It seems as if the deeper we get into the season, the murkier the status becomes for a number of would-be fantasy starters. By Week 3 just about everyone has been nicked to some degree (note: a large number of starting running backs missed at least some practice time this week with ankle issues), but the big question is whether these are really injuries to be concerned about or just minor bumps and bruises that are all part of professional football.
As a reminder, each Friday teams are required to report injury designations for all players appearing on the injury report in anticipation of player status for the upcoming weekend. It's always easier when you know in advance that a player is not going to play. To help you out with that, key fantasy players listed Friday as "Out" for this week's games appear as a group at the end of the blog. But as is often the case, some of the most notable fantasy players' availability remains undecided heading into game time. That said, we take a look here at what we know about injuries heading into Week 3.
Good luck in Week 3 everyone! May your players stay healthy and win for you.
Quarterbacks:
Donovan McNabb, Philadelphia Eagles, (D):
When we initially discussed McNabb's injury, it certainly seemed as if McNabb would miss time. After sitting out Weeks 1 and 2, all indications are that McNabb will also miss Week 3. This makes good sense. There are certainly plenty of backup options in Philadelphia. The Eagles have a bye in Week 4. The goal is to have a healthy McNabb down the stretch. All of these are good reasons to have him rest one more week despite the fact that he's feeling better and making progress. While McNabb has not officially been ruled out, Kevin Kolb is expected to start this game and McNabb, if active, would likely only serve as an emergency backup.
Matt Hasselbeck, Seattle Seahawks, (D):
See McNabb entry from Week 2. Seriously. Despite early proclamations from the Seahawks that Hasselbeck would be able to play Sunday without practicing, if he felt up to it, the later it became in the week, the less it looked like they would be willing to take that chance. It's not that Hasselbeck couldn't run the offense without practicing; that does not appear to be in question. Instead, it seems the Seahawks are thinking that Hasselbeck could use a week to allow the rib to heal and minimize the risk of any type of setback. Although his availability remains an option, the doubtful designation tells you which way the team is leaning.
Running Backs:
Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings, (P):
Can AP run all day? That's what fantasy owners really want to know. The answer at this point appears to be yes. Peterson got everybody nervous when he appeared on the injury report this week because of his back. Peterson was quick to tell the Minneapolis Star-Tribune that this was "no big deal" and his probable designation indicates that barring some surprise on Sunday, he's ready to go.
Brian Westbrook, Philadelphia Eagles, (Q):
Don't say you weren't warned. Westbrook's pattern has often been to rest during the week and play on Sunday, which could be the plan again this week. The emphasis is on "could," however, since the landscape for Westbrook is slightly different in 2009. This year he's coming off of knee and ankle surgeries, and this latest sprain is to his surgical ankle, warranting more caution. There's also this new player on the field with the initials MV whose role is not fully defined. To top it off, the Eagles drafted a talented running back in LeSean McCoy, specifically to help offload Westbrook. Even if Westbrook suits up Sunday, and that is a big gametime decision "if," expect the new kids on the block to absorb significant playing time. If Westbrook sits, given that the Eagles get a bye in Week 4, he should be ready to roll in Week 5.
Pierre Thomas, New Orleans Saints, (P):
Teammate Mike Bell is out with the same injury that has been challenging Thomas since the preseason. Fortunately Bell timed his injury with the upswing in Thomas' health, so it appears they will switch roles this week. It's worth noting that Thomas is not quite 100 percent healthy although coach Sean Payton told the New Orleans Times-Picayune that he is getting very close. Thomas will likely see more work than last week, but Lynell Hamilton may also see some touches and Reggie Bush should balance it out.
Knowshon Moreno, Denver Broncos, (Q):
Moreno, like Pierre Thomas, has been working his way back from a sprained MCL suffered during the preseason. Moreno, however, has played each week and the Broncos have been steadily increasing his workload. It seemed that he might even progress off the injury report this week. But then came Friday. Moreno made a surprise appearance on the Friday report not because of his knee but because of a groin injury, probably sustained in Thursday's practice, according to the Denver Post. In fact, Moreno did not practice at all Friday, making his status for Sunday very questionable. This will likely be a gametime decision that depends on how Moreno feels during warm-ups. Without any additional information as to the severity of the injury and the Broncos having a late game Sunday, fantasy owners may want to plan accordingly.
Jamal Lewis, Cleveland Browns, (D):
Last week, Lewis made a surprising appearance on the Browns' injury report with a neck problem, but played in Week 2. This week, Lewis is dealing with a more disabling ailment, a hamstring injury that has kept him out of practice all week. The doubtful designation is certainly not encouraging and despite the fact he will be facing his former team, it does not appear Lewis will be able to go. Meanwhile, rookie James Davis, who sat out last week with a shoulder injury, has been a full participant in practice this week, is listed as probable and is expected to play.
