NFL DFS Injury Report: Week 8
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 biggest news of Week 7 was LeSean McCoy who injured his hamstring in practice last Wednesday. He did not practice the remainder of the week. Initial reports had him potentially even missing multiple weeks. However, as the week progressed, there were more and more reports that the Bills were pushing McCoy to play. Despite beat writers reporting that McCoy looked limited in warm ups, the Bills elected to play him. To the surprise of no one, he aggravated the injury in the third quarter and did not return. The worst part of it to me was Rex Ryan deflecting any responsibility following the game. I did not have a lot of respect for Ryan anyways, but what little I did have is now gone.
Other than the McCoy news, the biggest injury of Week 7 likely belongs to CJ Anderson. Anderson is expected to miss multiple weeks with a bone bruise in his knee. He was already losing snaps and touches to Devontae Booker. The rookie will now get his chance at the lead running back role. DeVonta Freeman also lost his competition as Tevin Coleman strained his hamstring and is expected to miss Week 8. This was all preceded by Brian Hoyer’s broken arm on Thursday night, which will likely cost him his season.
As always, I will update this article on Friday night after the NFL game injury reports have been released. I will also post breaking news to my twitter account @slakdogg. Don’t hesitate to hit me up with any questions or if I can clarify any injury situation for you. Good luck in Week 8!!!
Last Updated: Saturday AM
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.Carson Palmer (QB) – GREEN / YELLOW – Palmer was limited Wednesday with a hamstring injury. He missed Wednesday practice last week and was still able to play. I expect he will get veteran treatment for the coming weeks, either missing or participating limitedly in Wednesday practices. I would not read too much into this unless different news surfaces.
2.Jaron Brown (WR) — RED – Jaron Brown tore his ACL Sunday night and is out for the year.
3.John Brown (WR) — YELLOW / ORANGE – After missing Week 7, Brown returned to limited practice Wednesday. It seemed to be the Cardinals’ plan all along to work toward getting Brown back for Week 8. He seems on track for this, but as we have seen through the season, a setback could occur at any time.
UPDATE: Brown did have a some limited practice Thursday and Friday. I would have been surprised if they tried to run him through a full practice with a hamstring issue, so I read that as no setbacks. I will upgrade him to YELLOW / GREEN as he will likely play Sunday.
4.Michael Floyd (WR) — ORANGE – Floyd injured his hamstring Sunday night and missed practice Wednesday. Progress would need to be seen prior to considering his possibility to play in Week 8. The Cardinals wide receiver corps is thin, so another loss would direct even more targets to those who are active.
UPDATE: Floyd is a bit tougher to get a read on. He missed Thursday but practiced limitedly on Friday. He is closer to a true game-time decision. If John Brown continues to progress, I could see them sitting Floyd and running JJ Nelson in their 3 receiver sets.
5.Patrick Patterson (CB) — YELLOW / ORANGE – Patterson missed Wednesday practice with sore ribs. He played on 82% of the snaps Sunday, so preliminarily I think he was getting a day off and should play in Week 8. Patterson is widely regarded as a top cornerback currently ranking as the #22 corner by Pro Football Focus.
UPDATE: Patterson returned to practice and is not listed on the game injury report. He is upgraded to GREEN / YELLOW and is a big lift for the Cardinals defensive backfield.
Atlanta Falcons
1. Tevin Coleman (RB) — RED – Coleman injured his hamstring in the third quarter Sunday and did not return. Reports have been clear from the beginning that the injury would cost Coleman at least Week 8.
2.DeVonta Freeman (RB) — GREEN / YELLOW – Freeman was limited Wednesday with a sore hip. With Coleman out, all indications are that the Falcons are simply using caution with Freeman in preparation of Sunday’s game against the Packers.
Buffalo Bills
1.LeSean McCoy (RB) — RED – All I heard all week was that McCoy should not play in Week 7. Originally, he was expected to miss, but reports surfaced toward the end of the week that the Bills would play him 25-35 snaps. This makes no sense as it only take one bad move to aggravate a hamstring injury. To the surprise of essentially no one, McCoy did further injure his hamstring. He did not practice Wednesday. He has not been officially ruled out for Week 8, but I would be very surprised if he played. Of course, I said that last week and they played him anyways. I feel bad for McCoy as he was having quite a good season. The smart thing would be to let him rest and get well going forward.
2.Robert Woods (WR) — YELLOW / ORANGE – Woods did not practice last week and missed Week 7. He returned to limited practice Wednesday, which puts him on track for a Week 8 return. I expect he will return to the WR1 role Sunday in a tough matchup versus the Patriots.
