Injury Report-Saturday Update on Fantasy Football Injuries

OWill Robert Griffin III (10) be back just a week after a concussion? Check his status below along with other fantasy football starters Photo by Brad Mills-US PRESSWIRE

As we head into week 6 in the NFL, it’s once again time to get your roster set and your lineup locked in for Sunday’s full slate of games. There’s plenty of mathups to consider as you weigh your options and our positional rankings can help you make the call who to start and who to sit.

Another big factor in your weekly lineup calls is injuries. Here’s the latest updates on fantasy players who are dealing with an injury, players who may get more of an opportunity because of it, and what you should do about it.

October 7, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews (24) runs against the New Orleans Saints during the second half of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Chargers 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

Ryan Mathews-San Diego Chargers-RB: Mathews dealt with an ankle issue and got some extra rest but is expected to be the true “feature back” in the Chargers game Monday night. He’s a top-level RB1 in a nice matchup against Denver.

Andre Johnson-Houston Texans-WR: Johnson didn’t help his owners last week with a stinker on Monday Night Football. He is on the injury report with a groin issue but is probable and expected to start Sunday Night against the Pack.

Adrian Peterson-Minnesota Vikings-RB: Peterson is listed as probable and should be a RB1 against the visiting Redskins who tend to get involved in shootout-type games.

Robert Griffin III-Washington Redskins-QB: RG3 is questionable on the injury report after his concussion last week but looks to be on track to start for Washington as they head in Minnesota.

Hakeem Nicks-New York Giants-WR: Nicks hasn’t experiences any swelling or setbacks and is a good bet to start on Sunday as the Giants travel west to take on San Francisco. He’ll be a game-time decision, but looks like he’ll be able to give it a go. Plan accordingly, but have a backup plan in place just in case.

Percy Harvin-Minnesota Vikings-WR: Harvin is dealing with some hamstring tightness but was able to practice in full yesterday and has a tasty matchup against the Redskins defense.

Greg Jennings-Green Bay Packers-WR: Jennings will miss this week’s game and is reportedly back to square one with his groin injury. He is most likely going to miss at least the next two weeks before coming back. James Jones and Randall Cobb continue to see more playing time in his absence.

Demaryius Thomas-Denver Broncos-WR: Thomas got in a full practice yesterday so start him with confidence oing into the weekend. He and the Broncos take on the Chargers on Monday night. San Diego got dissected by Drew Brees and the Saints, so look for a big game for Thomas.

Miles Austin-Dallas Cowboys-WR: Austin is probable and good to go for Sunday as a solid WR2.

Donald Brown-Indianapolis Colts-RB: Brown is out for at least the next couple weeks giving rookie Vick Ballard a chance to start for Indianapolis.

Alex Smith-San Francisco 49ers: After a full practice Friday, Smith is probable for Sunday’s game and is fully expected to play against the Giants.

Christian Ponder-Minnesota Vikings-QB: Ponder turned in a full week of practice and is expected to start against Washington on Sunday.

Sept. 30, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay tight end Jermichael Finley (88) looks to run during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-US PRESSWIRE

Jermichael Finley-Green Bay Packers-TE: Finley has been limited in practice with a shoulder injury and is expected to be a game time decision Sunday night against the Texans. It might be best to look elsewhere if you have another good option since the Texans are a tough defensive matchup even if Finley is up to playing.

Aaron Hernandez-New England Patriots-TE: Hernandez is still aiming to return on Sunday, but I’d advise against starting him. His status is still very unclear which is the way the Pats roll when it comes to injuries. Go with another option until you are sure Hernandez is back.

Pierre Garcon-Washington Redskins-WR: Garcon was left off of Wednesday and Thursday’s injury reports, but was listed Friday as questionable. He may have experienced another setback with his foot injury. Whether he plays or not, try to see what other options you have for starting receiver this weekend.

Darrius Heyward-Bey-Oakland Raiders-WR: DHB took that frightening blow to the head against the Steelers but has practiced all week and is ready to return as the Raiders play the unbeaten Falcons. See how he does, but I’m optimistic he’ll have a good rest of the season.

William Powell-Arizona Cardinals-RB: With Beanie Wells and Ryan Williams out, it will be Powell and La’Rod Stephens-Howling that will share the load in the Arizona backfield. They both dealt with injuries this week, but both are probable for Sunday. It’ll be interesting to see if they have fantasy value.

Dustin Keller-New York Jets-TE: Keller is probable and should play on Sunday.

Brandon Bolden-New England Patriots-RB: Bolden is questionable for Sunday as he was for last week’s game. I’d advise going a different direction since the Pats will be in Seattle facing the Seahawks solid front seven and it’s unclear how much work he’ll get.

Jeremy Kerley-New York Jets-WR: The Jets by-default number one receiver is probable and should be ready to play agagins the Colts.

Jon Baldwin-Kansas City Chiefs-WR: Baldwin should play on Sunday after a full practice Friday but with Brady Quinn under center try to go a different directions than Baldwin.

Stephen Hill-New York Jets-WR: Hill is expected to return for the Jets who are desperately looking for some kind of offense. He should play, but wait if you can before inserting him in your fantasy lineups.

Julian Edelman-New England Patriots-WR: Edelman is questionable for Sunday, and the Patriots are being their usual secretive selves about whether he’ll play. He’s probably not the best option even as a flex this week until we know his role in the New England offense.

Andre Brown-New York Giants-RB: The one-week sensation in the Giants backfield has been ruled out with a concussion for Sunday’s game.