***The Chiefs and Patriots game has been moved to Tuesday but there’s a legitimate chance it gets cancelled altogether. Cam Newton, who tested positive, will not be allowed in the facilities for at least five days. The worst case scenario is Newton isn’t back at practice for 10-14 days. There’s some confusion regarding the COVID reserve list but to my current understanding, this is different from the new injured reserve list which would require Newton to be out at least three games.
Now for those who have been ruled out (or doubtful) as of Saturday morning:
Michael Thomas- Ankle- Out
Chris Godwin- Hamstring- Out
Leonard Fournette- Ankle- Out
Allen Lazard- Groin (6-8 weeks at least)- Out
Tyrod Taylor- Lung- Out
Bryan Edwards- Ankle- Out
Steven Sims Jr.- Toe- Out
Mike Williams- Hamstring- Out
DeSean Jackson- Hamstring- Out
Jared Cook- Groin- Out
Jimmy Garoppolo- Ankle- Out
Cam Akers- Ribs- Out
Henry Ruggs- Hamstring- Doubtful
J.J. Arcega-Whiteside- Calf- Doubtful
Raheem Mostert- Knee
Below is a no-nonsense quick-hitting analysis of current player injuries that could impact performance on game day. For any questions related to this article such as “should I drop [player A] for [player B]?” please refer to the staff’s weekly projections. In reality, there isn’t much information available yet; however, definitely bookmark this as it will be updated and fleshed out through Sunday morning. This second version includes players who are on the injury report and/or have a notable status prior to Week Four.
Running Backs
Joe Mixon- Chest
Mixon was added to the final injury report on Saturday which is as bad as it gets when it comes to red flags. He’s allegedly going to try and play but this is a painful injury and his volatility is high. Which puts us all in a tough position as it renders Bernard unstartable but caps Mixon’s effectiveness. Overall this specific situation is a great representation of the year 2020. Avoid if you can.
Chris Carson- Knee
Carson practicing in a limited fashion is a pleasant surprise after being the victim of a gator roll in Week Three. Watch his status as the week rolls on.
Final Update: Since 2016 only 42% of Seattle skill players who ended the week on the injury report at questionable ended up playing. That’s 19 out of 45 players. So basically, it’s a coin toss for Carson.
Carlos Hyde- Shoulder
A guy who had offseason shoulder surgery, this is one to watch as his running mate isn’t a lock to play. He practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday and Thursday. He’ll likely be a true game time decision.
Final Update: Hyde practiced in a limited fashion which is likely just a precaution with Carson on the mend. He ended the week on the injury report as questionable.
Zack Moss- Toe
He was limited on Wednesday and he has a chance to play but I wouldn’t bank on it as of today.
Update: Moss is still limited at practice and given the Bills’ track record of conservative management of player injuries, he’s still not a slam dunk to play. If he does suit up, it there’s no way to be confident in him unless he practices in full on Friday.
Final Update: It’s truly going to be hard to confidently slide Moss into lineups given his limited practice sessions all week and the Bills’ conervative management of injuries. Personally I’m pretending his out to play it safe as they have a late kickoff.
Kareem Hunt- Groin
This is one to watch as he missed Wednesday practice and has a history of groin surgery.
Update: Hunt didn’t practice again on Thursday and the Browns promoted a practice squad running back. Plan for the worst at this point despite the fact he’s going to “try to play” on Sunday. This isn’t looking great.
Final Update: Although it isn’t ideal, Hunt was back in a limited fashion on Friday and is on track to play. Moderate volatility for him this week. This is why injury situations are so fluid every week.
Damien Harris- Finger
There’s not reason from a health perspective Harris can’t play on Sunday. But we are talking about the Pats here.
Sony Michel- Quad
He was limited in practice and it’s likely a muscular strain. He could miss this week and even if he’s active, he’s volatile.
Miles Sanders- Glute
As I pointed out on twitter, the glute max and hamstring muscles work in synergy to extend the hip so it’s not out of the realm of possibilities this is actually a reaggravation of Sanders’ previous “hamstring” injury. It’s something to monitor. I would certainly be more comfortable if Sanders practices in full Friday.
Final Update: Sanders was limited on Friday but he’s literally the only offensive weapon left on the field for Philly.
