Week 6 CFB Injury Breakdown
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
- Taylor Kelly (Foot) – Arizona State – Kelly was spotted at practice this week still in a walking boot and using crutches to get around, so it sounds like he’ll miss Saturday’s matchup against USC. That means Mike Bercovici will likely take the reigns of the Sun Devils offense for the second straight game. He was excellent last week, tossing 488 yards and three touchdowns (2 INT’s) in a loss to UCLA, but USC presents a tougher test.
- C.J. Brown (Wrist) – Maryland – Brown is likely to be a “game-time” call on Saturday with a wrist injury. He’s faced with a tough test against the Buckeyes and should be avoided for the time being.
- Blake Sims (Shoulder) – Alabama – Sims used the Alabama bye week to heal his injured shoulder but has still been somewhat limited at practice. While he’s expected to be under center against Ole Miss on Saturday, be sure to check back before game-time. If he can’t go than Jake Coker would get a shot against this sixth ranked Ole Miss pass defense.
- Davis Webb (Shoulder) – Texas Tech – Webb separated his non-throwing shoulder against Oklahoma State last weekend and will be a game-time decision this weekend against Kansas State. If he can’t go then it’s a huge blow to this entire Red Raider’s offense as freshman QB Patrick Mahomes will take over.
- Will Gardner (Knee) – Louisville – Gardner missed last week’s game against Wake Forest and his absence affected the Cardinals offense in a big way. He’s been limited in practice still this week and is very questionable to play on Saturday at the Carrier Dome. Reggie Bonnafon would draw another start if Gardner can’t go, but he’s not an exciting fantasy option.
- Garrett Grayson (Shoulder) – Colorado State – Grayson was forced out of last weeks game with a shoulder injury, but the Rams are expecting to have him back on Saturday against Tulsa. The Golden Hurricane’s rank #109th against the pass so far in 2014, so he’s a fine option this week assuming there aren’t any setbacks.
- Quinn Kaehler (shoulder) – San Diego State – A shoulder injury suffered in last weeks game will force Kaehler to miss this weekends matchup with a very soft Fresno State pass defense. Freshman QB Nick Bawden will draw his first career start and is an interesting value option against this porous Fresno State secondary, however it’s quite likely that the Aztecs will further rely on the legs of Donnel Pumphrey.
- Wes Lunt (Knee) – Illinois – Lunt missed last week’s game with Nebraska but is expected back on Saturday in a nice match-up against Purdue.
Other Questionable QB’s: Shane Morris (Michigan), Cole Gautsche (New Mexico), Patton Robinette (Vanderbilt), Chuckie Keeton (BYU)
Running Backs
- Kareem Hunt (Ankle) – Toledo – Hunt is considered very questionable for this weekend’s game against Western Michigan. If healthy he’d be a top tier option against the Broncos, but it doesn’t sound like we’ll know much about his status until just before game-time. If he can’t lace them up, than Terry Swanson and Damion Jones-Moore will likely once again split duties.
- Duke Johnson (Ankle) – Miami – Johnson suffered a minor ankle injury in last weeks game, but it doesn’t look like it’ll hold him out of this weekend’s battle with Georgia Tech.
- Shai McKenzie (Knee) – Virginia Tech – McKenzie was lost for the season in last weeks game with a torn ACL. In what was a bit of a timeshare for carries in the Hokies backfield now becomes a one trick pony with Marshawn Williams set to get all of the work he can handle. He’s a nice value option this week against a UNC team that has allowed 190 rushing yards per game this season.
- Robert Lowe (Ankle) – Texas State – Lowe was a disappointing late scratch before last weekend’s game, but has been upgraded to probable for Saturday’s meeting with Idaho and their 108th ranked rushing defense.
- Keith Ford (Foot) – Oklahoma – Ford is once again doubtful to play for the Sooners this weekend against TCU. This opens the door once again for Samaje Perine, who exploded through it for 242 yards and 4 TD’s in OU’s last game. Alex Ross will also see a boost in carries.
- Doroland Dorceus (Leg) – Memphis – Dorceus was lost for the season during last weeks game. Brandon Hayes will become the Tigers lead back and could have success against this Cincinnati team that has allowed 241 rushing yards per game so far this season.
Others: Larry Rose III (New Mexico State), Damon Bullock (Iowa), Paul James (Rutgers)
Wide Receivers
- Matt Miller (Ankle) – Boise State – Miller was forced out of last weekend’s game with an ankle injury and his status for this weekend is unclear. He’s Boise State’s best weapon in the passing game and his absence would be a big blow to this offense. If Miller can play then the match-up is great against a Nevada secondary that’s allowed 292 passing yards per game this season, but if he’s sidelined than they will likely lean more heavily on Jay Ajayi. Shane Williams-Rhodes would likely see a boost in targets as well.
- Devante Davis (Wrist) – UNLV – Davis was forced to miss last weeks game with a wrist injury and he’s questionable to play again this weekend against San Jose State. Teammate Devante Boyd would be the biggest beneficiary if Davis stays on the sidelines.
- Levi Norwood (Wrist) – Baylor – The Bears offense will get another weapon back this weekend as Levi Norwood has been cleared to play. He scored at least one touchdown in each of the last six games last season and is immediately worth consideration against Texas.
- Devin Funchess (Leg) – Michigan – Funchess was clearly banged up last weekend and limped off the field after the game. He recently commented that he’ll be in pain for the rest of the season and there are some concerns that he’ll be inactive this weekend. With the Michigan offense in disarray, it’s probably wise to stay away for now.
Others: Gehrig Dieter (Bowling Green), Amir Carlisle (Notre Dame), Jordan Cunningham (Vanderbilt), DeAndrew White (Alabama), Malcolm Mitchel (Georgia)
Good Luck this weekend and please comment with anything I may have missed.