First on Aaron Hernandez not playing in Week 8. It’s being reported that he had a setback during practice this week, so that explains him not being in the lineup this week. This seems to smell like an avoidance thing more than anything else, as I think the Pats are seeing that he’s still not 100% and want to give him a bit more rest time so that when week 14 rolls around, he’s still not limited. I think the timing of this move is great too, as the Pats play a team that they SHOULD beat without Hernandez and Week 9 is the Pats’ bye week. So essentially, he will have 12-14 days of rest and controlled practice time to allow the ankle to calm down and strengthen for the Week 10 contest. I like the move, although I was very surprised by the news because I had just watched him this past week against the Jets and thought he looked fantastic. But again, we’re talking about something that could be a nagging issue all season if he keeps playing at less than 100%, so in the end it’ll work out, but your week 8 roster will have to be tweaked. Some possible fill ins at the last minute??
- Dustin Keller coming off a big week against the Pats
- Jacob Tamme in that 7 on 7 game against the Saints that’s happening this Sunday night
- Super deep sleeper: Logan Paulsen, who will start for the Skins this weekend and is said to be “the guy” in Fred Davis’ stead
Second on Ahmad Bradshaw and Hakeem Nicks for the Giants. Nicks was a full participant and looks to be as close to 100% as he’s been all season. I actually like him a lot this week, despite the solid corners that the Cowboys throw out there. Bradshaw, on the other hand, was limited all week. But he’s limited EVERY week and still seems to come out just fine. He did this all of last season as well. I think he’ll still be out there this Sunday and should have a solid game against the Cowboys, who have Demarcus Ware just back from injury and Sean Lee out for the season. I think both Bradshaw and Nicks should be in your lineup this week and both should have very good games.
Lastly, on Greg Jennings. He’s scheduled to have surgery for his groin injury and the timetable is anywhere from 3 weeks to 6 weeks. His recovery time is largely dependent on what they find when they get in there in terms of severity of the injury, amount of tissue that’s impaired, and the amount of post-surgical swelling/inflammation. Based on how long he’s been already dealing with this issue, I’d put him closer to 4-5 weeks than 3 weeks, because it seems like the Packers are very resistant to throwing a guy back out there at less than 100%, which I think is great. My expectation would be for Jennings to be back by week 13 or 14, which is right before the fantasy playoff season begins. It’s very difficult to say how much he’ll be able to contribute at that point, especially coming off basically 9 weeks of not playing in a game. I say if you have the luxury of stashing him on your bench and don’t need the roster spot, hang onto him. I wouldn’t kill you if had to drop him to fill numerous roster spots due to byes or injuries, but I know how difficult it is to drop a guy who, for many, was a top 3 round pick.
Ziad Dahdul 