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Who should make your starting lineup? Who should you bench? To assist you in finalizing your fantasy football lineups and to prevent you from starting an offensive player who won’t be playing, we will provide fantasy-relevant updates and analysis here as NFL teams reveal their official inactive lists. Any rankings referenced in this article are sourced from our ESPN Fantasy staff ranks.
Official Sunday inactives are expected to be available approximately 90 minutes before the scheduled kickoff times: around 11:30 a.m. ET for the early matches and 2:30 p.m. ET for the late-afternoon games.
Check back frequently for the most current information.
T.J. Hockenson, TE, MIN: Knee – OUT
Impact: His return window is now in effect. Week 7 appears to be a probable target date for his comeback.
Rasheen Ali, RB, BAL: Neck — Questionable
Impact: The rookie participated in practice this week and could be activated from IR, giving additional support for Derrick Henry.
Khalil Shakir, WR, BUF: Ankle — OUT
Impact: Curtis Samuel is one of the receivers whose value is likely to increase.
Ian Thomas, TE, CAR: Calf — Questionable
Impact: He has been “designated for return” this week, allowing him three weeks to practice with the team in hopes of rejoining the action.
Nick Chubb, RB, CLE: Knee — OUT
Impact: He may return to the lineup next week after recovering from last year’s torn ACL. Jerome Ford remains the primary RB for the time being.
Nyheim Hines, RB, CLE: Knee — OUT
Impact: Chubb’s fellow ACL recovery peer also had his return window opened this week.
Pierre Strong Jr., RB, CLE: Hamstring — Questionable
Impact: If Strong is unable to return, D’Onta Foreman will continue to serve as the main backup option.
David Njoku, TE, CLE: Ankle — Questionable
Impact: He’s trending positively, but until we see him play …
Joe Mixon, RB, HOU: Ankle — OUT
Impact: A week of no practice once again shines the spotlight on Cam Akers.
Dameon Pierce, RB, HOU: Hamstring — Questionable
Impact: He’s unlikely to play. Dare Ogunbowale is making the most out of his increased opportunity with the ongoing RB injuries.
Robert Woods, WR, HOU: Foot — Questionable
Impact: Meanwhile, WR Tank Dell (chest) practiced all three days this week and is expected to start.
Anthony Richardson, QB, IND: Oblique — Doubtful
Impact: The Colts downgraded him on Saturday. Veteran Joe Flacco is ready to step in.
Jonathan Taylor,
DeMario Douglas, WR, NE: Shoulder – Questionable
Impact: Anticipate that DeMario Douglas and Ja’Lynn Polk will receive the majority of wide receiver targets.
Kendrick Bourne, WR, NE: Knee – Questionable
Impact: Activated from the PUP list on Saturday, it appears Bourne is ready to participate in the game.
Brian Robinson Jr., RB, WAS: Knee — Questionable
Impact: He is expected to play, along with Austin Ekeler, who has finally been cleared from the league’s concussion protocol.
Noah Brown, WR, WAS: Groin — OUT
Impact: With Brown out, Luke McCaffrey and Olamide Zaccheaus will see an increase in their roles. Additionally, Jamison Crowder (calf) has been placed on IR.
4 p.m. ET Games
Editor’s Picks
1 Related
Matt Prater, K, ARI: Knee — Questionable
Impact: Should the need arise, Chad Ryland would step in as a late replacement for the Cardinals. It may be wise to seek options on the waiver wire now.
Trey McBride, TE, ARI: Ribs — Questionable
Impact: He was added to the injury report very late; it would be prudent to select a different starter, even though he is still expected to play.
Tyler Badie, RB, DEN: Back — OUT/IR
Impact: Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin are set to share responsibilities in what has been a disappointing backfield thus far.
Luke Musgrave, TE, GB: Ankle — Questionable
Impact: Musgrave will test his injury during warmups, adding to the excitement for the “Tucker Kraft Fan Club.”
Romeo Doubs, WR, GB: Suspended by team for one game
Impact: Following a few missed practices this week, Doubs will be replaced in the starting lineup by Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks after the team opted for disciplinary action.
Christian Watson, WR, GB: Ankle — Doubtful
Impact: It’s possible that Malik Heath or Bo Melton could emerge as unexpected contributors.
Cooper Kupp, WR, LAR: Ankle — OUT
Impact: With the
only other healthy WR option in Las Vegas.
Devin Singletary, RB, NYG: Groin — Doubtful
Impact: This significantly reduces the effectiveness of a timeshare between Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Eric Gray.
Malik Nabers, WR, NYG: Concussion — OUT
Impact: Wan’Dale Robinson is now at the forefront of a lackluster wide receiver lineup.
