Starting this week, my injury report will cover both offensive and defensive players. I will focus only on those players relevant to fantasy football. If you have a player on your fantasy roster that you know to be hurt, but they do not show up on this list, then you should probably consider making a move. I will go team-by-team and do my best to make sure you have the most accurate injury information each week so you know who to start and who to bench.
Probable: 75% chance of playing
Questionable: 50% chance of playing
Doubtful: 25% chance of playing
Out: 0% chance of playing
San Francisco 49ers
Ted Ginn Jr. (WR) – Out (knee) – Ginn is expected to miss at least 2 weeks after being diagnosed with a sprained MCL. Josh Morgan will take over on kick-off returns giving him a boost in fantasy value in return yardage leagues.
Patrick Willis (LB) – Probable (thumb) – Willis will be fine for this week.
Chicago Bears
Devin Aromashadu (WR) – Probable (knee) – Aromashadu practiced Thursday and Friday and should be completely healthy for this week’s matchup against the Cowboys.
Matt Forte (RB) – Probable (knee) – Forte practiced on Thursday and Friday and is ready to go.
Lance Briggs (LB) – Probable (ankle) – Briggs will be fine for this week.
Hunter Hillenmeyer (LB) – Out For Season (Concussions) – Hillenmeyer has been placed on Injured Reserve, ending his season. He was forced out of Sunday’s opener with an undisclosed illness and the Chicago Tribune is speculating that is related to post-concussion symptoms. His future is now in question.
Cincinnati Bengals
Cedric Benson (RB) – Probable (shoulder) – Benson was upgraded to full participation in Thursday and Friday’s practices and will resume his feature-back role in a tough matchup against the Ravens.
Buffalo Bills
Paul Posluszny (LB) – Doubtful (knee) – Posluszny has a sprained MCL and missed practice Friday. The Bills are hoping he will be back in 2 weeks. He is without a doubt the Bills’ best linebacker against the run, so his injury is another boost for Brandon Jackson’s fantasy value this week. The Bills will use Keith Ellison and Arthur Moats as replacements and neither should be added in fantasy leagues.
Denver Broncos
Laurence Maroney (RB) – Out (thigh) – The newest Bronco has missed 2 practices this week with a “thigh” injury that is probably the same injury that was listed as a groin injury in New England. Maroney is expected to be inactive against the Seahawks and Correll Buckhalter will back-up Moreno.
Eddie Royal (WR) – Probable (groin) – Royal’s injury has improved throughout the week and all indications point to him being active on Sunday. It’s probably best to look at other options, if you have them, since the Broncos’ receiving situation is murky at best.
Demaryius Thomas (WR) – Probable (foot) – Coach McDaniels has indicated that Thomas could make his debut this weekend. If he is active he will probably not have much of a role, but he is worth stashing if he went undrafted. His return will cut into the value of Brandon Lloyd and all Broncos receivers should be avoided until the situation becomes clearer.
Cleveland Browns
Jake Delhomme (QB) – Doubtful (ankle) – Delhomme was held out of practice on Friday for the 3rd straight day, while Seneca Wallace took first team reps. Delhomme is being called a game-time decision, but it is highly unlikely that he will play.
D’Qwell Jackson (LB) – Doubtful (pectoral) – Jackson practiced Friday for the first time, but will probably not be ready to go until week 3. He is worth keeping an eye on in IDP leagues over the next couple of weeks, but he is best left on waivers right now.
Shaun Rogers (DL) – Questionable (leg) – Rogers played about 23 snaps in the opener and was active as a pass rusher. He should have nice value in IDP leagues that require starting defensive lineman.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Kareem Huggins (RB) – Questionable (groin) – Huggins has missed practice all week, so this will probably not be the week he sees his role increase. Cadillac Williams sees a slight bump in value and he will be backed up by Earnest Graham.
Kellen Winslow (TE) – Questionable (knee) – Winslow has been limited in practice all week but still may play against Carolina this weekend. He will be a game-time decision. If you have another tight end option, however, I would use it.
