Fantasy Football 2013: Week 1 Injury Update

As we get ready for our first full Sunday of fantasy football, getting your lineup locked in has to rise to the top of your to-do list. In order to finalize who gets the starting nod and who you’ll leave on the bench, you need the very latest injury information.

Each Friday on Fansided.com, you can find a list of who has the green light (play away), yellow light (gametime decision), and red light (declared out). for the coming weekend. Any week you need the latest on an injury, check out the injury update for the latest on whether a player is in, out, or undecided for the coming week.

Here’s a quick look at the fantasy significant injuries for Week 1.

Green Light-Expected to Play

Brandon Marshall-WR-Chicago Bears: After a scare with his hip including a rant from Marshall and a “personal reasons” absence which turned out to be a follow-up check, Marshall has been cleared and is ready for week 1. His owners  can still be concerned about a tough matchup against Cincinnati, but he definitely will be on the field for week 1.

Roddy White-WR-Atlanta Falcons: Don’t expect “hot” Roddy White to be on the sidelines when the Falcons open against the Saints in the Big Easy. He’s been dealing with a ankle injury but says he’ll be ready to go week 1. Don’t hesitate to use him in as a WR1 in what should be a shootout.

Ahmad Bradshaw-RB-Indianapolis Colts: Bradshaw practiced fully for the second day in a row yesterday meaning he should be ready to go for Sunday. He actually is a nice RB3 or flex play option against a weak Oakland defense.

Rashard Mendenhall-RB-Arizona Cardinals: Mendenhall has been limited in practice with a knee issue but should be ready to roll against the Rams in week 1. Use him as you normally would, which means in most formats he should be on your bench.

E. J. Manuel-QB-Buffalo Bills: Manuel had knee surgery this preseason and hasn’t played since Preseason Week 2. He’s expected to start against New England, but isn’t a good fantasy option for this week.

Kendall Wright-WR-Tennessee Titans: Wright has been cleared to play Sunday against the Steelers and will start the season as the #3 WR on Tennessee. He has big-time upside, though, and is worth a sleeper stash  if you can afford the roster space.

Andre Roberts-WR-Arizona Cardinals: Roberts is officially questionable but is expected to play after a limited practice yesterday. He’s a sleeper in the Cardinals attack which is expected to be pass-heavy this season. Hopefully, you’re not counting on him as an every week starter, but he should be on the field Sunday against the Rams.

DeAndre Hopkins-WR-Houston Texans: Hopkins has been cleared of his concussion concerns and is a full go for Monday Night’s opener. He’ll look to emerge as the #2 WR across from Andre Johnson this season.

Sebastian Janikowski-K-Oakland Raiders: Janikowski was back in practice yesterday and should be good for week 1.

Mike Tolbert-RB-Carolina Panters: Tolbert’s role is in question in the Panthers running game, but he shouldn’t be limited physically since he was back to a full practice yesterday.

Yellow Light-Unsure to Play Week 1

Santonio Holmes-New York Jets: Holmes is still recovering from his foot injuryand is expected to play limited snaps if he does suit up for the opener as the Jets travel to Tampa. He didn’t practice Thursday, and I’d advise staying away whether he’s active or not.

Red Light-Not expected to Play Week 1

Le’Veon Bell-RB-Pittsburgh Steelers: Bell won’t play in week one, but is reportedly on his way back quicker than many expected. He needs to get some practices in, but could be back in the Steelers thin backfield as the top option as soon as next week.

Josh Gordon-WR-Cleveland Browns: Just a reminder that Gordon is suspended for the first two weeks of the NFL season, so needs to be on your bench. He is still worth holding, but don’t play him this week.

LaMichael James-RB-San Francisco 49ers: James is expected to return week three from his MCL sprain, but unless Kendall Hunter or Frank Gore get injured he probably won’t have much fantasy value.

Rob Housler-TE-Arizona Cardinals: Housler got some early season buzz as a sleeper TE, but suffered a high ankle sprain and hasn’t practiced since.

Mark Sanchez-New York Jets: Sanchez is out week 1. He wasn’t and isn’t fantasy relevant at this point.