George Kittle, TE, SF: Ribs — Questionable
Impact: Current reports suggest he is likely to play. Eric Saubert would take over if Kittle encounters any issues.
Sunday night game
Brandin Cooks, WR, DAL: Knee — OUT/IR
Impact: Jalen Tolbert and KaVontae Turpin may both gain from the absence of Cooks.
Russell Wilson, QB, PIT: Calf — Questionable
Impact: As usual, Justin Fields is set to start. Wilson will act as the emergency QB No. 3.
Cordarrelle Patterson, RB, PIT: Ankle – OUT
Impact: Najee Harris is clear to handle the majority of running back duties.
Jaylen Warren, RB, PIT: Knee — OUT
Impact: In case of extreme desperation, Aaron Shampklin might see some playing time.
Fantasy Football Injury Updates: Sunday Lineup Decisions Ahead of Kickoff
Understanding the Impact of Injuries on Fantasy Lineups
Injuries are an inevitable part of the NFL season, and they can have a significant impact on fantasy football lineups. As a fantasy manager, staying updated on injury news is crucial for making informed decisions that can enhance your team’s performance each week. Here’s what you need to know about managing your lineup in light of the latest injury updates.
Key Injury Updates for Sunday Games
When setting your fantasy lineup, check the latest injury reports just before kickoff. Here are some notable players to monitor:
| Player | Position | Injury Status | Game Time Decision |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christian McCaffrey | RB | Hamstring | Yes |
| Justin Fields | QB | Shoulder | No |
| D.K. Metcalf | WR | Knee | Yes |
| Travis Kelce | TE | Calf | No |
Adjusting Your Lineup Based on Injury Reports
When dealing with injuries, it’s important to consider the following strategies:
1. Stay Informed
– **Monitor Injury Reports**: Check multiple sources for the latest updates to get the most accurate information.
– **Follow Team News**: Coaches often provide hints about player availability in press conferences.
2. Have Backup Plans Ready
– **Identify Potential Replacements**: Before game day, identify potential waiver wire pickups or bench players who could step in.
– **Utilize Flex Positions**: Depending on injury statuses, you might need to shift players into your flex spots for maximum scoring potential.
3. Understand the Matchup
– **Evaluate Defensive Matchups**: A player’s performance can greatly depend on the defensive unit they face. Consider how the opposing team’s defense matches up against your player’s strengths.
The Importance of Late Swap Options
Late swap options are essential for effective lineup management, especially on Sundays. Here’s why you should consider them:
– **Maximize Points**: If a starter is ruled out late, replace them with a player whose game hasn’t started yet.
– **Take Advantage of Matchups**: Analyze late-breaking news to potentially exploit favorable matchups that arise from injuries on opposing teams.
Case Study: Navigating a Last-Minute Injury
Consider the case of a hypothetical fantasy manager, Alex, who faced a last-minute injury to a key player. Just before kickoff, the news broke that Christian McCaffrey would not play due to a hamstring issue. Here’s how Alex successfully navigated the situation:
1. **Immediate Reaction**: Alex quickly checked their bench and saw that they could pivot to a backup running back, who had a favorable matchup against a weak defensive line.
2. **Analytics Review**: Using a fantasy football analytics tool, Alex evaluated the backup’s performance metrics and potential for points, confirming that this last-minute swap could yield solid returns.
3. **Community Engagement**: Alex also reached out to a fantasy football community online to gauge opinions about the best replacement options, gathering insights from other experienced players.
By adapting quickly, Alex not only salvaged their lineup but also increased their chances of winning that week.
Benefits of Staying Updated on Injury News
Regularly checking injury updates before game day can provide several advantages:
– **Increased Winning Chances**: Making informed lineup decisions increases your likelihood of scoring higher points.
– **Strategic Edge**: Keeping up with injuries can help you anticipate game flow and potential player performance.
– **Community Interaction**: Engaging in discussions about injuries can lead to sharing valuable insights and strategies with other fantasy players.
Practical Tips for Managing Injuries in Fantasy Football
– **Utilize Multiple Sources**: Don’t rely on a single source for injury updates; check news outlets, team websites, and social media.
– **Set Alerts**: Use apps to receive real-time notifications about player injuries or changes in status.
– **Plan Ahead**: During your draft, consider players who have a history of injuries but also have significant upside if they stay healthy.
Conclusion
Being proactive and staying informed about injury updates is essential for successful fantasy football management. By keeping an eye on player statuses, adjusting lineups accordingly, and being prepared for last-minute changes, you can enhance your chances of victory every Sunday. Remember, every point counts, and being prepared can make all the difference in your fantasy football success.
