Fantasy football owners have been making a mad dash over the past 48 hours to update themselves on which players still have a huge question mark hanging over their heads, and today, I would like to quickly run through some of those players for you all.
Remember a few things about how to negotiate injury news in fantasy football before continuing:
- Wednesday’s practice is usually not as vigorous as Thursday’s practice. This is especially important, because a team could hold a player out Wednesday for precautionary reasons, only to give him a full workout the next day. The norm is, if a player does BOTH days, his chances of starting are pretty high.
- While injury reports are updated daily, the official injury report doesn’t have to be filed until after 5PM on Friday—per NFL rules—and Saturday for games being played on Monday night.
- Despite an official report, each team still reserves the right to reverse said injury status, and they have up until one hour before game time to do so. In other words, if Percy Harvin (ribs) is listed as questionable at 10am Sunday, the Vikings have up until 12pm to change that status.
OK, now that we have some additional understanding, let’s take a look at what’s going on.
Beanie Wells – RB – ARI: Kent Somers on Twitter reported that Wells did not practice again, and the sentiment is that the Cardinals will not chance that knee injury this week against Baltimore. The Cardinals have three other backs they will use in rookie Alfonso Smith, Chester Taylor, and La'Rod Stephens-Howling.
I have to imagine that Howling and Alfonso Smith will split time, with Taylor entering as either the third-down back, goaline back or both.
Aside from possibly putting Smith on your watch list, there’s little upside here from anyone one these players unless you’re in a pinch.
Tashard Choice – RB – DAL: There have been a few questions and emails from you guys regarding just how much Dallas could use DeMarco Murray because of the presence of Tashard Choice.
Well Reuben Frank on Twitter, reported that Choice is still “iffy” to start as per coach Jason Garrett.
The fact is Choice has offered nothing to the Cowboys, and even if he is a go, I can’t see them using him as anything outside of a change of pace back.
The Eagles are ranked 23rd against the run, but they are technically tied 5th in 20+ yard gains allowed (6 total), 2nd in 40+ yard gains allowed (3 total), and 4th in rushing TDs allowed (6 total).
Start Murray with confidence.
Joseph Addai – RB – IND: Colts running back Joseph Addai did not practice again on Wednesday reports Paul Kuharsky on Twitter, and if he is not a go today (Thursday) you can pretty much sit him this week.
The problem is, hamstring injuries tend to linger unless you properly rest them—something Addai did not do which is why it was re-aggravated it last week.
The probability is that the Colts will again deploy both Donald Brown and Delone Carter against a Titans ground defense that is ranked 24th.
If you are in a deep-league format, and are in a pinch, both backs are somewhat serviceable, just don’t expect much.
- Other notables include: Marshawn Lynch (likely to play), Jahvid Best (will not play), Daniel Thomas (likely to play) Peyton Hillis (likely to play)
For a more extensive look at what to do with your RBs, check out our WK 8 RB Rankings.
Andre Johnson – WR – HOU: There is still a lingering worry that Andre Johnson (hammy) may not be a go against the Jaguars this week, which means owners should be ready to replace him if he is in fact grounded.
Chris Mortensen on Twitter reports that the Texans could know later today what the deal is, but it is looking like 50-50 at best right now.
It’s always tough to leave Johnson out of your lineup, but there are plenty of waiver wire options out there for you if you need one.
Malcom Floyd – WR – SD: Malcom Floyd is still dealing with the hip injury that kept him from returning in the second half of last week’s contest, and the needle is starting to point downward in regard to his availability.
Owners can again find a replacement off the waivers this week since it is so deep, but it is also noteworthy to mention that Patrick Crayton will get the nod, if Floyd doesn’t go who isn’t all that bad of a replacement.
Stay tuned.
Braylon Edwards – WR – SF: Edwards admits that his status for this week is a bit shaky, and Matt Barrows on Twitter tweets:
Braylon Edwards: “If the knee’s not ready, then we’re not going to go regardless of who (the opponent) is."
With Edwards out, Crabtree and Davis could see additional targets, and it appears as if he may just sit.
For more on what to do with your receivers checkout our WK 8 WR Rankings.
On the Quarterback and Tight End front, there isn’t a whole lot to speak of which should help calm some owners’ nerves a bit.
There is a small threat that Matthew Stafford (ankle) will not play this week, but there have also been numerous reports from Detroit’s beat writers that he has been moving quite well.
Like this one!
- Zach Miller of the Seahawks is the only mentionable TE with an injury concern, but Miller has fantasy MIA all year so who cares, right?
- Other notable include: The Rams are probably going to be without QB Sam Bradford (high ankle sprain) for another week leaving the door open for backup A.J. Feeley who isn’t all that bad of a pickup if you are in a real bind. Dolphins quarterback Matt Moore resumed practice this week and is a go for his matchup against the New York Giants, but don’t expect Moore to last too long against a Giants team who leads the league in sacks.
For more on what to do with your quarterbacks and tight ends, check out this week's WK 8 QB Rankings and WK 8 TE Rankings.
And as always, good luck this week!
