Unlike seasons past, fantasy players aren’t exactly “dropping like flies.” Though a few high profile names sustained significant injuries in preseason week 3, like New England’s Julian Edelman and Kansas City’s Spencer Ware, for the most part it’s just nicks and bruises dogging the top players in fantasy draft queues.
If you’ve drafted already, the following serves as an update on players you’ve committed to. If you draft on Labor Day weekend, the following tips could save your team. Here’s the latest look at some injuries to know about this week:
Devona Freeman, RB, Falcons
After his seemingly snail-paced slow return from a concussion earlier this offseason, the Falcons running back — and an if-healthy first round pick in fantasy drafts — was cleared by the concussion prorocal Tuesday, ESPN’s Adan Schefter reported. He will likely still not appear in the team’s preseason finale, but will practice with the first team and be healthy when the regular season kicks off.
Leonard Fournette, T.J. Yeldon, RB, Jaguars
Good news/bad news for the Jags running backs — but perhaps all good news for Fournette owners (or potential owners). The rookie ways he is confident he will be ready to go in Week 1 after an increased workload in practice. Yeldon, however, isn’t practicing due to a quad injury.
Odell Beckham Jr., Brandon Marshall, WR, Giants
Beckham is improving but his ankle is not 100 percent yet and he has yet to practice since getting injured. Still a first rounder, Beckham may slip from the top to bottom half in 12-team leagues. Teammate Marshall is in slightly better shape, having participated in team drills after injuring his shoulder.
Andrew Luck, QB, Colts
Luck is still on the PUP list (physically unable to perform) due to his shoulder injury and is not expected to practice at all this week. It should be a red flag for fantasy owners, who would be better off drafting him as a back up later on as his readiness to play in Week 1 is in doubt.
Tyrod Taylor, QB, Bills
Taylor would have been a likely pick up in two-quarterback leagues had he stayed healthy, but after a concussion last week he’s been held out of practice.
Jordan Matthews, WR, Bills
The Bills’ new wideout is back in practice after a chest injury spoiled his preseason debut chances in Buffalo. He’s expected to be 100 percent when the season opens against the Jets.
Cameron Meredith, WR, Bears
The injured first-option for the rebuilding Bears offense was diagnosed with a torn ACL, but is seeking a second opinion. Regardless of the outcome, he shouldn’t be drafted.
Tyler Eifert, TE, Bengals
Held out of the third preseason game, Eifert is apparently suffering from undisclosed tendinitis and the team is being cautious as they prepare to start the season in two weeks.
Demarius Thomas, WR, Broncos
It’s not a serious injury and not one that should impede his draft stock, but Denver’s top receiver has a groin injury and is being held out of practice. If it lingers during the year he may demand some back up on your fantasy squad.
Eric Ebron, TE, Lions
The Lions tight end is back on the field again, his hamstring injury having subsided. He also appears poised to be cautiously ready for the regular season.