Arizona Cardinals
Beanie Wells (RB) – Questionable (knee) – Beanie hasn’t put in a full practice all week and is in danger of being held out of the game this weekend. It’s obvious that Wells is not close to 100% yet. He will be listed as a game-time decision, but all signs point to Beanie being inactive again.
Early Doucet (WR) – Out (groin) – Doucet will undergo sports hernia surgery which will sideline him for 3-6 weeks. Recovery from this type of injury is unpredictable, but I wouldn’t count on seeing Doucet back on the field before November. Stephen Williams will be the Cardinals 3rd receiver and makes a nice flier pick in deeper leagues.
Larry Fitzgerald (WR) – Probable (knee) – Fitzgerald isn’t close to 100% yet, but he should be good to go this weekend against the Falcons and he should see his customary double-digit targets.
Gerald Hayes (LB) – PUP (back) – on the PUP list with an injury that dates back to last season, Hayes will miss at least the first 6 weeks. His replacement, rookie Daryl Washington, has looked impressive and with a huge void in stats left by the departure of Karlos Dansby, and could be a sleeper IDP.
San Diego Chargers
Stephen Cooper (LB) – Doubtful (knee) – It doesn’t look like Cooper is going to play this weekend, so Brandon Siler becomes the favorite to lead the Chargers in tackles, making him a nice IDP pick up. It is not known how long the injury is expected to keep him out.
Shawne Merriman (LB) – Doubtful (achilles) – Merriman missed the game on Monday night and is still questionable for this weekend as well. At this point in his career he is not the dominant IDP that he used to be and his back-up, Larry English, may be a better option for the Chargers anyway. If you have to own a Charger linebacker, then look at Shaun Phillips or Stephen Cooper.
Vincent Jackson (WR) – Suspended (contract) – Jackson has been deemed eligible to play in the 5th game of the season. The Rams, Seahawks, Vikings, and Redskins are rumored to be interested in the troubled, yet talented wide receiver. He is definitely worth a flier if he is available in your league.
Kansas City Chiefs
No fantasy-relevant injuries.
Indianapolis Colts
Bob Sanders (DB) – Out (biceps) – Last week I listed Sanders on the injury report even though he was perfectly healthy because it was “only a matter of time”. Not only did Sanders get injured in week 1, he tore his biceps which will most likely keep him out the rest of the season. Feel free to cut him loose in IDP leagues.
Anthony Gonzalez (WR) – Out (ankle) – Gonzalez has been ruled out of this week’s game against the Giants with a high ankle sprain. Collie cemented his value with a huge game week 1 and Gonzalez is only worth hanging on to in very deep leagues.
Dallas Cowboys
DeMarcus Ware (LB) – Probable (neck) – Ware was back at practice on Thursday and despite suffering a “slight concussion” in the opener, he should be ready to go for this week’s game against the Bears.
Miami Dolphins
Channing Crowder (LB) – Out (groin) – The Dolphins are considering placing Crowder on Injured Reserve which would end his season. The team may bring in Adalius Thomas to replace him. Feel free to drop him in IDP leagues
Philadelphia Eagles
Kevin Kolb (QB) – Out (concussion) – Kolb has officially been ruled out for this week’s game and his replacement, Michael Vick, looks like a top 10 quarterback option. Andy Reid has said that Kolb is the starting QB, so dropping him at this time would be premature.
Stewart Bradley (LB) – Out (concussion) – Bradley has officially been ruled out of the week 2 game with a concussion. Omar Gaither will replace him and is not worth a look in IDP leagues. Hang on to Bradley.
Atlanta Falcons
Michael Jenkins (WR) – Out (shoulder) – Jenkins has missed practice all week and will be out again in week 2. Harry Douglas will start opposite Roddy White but is only a fantasy option in the deepest of leagues.
New York Giants
Hakeem Nicks (WR) – Questionable (ankle) – Nicks was able to run and make cuts without issue on the side of Giants practice on Friday. The speculation is that Nicks will play (he will be the dreaded game-time decision), but owners with a roster spot available may want to grab Mario Manningham, who will start if Nicks cannot go.
Kevin Boss (TE) – Out (concussion) – Boss will not play against the Colts this week and it is unknown how long he will be out. In most leagues there will be better tight end options available on the waiver wire.
