Injuries are piling up in the NFL. We break down some of the key injuries to IDP players and their fantasy implications.
We have made it through three weeks of preseason and the injuries are piling up. On the verge of the final preseason games, injury reports are starting to be something we want to monitor closely. The information coming out now will help to provide an indication of the players we can expect to be ready by week one of the regular season and what players we will have to wait a bit longer on.
Olivier Vernon LB (Ankle) Questionable –
Dealing with what is either a deep bone bruise or high sprain, Vernon’s timetable for return is just as cloudy. Lorenzo Carter will fill the spot in his absence and attempt to further his claim on the starting WLB position. Vernon is starting his second straight season on the mend. This does not bode well for him after the Giants spent a 3rd round pick on Carter. Last years totals of 37 tackles and 6.5 sacks in 12 appearances leave the Giants wanting more. Increased snaps for Carter just might deliver that.
Oren Burks LB (Shoulder) Questionable-
With Mike McCarthy not giving more detail than “better than anticipated.” Burks’ injury likely isn’t a long-term issue but could pose an issue into Week 1. The recent trade for Antonio Morrison will allow for Burks not to be rushed back with an added bonus of much-needed depth at Linebacker.
Daniel Sorensen S (Knee) Out-
With this injury being somewhat of an older injury, it is an opportunity for another player to shine in the first few weeks of the season. Armani Watts is likely the biggest recipient of increased playing time.
https://idpguys.org/idp-tipsters-futures-kansas-city-chiefs-safety-armani-watts-unleashed/
Joey Bosa DE (Foot) Questionable-
While likely able to suit up, Bosa will not see any playing time until week one. This should not impact his standing as a top-tier IDP option.
Mark Barron LB (Shoulder) Questionable-
Participating in a scrimmage on Tuesday is a step in the right direction for Barron. While eying a week one return, rookie Travin Howard will be the beneficiary of increased reps in the final preseason game.
Byron Maxwell CB (Hip) Out-
It has been nearly a month since Maxwell last appeared on the field following a hip flexor injury. With only one year left on his contract, the Seahawks have little to lose if they choose to cut Maxwell, which appears like a real possibility. With that, Tre Flowers would look to step into the role on a permanent basis. Showing flashes in the preseason, Flowers has transitioned from safety to cornerback quite well and could prove to be an acceptable replacement for the 30-year-old Maxwell.
K.J. Wright LB (Knee) Doubtful-
The news of Wright’s recent knee surgery comes with many questions. While the chance for an appearance in week 1 is more optimistic than you can assume, it is safe to say the Seahawks will still lean on Shaquem Griffin and Jacob Martin in the coming weeks. Both players will provide much-needed athleticism and versatility in Wright’s absence. Martin will benefit from an increase of snaps at OLB. He will continue to be in the rotation at the LEO spot also.
Zach Brown LB (Oblique) Questionable-
After starting the year with a quad injury, Brown has been battling an oblique injury for much of August. Early indication is that he will be returning Week 1 though. He will resume his starting role at outside linebacker, though Josh Harvey-Clemons will certainly steal some passing downs from him during the regular season.
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