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars, (P):
Jones-Drew is back on the injury report this week, a sight fantasy owners (who probably drafted him with one of their top three picks) dread. Here's the good news up front: He's listed as probable and is expected to play. While we haven't heard much in the way of specifics as far Jones-Drew's knee, the fact that he put in a full practice Friday is a strong indicator that he is ready to run Sunday.
Cadillac Williams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, (Q):
Reports out of Tampa indicate that Williams is dealing with some soreness in his left knee. Coach Raheem Morris tells the Tampa Tribune that the soreness is merely a result of playing on the artificial turf in Buffalo in Week 2 and that there are no major concerns. Certainly some players will complain of being more fatigued and sore after playing on an artificial surface, so this is not an unreasonable explanation. Morris has already indicated that Derrick Ward will start to face his former team, the New York Giants, on Sunday but also indicated Thursday that he expected Williams to play. It is always good to check the pregame inactives because this could come down to how Williams' knee feels in warm-ups, but either way, fantasy owners should prepare for him to see a decreased workload compared to Weeks 1 and 2.
Clinton Portis, Washington Redskins, (Q):
This scenario sounds like it could be more problematic for Portis fantasy owners over time. Portis, who did not practice all week and is listed as questionable, has bone spurs in his ankle according to coach Jim Zorn. Zorn did tell the Washington Times that he expects Portis to play Sunday, but his acknowledgment that Portis is dealing with spurs in both ankles hints at this being problematic all season. Spurs don't disappear on their own and while the pain can certainly fluctuate, their presence will not. It will be important for the Redskins to manage Portis' workload, both during practice and during games, and it may change from week to week depending on how he's feeling. Fantasy owners need to be aware that the role for Ladell Betts could be increasing.
Frank Gore, San Francisco, 49ers, (P):
There's not much to say here. Gore sustained a minor ankle sprain during his monster game in Week 2 and rested it appropriately this week. The probable designation backs up the notion that's been held all week that Gore would play Sunday. The surface in Minnesota may be a little hard on the ankles, so it will be worth noting how Gore emerges from Sunday's contest.
Marion Barber, Dallas Cowboys, (Q):
Coach Wade Phillips has indicated that Barber will be a game-time decision and since the Cowboys play Monday night, this is torturous for fantasy owners. ESPN NFC East blogger Matt Mosley makes it easier for you by reporting that a source close to the club indicates that they are leaning toward resting Barber this week. Consider this: Barber went down hard with a quadriceps strain and despite the fact he has been making every effort to prepare for Monday, he has still been relegated to limited work (far from full speed) in practice. With able counterparts in Felix Jones and Tashard Choice, it seems the sensible thing would be to rest Barber and avoid risking a bigger, more serious injury.
Wide Receivers:
Wes Welker and Randy Moss, New England Patriots, (Q):
Welker's inactive status came as a surprise to everyone last week after his strong performance in the Week 1 Monday night game. Naturally, the Patriots have given no clue as to what Welker's knee ailment is, making it virtually impossible to assess his readiness to return in Week 3. Welker did participate in limited practice Thursday and was on the field with the team Friday during media availability, suggesting that he's preparing as if he will be on the field. Perhaps more concerning is teammate Randy Moss' appearance on the injury report just on Friday with a back ailment. Injuries late in the week should make you sit up and pay attention as they tend to present a greater threat to a player's status. The bottom line here for fantasy owners is you need backup insurance and you need to check pregame inactives. Thankfully, the Patriots play early this week, so there should be time to make adjustments.
DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles, (Q):
Of all the Eagles listed in this blog, Harvin seems the most likely to play Sunday, despite nursing a groin injury. Jackson, who sustained the injury in Week 1 and then aggravated it in Week 2, missed practice Wednesday and Thursday. The rest appears to have done him some good since he was back in full practice Friday making a case for being able to play Sunday. Expect Jackson to suit up this week, although he might not be at full speed. If Jackson can get through this game without a setback, he will then have two weeks to recover as the Eagles get a break in Week 4.
Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs, (Q):
Bowe appeared on the injury report this week after being limited in practice and there appeared to be some question initially as to what was the exact nature of the injury. Lo and behold, it's the No. 1 receiver ailment, the hamstring strain, which has been slowing Bowe up this week and threatens his status for Sunday's game. As is usually the case, Bowe will test the hamstring in pregame warm-ups and that will determine whether he can go or not. Although coach Todd Haley did not sound overly concerned when talking about Bowe's injury on Thursday, we know from experience how finicky these hamstrings can be. Fantasy owners should plan on a backup in the event that Bowe is not able to go.
Percy Harvin, Minnesota Vikings, (Q):
Listed on the injury report as missing practice this week because of "illness," Harvin has apparently been dealing with severe migraines, according to a report on NFL.com. Migraines can be extremely disabling and if Harvin was unable to practice all week, there has to be some concern about his availability for Sunday. Given that there is no timetable for an individual's recovery from a migraine episode, it really comes down to checking Harvin's pregame status on Sunday. The good news is that if he's well enough to go, he won't be slowed by a soft tissue injury. The bigger issue here may be long-term for Harvin in an effort to limit how the migraines impact his ability to function.
