With the exception of the Andre Johnson injury, we made it through week 4 relatively unscathed. A lot of big names are finally off the injury report. No more worrying about Arian Foster’s hammy, Hakeem Nicks’ knee, or Darren McFadden’s groin. Rarely do I worry about another man’s groin, but that’s what fantasy football does to me. I never said I was a sane man.
So who do we need to worry about this week? Let’s take a look.
BYE WEEKS: RAVENS, BROWNS, COWBOYS, DOLPHINS, RAMS, REDSKINS
OUT FOR THE SEASON
No sense in rostering these clowns in redraft leagues. Time to move on.
- Chad Henne (MIA – QB)
- Jamaal Charles (KC – RB)
- Kenny Britt (TEN – WR)
- Danny Amendola (STL – WR)
- Marcus Easley (BUF – WR)
- Roscoe Parrish (BUF – WR)
- Jordan Shipley (CIN – WR)
- Domenik Hixon (NYG – WR)
- Nate Kaeding (SD – K)
- Garrett Hartley (NO – K)
OUT FOR WEEK 5
This list will grow before kickoff, which will make me sad.
- Peyton Manning (IND – QB)
- Mewelde Moore (PIT – RB)
- Brandon Jacobs (NYG – RB)
- Andre Johnson (HOU – WR)
- Eddie Royal (DEN – WR)
- Mike Williams (SEA – WR)
- Todd Heap (ARZ – TE)
Quarterbacks
Michael Vick (finger): Probable. Full practice for Vick. He’s a top start this week against a Bills defense that has allowed 8 passing TDs on the year (3rd worst in the NFL), and who also allow 275.5 passing yards a game.
Ben Roethlisberger (ankle): Probable. It’s a miracle he’s expected to play against the Titans considering he left Reliant Stadium in a walking boot last week. I’d only count on him as a bye week replacement. Not only is he banged up, but the Steelers offensive line can’t block anyone.
Jason Campbell (foot): Probable. There’s no reason to believe Campbell will miss the game against Houston. The Texans only allow 12.5 fantasy points to opposing QBs, so only use Campbell if you must.
Running Backs
Adrian Peterson (ankle): Probable. The Vikings have to put him on the injury report so the NFL doesn’t have a hissy fit. He’s fine. You know what to do.
Frank Gore (ankle): Probable. The 49ers are being careful with Gore in practice, but he’s expected to play against the Bucs. Start him as you normally would.
Beanie Wells (hamstring): Questionable. Adam Schefter says he’s active. He’s playing too well to sit. Get him in those line ups.
Rashard Mendenhall (hamstring): ESPN reports he’s out, Mike Tomlin says he’ll play in a limited role. He’ll likely suit up and be an emergency option for the Steelers. I wouldn’t count on him for your team this week. Issac Redman is the Steeler RB you want to start at flex.
Ryan Grant (abdomen): Probable. Grant is practicing and looks poised to take fantasy value away from James Starks on Sunday night. They’ll split carries which makes them both flex starts at best.
C.J. Spiller (knee): Probable. I know you need a replacement for Ray Rice, Steven Jackson, Peyton Hillis, and Felix Jones, but Spiller isn’t a great option. He’s getting no work with Fred Jackson playing so well. He’ll play, but I’d look elsewhere for a fill in.
Michael Bush (ankle): Probable. He won’t get much work between the 20’s, but his goal line work keeps him a decent flex option. He’ll play and he’ll get your fantasy team a handful of points.
Earnest Graham (hamstring): Questionable. Full practice Friday for Graham. He should be good to go if you need him.
Danny Woodhead (ankle): Doubtful. Woodhead has to be dying to play the team that cut him, but he hasn’t been practicing. It’d be a long shot for him to play. Look for BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Stevan Ridley to split the work on Sunday, with Green-Ellis the more valuable fantasy option.
Ben Tate (groin): Questionable. Tate practiced on Friday and may see some work this weekend. Even so, it’s the Arian Foster show in Houston. Tate is droppable at this point unless you’re a Foster owner. With bye weeks kicking in, he can’t be taking up roster space.
Knowshon Moreno (hamstring): Probable. He’ll play, but there has to be a better option for your fantasy team. Moreno provides zero help to fantasy teams when he plays.
Wide Receivers
Roddy White (thigh): Probable. Less-than-Rowdy Roddy has been practicing on a limited basis and should be good to go for the Sunday night showdown with the Packers. I suspect we’ll see a heavy dose of Michael Turner, and Julio Jones is cutting into White’s production so I’m only expecting WR2/flex type numbers.
Calvin Johnson (ankle): Probable. He’s listed as probable which means he’ll probably kick the Bears’ asses this weekend.
Vincent Jackson (hamstring): Probable. VJax didn’t practice Thursday, but practiced fully on Friday. There doesn’t appear to be anything to worry about. Thank the fantasy football gods.
Malcom Floyd (shoulder/groin): Questionable. Floyd is practicing and is a nice WR2/flex play if Antonio Gates is out. The Broncos allow 29.5 fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers, and Champ Bailey will be busy with Vincent Jackson.
Michael Crabtree (foot): Probable. Crabtree is practicing and should be out there against the Bucs. He’s a decent fill in for Anquan Boldin, Brandon Marshall, Dez Bryant, and Santana Moss owners.
Plaxico Burress (elbow): Probable. Full practice for Plax on Thursday. He’ll be out there against the Patriots. The match up is an outstanding one, but his quarterback really struggles against the Patriots, as Doc pointed out. Proceed with caution.
Devery Henderson (calf): Questionable. Henderson was limited at practice on Wednesday, he didn’t practice at all on Thursday, and practiced again on a limited basis Friday. Robert Meachem would be a nice deep league start against the Panthers if Henderson is a scratch.
Jacoby Jones (knee): Probable. Jones will have to help cover for Andre Johnson’s absence. He’s practicing so he’ll play. He’s worth a look if you’re as desperate as Terrell Owens is for attention.
Donald Driver (knee): Questionable. Full practice on Thursday for Driver. Only in the deepest, darkest, smelliest of fantasy leagues would I consider Driver as an option. There isn’t much production left after Greg Jennings, JerMichael Finley, Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb and James Jones.
Tight Ends
Antonio Gates (foot): Doubtful. Gates still isn’t practicing. It sounds like fantasy owners will have to be without Gates for at least one more week. Unless something drastic changes between now and game time, I don’t like Gates’ chances to play on Sunday.
Aaron Hernandez (knee): Questionable. Even though Hernandez is back at practice, I don’t see why the Patriots would rush him back. They’re fine without him. He may play against the Jets, but I’d be prepared with another option just in case he sits this one out.
Jeremy Shockey (concussion): Probable. Shockey has been upgraded from questionable to probable. It appears the only things questionable about Shockey are his off-the field choices, his hairstyle, and his general outlook on life.
These are the significant injuries in my estimation, but if you’d like a more extensive injury report, check the ESPN injury report or the CBS Sports injury report.
This post will be updated as needed right up to Sunday kickoff.