Osi Umenyiora (DL) – Questionable (knee) – Osi was held out of practice Friday and will be a game-time decision. Mathias Kiwanuka will play more snaps if Osi sits out and makes a nice IDP play in leagues that require defensive linemen.
Jacksonville Jaguars
David Garrard (QB) – Probable (back) – Garrard will play this weekend.
New York Jets
Darrelle Revis (DB) – Probable (hamstring) – Revis was limited in practice on Friday, but he will play this weekend. Hamstrings tend to flare up, so make sure Randy Moss is starting for your fantasy team this week.
Brodney Pool (DB) – Questionable (ankle) – Pool was limited at practice on Friday and will be a game-time decision again this weekend. As the team’s starting strong safety, Pool could be an IDP sleeper.
Calvin Pace (LB) – Out (foot) – Pace is ahead of schedule in his recovery from foot surgery, but he is a long shot to return before week 4. Pace is probably not worth a roster spot at this point, but could make a nice bye week replacement after week 5. He will be replaced by a rotation of Jason Taylor and Bryan Thomas.
Santonio Holmes (WR) – Suspended – Holmes will return from suspension week 5. He will immediately be the Jets’ top wide receiver.
Detroit Lions
Matthew Stafford (QB) – Out (shoulder) – After meeting with Dr. James Andrews, Stafford is now being called week-to-week. The Lions are saying they have a good idea of the diagnosis and recovery time, but they are not releasing the information. There is speculation that Stafford could be out only 4 weeks.
DeAndre Levy (LB) – Questionable (groin) – The latest word out of Detroit is that Levy is expected to play. The Lions do not need to rush him back, but they could definitely use him to help contain Michael Vick this weekend.
Jahvid Best (RB) – Probable (toe) – Best was a full participant in practice all week and will be ready to go this weekend.
Louis Delmas (DB) – Questionable (groin) – Delmas missed practiced on Friday and will be a game-time decision this weekend.
Green Bay Packers
Ryan Grant (RB) – Out For Season (ankle) – The Packers placed Grant on Injured Reserve, ending his season. He will need surgery to place screws in his ankle, but the fracture near his knee should heal on its own. Grant thought he could make it back this season, but the Packers could not afford to hold the roster spot open. Terrell Owens recovered during the season with a similar injury, so Grant should be ready to go for 2011. His replacement, Brandon Jackson, should be added in all leagues.
Charles Woodson (DB) – Probable (toe) – Woodson will be ready to go this weekend.
Clay Matthews (LB) – Probable (general soreness) – Matthews is on the injury report, but will be fine for the weekend. It also looks like the move to the other side of the field will not hurt his IDP value. He is a safe play.
Atari Bigby (DB) – PUP (ankle) – Bigby is starting the season on the PUP list, but is already running and cutting and should be ready to go when eligible in mid-October. Bigby is another to guy look for on the waiver wire when he is closer to returning. Morgan Burnett will be the starting strong safety in his absence. With Al Harris’ future in the NFL up in the air, Charles Woodson and Nick Collins look like the only Packers’ defensive backs worth owning.
Carolina Panthers
Matt Moore (QB) – Probable (concussion) – Matt Moore will start this weekend for the Panthers.
New England Patriots
Tom Brady (QB) – Probable (shoulder) – Just like last season, Brady will be on the injury report every week. But unless something more serious happens, he will be safe to play.
Fred Taylor (RB) – Probable (toe) – Taylor practiced fully on Friday and will be ready to go.
Wes Welker (WR) – Probable – A late addition to the injury report, Welker will be fine this weekend.
Aaron Hernandez (TE) – Probable (knee) – Hernandez was able to practice this week and will be fine for the weekend. He makes a risky fantasy play (but a nice sleeper) with 2 other tight ends competing for catches.
Julian Edelman (WR) – Questionable (ankle) – Edelman could probably play this weekend, but may be a healthy scratch. He makes a nice stash in deeper leagues, especially if you’re a Welker owner.
Michael Bush (RB) – Questionable (thumb) – Bush will be a game-time decision, but the speculation is that he will not play week 2. McFadden will once again be a solid RB2, with RB1 potential.
