DFS Army’s Gthom breaks down preseason injuries to watch around the NFL with regards to fantasy football. Each player mentioned will have an overall grade on how to view their injury: “not serious” (least severe), “actively monitor” (medium severity) and “concerning” (most severe). Follow Gthom on the cesspool they call twitter, @GarettThomas.
Ken Walker (RB, SEA) – Not Specified – Concerning
Walker’s injury was discussed on DFS Army at length once the news broke. However there has been a wrinkle mixed in since that story broke. Now head coach Pete Carroll is stating it is NOT a “little hernia thing,” which he originally stated after announcing Walker’s injury. The team also ensured that it was not a core muscle injury. The biggest news was that Walker is undergoing some sort of procedure.
Seahawks’ HC Pete Carroll told reporters today that rookie RB Kenneth Walker is undergoing a “procedure”, but the team has said it is not a sports hernia.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 17, 2022
This injury is concerning and it’s because we do not have much information to go off of. Dynasty managers should actively monitor Walker’s injury as it develops further. If someone in your league is tilting on the rookie, it may be worth a shot to get Walker on a discount. Redraft managers need to understand the scope of this prior to drafting walker. Any sort of time missed by Walker makes a bullish case for Rashaad Penny.
Drake London (WR, ATL) – Knee – Actively Monitor
During Atlanta’s first preseason game rookie receiver Drake London injured his knee during the first quarter. You can see the catch and injury on this tweet from Andy Holloway below.
Our first look at Drake London, also the same play he unfortunately injured his knee. Hopefully not a major injury for the young WR. pic.twitter.com/jCpvuww3Q5
— Andy Holloway (@andyholloway) August 12, 2022
London was expected to miss this week’s practice as a precaution according to Adam Schefter; as expected, he was out this week for practice. It has not been announced when he will return to practice, but expect him to be ready for Week 1 at this moment.
Falcons’ rookie WR Drake London is likely to sit out practice this week due to the right knee injury he sustained during Atlanta’s preseason opener vs. Detroit, via @mikerothstein:https://t.co/VGM59UXV4b
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 15, 2022
Zach Wilson (QB, NYJ) – Knee – Actively Monitor
We covered Wilson’s injury pretty extensively as it broke last week. However an update was provided about Wilson following his successful arthroscopic procedure.
BREAKING: Zach Wilson's arthroscopic knee surgery was deemed a success, source tells ESPN. There were no surprises from the original diagnosis. They won't put him on the field until he's 100%, but good news for the Jets . #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) August 16, 2022
It does seem that Wilson’s expected time to recover is 2-to-4 weeks. Rich Cimini noted that Wilson will not play until he is “100-percent.” However NFL Insider Ian Rapoport went a little further and stated that Wilson has Week 1 on his radar.
Following surgery, #Jets QB Zach Wilson is recovery nicely and still has week 1 in play, source said. No surprises. They’ll be cautious until he’s 100%.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 16, 2022
This development keeps dynasty managers at ease and makes Wilson a respectable option in 2-QB redraft leagues. He should not miss too much time and if you are banking on the break out of Wilson, that may come to fruition.
Mecole Hardman (WR, KC) – Groin – Not Serious
Hardman’s groin injury was a scary sight at first glance. Initially he had to be carted off the field which usually indicates a serious and detrimental injury.
Hardman just left the field in a motorized cart
— Adam Teicher (@adamteicher) August 17, 2022
Later on it was discovered that Hardman’s groin injury was not serious.
#Chiefs HC Andy Reid told reporters that WR Mecole Hardman, who was carted off on Tuesday, is dealing with a groin spasm. The injury is not considered serious and he should be fine. Crisis averted.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 18, 2022
In better news, it is possible that Hardman is back in action for the Chiefs’ Saturday game against the commanders.
Andy Reid said its possible Mecole Hardman and Chris Jones could play Saturday against Commanders
— Adam Teicher (@adamteicher) August 18, 2022
Robbie Anderson (WR, CAR) – Quad – Not Serious
On the August 17th it was announced that Robbie Anderson was missing practice due to a groin injury. There is not much information on this injury but for now it seems that the concern is minor.
#Panthers HC Matt Rhule says WR Robbie Anderson is dealing with a quad injury.
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) August 17, 2022
In all fantasy formats it seems that Anderson is still well within play. Keep an eye on this in case it worsens but expect Anderson to be healthy for the regular season.
Donald Parham Jr (TE, LAC) – Knee – Concerning
On August 7th it was announced that Donald Parham Jr. was dealing with a hamstring injury. Soft tissue injuries are always a concern, especially when they occur before the season starts.
TE Donald Parham is expected to miss the next week as a result of a hamstring injury, per Brandon Staley. #Chargers
— Nick Cothrel (@NickCothrel) August 8, 2022
10 days later we finally received an update and it does cause some concern for fantasy stakeholders. Head coach Brandon Staley mentioned that “…hopefully next week we can kind of start phasing him into the work. He’s progressing, but I would say more week-to-week than day-to-day.”
Chargers’ HC Brandon Staley on injured TE Donald Parham Jr.: “He’s week-to-week on that. Just still being patient. But, hopefully, next week, we can kind of start phasing him into the work. He’s progressing, but I would say more week-to-week than day-to-day.”
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 17, 2022
This likely moves the needle further towards the Chargers utilizing newly signed Gerald Everett as the primary tight end. Parham looked like a player that could threaten Everett’s workload and it may be less likely that occurs with Parham’s injury, and obvious need to recover.
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