Higgins evidently had a labrum repair in March linked to a September injury. Typically these injuries require a 5-6 month recovery placing Higgins on the bubble to be ready for Week One. At this point the expectation is he'll be ready but his participation in camp will be telling.
Gallup tore his ACL and had surgery in "early February". Based on that information alone the soonest we could realistically see Gallup is mid-November. Any report of a player returning back from ACL surgery prior to 9 months is highly unlikely.
Beckham's redemption tour in LA was unfortunately short-lived. He re-tore his ACL during the Super Bowl and per reports had surgery the week of 2/14/22. It's worth noting that there are dozens of potential reasons his ACL re-tore and any speculation that the second surgery altered his career trajectory are unlikely. Usually 9 months is the bare minimum for players returning from a first time ACL. However, many medical teams tack on another month for a revision. Assuming OBJ's team follow that rule of thumb, the soonest we could see OBJ on the field is late December.
Reports from multiple sources place Robinson back in training camp "at some point". That would be approximately 7 months post-op. The average time to return to unrestricted sport for NFL athletes post-achilles repair is 8.9 months. For that reason it isn't unreasonable to see Robinson be eased in very slowly and look a step behind. It's critical to remember that this injury is anything but a quick fix and Cam Akers serves as a reminder that return to play is not the same as return to perform.
Without insider access it was impossible to know where Dobbins was in his recovery and just how severe the initial injury was. Now that there are concrete reports and sightings of Dobbins standing on the sideline almost 10 months from the injury, the fears that he won't be ready for Week One are legitimized. The PUP rules become critical now. If Dobbins begins camp on the PUP list, he can return at any point before the start of the season. If he's placed on the rPUP list, he'll have to sit out 4 regular season games (previously 6 games). Keep an eye on this one as it's still relatively early for Baltimore to make that decision although they've hinted at this possibility already.
Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on you again for letting this ADP slip. Listen, the rate of injury-free games in the NFL is 2.3% before accounting for punters and kickers. Despite this fact, McCaffrey's first three seasons in the NFL were injury free in addition to missing just one game in college due to injury. Then his 2020 was derailed with the most common RB injuries documented in the game (ankle/shoulder) rounding out the hat trick in 2021 with the hamstring. These are, almost completely, incidental injuries. There's approximately a 10-15% chance of re-injury to the hamstring but otherwise fading McCaffrey for sustaining the most common injuries to the position seems illogical. Nobody can predict health - but the greater sample indicates the probabilities of a second rash of injuries is unlikely.
Thomas came out and said that he sustained damage to the ACL/MCL/LCL and meniscus. That last part is crucial to rehab timelines as procedures to the meniscus typically require 2-4 weeks of non-weight bearing immediately postop which can delay rehab. Given his 12/17/21 surgery date and the information we have, Thomas will be hard-pressed to make his 2022 debut before Week 3 or 4 at the absolute soonest. Anything before that is unlikely.
Depending on where Etienne goes in drafts, he can be a steal. Factors working in his favor are high draft capital, athleticism, a backfield to himself, and an entire year to rehab the injury. Factors against him are the fact he's essentially still a rookie, potential left over hardware still in his foot, and a historical drop in offensive production post-op Lisfranc. There's some reason to have confidence in Etienne but he shouldn't be viewed as a blue chip RB quite yet. If he produces hig-end RB2 numbers, that's a win in his first year back from this injury.
Prescott had a stepwise increase in participation this week and is looking to be active in Week 9. There is minimal to moderate volatility associated with this calf strain due to some risk of re-injury. Don’t let it scare you too terribly bad but the risk is still non-zero until he gets through this week.
Akers' comback in such a quick period of time was by no means something to shrug off. But his playoff efficiency numbers (bottom three in EPA/attempt, points above replacement, expected points added above average, and points earned/play) further illustrate the stark difference between return to play and return to perform. Even the most ardent Akers supporters must ackknowledge that although there's no historical precedent that he can't return to elite stardom, there's certainly no data to support that he will. In fact, all return to performance data post-op achilles is bleak to say the least. Drafting Akers with the hopes he'll reach top 12 status is more of a gamble than playing the probabilities.
Jameson is coming off ACL surgery on 1/13/21. Exactly nine months from then is 10/13. This is his earliest possible return. Depending on the extent of the damage and/or his overall progress in rehab this could be extended another 2-6 weeks. Any time prior to 9 months is when the risk for reinjury is at its highest so expecting a 100% Williams by early September would be extremely risky. Possible? Sure. Probable? Absolutely not.
