We are supplying information on the latest and most important injuries across the NFL and letting you know how it could affect your fantasy football team.
Week 1 of the 2016 season is here and nobody wants to start the fantasy year 0-1. The information provided will help you as you determine your starting lineup in season-long leagues and will also give you key information to consider for daily fantasy.
Quarterbacks
Colts QB Andrew Luck has dealt with an apparent shoulder injury that has caused him to be a limited participant in practices.
The Spin: ESPN Mike Wells has reported the Colts coaching staff are keeping him limited only to make sure he’s “fresh”. If you own Luck, you’re starting him without any hesitation.
Running Backs
Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles is still battling back from a torn ACL he suffered back in October. Head coach Andy Reid said Charles “is probably not going to play” according to Terez A. Paylor from The Kansas City Star.
The Spin: Charles will not play in Week 1. RB Spencer Ware is a player you want to start against the San Diego Chargers if you own him. The Chargers finished 27th in run defense in 2015 and 32nd during the 2016 preseason.
Redskins RB Matt Jones suffered a shoulder injury in Week 2 of the NFL preseason and was held out the rest of the preseason. However, he has practiced in full over the last couple days.
The Spin: During his absence, rookie RB Rob Kelley has been outstanding. Kelley’s preseason performance has probably earned him some sort of regular season role to start the season. With that said, neither are great plays in Week 1 against a Steelers defense that has finished at least top-six in run defense in back-to-back seasons.
Seahawks RB Thomas Rawls put in a full practice on Friday.
The Spin: Rawls appears to be over his ankle injury. However, the stellar play of RB Christine Michael has given Seattle’s coaching staff the luxury of easing him back in. Rawls is too risky to start in Week 1.
Jaguars RB Chris Ivory is questionable to play in Week 1 with a calf injury but is likely to play according to ESPN’s Michael DiRocco.
The Spin: Ivory already found himself in a committee with RB T.J. Yeldon. Now he’s dealing with an injury in a tough matchup against the Packers. Ivory is a tough sell to start. Yeldon, on the other hand, is an RB2/3 and gets a boost in PPR leagues.
49ers RB Carlos Hyde is not listed on the injury report after suffering a concussion.
The Spin: Hyde is good to go as an RB2. He’s in a tough matchup against the Rams but last season he ran for 168 yards and 2 touchdowns in a tough matchup against the Vikings on MNF in Week 1. Maybe he can make lighting strike twice.
Dolphins RB Jay Ajayi did not travel with the team and will not play in Week 1.
The Spin: Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald reported Ajayi has been upset ever since being demoted. It appears Ajayi is suffering from a broken heart or a bruised ego. He should hopefully overcome those injuries in time for Week 2.
Wide Receivers
Jets WR Brandon Marshall was a full participant in practice.
The Spin: Until this hip “injury” causes him to miss time, it seems to be nothing.
Steelers WR Markus Wheaton is dealing with a shoulder injury.
The Spin: ESPN’s David Todd reported Wheaton is unlikely to play. Keep in mind Wheaton is playing on Monday night. Unless you’re an owner with a player you can plug in if Wheaton is inactive, it’s better to look for other options.
Miami Dolphins WR DeVante Parker is listed as questionable for Week 1.
The Spin: Parker has a chance to play but even if he does, he’s not worth starting. He won’t be 100% and is in a tough matchup. Parker looks as if he’ll be a staple in Miami’s weekly injury report with minor/nagging injuries. Owners should keep the aspirin handy because Parker’s week-to-week availability should create headaches.
Lions WR Golden Tate is listed as questionable to play.
The Spin: Tate is playing and is in a great matchup. Fire him up.
Texans WR Will Fuller was a full participant in practice after being limited with a hamstring injury.
The Spin: Fuller will play but is nothing but a WR 3/4 despite the good matchup.
Bears WR Kevin White is listed as questionable with a hamstring injury.
The Spin: White was a risky play to begin with because he hasn’t proved he’s worth starting. Now with this injury, it’s better to steer clear even if he is active.
Tight End
Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski is listed as “out” for Sunday
The Spin: The hamstring injury appears to be more serious than the Patriots led on. Obviously, you’re benching Gronkowski and Martellus Bennett owners need to seriously consider playing him depending on who their starter is.
Seahawks TE Jimmy Graham was a full participant in practice.
The Spin: Graham should make a surprising debut on Sunday against the Dolphins. Owners are probably better off keeping him on their bench. He’s coming off a bad injury and his snaps could be limited in what could be a blowout.
Detroit Lions TE Eric Ebron was a full participant in practice.
The Spin: Ebron’s appears to be nearly 100% after suffering a high ankle sprain nearly a month ago. He’s in a good matchup against the Colts but is nothing more than a TE2.
DFS Nuggets
Indianapolis Colts CB Vontae Davis and CB Darius Butler are out for Sunday’s game against the Lions. The Colts signed free agent CB Antonio Cromartie who was one of the lowest-graded cornerbacks according to Pro Football Focus.
The Spin: Indianapolis has serious concerns with their starters and depth at the cornerback position. The Detroit Lions come to town in Week 1 and this makes QB Matthew Stafford, WR Golden Tate and/or WR Marvin Jones players to consider.
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It’s a good possibility the Miami Dolphins will be without both their starting center (Mike Pouncey) and WR DeVante Parker.
The Spin: As if the Seahawks matchup wasn’t juicy enough, now QB Ryan Tannehill gets a downgrade in his offensive line and in his wide receivers. Although they are one of the most expensive teams in DFS, it very well could be worth it.