We have already seen how injuries significantly affect the Thursday night games. Teddy Bridgewater probably would have played for the Vikings if they had a game this Sunday. However, he did not have enough time to let his ankle heal for Thursday’s game in which Minnesota got its doors blown off. Hopefully the players on today’s list that still have a chance to play will have enough time to rest up and make it on the field for you. We are now entering the second quarter of the season so it is the perfect time to start exploring trades and bolstering your roster with depth because the injuries just will not stop.
Calvin Johnson (WR-DET)
There are some mixed messages coming out of Detroit regarding Calvin Johnson’s status for Sunday. Coach Jim Caldwell intimated that Johnson may not play, but the Detroit Free Press reported that he will indeed play. Either way, you need to check this situation on a fluid basis up until 1:00 on Sunday. My advice is to put him in your lineup because he is going to play and he will be more than just a decoy with two receptions like he was last week against the Jets.
Knowshon Moreno (RB-MIA)
Knowshon Moreno has indicated that he will miss another four weeks before he is able to return from his elbow injury. This is a crushing blow to fantasy GM’s who likely drafted him at a bargain price and got elite production from him early in the season. This means that Lamar Miller remains the man in Miami which likely excited no one. Keep Moreno stashed on your bench or on IR because it will be like making a major trade when he does eventually return in four weeks.
Marvin Jones (WR-CIN)
Those of you who drafted Marvin Jones and stashed him for Week 5 may have to wait a little longer for that decision to start paying dividends. He tweaked his ankle in practice this week and sat out both Thursday and Friday. That does not bode well for his chances of making his season debut on Sunday night against New England. Plan on Mohammed Sanu continuing to be the Bengals’ number two receiver behind A.J. Green for now.
Sammy Watkins (WR-BUF)
Bills’ rookie Sammy Watkins has been dealing with a rib injury since the preseason. He has been a hit or miss through his first four NFL games. Despite being listed on the injury report, Watkins will play against Detroit which is a tough matchup for Buffalo. The good news is that Kyle Orton will be playing quarterback and he is a much more prolific passer than E.J. Manuel. He is worth plugging in your lineup as a WR3 or Flex option.
Carson Palmer (QB-ARZ)
It should come as no surprise that Carson Palmer has now been officially ruled out for this Sunday’s game against Denver. He has not progressed enough with the nerve injury in his right shoulder. It makes sense that the Cardinals be patient with him, especially since they have played so well with Drew Stanton. That doesn’t mean Stanton will lead them to victory over the Broncos, but there is enough of a comfort level for Arizona to take their chances with him.
Cecil Shorts (WR-JAX)
Cecil Shorts continues to miss practice and will in all likelihood miss this week’s game against Pittsburgh. He has had lots of problems staying healthy and getting on the field, and now is a critical time for him to be out there to develop a rapport with rookie quarterback Blake Bortles. The Jaguars will be letting Bortles throw the ball quite a bit this year because they will be playing from behind due to their poor defense and they have an inconsistent running game. Shorts doesn’t belong on your roster right now, but if he can ever get healthy he could be a possible flex option.
Donnie Avery (WR-KC)
Donnie Avery needs sports hernia surgery and could be out for up to two months. He was only a marginal fantasy option at best, but with the Chiefs looking like they have turned their season around he could have had a valuable role in their offense. Don’t bother adding his replacement options like A.J. Jenkins or Frankie Hammond. Alex Smith’s favorite targets are still Dwayne Bow and Travis Kelce so Avery’s absence probably won’t be too devastating a blow.
Josh McCown (QB-TB)
It is probably not a coincidence that Tampa Bay managed to upset the Steelers last week when Mike Glennon was starting. He was replacing Josh McCown who was out with a thumb injury and had much better success than the Buccaneers’ big free agent signing. McCown is listed as questionable this week so it is unclear yet who will play. McCown has been awful thus far so if Glennon plays he may not be a bad option in two-QB leagues because they will have to air it out against the Saints in New Orleans.
Niles Paul (TE-WAS)
Good news for Niles Paul owners as the Redskins’ tight end has resumed full participating in practice after suffering a concussion last week. The only question is what kind of work load he will get coming off the injury and also depending on Jordan Reed’s status. Reed, the starting tight end, is at best a 50% chance of playing as he is recovering from a hamstring injury. Either way, Washington has a tough matchup against Seattle’s great defense. If Kirk Cousins is as bad as he was last Thursday against the Giants, this could get ugly very quickly. My advice is keep Paul on your bench this week unless you are in desperate need of an injury replacement or have a deep flex league.
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),