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Week 11: Friday Injury Report
Again, sorry if this is kinda brief. My “real job” seems to be getting in the way, lately… But here are some key injuries to consider when setting your lineups for Week 11. Good luck.
QB Tony Romo (DAL): Romo (finger) has been practicing and should be back to 100%. Advice: Start him.
QB Ben Roethlisberger (PIT): Roethlisberger (shoulder, hand) has been beat up this year. But he is expected to start this weekend, and has a good matchup. Advice: Start him.
QB Kyle Orton (CHI): Orton (ankle) is expected to be back in the lineup this week. Advice: I think Orton will be less than 100%, and he is up against a tough Packers pass defense. Leave him on the bench.
RB Clinton Portis (WAS): Portis (knee) has a sprained MCL and will almost certainly not play this week. Advice: Unfortunately, the Skins play Sunday night, so you will not have the luxury of knowing whether Portis will play when you set the rest of your lineup. I would bench him (in fact, I did bench him in one of my leagues). RB Ladell Betts will get the start in his place, but Betts does not make a very good play, as he is not 100%, either. And do not even consider RB Shaun Alexander.
RB Steven Jackson (STL): Jackson (thigh) is almost certainly out this week. Advice: It looks like RB Antonio Pittman will get the start, and he makes a pretty solid play against the 49ers.
RB Reggie Bush (NO): Bush (knee) was back at practice this week, but his status for this weekend is in doubt. Advice: I would leave him on the bench until you are sure he is ready to go.
RB Cedric Benson (CIN): Benson (back) has missed practice this week and might miss the game this weekend. Advice: If Benson sits out, RB Chris Perry will start in his place. But do not expect either to have much success against the Eagles.
RB Earnest Graham (TB): Graham (knee) missed practice and is not certain if he will play this week. Advice: He is injured and up against a very tough Minnesota run defense. Bench him.
RB Frank Gore (SF): Gore (neck) is reported to have a neck strain or a possible concussion. Advice: I think he will be ready to play this weekend, but keep an eye on his status. He makes a good start against St. Louis if he is in the lineup, but if he cannot go, look for RB Deshaun Foster to get the start.
RB Willie Parker (PIT): Parker (shoulder, knee) is still recovering from his knee injury and also has a shoulder injury that he is being very cagey about. Advice: Parker is expected to play this weekend, but expeect RB Mewelde Moore to get some carries, as well. Parker still makes a good play against a relatively soft SD defense, but do not get overly excited.
WR Javon Walker (OAK): Walker (foot) was placed on IR and will miss the rest of the year. Advice: Does anyone really care?
TE Jason Witten (NO): Witten (ribs) said he is ready to go this weekend. Advice: He will play, and should be much more effectve than he was in previous weeks now that QB Tony Romo is back.
TE Heath Miller (PIT_: Miller (ankle) will miss this week’s game. Advice: Bench him. Consider TE Billy Miller (no relation) if you are looking for a fill-in TE this week.
Week 11: Monday Injury Report
Here are some notable injuries from this weekend:
RB Steven Jackson (STL): Jackson (thigh) missed another game and his status for next weekend is unclear. Advice: Backup RB Antonio Pittman shared the carries with RB Kenneth Darby, but neither is a very good option.
RB Willie Parker (PIT): Parker (knee, shoulder) is rumored to have a torn labrum, although he disputes this claim. Advice: Parker missed another game, but claims he will be ready to go next week. Hold onto RB Mewelde Moore for now, just in case he misses another week.
RB Clinton Portis (WAS): Portis (knee) is said to have a 50-50 chance of playing this weekend. Advice: Portis is very tough and usually plays through injuries, but the fact that they are worried about him after the bye week is a cause for concern. If he is not able to go, RB Shaun Alexander will likely get most of the carries, since RB Ladell Betts has been sidelined with a knee injury.
WR Matt Jones (JAX): Jones (ankle) missed the 4th quarter of the game this past weekend. Advice: Jones has been playing pretty well, so keep him on your roster for now. If his injury is serious, though, you might want to drop him, since he also has a suspension coming up, as soon as the NFL takes action.
