Week 10 is upon us, and unfortunately, there is no shortage of ailments circulating the league and affecting some of its biggest and brightest stars. With many a fantasy football stud strapped to the treatment table this week, here is a quick roundup of the latest information regarding some of the more high-profile injuries to get you primed for the weekend.
Week 10 Injury Roundup
Tony Romo (probable, back)is looking like a go for the Dallas Cowboys as they prepare to face the Jacksonville Jaguars across the pond in London on Sunday. Romo, who underwent back surgery last December on an unrelated issue, missed last week's loss to the Cardinals as Brandon Weeden struggled under center. Romo was able to practice in full on Friday, and though he will likely be operating at less than 100 percent, the 34-year-old is a virtual certainty to be on the field at Wembley Stadium as the Cowboys look to snap a two-game skid.
Sammy Watkins (questionable, groin) is looking like a game-time decision at best as the Buffalo Bills prepare to tussle with the Kansas City Chiefs. Coach Doug Marrone did not sound confident about his rookie wideout's chances of taking part in Sunday's game, simply saying "The guy can't practice." Marrone added that he did not think Watkins would be able to participate in Saturday's walkthrough. Although the Bills are coming off of an open date, they are about to enter a short week, with a Thursday night date against the Dolphins in Miami on deck for week 11. If Watkins can not even get a walkthrough in, Buffalo will almost certainly withhold him from action in an attempt to have him available next week.
Meanwhile, Watkins' teammate Fred Jackson (questionable, groin) is looking like a no-go for week 10. Though Jackson has been able to practice, Marrone said his veteran was "still not where we need to be for him to get out there." Jackson is another player the Bills would like to give further rest to ahead of an incoming short week. Look for Anthony Dixon and Bryce Brown to handle the bulk of the ground work against the Chiefs. Fred Jackson is unlikely to play in week 10.
Martellus Bennett (questionable, ribs) is another player whose status may come down to a game-time call. The Chicago Bears tight end did not practice on Friday, and as the Bears take on the Green Bay Packers in the Sunday night slot, owners will need to have alternative options in place. In terms of the Bears, Dante Rosario would be the next man up. For what it's worth, after Friday's practice, Bennett told reporters he would "probably" play, though that is far from a given at this juncture.
Calvin Johnson (probable, ankle) looks set to make his long-awaited return since a very limited week 5 appearance. Megatron has practiced in full this week, and is reaping the benefits of the Lions' week 9 bye. As healthy as he has been all year, Johnson should break free from his hobbled, decoy-like status and trend back towards the dominant figure that he typically cuts. Johnson, Matthew Stafford and the Lions face the Dolphins this weekend.
Lamar Miller (questionable, shoulder) has been limited all week, though the Dolphins' runner has trended in the right direction after leaving last Sunday's win over the Chargers. Miller is battling a sprained AC joint, and will be less than 100 percent if he does play, but all signs are pointing to the 23-year old being available for Miami as they square off against the Lions and their stout run defense. Daniel Thomas and Damien Williams will both absorb the workload if Miller can not play.
Rashad Jennings (doubtful, knee) will almost certainly miss his fourth straight game when the Giants take on the Seahawks in Seattle this weekend. Jennings was able to practice on a very limited basis this week, but his most likely return date is slated for week 11 against the San Francisco 49ers. In the meantime, rookie Andre Williams and Peyton Hillis will continue to tote the rock for the G-men. Rashad Jennings looks set to miss his fourth straight game in week 10.
Doug Martin (doubtful, ankle) is another running back who is unlikely to play in week 10. As of Friday afternoon, Martin had still not practiced. He missed week 9 with the injury and his absence looks set to continue through at least one more game. Bobby Rainey will likely continue to handle most of the work in the Bucs' backfield, but rookie Charles Sims (questionable, ankle) could be in line to make his season debut against the Falcons this weekend. Sims has been out since going down late in the summer, but having practiced for two straight weeks, the 6-0 214 runner is looking like a go. He could have likely played last week, but Tampa chose to hold him out for one more game in an attempt to err on the side of caution.
On the defensive side of the ball, 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis (questionable, toe) missed his third-straight practice on Friday, leaving his status for Sunday's matchup with the Saints in serious doubt. Willis' potential absence would boost the already high stock of Saints tight end Jimmy Graham, while also enhancing the stock of Mark Ingram, who will continue to carry the mail as New Orleans copes with the injuries to running backs Pierre Thomas (shoulder) and Khiry Robinson (forearm).
Tampa Bay will almost certainly be without cornerback Alterraun Verner (doubtful, hamstring) after the 25-year-old missed Friday's practice. Verner, the club's prized defensive free agent acquisition, has battled hamstring injuries dating back to the summer. His absence would give a slight boost to the week 10 outlooks of Falcons duo Julio Jones and Roddy White.
Check back with Fantasy Knuckleheads on Sunday morning for the latest week 10 injury news.