Godwin is projected to complete the minimum 9 month rehab post-op ACL on 10/3/2022. This is his soonest possible return. Depending on the extent of the damage and/or his overall progress in rehab this could be extended another 2-6 weeks. Unless the medical team wants to risk re-injury, it'll be at least October before we see him in game action.
Here we go again? Here we go again. Barkley disappointed in 2021 - there's no denying that. However, recency bias erases the fact that despite playing just 48% of snaps in Week One, Barkley was tied for RB9 overall in PPR formats from Weeks 1-4. Before the fluke ankle injury (in which he stepped on a defender's ankle) Barkley was well on his way to smash his 2021 ADP despite the ACL tear. After the ankle injury in Week Five, Barkley's usage was way down and in an honest moment he did not look good. Although another injury for a RB is potentially around the corner, the greater picture Barkley has painted since his days at Penn State make him the absolute nuts anchor RB in the third round. Fantasy football is about process. The process to trust Barkley was just as correct last year as it is in 2022.
Tonyan's earliest return to full activity is August 5th. Depending on the extent of the damage and/or his overall progress in rehab this could be extended another 2-6 weeks. However, it's very realistic for him to be ready by Week One.
Metchie had surgery on December 10th. That means that in an ideal world his soonest return is September 10th. That's exactly 9 months on opening day. Depending on the extent of the damage and/or his overall progress in rehab this could be extended another 2-6 weeks.
Thomas is somehow still rehabbing an ankle injury from two seasons ago. In conjunction with the shaky team dynamic there's no doubt he's a risk. However keep in mind that many fantasy championships are won in the middle and late rounds/waiver wire adds/stashes. Michael Thomas after the 7th or 8th round could be an absolute league-winner.
Woods' exact return date is gray as there are no reports of the extent of damage or the surgery date. Playing it conservatively based on his injury date, he could be cleared by 9/1/22 at the earliest. Depending on the extent of the damage and/or his overall progress in rehab this could be extended another 2-6 weeks.
Winston had surgery the week of 11/11/21 meaning his projected release date from rehab and reconditioning is approximately mid-August. Reports of using a brace and limping at this point in his rehab are normal. Barring a setback or unforeseen circumstances Winston should be ready by Week One.
Tennessee's medical staff is going by the book and didn't fully release The King until 11 weeks post-op from this Jones fracture. Aftet 10 weeks post-op, re-injury rates take a precipitpous drop which is why that mark is relevant. For reference, Deebo Samuel returned from his own Jones fracture after 15 weeks. This isn't apples to apples, though, as there are several different types and severities of these injuries. Still, Henry hasn't seen an NFL snap in nearly three months and it's really hard to believe he'll be playoff shape. Personally, I would sprinkle Henry into a small amount of cash games because he's in a class of his own and there isn't much precedent for this caliber of athlete. Overall though, Henry is primarily a tournament play this week.
Fournette has sat out the last month or so since a hamstring strain and reports are that he's practicing in full. He'll likely be back this week with RoJo out. He's moderately volatile.
Williams is still not recovered from this toe injury and he's unlikely to be over it this season.
CEH will more than likely play this week after practicing in full this week.
Perriman is doubtful for this week.
Jones is out this week.
MVS hasn't practiced this week and is doubtful for Sunday.
Jimmy G hasn't been healthy since the thumb issue and is now dealing with a right shoulder injury. Make no mistake, he's banged up. However, that offense has never ran through him so expectations simply go from meh to mehhhh.
Harris was a full participant at the end of this week and should be ready to roll tonight.
Brown is active after tweaking his ankle in practice. If he can tweak it at half speed, there's an increased probability he'll tweak it at full speed. He's highly volatile.
Evans is active and it's unlikeley you have better options in season long but he's highly volatile this week. Cash players beware.
Sanders is OUT this week.
Gamers are probably wondering what Ridley's status is up to this point but the reality is nobody has any idea. First and foremost, the hope is Ridley gets the help he needs. Don't drop him in any leagues and send good vibes his way.
Carson will presumably be back by Week 1 of 2022 but his condition is highly, highly volatile.
Thielen is active this week and will be at risk for a 20% production dip in week one post high ankle sprain.