TE Jeremy Shockey (NO): Shockey (ankled) missed most of the 4th quarter on Sunday. Advice: Shockey has been a huge disappointment this year, which is only partially due to injuries. Given how hard it is to find quality TEs, you may have to keep him on your roster. But if he misses any more time (or if you are simply sick of him), consider adding TE Billy Miller, who has (very) quietly been playing (very) well lately.
Week 10: Friday Injury Report
Some quick info on some key players who are injured as you look to set your lineups for Week 10.
QB Dan Orlovsky (DET): Orlovsky (thumb) is out this week. Advice: I am still not sure whether QB Daunte Culpepper or QB Drew Stanton will get the start, but neither is worth a start for your team. You cannot be that desperate, right?
QB Kyle Orton (CHI): Orton (ankle) continues to say that he wants to play, but I am almost positive that he will be out. Advice: Backup QB Rex Grossman will get the start, but plays against a very tough Tennessee defense, and is not worth a start on your team.
QB Ben Roethlisberger (PIT): Roethlisberger (shoulder) will likely be a game-time decision this week. Advice: If you have Big Ben and need to play him, check his status on Sunday morning. But even if he does play, he is not 100% and the Colts are not awful on defense. I would go in a different direction if you have another option. If he cannot play, backup QB Byron Leftwich will start. Leftwich looked pretty good last week against the Redskins, but due to the uncertainy surroudning Big Ben, I would stay away from Leftwich, as well.
QB Matt Schaub (HOU): Schaub (knee) is out for 2-4 weeks. Advice: Backup QB Sage Rosenfels will start while Schaub is out. He does not make a great play this week against Baltimore (although you could do worse — e.g. Culpepper or Stanton), but he does make a good pickup and play against good matchups (and he has some in the coming weeks).
RB Reggie Bush (NO): Bush (knee) has been ruled out for this week, but reports indicate that he could be back as soon as next week. Advice: Bench him this week, obviously, but keep an eye on his status for next week.
RB Steven Jackson (STL): Jackson (thigh) is out this week. Advice: Unfortunately, backup RB Antonio Pittman is also injured and his status is unclear, which means RB Kenneth Darby will likely get most or all of the carries. Darby is worth a start if you are desperately in need of RB depth.
RB Larry Johnson (KC): Johnson (suspension) is not injured but was suspended by the NFL and will miss week 10. Advice: Backup RB Jamaal Charles will start in place of Johnson and makes a pretty decent play against the Chargers, who have talent on defense but cannot seem to stop anyone.
RB Darren McFadden (OAK): McFadden (toe) is still limited in practice and his status for this week is in doubt. Advice: Bench him either way. Even when he is in the game, he is ineffective. And Carolina is tough against the run.
RB Willie Parker (PIT): Parker (knee) is likely out this week. Advice: With Parker out, RB Mewelde Moore will once again get most of the carries. He makes a good start against the Colts.
RB Jonathan Stewart (CAR): Stewart (heel) has been very limited in practice this week and is likely out. Advice: This is bad news for Stewart, but good news for RB DeAngelo Williams, who will get all the carries against a porous Raiders run defense.
RB Fred Taylor (JAX): Taylor (knee) missed practice Wednesday but was back on Thursday and should play this week. Advice: Taylor has done nothing recently, but if he is healthy, he could do well against Detroit. However, I expect him to be somewhat limited, which is bad for Taylor but good for his RBBC teammate RB Maurice Jones-Drew.
RB Ryan Torain (DEN): Torain (knee) played well in his first real action, gaining 68 yards and a TD on 12 carries. However, he also suffered a knee injury, which is believed to be a torn ACL. He is likely out for the year. Advice: Seriously? I have been waiting all year for this guy, and he looked like the real deal for the first half. And then he blew out his knee. Unreal. There are no healthy RBs left in Denver. If you need RB depth, consider adding RB Peyton Hillis, who got some carries last night after Torain went down.