Wide Receivers
Calvin Ridley- Ankle
Ridley hasn’t practice yet this week and it’s beginning to be worrisome. Plan to be without him as of right now and depending on severity, potentially next week too.
Final Update: Do you really have any other better options? His ankle could act up or this could be a precaution. Weight your risk tolerance this week.
Julio Jones- Hamstring
The fact Julio played through the injury in Week Two and was then downgraded makes me nervous for his prospects this week. Even if he plays, yet another setback is still in the cards. He's volatile as of this week.
Final Update: He was still limited all week. He’s volatile this week if he’s active (which isn’t guaranteed). But it’s Julio.
Davante Adams- Ankle
The toughest part about prognosticating players I've never examined myself is knowing whether their absence is more due to actual physical deficits or teams playing it safe. Adams was essentially ruled out last Friday so he wasn't a true game time decision. His practice status will be crucial to determine whether he’ll miss one or two games within the 2.6 missed game average due to hamstring injuries.
Update: I try to be objective and scientific, but in reality I just feel like Adams could play this week. Albeit a volatile option, I think he’ll be out there.
Final Update: I’m relatively confident he’s ready to go but his practice status still shouldn’t go ignored. Not a slam dunk yet. This is ideally a wait and see week for you high-stakes cash players.
DeAndre Hopkins- Ankle
Nuk has chronic ankle issues that have been mostly under wraps most of his career. He missed practice Wednesday and while I don't believe it's a big deal, it'll be something to watch this week.
Update: This is officially not nothing as he didn’t practice Thursday. Hopkins, in the past, has been on the injury report with toe, foot, and ankle injuries as recently as 2018. This is not nothing. Check back in on Friday.
Final Update: He’s a game-time decision and there’s a real chance he doesn’t play on Sunday so be prepared. If he does play, you just grit your teeth and lock it in.
Christian Kirk- Groin
Kirk was limited on Thursday but I don’t necessarily expect him to play yet as these groin injuries are just as fickle as hamstrings. It would be prudent to sit hi but make sure to check back in. Kirk’s next best shot to play is Week Five
Final Update: Like his teammate, Kirk is a game-time decision. The difference is Kirk actually practiced Friday and Nuk did not. Highly volatile but the difference is you don’t have to start Kirk.
Odell Beckham Jr.- Back
Being added to the injury report mid-week is never a good thing. He was limited on Thursday. Hopefully this ends up being nothing and he practices in full on Friday.
Final Update: Not on the final report.
D.J. Chark- Chest
He was limited Thursday but he’s still expected to play on Sunday and shouldn’t be limited physically.
Final Update: Not on the final report.
John Brown- Calf
This injury isn’t reported to be serious but he still hasn’t gotten in a full practice. With the sickle-cell trait, I’m nervous his 30 year old body might not be physically ready by Sunday even if he’s active.
Final Update: Full practice on Friday. Keep watching him as the season unfolds.
Russell Gage- Concussion
Gage will need to clear protocol by Sunday. This is a fluid situation and there are no guarantees.
Final Update: “Cleared” concussion protocol. High volatility the rest of the 2020 season.
Scotty Miller- Groin
He didn’t practice and is unlikely to play this week and is at risk to miss next week.
Final Update: Should be ready to go but volatile this week.
Terry McLaurin- Thigh
This is scary, Terry (couldn’t help myself). Anyway, like I’ve mentioned with OBJ, being added mid-week is less than ideal. The hope here is that he practices in full on Friday but it’s not a lock. I’ll also add that since this is listed as “thigh” and not “quad” it makes me think it was a contact bruise-type injury. On one hand that’s preferred because it means he’ll likely be a go on Sunday and it won’t linger. The downside is that it’s a very painful injury and could impact his ability to be a full-go on Sunday.
Final Update: I’m nervous about MCLaurin this week. He’s a true coin flip this week and volatility is high. Which is bad before even considering the matchup. He’ll probably go as Sims is already out.
Will Fuller- Hamstring
Fuller was added to the practice report with a hamstring injury. We’ve been through it with Fuller. You know the drill- upside if you start him with the possibility of a goose egg.
Final Update: Not on the final report but you know the drill. I’m personally embracing this volatility in Week Four where I’m an underdog.
