September 05, 2018
What's the latest on the injury (or hold out) front for some big name fantasy football names? Here are a few updates on some guys who will surely factor into your decision-making this week:
Le'Veon Bell, RB, Steelers
Things could get interesting in Pittsburgh as one of the NFL's best running backs is still not practicing. Bell hasn't reported yet as he tries to influence his contract situation. James Connor will be the next man up if he doesn't report soon and in the context of the current situation should be owned in all fantasy leagues.
"When he gets here, that's when we will start quantifying all Le'Veon Bell-related things," Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said, via a Jeremy Fowler report. "His overall readiness, the amount of time we have between his arrival and the next competition, (ect.),"
According to an Ian Rapoport report, Bell's teammates expect him to show up Wednesday. If he does, will he have enough time to get ready to play? That's the question, and why Connor should be owned in all leagues until the issue has played out.
UPDATE: No sign of Bell yet:
#Steelers have a team meeting at 9am. One of Le’Veon Bell’s teammates just messaged me: no sign of him yet.
— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) September 5, 2018
LeSean McCoy, RB, Bills
McDermott: we will err on the side of caution with McCoy (groin soreness) concerning Sunday’s preseason game. #Bills
— Chris Brown (@ChrisBrownBills) August 24, 2018
Though clearly a tweet about the preseason, you can see the mentality of the coaching staff. Chris Ivory may be worth a waiver wire look just in case.
Josh Gordon, WR, Browns
Gordon is nearing 100 percent status, Browns head coach Hue Brown said recently, but probably won't get there with a nagging hamstring injury as a game against the Steelers approaches. Even still, he's expected to suit up and play as much as he can Sunday,
Marlon Mack, RB, Colts
The Colts' likely starter at running back did not practice Monday and his status is still unknown — making the situation in Indy worth watching for for owners of any of Indy's running backs. Mack has a hamstring injury but could lose his job if a young back like Hyheim Hines or Jordan Wilkins breaks out.
DeVante Parker, WR, Dolphins
It looks like Miami's big wideout will miss one or two weeks with a broken finger. This means that Albert Wilson and Jakeem Grant will get more reps on the field in Week 1, and each could be an emergency pick up for a fantasy owner in a tight spot.
Evan Engram, TE, Giants
The second-year tight end was spotted practicing in a red "no contact" jersey earlier this week, making his unreadiness due to a concussion a potential scenario. Concussions can be tricky, but Engram is expected to be able to play despite being limited in practice.
George Kittle, TE, 49ers
For those looking for a sleeper at tight end, Kittle could still be your man. Despite a shoulder injury, he's been able to practice in San Francisco and appears as if he'll play in Week 1.
Delanie Walker, TE, Titans
Walker too doesn't expect a summer injury to sideline him in Week 1. An undisclosed injury seems to have slowed down but not stopped the veteran. He says he will be ready to go when the season starts.
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