Here’s a Thursday Night Football injury preview along with the first look at the rest of the slate from an injury perspective.
Thursday Night Football
Kenneth Gainwell is OUT and should be back in Week 3.
Guys to monitor throughout the week: Davante Adams (foot), James Conner (calf)
Running Backs
Austin Ekeler - Ankle
I’m semi-concerned about Ekeler who is dealing with what could be a high ankle sprain. If he doesn’t practice today the chances of him playing are significantly lowered. Typically guys try to come back but just keep in mind the reinjury risk is 12% and production dip is 15%. If Ekeler is active you probably have to start him but don’t use him in DFS. Take any Josh Kelley overs!
Aaron Jones - Hamstring
With 2 DNPs in a row and an average amount of missed time at 1.2 weeks, Jones is not trending in the right direction for Week 2. Don’t expect him back as of today. Week 3-4 better shot. Since 2018 only 11% of qualified RBs (that’s 2 out of 17) who missed 2 days of practice in a row played that week
Kenneth Walker III - Groin
Minimal to moderate concern for Walker but I’m snagging up Zach Charbonnet whether I have Walker rostered or not.
Zack Moss - Arm
Moss is trending toward playing in Week 2 as the Colts are down bad.
Raheem Mostert - Knee
Wednesday was allegedly a rest day for the vet and he was back on Thursday but it would be wise to roster De’von Achane right now as he’s a small miss big hit kind of guy.
Wide Receivers
Jerry Jeudy - Hamstring
Jeudy was close last week so Week 2 seems like a lock barring a setback. Watch for the 30% recurrence rate in DFS but Jeudy should provide gamers with a decent flex option in his first week back. Minimize DFS exposure until next week, though.
Christian Watson - Hamstring
The initial projection for Watson was Week 2 or 3, and it’s looking to be Week 3 as he has not practiced for 2 days this week.
Diontae Johnson - Hamstring
Reports on Johnson’s hamstring say he could miss “up to” 4 weeks. Unless they move him to IR on Saturday afternoon, expect him to be back in Week 3 at best or Week 5 at worst based on historical data. Do not drop him.
Brandin Cooks - MCL
Cooks reportedly has a grade I MCL sprain, and he’s likely out in Week 2.
Jakobi Meyers - Concussion
Meyers is in the protocol and sustained his second concussion in 2 years. I would anticipate him missing Week 2. If he’s active, he’s highly volatile.
Jaylen Waddle - Oblique
Here are some stats for Waddle:
2022: Routes run per drop back: 78%, Target share: 20%, Air yards share: 27%
Week 1 2023: Routes run per drop back: 69%, Target share: 11%, Air yards share: 13%
Gamers should be patient on Waddle or target him aggressively as this issue should clear up.
Tight Ends
Travis Kelce - Knee
He’ll likely play. Start him.
Mark Andrews - Quad
We thought Andrews would play last week but the vibes don’t seem as bad this time around. Monitor his status but expect him back this week.
Darren Waller - Hamstring
Waller’s current issue is likely associated w/ his low back and hamstring history. The fact of the matter is he’s a 31 year old big boy with a long-standing low back issue and a hamstring strain. He’s either going to stay healthy and lead the Giants in targets and touchdowns or has the potential to flame out and spend most of his time on the training room table. The unfortunate reality is there’s likely not a middle ground for Waller. Gamers should either commit now or move him for a WR2-3 before his value takes a nosedive.
