Welcome to the first edition of the 2014 fantasy football injury report. Training camps are heating up, the Hall of Fame game is later this week, and the NFL season is right around the corner. The recent collective bargaining agreement limited the practices held during training camp as a way to avoid injuries. Unfortunately, that has not been the case. We haven’t even reached the end of July and the list of walking wounded is already impressive. Keep track of these injuries as they could have significant impact on your drafts.
Andre Johnson (WR-HOU)
Andre Johnson captivated audiences with his self-created drama over whether he would hold out of camp or demand a trade from the Houston Texans. Sure enough, he showed up and has been practicing with the team. Earlier this week, Johnson tweaked his hamstring which will sideline him for a period of time. Johnson is no spring chicken anymore, so any injuries to his legs will be cause for concern. His draft value has already diminished somewhat due to the Texans’ quarterback situation, but a hamstring injury early in camp could help Johnson slip a little more in fantasy football drafts.
Steven Jackson (RB-ATL)
Steven Jackson is one of those players that I will never draft. In my opinion, he is overrated and injury-prone. I know he had eight consecutive 1,000 yard seasons before last year, but he is not dependable and is eternally frustrating. Sure enough, he sustained a strained right hamstring in practice which could sideline him for most of the preseason. The Falcons are already proclaiming that Jackson will be ready for Week 1, so that is a strong indication they do not plan on rushing him back out there for preseason games. Jacquizz Rodgers has been his primary backup for several years, but look for rookie Devonta Freeman to get a chance as a handcuff.
Kelvin Benjamin (WR-CAR)
After the Panthers saw all of their wide receivers from 2013 depart via trade or free agency, it was no mystery that they were targeting a receiver in the draft. First round pick Kelvin Benjamin is projected to be Carolina’s number one receiver by default, so it was troubling news to see that he sustained a bruised knee last weekend. There is no structural damage, so Benjamin is not expected to miss much time and is expected to be ready for the Panthers’ first preseason game.
David Wilson (RB-NYG)
David Wilson The story of David Wilson is turning into an epic nightmare. Once a first round pick with lofty expectations, Wilson is now fortunate he is even medically cleared to play football. He underwent neck surgery after sustaining an injury early in 2013. Just a week after being medically cleared to play, Wilson sustained a “burner” during Giants practice this week. That is probably the last thing Wilson needed to have happen. His fantasy value is all but gone as proven by how fragile he is.
Michael A. Stein, Esq. is the Chief Justice of Fantasy Judgment, the industry's premier dispute resolution service, and is also the co-host of the Fantasy Alarm podcast. You can contact him at michael.stein@fantasyjudgment.com or on Facebook and Twitter (@FantasyJudgment),