he plays this week, and he will probably miss a few weeks.
UPDATE: Ertz has been ruled OUT for Monday night’s tilt with Chicago. I still think this is the first of a few weeks out for him.
2.Trey Burton (TE) – ORANGE / YELLOW – With the Ertz injury, the Eagles will likely need the services of Burton in the offense. He was inactive last week with a calf strain, but all signs indicate he will practice this week, looking to return Sunday.
Pittsburgh Steelers
1. Markus Wheaton (WR) — ORANGE — Wheaton’s shoulder injury is obviously more significant than it appeared early last week. He was inactive Sunday. Shoulder injuries are concerning for receivers as it limits their ability to hand fight and extend for balls. He is dicey for this week, and it will likely take most of the week to find a trend indicating if he will play.
UPDATE: Wheaton is INACTIVE for Sunday’s game against the Bengals.
San Diego Chargers
1. Keenan Allen (WR) – RED – Allen has an ACL tear confirmed by MRI and will be out for the year.
Seattle Seahawks
1. Russell Wilson (QB) – YELLOW – Wilson is dealing with an ankle sprain. This will limit his running and scrambling upside but he should play. He was not listed on the Wednesday injury report. This is a particularly interesting situation as Wilson’s mobility is such a big part of what makes Seattle’s offense go. I will be looking for positive practice reports through the week.
UPDATE: Wilson was a full participant in practice and is not listed on the game injury report. I think concerns early in the week were probably a little overblown. I am moving him to GREEN.
2.C.J. Prosise (RB) – ORANGE / YELLOW – Prosise has multiple injuries, but most focally he had a broken bone in his hand a wrist sprain. His limitations are amplified because he is used mostly in the pass catching role. Indicators are that he plays, but these injuries will limit him.
UPDATE: Prosise practice fully Friday and is questionable for Sunday. I still think he will be physically limited, but will upgrade him to YELLOW
UPDATE: Prosise is INACTIVE for Sunday’s game against the Rams.
3.Jimmy Graham (TE) – ORANGE – Graham only played on 21% of the team’s offensive snaps and saw only one target on Sunday. He is clearly still limited and the Seahawks seem content with controlling his return. Luke Willson was the beneficiary, seeing 78% of the snaps.
UPDATE: Graham was also a full practice participant is not listed on the game injury report. I think that the Seahawks continue to progress Graham along and he will still split snaps with Luke Willson. He is clearly improving so I will bump him to YELLOW. I would use him with caution, but he has touchdown upside which is obvious what we need from our TE.
4.Thomas Rawls (RB) – GREEN / YELLOW – Rawls has already been announced as the starter for Week 2. He only had 27% of the snaps compared to Christine Michael’s 63% However, the touches were much closer as Michael only out-touched Rawls 17-15. Look for Rawls to carry the load Sunday.
Tennessee Titans
1. Kendall Wright (WR) — RED — Wright was inactive Sunday and does not appear that he will be ready this week either as he recovers from a hamstring injury.