UPDATE: Woods is listed as questionable on the game injury reports, but the Bills have only four wide receivers on their active roster indicating they expect for Woods to be active and play.
3.Marquise Goodwin (WR) — PURPLE – Goodwin is in the concussion protocol and missed practice Wednesday. Ideally, players in the protocol can do some limited work Wednesday when recovering from a concussion Sunday. The fact he did not practice makes me lean toward him missing Week 8 but it is too early to tell at this point.
UPDATE: Goodwin did not clear protocol and has been ruled OUT for Week 8.
4.Marcel Dareus (DT) — GREEN / YELLOW – Dareus returned to practice Wednesday and expects to return to the field for Week 8.
5.Charles Clay (TE) — GREEN – Clay took his typical Wednesday off but is expect to play Sunday.
Chicago Bears
1.Brian Hoyer (QB) — RED – Hoyer broke his arm Thursday night and was placed on IR Monday.
2.Jay Cutler (QB) — GREEN – Amazingly, now that Hoyer is out, Cutler is magically recovered from the thumb injury that has held him out for more than a month. He is expected to be the starter Monday night. Unfortunately for him and the Bears, he gets welcomed back by the stout Minnesota Vikings defense.
3.Eddie Royal (WR) — RED / ORANGE – Royal missed Week 7 and did not return to practice Tuesday. With the long week between games, there was hope for a Week 8 return, but the missed practice put a damper on this. With the extra day of rest that comes with the Monday night game, I am not ready to rule him out completely but need to see significant progress through the week.
4.Jeremy Langford (RB) — YELLOW / ORANGE – Langford returned to practice after missing the past four weeks with a high ankle sprain. This puts him in line to return for Week 8, but regardless of when he comes back, he will return to what appears to be a running back by committee. With Jordan Howard and Ka’Deem Carey, the Bears are likely to integrate him back in slowly.
Cleveland Browns
1. Terrelle Pryor (WR) — YELLOW / ORANGE – Pryor practiced limitedly on Wednesday with a hamstring injury. He was clearly limited Sunday with the hamstring, only playing on 48% of snaps. The Browns have nothing to play for, so I suspect they will continue to take things slowly, limiting him as needed going forward.
UPDATE: Pryor practiced full on Friday. Upgrade to GREEN / YELLOW as this means he should play Sunday.
2.Josh McCown (QB) — YELLOW – McCown practiced in full on Wednesday. He had done some limited work in practice over the past couple of weeks, but the return to full practice all but confirms the expectation that McCown will return to the field for Week 8 against the Jets woeful pass defense.
3.Cody Kessler (QB) — PURPLE – Kessler is in the concussion protocol. He did not practice Wednesday. With the expectation of McCown returning this week, the Browns are not likely to rush him back.
UPDATE: Kessler did not clear concussion protocol and has been ruled out for Week 8.
4.Corey Coleman (WR) — RED / ORANGE – Coleman did some limited work in practice Wednesday but has not started catching passes as he recovers from a broken hand. It has been five weeks since his injury during the practice week prior to Week 3. Physiologically, bones take six weeks to heal. Again, the Browns have no need to rush him back, but there is early hope he may return for Week 9.
UPDATE: Coleman has been ruled OUT for Week 8 as he continues to recover from a hand fracture.
Dallas Cowboys
1. Dez Bryant (WR) — GREEN / YELLOW – Coming off the bye week, Bryant appears set to return Week 8 after a three week sabbatical with a hairline proximal fibula fracture. He did some light work in practice the practice week prior to the bye and has already had a full participation practice this week. An awkward blow the leg could set him back, but I expect him to play with little risk this week.
2.Tony Romo (QB) — RED – Romo returned to practice and beat reporters indicated that he was throwing well. He has already been ruled out for Week 8 but appears close to being ready to return. There is a lot of debate whether or not he will regain his starting position from Dak Prescott. The Cowboys are likely to drag their feet clearing him as long as Prescott continues to perform.
Denver Broncos
1. C.J. Anderson (RB) — RED – Anderson suffered a knee injury early in Monday night’s game. He returned to the game and split time with Devontae Booker through the game. Information surfaced following the game that Anderson’s injury might be more severe than initially thought. Anderson had his meniscus repaired this week and was placed on IR.
2.Demaryius Thomas (WR) — GREEN – Thomas rested his sore hip Wednesday as he has much of the season. He should play without limitation.
3.Aqib Talib (CB) — YELLOW – Talib missed Wednesday practice with a low back injury. Talib missed only one defensive snap Monday night, so at this point, I would expect him to be ready for Week 8.
