At times I thought it would be easier to go through every player who was NOT injured in previewing this weekend's fantasy action, but then I realized that was only a cheap joke that had no basis in reality. So instead, let's take a deep breath and head into...The Hurt Locker. As always, NFL.com will have the continued up-to-date status of these guys throughout the weekend.
Michael Vick: Barring disaster (meaning, Vick gets hit in the head with a can of beef stew in the grocery store) he will start Sunday against the Giants. He's been back at practice so he's going to be a safe bet to play, and no concerns about production. If anything, maybe this concussion finally convinced Vick to run out of bounds or slide. Judging by how badly he slides, I'm thinking run out of bounds. All his weapons should enjoy a normal day's numbers.
Marcedes Lewis: Practiced and should be active for Sunday. Even if he is, sit him down. First game back, rookie QB in Blaine Gabbert (who oh by the way should go by 'Sunshine') no harm in waiting until we see what kind of targets he'll get. I know tight ends are a rookie QB's best friend, but do you want to play him? That's what I thought.
Ben Tate/Arian Foster/Derrick Ward:Arian Foster is a game-time decision, but regardless, you should start Ben Tate. Foster won't get the workload worthy of playing him this week, unless you have no one else and really want to roll the dice. I can't see Gary Kubiak making the same move he did last week by playing him and postponing his recovery. Derrick Ward has been ruled out for Sunday so this is a pretty clean decision.
Lance Moore: He's on target to play Sunday, meaning the Saints WR position gets a little murky. I think everyone's value takes a tiny hit, because Moore is going to see targets from Drew Brees. His production has always been hit or miss, so unless you are in dire straits ("we got to move these color TV's...") start someone else.
Steve Johnson: Practicing fully. He's playing so don't worry. He's got a groin injury, so worry. But he's still a must-start. He gets in the end zone every week and is always a 100-yard per game threat, especially this week against the Patriots defense. I felt better about him on Friday being an FPP (from here on out that will mean Freaking Powerful Player. Okay, it will mean Full Practice Participant).
Reggie Bush: His groin (boy are there a run on groins lately. To be expected after a lockout!) is more of a bother than a worry, as he's been an FPP. What worries me more is his lack of production and targets in the passing game. Groin or no groin (and he does HAVE a groin, he's not losing it, but you get my drift) he can cool his groin, um, heels on my bench this week.
Mohamed Massaquoi: Let's face it, if you're playing Massaquoi, your WR's are in desperate need of an injection of...talent. But Colt McCoy's favorite target has an ankle issue that's got him limited right now. But, just like Reggie Bush, ankle or no ankle (and he does HAVE an ankle...okay, okay I get it) he's not worth playing.
The Broncos are back ... sort of: Brandon Lloyd was an FPP, get him right back in your lineup. He'll resume his role as KFG (Kyle's Favorite Guy). Eric Decker is going to sop up the production from the rest of the passing game, and will be good for Lloyd in the long run, taking pressure off him. You can start Lloyd. Knowshon Moreno is a different story. He's been limited and with Willis McGahee coming off a 28-carry, 100-yard game, McGahee will get the bulk of the carries. Moreno will probably see spot duty and not get rushed back in. I think McGahee is a low-end flex option, but Moreno you want to wait on.
Kenny Britt and Chris Johnson: Oh my God, they put Kenny on the Injury Report! He and C.J. were both FPP's with thigh and ribs issues (Mmmmm.....ribs). They're fine, play them both. The only reason I really wrote about them was because I could say ribs. Mmmmm.....ribs.
Mario Manningham He's looking less and less likely as the days wear on. His concussion has kept him out of practice this week, and since he's officially doubtful, I don't see a way he plays Sunday at this point. Michael Vick was back early, which tells you the severity of his issue. Manningham's is more serious. I don't like any of the other NYG WR's whether it's Victor Cruz or Michael Clayton when they'll be lining up against Asomugha and Rodgers-Cromartie. Sit your NYG WR's not named Hakeem Nicks.
Calvin Johnson: Are we going to be calling him 'Calvin Johnson Questionable' all season long? He's been an LPP (Limited Practice Participant) all week long with an ankle injury, but this was what happened last week as well. He doesn't need practice to dominate. I'm very comfortable playing him this week and you should be too.
Percy Harvin: No not a migraine, he missed practice on Thursday with stomach illness. The Vikings are unconcerned - but maybe you shouldn't make him watch so much videotape of the first two weeks (Kidding! That didn't happen! I think). Check back on Sunday just to be sure, but everything out of Minnesota says they plan on having him and are going to use him 'in every way possible.' His numbers have been on a decline but he's the only option in that Minnesota passing game that scares anyone. He's still a low-end flex play.
