Fantasy Football 2013: Week 9 Injury Update
Week nine is going to be tough enough without injury issues further clouding things. With six teams on a bye, every roster spot is precious so knowing injury status is critical. Here’s the rundown on the latest on the injury front based on Wednesday and Thursday’s practice reports. This week, I’m going to divide the list by position.
If a player simply has “Green Light” after his name, that means he’s expected to play despite whatever injury he’s dealing with. The rest have quick explanations on the latest injury news for that player.
Quarterbacks
Michael Vick-Philadelphia Eagles: Vick felt a “pop” in his hamstring after rushing back too soon last week. He could be gone for a few weeks this time since he’ll wait until he’s fully healthy to return.
Jay Cutler-Chicago Bears: Cutler is still out this week, but isn’t far from returning. Stay tuned in the next couple weeks and hold him if possible.
Nick Foles-Philadelphia Eagles: Foles will get the start for the Eagles since Vick is out as they head west to take on the Raiders. He’s not a bad long-shot play, but I’d only roll the dice in dual-QB leagues.
Josh Freeman-Minnesota Vikings: Freeman is expected to be back under center for Minnesota this week after missing a week with a concussion.
Thad Lewis-Buffalo Bills: 50-50 to play on Sunday for Buffalo, but probably shouldn’t be playing for your fantasy team.
Running Backs
Jamaal Charles-Kansas City Chiefs: Green light (knee)
Arian Foster-Houston Texans: A well-timed bye week could keep Foster from missing any games with his injured hamstring. He returned to practice Thursday, and if he has another solid practice Friday with no setbacks you can start him with a level of confidence even though he plays on Sunday Night.
DeMarco Murray-Dallas Cowboys: Murray is in full practices all week and should be ready to roll for Sunday.
C.J. Spiller-Buffalo Bills: Spiller is looking optimistic for Sunday, but against the Chiefs on Sunday he doesn’t make a great play. Spiller has been limited in practice and could be on gameday. Obviously, if you have Spiller you probably need to play him this week, but its a high-risk start.
Doug Martin-Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Martin was originally thought to be out for the season but now looks like he’ll be back in the next few weeks. I’d try to hold onto him if you can, but the Bucs are a mess so even when he comes back he’ll be a RB2 or even a flex play.
Zac Stacy-St. Louis Rams: Stacy looks like he’ll get the start Sunday after getting back to a full practice Thursday. He’s a very play this week in a nice matchup against the Titans.
Ben Tate-Houston Texans: Tate looks likely to play on Sunday, but his value will be determined by Arian Foster’s availability.
Fred Jackson-Buffalo Bills: Green light (knee)
DeAngelo Williams-Carolina Panthers: Williams has a quad injury and hasn’t practiced this week. He is expected to return Friday which means he’ll probably play Sunday, but double-check to make sure.
Jonathan Stewart-Carolina Panthers: Stewart is expected to return this week and will further crowd the Carolina backfield. He could be a huge pickup if he becomes the #1 ball-carrier, but it remains to be seen how he’ll be worked into the rotation.
Wide Receivers
Dez Bryant-Dallas Cowboys: Green light (hamstring)
James Jones-Green Bay Packers: Jones hasn’t returned to practice yet, but could still play on a limited basis if he returns Friday. He probably won’t be a great fantasy play especially since he doesn’t play until Monday Night.
Pierre Garcon-Washington Redskins: Green light (calf)
Danny Amendola-New England Patriots: Green light (concussion)
Justin Blackmon-Jacksonville Jaguars: Green light (hamstring)
Percy Harvin-Seattle Seahawks: Harvin won’t be back this week but could return in week 10 barring any setbacks.
Stevie Johnson-Buffalo Bills: Green light (hip)
Dwayne Bowe-Kansas City Chiefs: Green light (groin)
Marques Colston-New Orleans Saints: Green light (knee)
Mike Williams-Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Williams was placed on IR ending his season.
Eddie Royal-San Diego Chargers: Royal hasn’t practiced but will likely play Sunday despite a foot injury.
Stephen Hill-New York Jets: Green light (foot)
Kenny Stills-New Orleans Saints: Green light (knee)
Darrius Heyward-Bey-Indianapolis Colts: DHB turned in a limited session Thursday and will likely be a gametime decision this week on Sunday Night Football.
Roddy White-Atlanta Falcons: White hasn’t returned to practice yet, and the season is quickly becoming unsalvageable. If you can’t carry this Falcon which looks more and more like an albatross, he’s safe to drop even though he could be big later since that possibility is looking more and more remote.
Ryan Broyles-Detroit Lions: Broyles is out for the year after being placed on IR.
Tight Ends
Rob Gronkowski-New England Patriots: Green light (hamstring)
Jimmy Graham-New Orleans Saints: Graham will most likely be limited on Sunday against the Jets, but is still a top tight end option even though he’s continue to battle his foot injury.
Anthony Fasano-Kansas City Chiefs: Green light (knee)