Quick Injury Thoughts

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.

Thoughts From Today’s Games and Other News

Redskins vs Buccaneers: This was the final chance for Evan Royster and Roy Helu to show they are capable of the starting running back spot. Royster came out fast and furious, but Helu seemed to grab the spotlight, finishing with 90 yards on the ground and two scores while looking very elusive and nimble. He showed no signs of hesitation and seemed to push off well, something that can plague anyone who has issues with their Achilles tendon. Royster also looked good, showing no signs of lingering problems with his sore right knee. He also did a good job of planting and cutting, which could both be limited by knee injuries. 

Put simply, this running back situation in Washington, for lack of a better word, sucks. Last week Alfred Morris was the media darling. This week Helu will grab the headlines. This is a tough code to crack, so your best bet is to hope these guys fall past round 8 or so and take a flier on one of these guys. Based on their ailments, I’d draft Helu and Royster, in that order, as mid (Helu) and late (Royster) round fliers, but wouldn’t touch Morris or Tim Hightower. They belong on the waiver wire.

Patriots vs Giants: Well Brian Hoyer really shined tonight. He looks like a lock to be the Patriots starting quarterback after his performance ton….Wait, this game really meant nothing. Sorry, got a little carried away. Hakeem Nicks played a little, didn’t have any setbacks, and looks ready to start the season. The rest of game? No importance from a fantasy standpoint.

Cowboys vs Dolphins: Nothing to note on the field. But there was a report prior to the game that Jason Witten was “50/50” for the opener against the Giants a week from today. Take that for what it’s worth, as it really doesn’t tell us anything new. However, like I’ve said in previous posts, my money is on one of two things: He misses week 1 to rest and take it slow or he plays week 1, but just isn’t full strength or productive. Either way, I think you can get Witten for real cheap if owners are scared off by this, as this does not seem to be an issue he’s going to be dealing with all season. He will end the season as a Top 5 TE, so if you can get him in the 6th/7th, snap him up. I’d even recommend him in the 5th.

Other News:

Bernard Scott, Bengals: He still hasn’t had the pins removed from his surgically-repaired hand and seems to be in doubt to the season opener. My take: I think he misses a game or two, but with his injury being to his hand, I’d feel more comfortable about snatching him up late. I drafted him in the 14th round as a “high reward” pick as the Law Firm is not an every down back due to him not being a great pass catcher. I think he contributes and isn’t limited by his hand surgery, but temper your expectations for a few weeks into the season.

Matt Flynn, Seahawks: He will play in tomorrow’s final tune up. My take: Watch to see how he looks and keep him on your watch list for later in the season. He could contribute later on.

Marshawn Lynch, Seahawks: He’s been dealing with back spasms and has already been ruled out of the final game of the preseason. My take: Lots of questions about Lynch. With the back spasms and his legal issues, I’d be a bit concerned. I don’t think the back spasms will hinder him, as back spasms are just a soft tissue injury that can be managed well in the next 7-10 days before the season starts. But he does have a history of injuries and coming off a monster year and new contract, complacency is written all over him. I think he has a big year, but drafting Robert Turbin as a handcuff is a very smart idea

Tony Moeaki, Chiefs: Similar to Jamaal Charles, he’s had about 1 year to recover from his ACL tear. My take: He seems to be right on track to start the season as the starting tight end for the Chiefs. He will not be as limited as Charles because explosiveness and quickness are not his strong suits. However, he will have doubts in his head just like any other player who suffers an ACL tear. Moeaki is owned in only 10% of Yahoo Fantasy leagues and could be a huge sleeper with the developing weapons on the Chiefs offense (Bowe, Baldwin, Charles, Mcluster) if Cassel gets back to his old ways. He’s definitely worth a late round (possibly last round) flier as a backup to a higher ranked TE.