NFL DFS Injury Report: Week 5
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 season is now a quarter over and as expected, with each week going forward, there is plenty of injury news to report. Kevin White may be out for the season (again), Gronk still doesn’t look like he has recovered from his hamstring injury, and another star has fallen victim to an Achilles rupture, as Navarro Bowman is out for the year.
Moving toward the middle of the season, there will be more guys getting rested on Wednesday. I will try to hash through that and give you a good idea of who should play, who should sit, and who may show on-field impact from their injury.
This week I took my family to Florida. I had carved out time on Wednesday to look through injury reports and catch up on the beat writers. Instead, Hurricane Matthew is bearing down, so vacation has turned into a mess. I have given the “meat and potatoes” version of the injury reports. As always, I will update situations on Friday. Check back for the update then and follow me @slakdogg. I will post updates as I get them.
Last Updated: Friday 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.
Arizona Cardinals
1.Carson Palmer (QB) – OUT – Palmer suffered a concussion Sunday. He was unable to pass protocol on the short week and has been ruled out for Thursday Night Football versus the 49ers.
2.Chris Johnson (RB) – OUT – Johnson is scheduled to have sports hernia surgery and was placed on IR Tuesday.
Atlanta Falcons
1. Matt Bryant (K) — YELLOW / ORANGE – Bryant was limited Wednesday with a quadriceps injury. This is certainly a concerning injury for any kicker, especially a 41 year old kicker. With his veteran status, the fact that he practiced at all is encouraging for the weekend. However, one bad kick could set him back and with him playing in the afternoon slate, there is even more risk.
2.Mohamed Sanu (WR) — YELLOW – Sanu continues to deal with the lingering effects of an AC joint separation. He was limited Wednesday, but is expected to play through the injury as he has the past couple of weeks. Since his break out performance in Week 1, Sanu has found the going much more difficult. It is very possible that the shoulder is limiting his on-field performance.
3.Jacob Tamme (TE) — GREEN – Tamme sat out of Wednesday’s practice with a sore hip. He saw full reps on Sunday and is expected to play in Week 5.
Buffalo Bills
1.Greg Salas (WR) — ORANGE / RED – Salas is still hampered with a groin strain. He missed Week 4 and seems unlikely to play in Week 5. Despite being decimated in the wide receiver corps, the Bills appear to content to bring Salas along slowly to prevent setbacks.
UPDATE: LeSean McCoy injured his hand Friday in practice. Both McCoy and head coach Rex Ryan were direct in stating he would play Sunday. He is not listed on the game injury reports, so I see no reason to think he will have any limitation.
Carolina Panthers
Editor’s Note: Cam Newton has been ruled OUT for Week 5.
1.Cam Newton (QB) — GREEN – Unlike Carson Palmer, Newton gets the benefit of a long week which may serve him well as he continues in the concussion protocol. The Panthers do not have to release official information until Thursday since they do not play until Monday night. I am listing him as GREEN since there is no official report. Most players with concussion return the following week unless they have some kind of setback or a long concussion history. Despite being victim to many blows to the head, Newton does not have a extended documented concussion history.
UPDATE: Newton remains in the concussion protocol. He did not practice Friday, but there is a different perspective with a Monday game. The Panthers are not required but the NFL to present their game injury report until Saturday. I am a little more concerned than I was earlier in the week. My initial inclination was to downgrade him, but I will reserve judgement until I see reports from practice Saturday. I will update here and on twitter. Follow me @slakdogg for all updates.
2. Jonathan Stewart (RB) – RED – Stewart did some side work but no formal work with the team Wednesday. He still appears to be a week or two away from being ready for game action.
3.Devin Funchess (WR) — ORANGE / RED – Much like with the Newton injury, I struggled with this one a bit. Funchess left the game Sunday with a toe injury. I expect him to at least be significantly limited. Whether or not he plays will show itself more through the practice week. I will watch this one closely and include an update in Friday’s updates.
Chicago Bears
1. Jay Cutler (QB) — RED – Cutler again did not practice Wednesday. As noted initially, the fact that this is an injury to his throwing hand is going to slow progression significantly. Brian Hoyer is expected to make his third straight start Sunday.