Kelce did not clear COVID protocols and will be OUT.
Swift, as expected, is OUT.
Moore is active and highly volatile this week.
Mixon was LP at practice this week. This is a decent sign he'll be active barring a setback. He's moderately volatile this week.
Julio is not on the injury report but he's simply not startable after suffering yet another hamstring setback.
Brown has been designated to return this week. The severity is unknown and there's a chance Brown is being rished back due to Julio's up and down health. He's moderately volatile this week.
Mitchell has been ruled out this week.
Gonzalez has been ruled out. Get him out of your lineup and get out of whatever league requires kickers today.
Per Adam Schefter, Jackson has a bone bruise and he is unlikely to play today.
Pollard is reportedly on a significant snap count. You'll need some high-leverage touches and a lot of luck for Pollard to pay off this week.
Conner is active this week. He only practiced once this week but the Cardinals must be confident in him given that Eno Benjamin is a healthy scratch. Conner is moderately volatile regardless.
Edmonds is officially active. He might have some trouble getting it going after a long lay off, but he's probably healthier than Conner at this point.
Waddle is on the COVID list and will miss this week.
Ekeler's workload will reportedly be limited today. You have to start him and hope he falls into the endzone.
Expect about a 20% drop in production (based on averages) for Carter in his return.
Hopkins will miss the rest of the regular season with a "sprained knee".
Hunt will be out in Week 15. Be sure and make plans for Week 16 as well considering this looked to be a mild to moderate high ankle/eversion ankle sprain. Fingers crossed it's not.
Ingram is on the COVID list and will miss this week's action.
Kamara will make his return this week just in time as Mark Ingram is on the COVID list.
Williams, unvaccinated, is a close contact to Allen and reports are that he's likely OUT for Sunday.
Keenan Allen is on the COVID list and his status is up in the air this week. He's still got an outside shot to play so monitor this one.
The reports are that Zeke will not be healthy "for another three to four weeks". This is a nightnare and Dallas obviously would have benefited from sitting him a week or two.
Jeremy Fowler is reporting that Dalvin Cook will play. In season long leagues, you have to fire him up. He's untouchable in cash, though as the reinjury rate for these injuries is > 50%. This one is cut and dry. The more times he dislocates, the greater the chance of yet another recurrence. This isn't necessarily a surprising move in and of itself as chronic dislocators will tell you. However, this does make Cook incredibly risky. Laslty, there is a chance Cook gets a very reduced workload in order to test the waters.
Murray is back this week. He's less volatile than Hopkins but he's also unlikely to hit a ceiling without some luck.
Hurts will not play in Week 13.
As mentioned in the Injury Report, Henderson is trending in the right direction but because of the mysterious nature of this injury, he's moderately volatile in DFS.
The Niners confirmed Deebo will miss 1-2 weeks with a groin issue. If he returns too soon, he's at high risk for re-injury.
Sanders appears to have injured the right ankle again in his first game back. This is an exacerbation and there's a chance it's more serious than the Eagles are letting on. Insuluate yourselves even if this ends up being a minor setback.
Brown should have no issues putting up his usual numbers (from a health perspective) this week.
Davis is OUT.
Tom Pelissero reports there's "some optimism" Jones plays. Clincially, this isn't out of the realm of possibilities and considering the Packers want all hands on deck, Jones might actually play. Re-injury is in the cards but more relevant is volume concerns. If you absolutely need points, it might be wise to go with a safer choiece. If you're in need of a big swing, slide Jones into a flex spot and hope for the best.
Stafford is banged up. Don't put too much stock into this, though, as most players are at this point in the season.
Lamb has an outside (very outside) chance to play on Thursday but make plans to be without him in Week 12.
Nick Chubb was activated from the COVID list but there's some concern that he was actually symptmatic given how long he's been out. He's moderate to highly volatile in Week 11 as a result. Monitor reports through Saturday.
Claypool is moderately volatile unless it's for tournaments. In tourneys, let it rip.
This could be a recurrence of the high ankle from earlier this year as he's not practiced two days in a row. Elijah Mitchell would benefit greatly from his absence.
Gibson, after a bye week, is back on the injury report with a shin injury. Still highly volatile ROS.
He'll be back with minimal volatility.
Both Harris and teammate Stevenson are in concussion protocol. They're truly questionable for Sunday as neither practiced on Friday. Make alternative plans.
