The Week That Was Football: The Injuries
Big name injuries highlight this week’s Football Week That Was.
For 2014, The Week that Was: NFL will focus on injuries and their effects. The first such edition follows. We hope you like and find it useful.
Robert Griffin III: RGIII dislocated an ankle and could well be lost for the year. Of course, everyone hopes it is not as serious as it sounds but the team and fantasy owners need to assume Kirk Cousins will be under center for the foreseeable future. While Cousins looked very good coming off the bench, he is still a QB2 in all but the deepest of leagues until he shows more than a good game against Jacksonville. It is too early to draw conclusions but those who own Pierre Garcon should worry that his targets will go down as it is hard to imagine anyone leaning as heavily on Garcon as RGIII did.
DeSean Jackson: RGIII was not the only injury news from Sunday for Washington. The bad news is that DJax left the game early with a shoulder injury. The good news is that according to reports, he says he feels better already and wants to play week 3. Of course, player pronouncements are highly unreliable. In my view, DJax was overrated in drafts in August coming off a huge year in Phili. Those looking for a good opportunity should target Andre Roberts – a talented receiver pushed to the side in Arizona by the emergence of Michael Floyd.
A.J. Green: A.J. exited week 2 with a toe injury. Most recent reports say there is no break and the MRI was clean. Green is talking about playing in week 3. I do not know about that but given the bye week in week 4, the Bengals may play it safe and give their star two weeks off. If you own Green, let out a sigh of relief. Then, jump on Mohammed Sanu who went 3-84 and a TD in Green’s place. If Green does not play in week 3, Sanu will, by default, see a lot of action.
Knowshon Moreno: After a great performance week 1, disaster struck in week 2. According to reports, Moreno has a dislocated elbow and will be out at least 4-8 weeks. Lamar Miller, come on down, you are the next contestant . . . . Ok, seriously, Miller knows this may be his last shot to show he can carry the load for an NFL team. Thus far this year, Miller has looked good, averaging 4.8 yards per carry, but he too left with an injury so watch closely. The dark horse and someone who can be rostered cheaply is Damien Williams. If Miller is more dinged up than thought, someone has to run the ball and Williams is next in line. If you play in standard leagues where TDs are king, then whoever gets the ball often for a team has value to you.
Jamaal Charles: Another bad game for the consensus top 3 pick as Charles exited early with an ankle injury. Early reports are that he should be ready to rumble in week 3 and try to get his season back on track. Not really much more to say. If you own Charles and Knile Davis is still on the wire, go get him. Davis shined when called upon, rushing for 79 yards and two TDs. Candidly, I was not convinced Davis was a key handcuff during draft season but there is a reason that the R in SMART stands for Reserves.
Maurice Jones-Drew: MJD had surgery on his hand last week and missed week 2. Darren McFadden started in his place and put up a mixed performance (68 total yards and a TD but only 3.1 yards per carry). I wish I had more information on this situation and the mess that is the Raiders in the early going. Watch the news reports carefully but in the end, why not take a shot at Run DMC? You know the talent is there. If MJD misses more time, Run DMC could be that lottery ticket you have been waiting for.
Ryan Mathews: After a healthy 2013 in which he surprised many by staying on the field, Mathews exited in week 2 with an MCL sprain that could cost him a few weeks. The full extent of the injury is not known. Danny Woodhead will continue to see targets and trick plays but you have to think Donald Brown will get the majority of the carries until Mathews returns. Brown makes a fine waiver wire claim if he is still out there in your league.
Final Thought: Injury news changes quickly so make sure to check back right here at fantasyalarm.com for all the news you need to know.