2.Eddie Royal (WR) — YELLOW – Coming off his best game of the year, Royal sat out Wednesday’s practice with a sore calf. This is likely veteran treatment, but may be worth monitoring through the week.
UPDATE: Royal failed to practice this week. Traditionally, players that do not practice at all, do not play. Royal has been listed as questionable, and head coach John Fox said that he would be a game time decision. I am downgrading Royal to ORANGE / RED. I would be surprised if he plays, leaving the Bears’ receiving corps very thin.
3.KaDeem Carey (RB) – RED / ORANGE – Carey returned to limited practice on Wednesday. While this is a step in the right direction, I still think he is unlikely to play Sunday. If he does manage to get back on the field, he will still be quite limited.
4.Alshon Jeffery (WR) — GREEN – Jeffery rested his ailing knee Wednesday but is expected to play full on Sunday.
5.Kevin White (WR) — OUT – White was placed on IR with a broken fibula suffered Sunday.
6.Jeremy Langford (RB) — RED – Langford continues to recover from a high ankle sprain and is not expected to play in Week 5.
7.Zach Miller (TE) — YELLOW – Miller missed Wednesday’s practice with sore ribs. After playing 54 of 69 offensive snaps Sunday against the Lions, I think this is probably just a veteran move and he will be ready for Week 5.
Cincinnati Bengals
1.Tyler Eifert (TE) — RED – Eifert appeared to be set to make his 2016 debut in Week 5 only to suffer a back injury Monday in practice. He saw an outside specialist Wednesday. It is currently being reported as a day-to-day injury. This is good considering visits to outside specialists rarely go in the favor of the athlete. However; between the back injury and his continued recovery from ankle ligament reconstruction, it does not appear he will play Sunday.
2.Jeremy Hill (RB) — GREEN — Hill is new to the injury report. The chest injury that limited him Wednesday is believed to be mild and should not limit him Sunday.
Dallas Cowboys
1.Dez Bryant (WR) — RED / ORANGE – Dez did not practice Wednesday after missing Week 4 with his proximal fibula fracture. I think it is unlikely he plays in Week 5, but even if he does, it will be very difficult for him to accelerate or change directions without pain.
2.Dan Bailey (K) — YELLOW / ORANGE – It was announced after Bailey uncharacteristically missed a field goal try on Sunday that he was dealing with some back spasms. He did not practice Wednesday with the same issue. However, I think he will play Sunday. Otherwise, the Cowboys would have brought in another kicker at this point. Of course, when Jerry Jones is running the team, who knows…
UPDATE: Bailey did not practice Friday, but the Cowboys also have not signed another kicker as of Friday night. Reports are that he is still expecting to play. I would leave him as YELLOW / ORANGE.
3.Lance Dunbar (RB) — GREEN – Dunbar rested a sore knee Wednesday but is expect to play in Week 5.
UPDATE: Dunbar’s injury is obviously worse than initially indicated. He did not practice this week, and while the Cowboys have him listed as questionable, all signs point to him not playing. I would downgrade him to RED / ORANGE.
Denver Broncos
1. Virgil Green (TE) — ORANGE – After two consecutive inactive weeks, Green returned to a limited practice Wednesday. While this is progress, it is still a ways from returning to the field for a game. There will be a clearer picture for Green if he progresses in Friday’s practice.
UPDATE: Green practiced all week and appears in line to play Sunday. I would upgrade him to YELLOW. I expect him to be on some kind of snap count.
2.Trevor Siemian (QB) — RED / ORANGE – Siemian separated the AC joint on his non-throwing shoulder in Week 4. He did not throw in Wednesday’s practice. Paxton Lynch played well off the bench, throwing for 170 and a touchdown in relief. I would expect to see Lynch back on the field for Week 5, but I will be watching reports this week.
UPDATE: Siemian continued to practice limited this week, but had to continue favoring his injured non-throwing shoulder. It looks unlikely that he will be able to play Sunday despite being listed as questionable in the game injury report.
Detroit Lions
1. Eric Ebron (TE) — RED / ORANGE – After dealing with an ankle injury throughout the year, Ebron is now dealing with a knee injury as well. The Lions have indicated that he is unlikely to play in Week 5.