Chaz Schilens (WR) – Out (knee) – Schilens has yet to return to practice and remains out indefinitely. Louis Murphy and Zach Miller are the only receivers worth owning in Oakland.
St. Louis Rams
Steven Jackson (RB) – Probable (knee) – Jackson was able to practice Thursday and Friday and makes a great RB1 against the Raiders this weekend.
Laurent Robinson (WR) – Probable (ankle) – Robinson will play this weekend, but with Mark Clayton looking like Bradford’s favorite target, his production will be sporadic.
Michael Hoomanawanui (TE) – Out (ankle) – The Hooman will be out 4-8 weeks. He should not be on your fantasy team.
Baltimore Ravens
Todd Heap (TE) – Probable (shoulder) – Heap was limited in practice on Thursday and Friday, but it looks like he will play this weekend. He makes a risky fantasy start against the Bengals.
Anquan Boldin (WR) – Probable (thigh) – Boldin returned to practice in full on Friday and will be ready to go as one of Flacco’s favorite targets this weekend.
Ray Lewis (LB) – Questionable (foot) – Lewis was limited in practice on Friday for the 2nd consecutive day. Lewis is expected to play this weekend.
Ed Reed (DB) – PUP (hip) – Reed will also be starting the season on the PUP list, but should be ready to return when eligible. Reed could make a great waiver wire grab around week 4 or 5.
Washington Indigenous People of North America
Donovan McNabb (QB) – Questionable (ankle) – McNabb has practiced every day this week and will not miss the game.
Clinton Portis (RB) – Questionable (wrist) – Portis practiced in full on Friday and will play this weekend.
Kareem Moore (DB) – Out (knee) – Moore is expected miss at least one more week. He is the best safety on Washington, but probably not worth a roster spot on your IDP squad. Reed Doughty will replace him.
New Orleans Saints
Jonathan Vilma (LB) – Probable (groin) – Vilma will be ready to go this weekend and is a great IDP play.
Marques Colston (WR) – Probable (abdomen) – Colston will play this weekend.
Seattle Seahawks
Mike Williams (WR) – Probable (thigh) – Williams will play, but may be slowed by the leg injury. Williams is not a burner, so he should still have a shot at a touchdown this weekend.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Troy Polamalu (DB) – Only a matter of time (remember the Bob Sanders prediction?)
Houston Texans
Owen Daniels (TE) – Probable (knee) – Daniels was limited all week, but should play the same, if not more, than he did last week. It still may be too soon to run with Owen.
Brian Cushing (LB) – Suspended – Cushing will sit the first 4 games of the season for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy. Xavier Adibi will be his replacement for the first 4 games and is a huge downgrade. Cushing should be worth waiting on, or a great waiver wire target if an owner gets impatient.
Tennessee Titans
William Hayes (DL) – Questionable (knee) – Hayes will probably end up missing week 2, but has said that he will be in there for week 3. Hayes is the Titan’s top defensive end, so if he does sit, Rashard Mendenhall gets a slight boost.
Minnesota Vikings
Percy Harvin (WR) – Questionable (hip) – Harvin is a game-time decision for week 2, but Harvin has indicated that he feels good and will play as normal.
Toby Gerhart (RB) – Probable (knee) – Gerhart should play this weekend and will share back-up duties with Albert Young. Gerhart should win the job outright sooner rather than later and is the handcuff to own for Adrian Peterson owners.
Sidney Rice (WR) – PUP (hip) – Rice is still on crutches but has been able to do rehab work without restrictions. He is targeting a midseason return and, if you have room, makes a nice stash.
Brett Favre (QB) – Probable (ankle) – Favre will be ready to go this weekend. At his age, with his ankle, be prepared to see his name on the injury report every week. If something more serious comes up, I’m fairly certain you will hear about it.
The Fantasy Dick is the fantasy baseball writer for www.thebaseballchick.com and can be followed on Twitter at @thefantasydick or emailed at thefantasydick at yahoo.com. Feel free to ask any fantasy sports related questions or just questions about life in general, The Fantasy Dick is an expert at both.
