Despite getting in a limited practice last Friday, Marquise Brown’s quad injury kept him out of the team’s Week 11 game against the Bears. Heading into Week 12, what is the latest on Brown’s status, and should fantasy football managers brace for another absence?
What is Marquise Brown’s quad injury?
Quad strains can be very debilitating, keeping players out for weeks. Fortunately, Brown is not dealing with a strain but merely a contusion. Earlier this week, Tyreek Hill dealt with a similar injury and barely practiced for a couple of weeks while it healed. He ended up not missing a game.
Brown’s quad contusion has already cost him one game. Will it cost him another?
Injury status for Sunday night
After Brown got in a limited practice on Friday prior to Week 11, I thought he had a chance to play. He wound up being ruled out on Saturday as the Baltimore Ravens didn’t even take it to game time. Heading into Week 12, Brown has charted limited sessions at practice all three days, and the Ravens listed him as questionable to play.
Brown being able to practice all week, even on a limited basis, bodes very well for his chances of returning. However, if this season has taught us anything, it’s that we can’t take any player’s status for granted.
Update: Brown is active.
Should fantasy managers start Brown this week?
It goes without saying that a healthy Hollywood Brown belongs in fantasy lineups. If we get word before the games start Sunday that Brown is good to go, he’s in your lineup, no questions asked.
The problem this week is the Ravens play the Browns on Sunday night. As a result, most fantasy managers will have to make a call on Brown before we know his status.
Whether you’re willing to roll the dice on Brown depends on two things. First, how badly do you need his production? Second, what’s the backup plan?
Jarvis Landry, Sammy Watkins, Rashod Bateman, J.D. McKissic, and Curtis Samuel are some more realistic fallback options for fantasy managers. If you’re willing to risk having to thrust one of these guys (or worse) into your lineup, start Brown. If you are extremely risk-averse, you can err on the side of caution and start someone else. I roster Brown in a league, and I’m starting him. I believe he will play, and I’m setting my lineup accordingly. Hopefully, this helps you make the best decision for your team.