UPDATE: Ebron has been ruled OUT for Sunday’s game against the Eagles.
2.Dwayne Washington (RB) — RED / ORANGE – Washington was injured in the 2nd quarter of Week 4 action and did not return. He also sat out of practice on Wednesday giving further indication that he is unlikely to play in Week 5.
3.Marvin Jones (WR) — GREEN / YELLOW – The Lions sent the fantasy community into a tizzy last week when Jones was a late add to the injury report. Last week it was a hamstring, and this week he surprisingly popped up again. This time a toe injury limited him Wednesday. I don’t think there is a lot of substance to this and he should be ready to go Sunday.
Green Bay Packers
1. Jared Cook (TE) – RED – Cook suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 3. He is still recovering and is not expected to play Week 5.
2.Sam Shields (CB) — RED – Shields continues to have lingering effects from multiple concussions. It appears he is still a few weeks away from being cleared.
3.Clay Matthews (LB) — YELLOW – Matthews missed Week 3 with ankle and hamstring injuries. Matthews is as tough as they come. If he can be on the field, he will be. The bye week was probably exactly what he needed to bounce back and be ready for Week 5.
Houston Texans
1.Braxton Miller (WR) — ORANGE / YELLOW – Miller appears closer to returning from a hamstring injury that has sidelined him. He returned to practice Wednesday, but may still be a week or two away.
Indianapolis Colts
1. Frank Gore (RB) — GREEN – Without previous indication of injury, Gore appeared on the injury report Wednesday with a chest injury. He should play Week 5.
2.Darius Butler (CB) — ORANGE / YELLOW – Butler returned to practice Wednesday, the next step in his recovery from a hamstring strain. Much like Braxton Miller, he may be a week or two away, but the return to practice is encouraging.
Los Angeles Rams
1. Kenny Britt (WR) — GREEN – Britt was on the injury report last week with a thigh injury. It also limited him in practice last week. He was not limited in the Week 4 game as he led Rams receivers in yardage. I do not expect limitation in Week 5.
Minnesota Vikings
1. Stefon Diggs (WR) — ORANGE — Diggs missed Wednesday practice with a groin injury. Early reports indicate this may be a significant injury and not just a day off practice. Any soft tissue injury is a concern, but for a receiver that relies on getting open out of breaks and acceleration, this could be even a bigger deal for Diggs. Friday’s practice will be the key if Diggs is to play this week.
UPDATE: Diggs missed practice Friday. This all but relegates him to the bench. I would downgrade him to RED / ORANGE. He is doubtful on the NFL game injury report.
Miami Dolphins
1. Arian Foster (RB) — ORANGE – Foster returned to practice Wednesday after missing the past two weeks with a groin injury. He will likely need to jump a few more hurdles before returning to the game setting, but this return to practice is a step in the right direction. I think a Week 6 return is more likely, but as bad as the Dolphins’ run game has been, they may push for him back on the field earlier.
UPDATE: Foster is listed as doubtful on the game injury report. I am downgrading him to RED / ORANGE as I don’t expect him to play. If he does, he will be on a very limited snap count.
2.Jordan Cameron (TE) – RED – Cameron continues to recover from another concussion. The Dolphins are expected to take is return very slowly and he is not expected to play in Week 5.
New England Patriots
1.Rob Gronkowski (TE) — YELLOW / ORANGE – Gronkowski was limited Wednesday with a sore hamstring. Gronkowski admitted to the media that his hamstring still bothers him. He has had a very poor start to the season; however, Week 5 brings back Tom Brady, which will surely help Gronkowski and the entire Patriots offense.
2.LeGarrette Blount (RB) — GREEN – Blount was limited Wednesday with a sore hip. Blount has a long-standing history of hip problems that have occasionally cost him playing time. Since he was only limited and did not completely miss practice, I think this is probably a mild aggravation of the hip and he should play Sunday.
New York Giants
1.Rashad Jennings (RB) — ORANGE – Jennings sat Weeks 3 and 4 with his injured thumb. His condition is not going to change until his thumb has healed. Wearing the cast limits his ability to block and catch passes. With him having not played the past two weeks, I am somewhat pessimistic he will play in Week 5.