UPDATE: Talib was back at practice on Friday and is expected to play Sunday.
4.Demarcus Ware (LB) — RED – Ware returned to limited practice Wednesday. The Broncos are targeting a Week 9 return from his forearm fracture.
Detroit Lions
1. Eric Ebron (TE) — YELLOW – Ebron returned to limited practice Wednesday after missing the last three weeks with ankle and knee injuries. Week 8 has been the expected timetable for return and Ebron appears on course to play Sunday at the Texans.
UPDATE: Ebron practiced full and is not listed on the game injury report. He is expected to start Sunday.
2.Theo Riddick (RB) — YELLOW – Riddick missed the past two weeks with an ankle sprain but returned to limited practice Wednesday. He is on course to return for Week 8.
UPDATE: Riddick also practiced full and is expected to play Sunday.
3.Darius Slay (CB) — RED / ORANGE – Slay the Lions top cornerback, left Week 7 early with a hamstring injury and did not practice Wednesday. This gives a poor outlook for a Sunday return but is worth monitoring through the week.
UPDATE: Slay has been ruled out for Week 8.
Green Bay Packers
1.Ty Montgomery (RB/WR) — GREEN – Montgomery missed practice Wednesday with an illness but is expected to be ready for Sunday’s game at Atlanta.
2. Randall Cobb (WR) — ORANGE / YELLOW — Cobb has been limited in practice this week with a hamstring injury. All reports are that he will play Sunday at Atlanta, but much like the LeSean McCoy situation last week, this needs to be taken with some caution.
Houston Texans
1.Lamar Miller (RB) — YELLOW / ORANGE – Miller injured his shoulder on the third play of the game Monday night. He was in and out of the game, playing only 44% of the offensive snaps and getting 11 carries. He did not practice Wednesday. Early reports are that he intends to play Sunday against Detroit, but at this point, it is too early to tell.
UPDATE: Miller is officially listed as questionable on the game injury report. He has told the media that he expected to play but admitted that he was not back to full health. The current expectation is that he will be on a snap count, yielding to Alfred Blue more than normal. This is bad timing as the Texans take on the porous Lions defense.
Indianapolis Colts
1. Donte Moncrief (WR) — YELLOW – Moncrief is expected to return from the scapula fracture that has sidelined him since he was injured Week 2.
UPDATE: Moncrief practiced full on Friday. He is listed as questionable on the game injury report but his full practice participation is a good sign for him to be on the field with little to no limitation Sunday.
2.Dwayne Allen (TE) — RED – Allen continues to recover from an ankle injury and is not expected to play Week 8.
3.Phillip Dorsett (WR) — ORANGE – After missing Week 7 with a hamstring injury, Dorsett returned to limited practice Wednesday. Even if he is able to play, he will move back to the WR3 role with Donte Moncrief set to return.
UPDATE: Dorsett was a full practice participant Friday and is expected to play. Upgrade to YELLOW
Kansas City Chiefs
1. Jamaal Charles (RB) — ORANGE – Charles only play on two snaps in Weeks 7 as he continues to struggle to return from an ACL reconstruction. Reports indicate that he is still having some swelling on the knee with activities. This is not the norm a full year after surgery. Spencer Ware is the clear #1 with Charles becoming for of an afterthought.
UPDATE: Reports have now surfaced that Charles is struggling with swelling in both knees. After only two snaps last week, Charles has been ruled OUT for Week 8.
Minnesota Vikings
1. Jerick Mckinnon (RB) — YELLOW – McKinnon injured his ankle in the second quarter Sunday but was able to return. He was limited, only rushing 11 times. There was initial concern that the injury may cause McKinnon to miss Week 8, but that concern seems to have passes. The extra rest day he will get from playing in the Monday night game will serve him well.
New England Patriots
1.Julian Edelman (WR) — GREEN / YELLOW – Edelman continues to get extra rest for his sore foot. He was limited Wednesday but should play Sunday.
2.Martellus Bennett (TE) — GREEN – As has become the norm, Bennett took it easy Wednesday but should play Sunday.
3.Dion Lewis (RB) — RED – Lewis is on the PUP list and will not play Week 8. Reports have surfaced that his preseason setback was due to a patellar stress fracture. This is a relatively common occurrence following some ACL reconstructions. Indications are that the Patriots plan to slowly return him to action.
New York Jets
1.Matt Forte (RB) — GREEN – Forte rested his sore knee after 30 carries Sunday. He will play Sunday.
2.Brandon Marshall (WR) — GREEN – Marshall also took Wednesday off to rest his sore knee. He told the media that it was just part of managing the season and that he would play Sunday.
