Welcome back readers! If you couldn't tell by my pleasant, insult-less greeting, I'm in a great mood this week. Training camps are under way, Farvewatch is back for a third season(it really should be a reality TV show), and everyone still hates Matt Leinart. All is right in the world. But, since all we've heard the last few days is who all has been limping around the practice fields, I'll be providing updates on some of those injuries, as well as the outlooks for those players. Oh, and remember when I said don't draft your fantasy football team yet? This is why.
DeSean Jackson (back):
Image via WikipediaOn Saturday, the Eagles' start wide receiver twisted around to make a catch, straining his back. It was a non-contact injury, and he was carted off the field as a safety precaution. Jackson's teammates, Coach Andy Reid, and ESPN's Adam Schefter have all reported that Jackson will be fine. He's currently listed as day-to-day, but expect him to be back on the field improving his rapport with new QB Kevin Kolb very
soon.
Outlook: This changes nothing for Jackson, and his current ADP of 28 overall is way too low. Expect this to be the season D-Jax develops into the elite receiver. If you can get him late 2nd round or early in round 3 of your fantasy football draft, take him. and reap the benefits.
Knowshon Moreno (hamstring):
Denver's second year running back went down Saturday with what was initially reported as a hamstring tear. CBS.com later reported on Sunday that his MRI showed no significant tear in his right hamstring, and the injury was downgraded to a hamstring strain. He's still likely to miss the next three weeks, but will be ready to go before the regular season opens.
Outlook: Again, nothing to worry about here except the sophmore slump. The rest actually should be a positive, as the less carries now should keep him fresh longer during the season. Many experts are expecting Moreno to become a star this season, and I'm not disagreeing with them. The former University of Georgia standout should be a high quality RB2, and could upgrade to an RB1 if he has the breakout season many have envisioned. Also, the Bronco's signing of LenDale White is of minor concern. He may not even make the final cuts, but if he does, the worst-case scenario is that he steals a few goal line carries.
Dez Bryant (ankle):
Bad luck here. Bryant got off to a great start (minus the pads incident with Roy Williams), developing a great chemistry with quarterback Tony Romo and impressing everyone involved with the Cowboys' organization. But a high ankle sprain has sidelined him for the next 4-6 weeks, and he is currently listed as questionable for the season opener vs. Washington on September 12th. But Tony Romo believes in his young receiver, stating "We're lucky it's just a high ankle sprain and not something more severe. But he'll be back, and he'll be ready to go. He's a hard-working kid, and he'll be ready." And Romo is right, Bryant is still hard at work, catching passes on the sidelines wearing a boot, then watching the offense run through plays while getting details from various coaches.
Outlook: While this is a few steps back, don't be too concerned. He may miss the first game, but he'll most definitely be back in time for a week 2 showing against the Bears. It won't take a player of his caliber long to get the timing down with his QB,and he should be a nice WR2 by week 5 at the latest.
Cadillac Williams (ankle):
The positive: It wasn't a knee injury, which Cadillac has had problems with in the past(both knees have been surgically repaired). On Sunday, Williams suffered what the training staff and head coach Raheem Morris called a mild high ankle sprain. He's likely to be out until the Bucs' second preseason game against Kansas City on August 21st. Tampa Bay will likely limit his carries until the regular season, but by then he should be ready to roll. The negative: This will open the door for Derrick Ward to impress the coaching staff, and could lead to him stealing a larger share of the workload than expected.
Outlook: Remember, Ward rushed for over 1,000 yards as a member of the Giants in 2008, so keep an eye on him for the next few weeks. Cadillac will still be a viable RB2 in 2010, but if his counterpart steals too many carries, it moves him down the ranking a bit. But at his current ADP of 95, he's still a great pick in rounds 8-10.
Montario Hardesty (knee):
DeSean Jackson (back):
Image via Wikipediasoon.
Outlook: This changes nothing for Jackson, and his current ADP of 28 overall is way too low. Expect this to be the season D-Jax develops into the elite receiver. If you can get him late 2nd round or early in round 3 of your fantasy football draft, take him. and reap the benefits.
Knowshon Moreno (hamstring):
Denver's second year running back went down Saturday with what was initially reported as a hamstring tear. CBS.com later reported on Sunday that his MRI showed no significant tear in his right hamstring, and the injury was downgraded to a hamstring strain. He's still likely to miss the next three weeks, but will be ready to go before the regular season opens.
Outlook: Again, nothing to worry about here except the sophmore slump. The rest actually should be a positive, as the less carries now should keep him fresh longer during the season. Many experts are expecting Moreno to become a star this season, and I'm not disagreeing with them. The former University of Georgia standout should be a high quality RB2, and could upgrade to an RB1 if he has the breakout season many have envisioned. Also, the Bronco's signing of LenDale White is of minor concern. He may not even make the final cuts, but if he does, the worst-case scenario is that he steals a few goal line carries.Dez Bryant (ankle):
Bad luck here. Bryant got off to a great start (minus the pads incident with Roy Williams), developing a great chemistry with quarterback Tony Romo and impressing everyone involved with the Cowboys' organization. But a high ankle sprain has sidelined him for the next 4-6 weeks, and he is currently listed as questionable for the season opener vs. Washington on September 12th. But Tony Romo believes in his young receiver, stating "We're lucky it's just a high ankle sprain and not something more severe. But he'll be back, and he'll be ready to go. He's a hard-working kid, and he'll be ready." And Romo is right, Bryant is still hard at work, catching passes on the sidelines wearing a boot, then watching the offense run through plays while getting details from various coaches.Outlook: While this is a few steps back, don't be too concerned. He may miss the first game, but he'll most definitely be back in time for a week 2 showing against the Bears. It won't take a player of his caliber long to get the timing down with his QB,and he should be a nice WR2 by week 5 at the latest.
Cadillac Williams (ankle):
The positive: It wasn't a knee injury, which Cadillac has had problems with in the past(both knees have been surgically repaired). On Sunday, Williams suffered what the training staff and head coach Raheem Morris called a mild high ankle sprain. He's likely to be out until the Bucs' second preseason game against Kansas City on August 21st. Tampa Bay will likely limit his carries until the regular season, but by then he should be ready to roll. The negative: This will open the door for Derrick Ward to impress the coaching staff, and could lead to him stealing a larger share of the workload than expected.Outlook: Remember, Ward rushed for over 1,000 yards as a member of the Giants in 2008, so keep an eye on him for the next few weeks. Cadillac will still be a viable RB2 in 2010, but if his counterpart steals too many carries, it moves him down the ranking a bit. But at his current ADP of 95, he's still a great pick in rounds 8-10.
Montario Hardesty (knee):
Outlook: This could result in a timeshare for a few weeks, as Jerome Harrison had three straight 100 yard rushing games at the end of last season. Do not doubt that Hardesy is the Cleveland back to own, but be wary of Harrison. A few big games could tilt the workload into his favor.
Well, that's all for this week. If you want information on any other injuries, or have a question about a player your interested in, leave a comment, or ask me directly via our new Facebook page. See you next week.