2.Larry Donnell (TE) — RED – Donnell is in the concussion protocol after suffering a concussion on Monday Night Football. Players typically need a full seven days to get out of the protocol. On the short week, it is unlikely that Donnell will clear the protocol in time to play Sunday.
New York Jets
1. Eric Decker (WR) — RED / ORANGE – Indications are that Decker continues to progress from his partial rotator cuff tear. He did not practice Wednesday. I don’t think he will be ready in time for Sunday’s game leaving Brandon Marshall and Quincy Enunwa to handle the majority of the targets.
UPDATE: Decker has been ruled OUT for Sunday’s game against the Steelers.
2.Matt Forte (RB) — YELLOW / ORANGE – Forte was carted off the field Sunday for x-rays which were negative. He has been battling a sore knee and now presents with sore ribs as well. Watch for Friday’s update on Forte. Looking at things Sunday, I didn’t think it looked good, but he returned to limited practice Wednesday which gives some optimism is may be ready for Week 5.
UPDATE: Forte has been upgraded to GREEN as he is not listed on the game injury report. He is expected to start and play without limitation.
Oakland Raiders
1. Latavius Murray (RB) — RED – Murray is not expected to play Week 5 with a toe sprain. This opens the door for DeAndre Washington to carry to load against the Chargers.
2.Clive Walford (TE) — GREEN / YELLOW – Walford left Week 4’s game with a knee injury. Head coach Jack Del Rio told the media he could have returned if needed. Walford was held out of practice Wednesday, but I would still lean toward him playing Sunday.
Philadelphia Eagles
1. Zach Ertz (TE) — GREEN — Practiced in full on Wednesday and is expected to play on Sunday.
2. Ryan Mathews (RB) — GREEN — Practiced in full on Wednesday and is expected to play on Sunday.
Pittsburgh Steelers
1. Eli Rogers (WR) — RED – Rogers continues to battle turf toe and is not expected to play Sunday.
San Diego Chargers
1. Antonio Gates (TE) – ORANGE – Gates finally returned to practice Wednesday after an extending period of time out with a hamstring strain. He was limited, but this is a good first step toward returning. Watch for updates later in the week regarding his expected play status.
UPDATE: Gates practiced in full on Friday, thus moving closer to playing. I would upgrade him to YELLOW. Hunter Henry has been impressive with Gates down and is the unquestioned future at TE for the Chargers. They will likely split snaps, but Gates is also in line to become the all time leader in touchdown receptions. I would expect red zone opportunities to go to Gates.
2.Jason Verrett (CB) — OUT – Verrett, the Chargers top corner, is out for the year with a torn ACL.
San Francisco 49ers
1.Vance McDonald (TE) — YELLOW / ORANGE – McDonald continues to recover from a hip injury that has sidelined him. He did practiced limited during this short week. Inactive lists will be released at minimum 60 minutes before the Thursday night game.
2.Jeremy Kerley (WR) — GREEN – Kerley has been limited this week with an ankle injury but he is expected to play Thursday night against the Cardinals.
3.Navarro Bowman (LB) — OUT – Bowman, the heart of the 49ers defense, will miss the remainder of the season with a torn Achilles.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
1. Doug Martin (RB) — RED – Martin continues to recover from a hamstring strain and is expected miss Week 5.
2.Charles Sims (RB) — YELLOW – Sims missed Wednesday practice with a knee injury sustained in Week 4. Preliminary reports indicate this is a maintenance day. Sims benefits from a long week and should be ready for Monday Night Football against the Panthers.
UPDATE: Sims did not practice this week and listed as doubtful in the game injury report. I would downgrade him to RED. I don’t expect him to play leaving the Bucs very thin in the backfield.
3.Gerald McCoy (DL) — RED – McCoy is expected to miss Week 5 with a calf strain.
Washington Redskins
1.Josh Doctson (WR) — RED – The Redskins continues to take their time with Doctson. He was inactive week four and was held out of Wednesday practice. I don’t expect him to play in week five.
2.Bashaud Breeland (CB) — ORANGE – The Redskins have opened the door for a Week 5 return for Breeland. Head coach Jay Gruden told the media there was a chance he could play. I would look for more definite news later in the week.
UPDATE: Breeland has been ruled OUT for Sunday’s game against the Ravens.