Thursday Injury Update-Who to Start Fantasy Football Week 2

Fred Jackson (22) owners will need to go a different direction Sunday. Who else is in and out for Sunday’s Week 2 matchups? Ed Mulholland-US PRESSWIRE

With the NFL making Thursday Night Football a regular part of the weekly schedule, staying current on fantasy information is officially an all-week responsibility. At least some of your players could lock in place tonight, so you need to start making your lineup decisions. If your league locks all roster spots at the start of the first game, make sure it’s finalized before kickoff in Green Bay tonight.

One thing that will affect your decisions on a weekly basis is your players availability. Even after just one week, there are many significant injuries to monitor. Here’s the latest week two injury updates:

Greg Jennings – GB – WR: Jennings is doubtful with a groin injury and most likely will not play tonight against the Bears. Check back before gametime to see if he pulls a Jason Witten and surprises us by playing, but plan to be without him this week.

Sep 9, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28 ) is introduced prior to the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-US PRESSWIRE

Adrian Peterson – Min – RB: Peterson was a full participant Wednesday and hasn’t experienced any setbacks after a strong week one against Jacksonville. He’s a great RB1 start against Indy this week.

Maurice Jones-Drew – Jac – RB: MJD will be back to a full heavy workload this Sunday especially with Rashad Jennings status up in the air.

Marshawn Lynch – Sea – RB: Lynch was limited in practice but should be good to go against the visiting Cowboys on Sunday afternoon. The Seahawks are just being cautious with his back injury.

Fred Jackson – Buf – RB: Jackson will be out for Sunday and for the next few weeks with a knee injury opening the door for C.J. Spiller to get plenty of reps. Play Spiller with confidence and hold onto Jackson since it’s not a season-ending injury.

Antonio Gates – SD – TE: Gates should be back in practice tomorrow although he admitted his ribs were “a little sore” after the Monday Night game in Oakland. As long as he doesn’t miss practice unexpectedly, don’t  downgrade him for Sunday’s game against Tennessee.

Hakeem Nicks – NYG – WR: Nicks missed Wednesday’s practice but is just resting and fully expects to be full speed on Sunday.

Jeremy Maclin – Phi – WR: Maclin didn’t practice and is dealing with a hip injury that could cost him Sunday’s game against the Ravens. Check back throughout the rest of the week to see how he progresses. He hasn’t been ruled out yet, but have a backup plan ready to roll just in case.

Ryan Mathews – SD – RB: Mathews missed Wednesday’s practice and he’s still day-to-day. He’s got a nice matchup if he plays, but make sure you have a backup plan in place in case he misses his second straight week to start off the season.

Pierre Garcon – Was – WR: Garcon didn’t practice but says he’s on track to play week 2. See what he does in practice and have a contingency plan in case he bacomes a late game-time decision for the ‘Skins 4:05 kickoff.

Nate Washington – Ten – WR: Washington missed practice Wednesday but is expected to return Thursday and play Sunday.

Austin Collie – Ind – WR: Collie was a full participant and should be ready to go Sunday. He’s a risky start after missing so much time, but he’s definitely startable if you need him as a WR3 or flex this Sunday.

Kenny Britt – Ten – WR: Britt will be on a snap count in his first game back from knee injuries. If you can go a different direction for one more week, wait and see before deploying Britt who could be a steal of the draft even if his first time in your lineup isn’t until next week.

Trent Richardson – Cle – RB: Richardson is practicing in full and should be full strength for Sunday. How good his full strength is in the NFL is yet to be determined.

Jonathan Stewart – Car – RB: Stewart thinks he’ll be ready to go week two against the Saints. He’s still a risky flex play after missing a couple weeks and still sharing time with DeAngelo Williams

Dustin Keller – NYJ -TE: Keller didn’t practice but is expected to play Sunday in Pittsburgh.

Denarius Moore – Oak – WR: Moore is turning in more “limited” practices and looks to be a gametime decision again this week. I think he’ll play in Miami, but check on his status as the week goes on.

Sep 9, 2012; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Jake Locker (10) signals to his team against the New England Patriots during the first half at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-US PRESSWIRE

Jake Locker – Ten – QB: Locker practiced and looks good to go for Sunday’s game against the Chargers. Play him as you usually would.

Jonathan Dwyer – Pit – RB: Dwyer missed practice with a foot injury, but Mike Tomlin made it seem like he would be a bigger part of the Steelers offense after a strong opener. He probably will be back to practice tomorrow but check to make sure before throwing him in your flex spot.

Beanie Wells – Ari – RB: Wells is practicing and should be good to go against the Patriots on Sunday, but you probably don’t want to play him unless you’re desperate after an atrocious week one.

John Skelton – Ari – QB: Caoch Ken Whisenhunt said Skelton could still start Sunday, but it’s looking like Kevin Kolb will get the nod in New England as Skelton hasn’t been able to practice since his ankle injury.

Daniel Thomas – Mia – RB: Thomas has passed his concussion tests but will still miss Sunday’s game.

Brandon Jacobs – SF – RB: Jacobs didn’t participate Wednesday in Niners practice meaning Kendall Hunter will again be the primary backup to Frank Gore for Sunday Night’s game against Detroit.

As you make your lineup decisions for the coming weekend, check out our positional rankings to find out who the FantasyCPR staff thinks you should start. If you still have questions send me your questions on twitter @FantasyCPR