WR Deion Branch (SEA): Branch (foot) was back at practice this week and could play against Miami. Advice: I would stay away from Branch until (1) he shows he is 100% healthy and/or (2) Hasselbeck is back at QB. But if he is available in your league, you might consider adding him.
WR Chris Chambers (SD): Chambers (ankle) was back at practice this week, but his status for this weekend remains unclear. Advice: Although I would love to tell you to start Chambers, since he is matched up against the awful Cheifs defense, I am not sure how healthy he will be. Unless you are desperate, i would leave him on the bench for one more week.
WR Brandon Lloyd (CHI): Lloyd (knee) was back as a full-participant in practice this week and should be ready to play against the Titans. Advice: I would not start him this week, but keep an eye on him. If he is available, I would consider adding him to your roster. He could be a good WR3 going forward.
WR Larry Fitzgerald (ARI): Fitzgerald (thumb) was limited in practice this week but is expected to play. Advice: Fitzgerald is a gamer, so expect him to play (and to play well) this weekend.
TE Jeremy Shockey (NO): Shockey (sports hernia) is supposedly healthy and ready to go. Advice: I am starting him in one of my leagues and I expect him to be productive. When healthy, he should be a top 10 TE. But we have yet to see him really get comfortable with Brees in the Saints offense.
TE LJ Smith (PHI): Smith (concussion) is healthy and ready to play this week. Advice: Smith has not done much this year and is probably not worth a start, especially against a tough Giants defense.
Week 10: Start
* I want to apologize. I started writing this post earlier (as you can tell by the inclusion of some Browns and Broncos — right and wrong), but was not able to finish it… Unfortunately, some “work-related-obligations” occupied most of my day.
Here are some players who I recommend that you start this week. In addition to the fringe players discussed below, here is a list of must-start players:
QB Drew Brees (NO), QB Jay Cutler (DEN), QB Donovan McNabb (PHI), QB Philip Rivers (SD), QB Aaron Rodgers (GB), QB Kurt Warner (ARI)
RB Matt Forte (CHI), RB Frank Gore (SF), RB Chris Johnson (TEN), RB LaDainian Tomlinson (SD), RB Adrian Peterson (MIN), RB Brian Westbrook (PHI)
WR Anquan Boldin (ARI), WR Plaxico Burress (NYG), WR Larry Fitzgerald (ARI), WR Greg Jennings (GB), WR Andre Johnson (HOU), WR Calvin Johnson (DET), WR Brandon Marshall (DEN), WR Steve Smith (CAR), WR Reggie Wayne (IND), WR Roddy White (ATL)
TE Dallas Clark (IND), TE Owen Daniels (HOU), TE Antonio Gates (SD), TE Tony Gonzalez (KC), TE Kellen Winslow
QB Jake Delhomme (CAR): Delhomme will be up against the Raiders, who recently cut starting CB DeAndelo Hall. Although I expect the Panthers to keep the ball on the ground quite a bit, Delhomme should hook up with WR Steve Smith quite a few times, as well.
QB Trent Edwards (BUF): He has not been playing very well lately, but New England has a fairly soft pass defense. Consider him a borderline start, though.
QB David Garrard (JAX): He plays against Detroit, who gives up the most fantasy points to QBs. He is definitely worth a start this week.
QB Eli Manning (NYG): Even against Philly, he is a good start.
QB Chad Pennington (MIA): Pennington gets to play against Seattle, who is very user-friendly these days. Start him.
QB Matt Ryan (ATL): Ryan has been playing very well this year, and the Saints are vulnerable against the pass. Also, since I expect Turner to have some struggles, the Falcons will have to rely on Ryan to move the offense.
QB Tyler Thigpen (KC): Thigpen has been playing pretty well lately, and he is up against the Chargers, who are awful against the pass. Look for him to have a pretty good game.
