September 01, 2023
A ton of fantasy drafts are happening this weekend. Worried about whether a player is seriously injured on your draft board?
Here's the latest we know on some key fantasy stars with about a week to go until the season kicks off.
First let's look at some of the big names who are currently showing up on draft boards with the dreaded "red cross" who are not worth sweating over:
• Amon Ra St. Brown, WR, Lions — ankle, should be ready for Week 1
• Jaylen Waddle, WR, Dolphins — abdomen, should be ready for Week 1
• Miles Sanders, RB, Panthers — groin, should be ready for Week 1
• Joe Burrow, QB, Bengals — hamsting, should be ready for Week 1
And now a few other injuries that deserve a little more color:
Jonathan Taylor, RB, Colts
Taylor's draft stock has already plummeted due to his trade demands, but starting on the PUP list — missing at least four games — certainly doesn't help either. Unless he's traded there won't really be news on this front until we get deeper into the 2023 season.
Cooper Kupp, WR, Rams
Kupp has been dealing with a hamstring issue that reportedly was re-aggravated in practice. There is now a good chance the star wideout misses Week 1. With his age and recent health issues, he might not be worth a first round pick. He will hit the field sometime soon, but he also could be on and off the injury report all season.
Mark Andrews, TE, Ravens
We still don't know what the injury that has forced Andrews to miss four straight practices is, but the team insists that it's minor and that he'll be ready to go in the season opener. He's still the second best tight end and should be drafted as such.
T.J. Hockenson, TE, Vikings
Hockenson returned from an ear infection and then missed time with back issues. There hasn't been an update on his condition in a while so it's something to monitor, but isn't likely to threaten his playing time too much.
Breece Hall, RB, Jets
Hall will make a remarkable debut in Week 1, the Jets say, less than a year after his torn ACL. However, his workload is up in the air, especially with Dalvin Cook now on the roster. Hall is a risky player to draft coming off serious surgery.
Alexander Mattison, RB, Vikings
It's unknown what the issue is with Mattison, who is being held out due to a yet not revealed injury for precautionary reasons. More info should trickle out as we get closer to the regular season.
Mike Evans, WR, Buccaneers
The downfield threat has been sidelined with a groin injury for a few days and it seems minor, having kept him out of a preseason game he'd likely have sat anyway. Keep an eye on his status approaching Week 1.
Jerry Jeudy, WR, Broncos
The news seems fairly positive in Denver, as the Broncos elected not to place Jeudy on IR and is holding out hope he can hit the field in the first month of the season.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seahawks
Seattle's rookie wideout is back in individual drills as he works back from a wrist injury. He looks questionable for Week 1 at this point.
Terry McLaurin, WR, Commanders
The top wideout in Washington hurt his toe in the Commanders final preseason game and did not return to action. It's probably turf toe, and he's a player to follow closely as Week 1 approaches.
Treylon Burks, WR, Titans
About two weeks ago, Burks hurt his LCL (knee) in a joint practice with the Vikings. He's back on the field and optimistic he can play in Week 1.
Jeff Wilson, RB, Dolphins
Wilson missed the preseason finale and the injury is unknown. His status for Week 1 is up in the air pending more information.
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