Brandon Stokley, Denver Broncos (Q):
Stokley is dealing with a thigh injury, as the Broncos are calling it, and missed practice Wednesday and Friday, while doing only limited work Thursday. The Denver Post is reporting that Stokley would have to improve significantly on Saturday in order to play Sunday against Oakland. With coach Josh McDaniels already acknowledging that he intends to rotate his receivers, it seems like this might be the week when Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal get a bump in activity.
Anquan Boldin, (P) and Steve Breaston, (Q), Arizona Cardinals:
Boldin finally appears to be approaching full health as far as his hamstring goes and this is good news for the Cardinals. Boldin practiced fully all week and will be a target for Kurt Warner this Sunday night. Breaston is still facing some challenges with his sprained PCL and was limited in practice late in the week. He is listed as questionable but will likely be active. Given that the game is Sunday night and the Cardinals may limit his role, fantasy owners will want to consider their options for Breaston.
Kevin Walter, Houston Texans, (Q):
The Texans are probably feeling a little gun-shy with regard to Walter's status after early optimism last week was followed by a discouraging setback. This week, coach Gary Kubiak was guarded in Walter's prognosis each day, appearing grateful for every practice Walter got through without a setback. To that end, Walter did only limited work all week, not fully stressing the recovering hamstring. By Friday, the team seemed more encouraged, with Kubiak telling the Texans' official Web site that Walter "should be ready to go" Sunday. Fantasy owners know by now that pregame warm-ups are still critical when it comes to evaluating how a player's hamstring feels. Be sure to check early inactives and bear in mind that Walter may not yet be at full strength.
Domenik Hixon, (Q) and Mario Manningham (P), New York Giants:
The Giants are certainly dealing with their share of injuries on both sides of the ball, but especially at the wide receiver position. Hakeem Nicks is still out allowing his foot sprain to heal. Hixon sprained his knee last week but was petitioning to get back in the game, making the injury seem not too serious. Nonetheless, Hixon did not practice all week, making his availability for Sunday look far less certain. Meanwhile, Manningham emerged from the Week 2 contest with plenty of fantasy points and a sore shoulder to go with it. The good news is that Manningham was back in full practice Friday, is listed as probable and is expected to play.
Antonio Bryant, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, (Q):
After being listed as doubtful and ultimately sitting out in Week 2, Bryant has moved up to questionable for Week 3. Bryant is still dealing with some soreness in his post-surgical knee and after not practicing on Wednesday, he did limited work Thursday and Friday. Bryant's status will come down to how he feels before the game, but even if he does play, don't expect full-time contribution this week.
Out: This space is intended for a list of key fantasy players, not including those who have been moved to Injured Reserve status, who are officially listed as "Out" for the upcoming game.
LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, San Diego Chargers:
A sprained ankle is sidelining Tomlinson again this week, but Tomlinson's rationale for not being in the game is reasonable. Tomlinson is so eager to prove that he is not on the decline that he does not want to be on the field before he's convinced that his ankle has fully recovered. LT played frequently last year at less than 100 percent and he heard the whispers and grumblings. With Darren Sproles running so effectively, Tomlinson is not pressing his return in the hopes that when he does return, his performance across the remainder of the season will compensate for his early absence.
Mike Bell, RB, New Orleans Saints:
It's one thing to have consistency at the position, but matching injuries is taking it to an extreme. That's just what Bell did, though, when he suffered an MCL sprain in Week 2, the same injury that teammate Pierre Thomas has been working his way back from since August. Although it sounded initially as if Bell's injury was not serious, the wise decision for a running back is to rest the knee and allow it to heal. The Saints are wise and Bell rests in Week 3.
Lance Moore, WR, New Orleans Saints:
Moore has recovered nicely from offseason shoulder surgery, but it's a hamstring that is keeping him on the sideline. We have seen how delicate hamstrings are for wide receivers. The position demands both power and flexibility. Moore is out while working to regain that balance and get healthy.
Anthony Gonzalez, WR, Indianapolis Colts:
The timetable for his return remains uncertain, but it won't be anytime in September. By now, Gonzalez owners should have made alternate plans.
Chaz Schilens, WR, Oakland Raiders:
Schilens is still recovering from foot surgery and remains out in Week 3. His activity should start to increase in the near future, so keep an eye on him.
Brandon Jackson, RB, Green Bay Packers:
DeShawn Wynn again backs up Ryan Grant as Jackson continues to nurse a bad ankle.
Danny Ware, RB New York Giants:
He is still recovering from a dislocated elbow. This will be a few weeks.
Hakeem Nicks, WR, New York Giants:
Nicks is still on the mend from his foot injury and will likely be absent a while longer.
See you at the injury chats (11 a.m.-noon ET on Tuesday, 11 a.m.-noon on Friday and 10-10:30 a.m. Sunday). Be sure to check out "Fantasy Football Now" on Sundays at ESPN.com from 11:30 a.m. ET to kickoff for last-minute inactives, rankings and more!
Stephania Bell