Michael Crabtree: Working his way back from a foot injury, Jim Harbaugh said he is "likely" to play Sunday. I'd feel better if Harbaugh was throwing the passes, but you get what you get. This offense has shown no rhythm nor continuity and can't get Frank Gore going. Crabtree has to show me something on the field before I elevate him from my bench.
A.J. Green: He had a lot of owners (like me) nervous when he showed up on the injury report thanks to a balky toe, but he was taking part in running routes and reports out of Cincinnati say he will play Sunday. Get him in your lineup as fast as you can. 14 targets a week ago? That's not an accident. He's a strong #2 WR play.
Week 3 Sleepers
The
Chargers running back rotation has been a tough one to figure out, but
**Michael Fabiano writes** about why this week should belong to Ryan Mathews.
**More ...**
Santonio Holmes: His quad has been nagging him again (insert 'wife' for 'quad' and you have my life) but when Rex Ryan is unconcerned, I'm unconcerned. He says he feels fine. This sounds like a Week 2 re-run. Play him.
Jason Campbell and Darren McFadden: Campbell is still bothered by the toe injury he suffered in training camp, but that hasn't really hindered him at all -- it's an older injury and if you picked him up because you needed a QB, don't worry, you won't be dropping him for Andy Dalton just before kickoff. Same with McFadden. His shoulder issue is a recurring one, and he's starting.
The Chargers infirmary: Okay, Vincent Jackson first. He sat returned to practice Friday and will play on Sunday. Reports say Jackson may have just been held out to 'rest' (isn't that nice!). So he should be okay. Antonio Gates did not practice Friday. There's no reason to fret, Jeff King is still available in plenty of leagues. Be safe here and make a move so you don't get burned on Sunday. Mike Tolbert's calf injury, when you add it to last week's difficulties, means more opportunities for Ryan Mathews. Norv Turner sounds like Malcom Floyd will be out -- but you're not playing him anyway. If you are, you need more help than this injury column can give you.
Steven Jackson and Danny Amendola: Amendola is still a couple of weeks away from his return. Steven Jackson is looking less and less likely as the week goes on. He just hasn't been able to do it in practice. Officially he's a game-time decision but we all know how that went last week. I think this is another guessing game from Steve Spagnuolo, but we all know the answer at this point. I don't expect to see him on the field. Cadillac Williams did practice (Practice, man, we're talking about practice!) a bit on Friday, but this Rams backfield situation is a mess. It would open the door for Jerrious Norwood if neither Jackson nor Williams could go. But overall I would stay away from them at this point. This means more in the passing game for Sam Bradford.
Roy Williams and Marion Barber: Williams will play Sunday, and he's an interesting case considering how Jay Cutler used him a lot in Week 1 until he got hurt. To be safe, unless you're desperate, I hold off on him for one more week. And even if Marion Barber somehow plays? Forget it. They're not taking the ball out of Matt Forte's hands at this point. Barber can sit as well.
Beanie Wells: Beanie Wells is a game-time decision for Arizona on Sunday. Even though he says he's good, there's more to this than first thought. Play it safe, pick up Roy Helu just so you have a guy to play if you have to.
Sidney Rice is back!: Does it really matter? Yes, he's practicing fully but in that anemic offense it's not worth playing anyone right now, unless you're in one of those leagues where you win by getting the fewest points.
Matt Ryan: His knee has had him limited at practice this week, but the fact he's practicing at all and taking reps with the first-team tells me he's just fine to start on Sunday.
Kellen Winslow: No talk this week of him not playing, even though his balky knee had him sitting at practice this week. Believe me, he can't wait to match up against Tony Gonzalez. If he's on your roster, you're playing him. If he doesn't break out this week, then you want to address the situation.
Chris Cooley: As we talked to him on NFL Fantasy Live on Thursday, he was stoked to be practicing again and get back on the field. I don't think this means he's quite ready to cut into Fred Davis' targets, though. It's probable Washington will use him sparingly. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Play Fred Davis proudly.
Guys to check back on at NFL.com/injuries Sunday because the next day and a half will tell us a lot:Tony Romo's lung is healed, which is the good news. The bad? His status for Monday night is still questionable. I stay away from him, considering all his weapons are banged up as well. Pick up Rex Grossman, who believe it or not is still available in over 85% of most nfl.com leagues. Miles Austin is officially out of this game, Dez Bryant is still questionable. The outlook is a bit brighter for Felix Jones, who was an LPP Friday. Again, grab Helu if you can. Worried too much about Bryant, then David Nelson is a great pickup. He's starting to get a niche in Buffalo. Danario Alexander could also be a solution.
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