RB Ryan Grant (GB): Yeah, I know, he plays against Minnesota. And he has not been playing very well this year. But he had his best game running the ball last week agianst Tennessee, and I think he will do pretty well this week against Minnesota, who will likely be without DE Jared Allen. Do not start him over any of your studs, but do not bench him in favor of some lesser player, either.
RB Tim Hightower (ARI): Hightower took over for the ineffective RB Edgerrin James last week and had a huge game. I think the trent will continue this week against the 49ers.
RB Maurice Jones-Drew (JAX): MJD gets to go up against the Lions, who are the most fantasy-friendly defense in the NFL. Plus, RB Fred Taylor has been limited in practice, which means MJD will likely get the bulk of the carries.
RB Jamal Lewis (CLE): Denver gives up the 2nd most fantasy points to RBs. And Cleveland will likely rely on Lewis to take the pressure off QB Brady Quinn.
RB Mewelde Moore (PIT): It sounds like RB Willie Parker is likely to miss this week, so look for Moore to get most of the carries this week. And the Colts are soft against the run.
RB Ray Rice (BAL): I am not sure which Baltimore RB will get the start, but if RB Willis McGahee is out, you should definitely start Rice. My gut tells me Rice will get most of the carries, since he is healthy and has outplayed McGahee recently, but keep an eye on the injury reports to be sure.
RB Ryan Torain (DEN): Torain is my sleeper this week. For better or worse, it looks like Torain is going to get a chance to carry the load this week. With every other RB on Denver’s roster out with injuries, the Broncos will rely on Torain and RB Peyton Hillis. I think Torain will do pretty well.
RB DeAngelo Williams (CAR): I usually hate to recommend starting RBs who share carries, but DeAngelo has been getting quite a few carries lately and goes up against a very friendly Oakland run defense. I think he will have a big day, particularly since RB Jonathan Stewart is dealing with a heal injury.
WR Bernard Berrian (MIN): The Packers are pretty tough against the pass, but their weakness is the deep ball. And I think Berrian will catch one or two deep passes, making him worth a start. And if you want a super-sleeper this week, try WR Sidney Rice.
WR Dwayne Bowe (KC): See Thigpen, Tyler.
WR Marques Colston (NO): Colston has been a huge disappointment this year, but I think he should be ready to contribute now. He had a week off after the game in London, and should be fully healed.
WR Braylon Edwards (CLE): I am guessing that QB Brady Quinn will look to Edwards early and often. And although I fully expect that Edwards will drop a ball or two, I think he will catch a TD.
WR Ted Ginn (MIA): Seattle is bad. Ginn should be able to catch one and take it to the house.
WR Vincent Jackson (SD): Jackson has been playing very well lately, and KC is just plain bad.
WR Matt Jones (JAX): Until he gets suspended, he is worth a start — especially against Detroit.
WR Randy Moss (NE): Moss has been playing pretty well lately, averaging around 10 points per game. Buffalo has a pretty solid defense, but they do not play as well on the road. I think Moss will have a decent day.
WR Eddie Royal (DEN): He has never matched his big game from week 1, but he has been pretty solid all year. I think he will have another solid week against the Browns.
TE Kevin Boss (NYG): Philly can give up fantasy points to TEs, so Boss is a sleeper this week.
TE Bo Scaife (TEN): QB Kerry Collins looks to Scaife all the time.
TE Jeremy Shockey (NO): Shockey is expected to be back in the lineup this week, and he should do well enough to make him worth a start.
Week 9: Friday Injury Report
Here are some notable injuries to keep in mind as you set your lineups for Week 9:
RB Steven Jackson (STL): Jackson (thigh) has been limited in practice all week and will likely be a game-time decision. Advice: If you have another option, I would go with it. Even if he does play, he will not be at 100%. And RB Antonio Pittman will probably get some touches, as well.
RB Larry Johnson (KC): Johnson is not injured, but he has been deactivated by the Chiefs this week and will not play. Advice: Backup RB Jamaal Charles (ankle) is injured and will be limited, which means RB Kolby Smith will get most of the carries. Also, the NFL has suspended Johnson for Week 10, so he will not be available next week either.
