This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
Jay Ajayi, Alshon Jeffery, and Carson Wentz
The Eagles' title defense will begin without their top receiver, their franchise quarterback and potentially their lead running back.
The team officially has announced Wentz will not be available for its Week 1 matchup against the Falcons. This shouldn't be viewed as setback as this was always a strong possibility. Remember, timing is everything, and Wentz was injured late in the 2017 season. Furthermore, his injury was more complex than an isolated ACL tear, setting up a lengthy recovery. Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles will get the start and will likely be the starter in Week 2 as well. The best of course of action if you invested in Wentz is to remain patient.
Jeffery was recently removed from the PUP list after missing training camp and the preseason recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. Jeffery played the entire 2017 season with a torn rotator cuff before having the muscles repaired in late February. He's expected to miss at least the first two games as he rounds into shape, but there is a slight risk of this taking a bit longer. Fortunately, the demands of the wide receiver position aren't as grueling on the shoulder as they are for a quarterback, and Jeffery has a good chance of bouncing back. He's worth a stash or a late-round pick.
Ajayi is more of a wild card, as the specifics surrounding his injury remain a bit vague. He missed the last few weeks with
Jay Ajayi, Alshon Jeffery, and Carson Wentz
The Eagles' title defense will begin without their top receiver, their franchise quarterback and potentially their lead running back.
The team officially has announced Wentz will not be available for its Week 1 matchup against the Falcons. This shouldn't be viewed as setback as this was always a strong possibility. Remember, timing is everything, and Wentz was injured late in the 2017 season. Furthermore, his injury was more complex than an isolated ACL tear, setting up a lengthy recovery. Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles will get the start and will likely be the starter in Week 2 as well. The best of course of action if you invested in Wentz is to remain patient.
Jeffery was recently removed from the PUP list after missing training camp and the preseason recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. Jeffery played the entire 2017 season with a torn rotator cuff before having the muscles repaired in late February. He's expected to miss at least the first two games as he rounds into shape, but there is a slight risk of this taking a bit longer. Fortunately, the demands of the wide receiver position aren't as grueling on the shoulder as they are for a quarterback, and Jeffery has a good chance of bouncing back. He's worth a stash or a late-round pick.
Ajayi is more of a wild card, as the specifics surrounding his injury remain a bit vague. He missed the last few weeks with what was initially described as a lower leg injury. However, Ajayi recently revealed the problem was with his foot. He remained limited throughout the weekend but was able to return to practice on Monday and again on Tuesday. It appears as though he will be available Thursday, but don't be surprised if we don't get a definitive answer until game day. He will have an elevated level of risk until he can prove the foot is a nonissue.
The Browns expect Gordon to play Sunday against the Steelers despite a recent hamstring injury. Hamstring injuries are an annual issue in the NFL with speed-dependent positions, like cornerbacks and receivers, the most commonly affected positions. This is due to the makeup of the hamstring, a dynamic muscle group that must be able to withstand high amounts of force. This high-intensity stress means hamstring injuries often require long periods of rest and can be easily aggravated. An aggressive movement, like exploding off the line or making a sudden stop at top speed, can easily disrupt the newly laid down scar tissue, resulting in an aggravation or re-injury. Players that have sustained previous hamstring injuries are substantially more likely to suffer a subsequent hamstring injury.
The Browns' medical staff is well aware of the importance of a thorough and disciplined approach to treatment and have eased Gordon along. Look for this to have an impact on his performance over the first few weeks. Fantasy owners should anticipate Cleveland closely monitoring Gordon's snap count to start the year. It may be frustrating for fantasy owners but it's better than the multiweek absence that would come with a new hamstring strain. Look for Gordon to slowly return to top form.
Turf Burns
Evan Engram: Engram is looking to build on last season's success in which he hauled in 64 catches and six touchdowns. However, he sustained a concussion in the team's preseason matchup with the Jets and has been slowly making his way through the league's mandated concussion protocol. He was able to take part in Monday's practice though in a limited capacity, wearing a noncontact jersey during his time on the field. Fortunately, his presence on the field indicates he is making progress in the protocol. All that remains for Engram to return to full football activities would be for him to present symptom-free and receive clearance from an independent neurologist assigned to the team. He still has time to complete his final step, and it appears he will be available against the Jaguars.
Will Fuller: The Texans are hoping Fuller can reestablish his connection with quarterback Deshaun Watson that resulted in seven touchdowns during a four-week stretch last season. However, Fuller has been slowed by a hamstring strain and is currently considered day-to-day. He did not play in the team's preseason finale and does have a small history of hamstring injuries, having previously missed time during the 2016 season. He remains an intriguing play in Week 1 against New England, but I'd feel more confident if he can get a practice or two in before the weekend.
Marlon Mack: It's becoming increasingly likely that Mack is unable to play in Week 1 as he works his way back from a hamstring strain. He has not returned to practice since suffering the injury in Indianapolis' first preseason outing. Jordan Wilkins would likely get the start if Mack were to sit and Christine Michael would serve as the primary backup.
Jerick McKinnon: The 49ers' big offseason acquisition saw his season end before he could ever take the field. McKinnon suffered a torn ACL during practice, making him one of the 25-plus players to sustain the injury during training camp and preseason. McKinnon will begin rehabbing immediately following surgery. He will have a realistic chance at being an active participant in the summer of 2019 but should be dropped in all one-year formats. Alfred Morris and Matt Breida are the must-add options with Morris likely to start games. Breida, who has recently missed time with a mild shoulder sprain, is the better passing catching option and has more value in PPR leagues.
Rashaad Penny: The Seahawks rookie recently had the cast removed from his broken finger and should be able to make his professional debut in Week 1 against the Broncos. Unfortunately, the lost time cost him valuable reps with the offense and he lost ground in his attempt to move up the depth chart. Chris Carson is expected to get the start in Denver, though Penny will get more opportunities as the season progresses.
