While rankings and projections are beneficial, nothing is more critical for fantasy football than following injuries, as the landscape will change with nearly every significant one. Now that the preseason is officially behind us and we await opening night, here is an update on some critical injury reports to watch and their fantasy football impact.
Fantasy Football Injury Report: QB update
Here is where we currently stand on several of the critical fantasy football QBs dealing with injuries.
Ryan Tannehill
On Saturday [September 4], the Titans activated Tannehill off the reserve/COVID-19 list, clearing him to make his Week 1 debut against the Cardinals.
Trey Lance
Nick Wagoner of ESPN reports that Lance did not do anything that had him taking snaps or throwing the ball during the portion of practice open to media.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan announced to media [August 30] the rookie QB has a “small chip” in his right index finger. Although listed as the backup behind Jimmy Garoppolo, Lance is still expected to see snaps when available.
Fantasy Football Injury Report: RB update
Let’s see how injury bugs are affecting RB committees.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire
According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, Chiefs HC Andy Reid said today that RBs Clyde Edwards-Helaire (ankle) and Darrel Williams (concussion) are expected to play in Sunday’s opener vs. the Browns.
“It looked like they’re moving around pretty good,” Reid said. “I think we’ll be okay there.”
Edwards-Helaire had been participating in walk-throughs and practices after avoiding anything significant.
Saquon Barkley
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported that Giants RB Saquon Barkley is gearing up to play Sunday against the Broncos. Sources went on to say he is close to “being fully cleared.” The report said the team needs to watch him through Thursday to gauge how his body responds to the workload.
Jordan Raanan of ESPN also reported that Barkley came through his first contact at practice late last week with no issues. Barkley was trending in the right direction last week, and this was seen as one of the final hurdles.
With that said, there are reports the Giants will closely watch his snap counts as there is a difference between being cleared to play and being at 100% health. I also want to point out that the Giants play three games in a 14-day period, leading to further speculation of snap management.
Justice Hill
After losing J.K. Dobbins in their final preseason game (torn ACL), the Ravens lost another running back, this time in third-year RB Justice Hill. Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reported that Hill was not seen at practice on Monday [September 6], and Rapoport then reported that Hill tore his Achilles and will miss the entire season.
The Ravens hosted free agents Le’Veon Bell, Devonta Freeman, and Elijah Holyfield on visits as they look to add depth to their RB room. Gus Edwards enters the season with a substantial opportunity ahead of him, along with Ty’Son Willims in the RB2 role.
Tarik Cohen
Still recovering from a torn ACL suffered early in the 2020 season, the Chicago Bears placed Cohen on the reserve/PUP (physically unable to perform) list on August 31, according to Chicago Times reporter Brad Biggs. Cohen will miss at least the first six games of the 2021 regular season. There is no timetable for his return, as Cohen has not participated this offseason with the team.
Giovani Bernard
According to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, Bernard participated in the Buccaneers’ practice on Sunday [September 5]. Bernard, who was not spotted at Thursday’s practice, is dealing with a mild high-ankle sprain.
WR injury update
News for pass catchers is essential in PPR leagues — let’s break down the WR fallout.
T.Y. Hilton
Colts WR T.Y. Hilton was placed on IR after reaggravating a neck injury in practice on August 25. Zak Keefer of The Athletic reported Hilton has already undergone surgery.
WR Dezmon Patmon (foot) was also placed on the IR by the team.
Michael Thomas
On August 31, Thomas (ankle) was placed on the PUP list, meaning he cannot return until after the Week 6 bye. At the time of his surgery, Thomas’ initial timeline was 4-5 months.
The Saints have Marquez Callaway, Tre’Quan Smith, and Deonte Harris atop their receiving corps with Thomas out.
Odell Beckham Jr.
According to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Browns expect Beckham Jr. to play in Week 1 against the Chiefs. Beckham Jr. has been participating in practice as he continues recovering from an ACL tear he suffered last season.
N’Keal Harry
The Patriots placed Harry on the IR (shoulder) and will miss at least three weeks. Harry injured his shoulder against the Eagles during the preseason when he came down hard after making a catch.
Kenny Golladay
Per Ralph Vacchiano of SNY, Golladay returned to practice (hamstring) on Thursday. Golladay suffered the injury on August 3. Much like Barkley, the belief is the team will be cautious with his return to action and could limit him in Week 1.
TE injury update
Which fantasy-relevant tight ends are on the injury report as the season draws closer?
Noah Fant
According to Mike Klis of 9News, Fant again did not practice on Thursday but is expected to return next week in preparation for their Week 1 game. Fant has missed time with an undisclosed leg injury.
T.J. Hockenson
The second-year TE is still recovering from an AC joint injury suffered during the preseason. Hockenson does not expect to miss any time and should be a critical factor in the Lions’ passing offense.
Adam Shaheen
The Miami Dolphins placed Shaheen on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Monday.
Evan Engram
Per Ryan Dunleavy of New York Post Sports, Engram was in uniform catching passes during practice Monday. Engram injured his calf during the final preseason game for the Giants. Head coach Joe Judge acknowledged that he isn’t sure if Engram will be ready for Week 1.