Both Stevenson and teammate Harris are in concussion protocol. They're truly questionable for Sunday as neither practiced on Friday. Make alternative plans.
Moss cleared concussion protocol and is moderately volatile in Week 10.
Montgomery should be active for MNF per Ian Rappaport.
The reports are that Kittle will be on a pitch count. Still, you have to start the star tight end in most formats except DFS.
Darnold is active but hard to trust.
Apparently Tua will be active only for emergency purposes today. Adjust accordingly.
Jeudy didn't suffer any setbacks to our knowledge in his first game back. As expected, it was not a ceiling game but targets were evenly distributed which is a great sign moving forward.
Presumably Waller will be available in Week 9 as he was a game time decision prior to the bye week.
Jeremy Fowler confirmed this is basically worst case scenario and Wilson will miss at least one month. They'll check in again at the one month mark, but all of the literature shows at least 6-8 weeks is necessary for adequate healing.
Toney is highly volatile due to teh mysterious nature of his designation.
Shepard carries moderate to high volatility this week until he can prove this won't recur.
Collins was downgraded to DNP this week due to this groin strain. This obviously isn’t going away any time soon and might be (yet again) Rashaad Penny week.
Golladay hasn't practiced yet and this 2-4 week injury seems to be dragging into the latter portion. This is no surprise given New York's conservative management style. Plan on Golladay after the bye week.
Fuller is still another 1-2 weeks away.
Strangely, many of you degenerates are asking about Murray. He's got a high ankle sprain and given he hasn't been placed on the IR, he can likely return in Week 8 or 9 barring a setback.
Adams was placed on the COVID list today and is highly unlikely to play on Thursday.
Few careers have rarely been more sporadic or littered with bad luck than Penny's. Now that Alex Collins is banged up and Chris Carson is on the IR, this could finally be a time for the former first round pick to show something.
Mary Kay Cabot reports that Landry's TNF status will likely hinge on how he feels after two consecutive practices. If active, he might be eased in but volatility is low.
Baker was finally ruled out for TNF and this is not looking good rest of season. He'll almost certainly need surgery if the labrum tear is indeed as large as he makes it seem. Clincally, Mayfield would really benefit from a short-term IR stint but there's no telling what Cleveland will do. He's highly volatile ROS.
This is Jones' first documented concussion and he'll need to clear protocol before Sunday. The mode of missed time after first time concussions is zero weeks.
Batemane will be eased in slowly today more than likely.
Williams was downgraded to DNP on Thursday because of a hip injury. This is something to monitor because if he's out, Swift is going to be the (admittedly chalk) slam dunk on Sunday.
Williams is on the COVID list making it virtually impossible for him to be actice on Sunday. Khalil Herbert is the next man up.
Perine will need to clear COVID protocols after a positive test before Sunday which will be difficult to do.
Goedert is on the COVID list and is highly unlikely to be available by Thursday,
This is a dangerous game Washington continues to play with Samuel. A third recurrence now almost gurantees surgery is being discussed. Fade Samuel in all formats until further notice.
Jacobs is a game time decision. If active, he'll be highly volatile. It might be wise to be ready to swap with Peyton Barber.
OUT for Week Four.
He practiced in full on Wednesday and is looking to be active with min-moderate volatility.
The veteran will be out 2-3 weeks.
Big Ben said this injury to his non-throwing arm bothered him during Week Two. He says he doesn't know when the injury occured. This sounds like a potential soft tissue strain from over-stretching of the muscle during contact. Its unlikely to keep him out but if he's admitting it's a problem, it's tough to start him as he's moderately volatile and has looked every bit of 39 years old.
Two full practices in a row. Min-mod volatility due to the "minor" high ankle sprain.
Lance shed the splint today and was participating in non-throwing drills. He's progressing well from this minor finger injury and it shouldn't be a problem moving forward.
Burrow looks on track to start Week One. It's not unreasonable to expect a skittish Burrow until he gets settled in. That could mean more three-step drops and dump offs than we're used to. Burrow needs to show he's mentally over the injury.
Meniscus repair that will lkeep Smith out all year.
The Diggs knee injury has been a bit mysterious but it seems that he will be just fine as he is already back at practice. No need to worry.
Suffering a grade II AC joint sprain, Jefferson should take the time to heal up and be ready by Week One. Very minimal concern for re-injury.