In the infirmary: Banged up big names
Even the best team can be crippled by a big injury, and there are several to watch after just one week of games.
To list all the injuries here would take all day – and you can go to www.nfl.com if you want the full list. I’ve cut the list down to the ones that should affect your starting lineup this week.
So, while Limas Sweed is out this week, he shouldn’t be part of the internal conversation about your lineup and won’t be listed here.
The fantasy football big injuries list
Arizona Cardinals receivers not named Larry Fitzgerald – Early Doucet (ribs), Anquan Boldin (hamstring) and Steve Breaston (knee) are all questionable. More Jerheme Urban and Tim Hightower this week.
Matt Cassel – Questionable and a game-time decision. Stay away, even if that decision says he’ll play. Nnamdi Asomugha will blanket Dwayne Bowe and eliminate the Chiefs most effective passing threat.
Wes Welker – Questionableness can be scary to fantasy owners, but Welker will play.
Pierre Thomas – He’s still questionable, and with Mike Bell’s performance last week, I’m waiting until Thomas plays or is probable before I even think about starting him.
Donovan McNabb – Arguably the most ridiculous injury of last week. McNabb’s rib was cracked during an uncalled late hit after running for a TD to help fantasy teams across the country during the second half of blowout win. He’s doubtful. He might play, but I’m not sure how effective he’ll be and it’s not a good matchup anyway. That’s why you always draft a backup quarterback or two.
Antonio Bryant – The Buccaneers don’t have a great passing matchup against the Bills and Bryant is doubtful. Downgrade Byron Leftwich and Kellen Winslow a bit.
LaDainian Tomlinson – His demise was overblown? Apparently not. He’s out this week, but he’ll be back in the lineup in a strict RBBC. Guess I was wrong for poo-pooing Darren Sproles all preseason.
Anthony Gonzalez – His knee is full of sprained ligaments, it’ll take months for that to heal. Sleeper went back to sleep for a while. So dynasty and keeper leaguers, attempting to acquire Gonzalez on the cheap is the right thing to do.
Kevin Walter – He’s questionable again, and he’s not a stud, so you shouldn’t start him this week. Until he’s in the lineup, expect the Texans passing game to struggle.
Shonn Greene – His rib injury is healed enough to put him in the realm of probability. Last week, Thomas Jones had 20 carries and Leon Washington had 15. If Greene plays he’ll swipe some of those looks. Even though the Jets have a decent rushing matchup against the Patriots, fantasy football GMs should be concerned about the fog hiding the potential in this backfield.
What injuries did I miss? Do you have an opinion on the Jets backfield?