3.Bilal Powell (RB) — RED / ORANGE – Powell only played nine snaps Sunday due to turf toe. When dealing with running backs, turf toe will often cost players extended time. He did not practice Wednesday, and I would be surprised to see him play Week 8.
4.Geno Smith (QB) — RED – Smith’s return as the starting quarterback was short lived as he tore his ACL and was placed on IR.
Philadelphia Eagles
1. Jordan Matthews (WR) — GREEN – For the second week in a row, Matthews rested his sore knee Wednesday but is expected to play Sunday.
San Diego Chargers
1.Travis Benjamin (WR) — YELLOW – Following the same script as last week, Benjamin missed practice Wednesday to rest his sore knee. Last week, he practiced the remainder of the week and played in Week 7. I expect him to do the same this week.
2.Tyrell Williams (WR) — GREEN – Williams popped up on the injury report with a knee injury. He did not practice Wednesday but this appears to be a maintenance day off and he should play Sunday.
3.Hunter Henry (TE) — PURPLE – Henry remains in the concussion protocol but did participate limitedly Wednesday. Continued practice progress will be key to him playing Sunday.
UPDATE: Henry is expected to be cleared from the concussion protocol and play Sunday. He has told the media he is expecting to be cleared as well. He only participated limitedly through the week, so either confirmation of clearing protocol or status on the active list would be needed to lock him in.
Seattle Seahawks
1. Tyler Lockett (WR) — GREEN – Lockett was limited Wednesday with a thigh contusion. He is expected to play Week 8.
2.Jimmy Graham (TE) — GREEN – Graham rested his surgically repaired knee Wednesday but will play Sunday.
3.Russell Wilson (QB) — GREEN – After the overtime tie Monday night, Wilson was limited Wednesday. For the multitude of injuries Wilson has been reported to have through the 2016 season, he has barely shown up on the injury report. I see no reason at this point to think he will not play in a dream matchup at New Orleans.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
1.Doug Martin (RB) — RED – After a setback a couple of week ago, the Bucs are content to move Martin along slowly. He did not practice Wednesday and is not expected to play Sunday. This opens the door for Jacquizz Rodgers to continue shouldering the load.
Tennessee Titans
1. Tajae Sharpe (WR) — YELLOW – Sharpe was able to return to limited practice this week in preparation for the Thursday night game against the Jaguars. He seems to be recovering well from a sprained knee and barring setback should play Thursday.
2.Parrish Cox (CB) — RED – Cox was not able to recover adequately from a concussion and has been ruled out for Thursday Night Football.
Washington Redskins
1.DeSean Jackson (WR) — GREEN – Jackson was limited Wednesday which is status quo for him. He will play Sunday in London.
2.Jordan Reed (TE) — PURPLE / GREEN – Reed obvious faced a setback last week. After limited practice Wednesday, he was unable to go Thursday or Friday before being ruled out for Week 7. There were some initial concerns that he may miss extended time, but today told the media that he expected to play Sunday. He still must be cleared by a concussion specialist, but similarly to last week, barring setback, he seems in line to play in Week 8.
UPDATE: Reed has cleared concussion protocol and is expected to play Sunday.
3.Vernon Davis (TE) — GREEN – Davis was limited Wednesday with a mild groin strain. If Jordan Reed returns, his role is minimized, but I expect him to play Sunday.
4.Jamison Crowder (WR) — GREEN – Crowder was also limited Wednesday with a sore groin but is expected to play Sunday.
5.Josh Norman (CB) — PURPLE – Norman is in the concussion protocol. He did some very limited work Wednesday. Everything I have read indicates that the international travel pushes teams to get clearance earlier than domestic games. News should clarify over the next 36 hours giving indication whether or not Norman will be able to play.
UPDATE: Norman has cleared concussion protocol and is expected to start and shadow A.J. Green Sunday.
6.Matt Jones (RB) — YELLOW / ORANGE – Jones missed practice Wednesday with a sore knee. Practice through the week will clarify if he should play, but either way, it appears Jones has landed in a running back by committee decreasing his viability.
UPDATE: Jones was unable to get back to practice this week with his sore knee. He has been ruled OUT for the Week 8 London game.
7.Breshad Breeland (CB) — YELLOW / ORANGE – After missing two weeks earlier in the year with a right ankle injury, Breeland is now dealing with a left ankle injury. He did not practice Wednesday but early indications are that he will play Sunday though he may be physically limited. With Norman in the concussion protocol, Breeland’s availability is of the utmost importance.
UPDATE: Breeland was a full participant in Friday’s practice and is expected to play Sunday. Upgrade to GREEN / YELLOW