RB Darren McFadden (OAK): McFadden (toe) missed practice all week and will likely be out this week. Advice: McFadden has not been playing all that well this year anyway, so avoid him.
RB Willis McGahee (BAL): McGahee (ankle) missed some practice time this week, but is expected to play. Advice: I think McGahee is a safe play, but expect RB Ray Rice to get some touches, as well.
RB Willie Parker (PIT): Parker (knee) has looked good in practice this week, and should be ready to play against the Redskins. Advice: Parker plays on MNF, so you will have to make a decision on him early so you can set your lineup for Sunday. If you have Moore, that makes it easier. But if you do not, you might consider other options. I think Parker will play, but Moore will likely continue to get some touches as they ease him back into the lineup.
WR Santana Moss (WAS): Moss (hamstring) missed practice time this week and is expected to be a game-time decision. Advice: I suggested sitting Moss due to the matchup, and this makes me even less confident in his chances to perform well. Since the game is on MNF, you should probably go with a different option, or risk being stuck with no one if Moss sits out.
TE Jason Witten (DAL): Witten (ribs) has not practiced this week but keeps saying he will play. Advice: If you have other options at TE, you might want to go with one of them. Witten might play, but he is clearly not 100%, and his numbers have been down without Romo. Plus, the Giants are a tough matchup.
TE Tony Scheffler (DEN): Scheffler (groin) has been practicing and should play this week. Advice: I think he will be ready to go, but as with most players coming off injuriers, he will likely not be 100%. Beyond that, he has a pretty tough matchup, so unless you are desperate, I would bench him.
Week 8: Injury Updates
Here are some key injury updates from the Week 8 games:
QB Tony Romo (DAL): Romo (finger) missed another game with a broken pinkie finger. Advice: Romo will likely return to action in week 11, after the team’s bye week. Until then, Brad Johnson will be QB.
RB Steven Jackson (STL): Jackson (thigh) was inactive. Advice: With Jackson out, RB Antonio Pittman got the start, and had 105 total yards. I expect Jackson to be back next week, but keep an eye on his status.
RB Darren McFadden (OAK): McFadden (toe) did not play this weekend. Advice: McFadden has struggled for awhile with a turf toe injury. Fargas is the starter, though, so this injury just opens up the door for Michael Bush.
RB Willie Parker (PIT): Parker (knee) missed another game. Advice: Once again, Mewelde Moore filled in for Parker and played surprisingly well against a tough NYG defense. Moore makes a good play as long as Parker is out, although he is expected to return soon.
RB Clinton Portis (WAS): Portis (ankle) suffered a sprained ankle during the game against the Lions. Advice: Portis has a long history of being very tough and playing through injuries, so I do not expect this to bother him.
RB Brian Westbrook (PHI): Westbrook (ribs, ankle) was back in the lineup on Sunday. Advice: Westbrook played very well despite being uncertain leading up to the game. He should be fine going forward.
WR Anquan Boldin (ARI): Boldin (head) played this weekend for the first time in a few weeks. Advice: Boldin had 2 TD catches and did not show any signs of being scared or tentative. Which is very good, considering the type of hit he took.
TE Jeremy Shockey (NO): Schockey (sports hernia) was active, but did not start on Sunday. Advice: Shockey reaggravated his injury last week, but as expected was able to play this weekend. Unfortunately, he does not appear to be 100%. The Saints have a bye in week 9, so hopefully he will be ready by week 10.
TE LJ Smith (PHI): Smith (head) was knocked out of the game this week. Advice: Smith has limited fantasy value either way, despite playing in a high-powered offense.
TE Jason Witten (DAL): Witten (ribs) left the game Sunday after taking a shot to the ribs. Advice: Early reports are positive, but keep an eye on his status as the week progresses. If Witten misses any time, rookie TE Martellus Bennett will get some snaps, and is a sneaky play if you need TE help.
Fantasy Funk 