Week 9 Injury Updates: Devin Hester, Calvin Johnson, Roddy White, Donald Driver, More

As we do every Friday, let’s roll through the NFL injury report and assess the carnage from a fantasy perspective.

Cardinals-Bears Injuries

Devin Hester injury update: Hester has missed two straight days of practice because of an ankle malady. As with Boldin, Hester’s participation on Friday will help determine whether he plays on Sunday or not.

Track the reports, especially concerning how Hester moves today. He is a player whose value is built on his speed so any lingering effects of the ankle injury could make him a stronger candidate for your bench than he otherwise might be.

Anquan Boldin injury update: Once again, Anquan Boldin is not practicing due to the sprained ankle that has clearly been affecting his play. He, of course, wants to go on Sunday but some media reports in Arizona have suggested that the Cardinals sit Boldin for a week in hopes of getting him totally healthy. If Boldin cannot practice on Friday, coach Ken Whisenhunt may very well set his star WR, so be vigilant in tracking the injury reports that come out later today and through the weekend.

Steve Breaston injury update: Breaston has been limited in practice all year it seems, but has still be on the field come Sunday. The same should be true this weekend. And if Anquan Boldin can’t go, look for Breaston to have a solid game as Kurt Warner’s #2 option.

Detroit-Seattle Injuries

Calvin Johnson injury update: One of the most frustrating injuries this year has been Calvin Johnson. It’s not just that he’s been injured, it’s been the uncertainty over whether or not he’d play. Johnson was still limited in practice this week, but reportedly “looked good”. This has many people feeling like he’ll go Sunday afternoon. I’d try to have another WR playing in the 4:00 games just in case, but right now it looks better than 50% that Johnson will be out there.

Johnson should also have his QB Matthew Stafford out there. Stafford has been limited in practice this week, but is expect to start on Sunday.

Kevin Smith injury update: Smith has been dealing with a shoulder injury, but he should be good to go on Sunday. And while Maurice Morris and Aaron Brown are eating into his carries a bit, Smith is still the #1 back and the only guy worthy of playing from Detroit’s backfield.

Seattle has no real injuries of note from a fantasy perspective. Matt Hasselbeck is fine and will play, and Seattle will probably roll to an easy victory.

Tennessee-San Francisco Injuries

There are no fantasy relevant injuries as of now.

Cowboys-Eagles Injuries

Dallas has no real injury concerns other than Roy Williams’ bruised ego, but Philly has a long injury list as usual…although most of the people on the list practiced fully on Thursday, including DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin.

Brian Westbrook injury update: Westbrook has been practicing this week and appears to be recovered enough from his concussion to start on Sunday. It’s Westbrook, so you always want to check things out right before kickoff, but get him in your lineup.

Steelers-Broncos Injuries

Neither team has any fantasy-relevant injuries, which rocks because this is the Monday night game…and nothing is worse that sweating out a questionable player until kickoff Monday night.

Redskins-Falcons Injuries

Washington does not have any fantasy-relevant injuries other than Chris Cooley, who remains sidelined with his broken ankle and will be for a while. In Atlanta, John Abraham has been slowed by a foot injury for all you IDPers out there.

Roddy White injury update: The Falcons’ main injury concern is WR Roddy White, who did not practice on Thursday. There don’t appear to be too many details and his appearance on the injury report was somewhat surprising. White has been great this year and I’d have him in your lineup unless you hear more details that suggest you should do otherwise.

Ravens-Bengals Injuries

Todd Heap has been slowed this week in practice with an ankle injury but should be ready to go on Sunday. That’s really the only injury concern in this game.

Texans-Colts Injuries

The Texans have a long list of guys on their injury report, but there only thing you need to know is that one name is not on there: Andre Johnson. Okay, two names are not on there: Johnson and QB Matt Schaub, who is best friends with the injury report. The Texans’ fantasy stars all appear healthy; now, if we could just get Steve Slaton to hold onto the damn ball…

In Indianapolis, the Colts D’ is — as usual — rocked by injuries. They already lost a starting LB for the season, are built around the brittle Bob Sanders and oft-banged up Dwight Freeney, and have CBs Kelvin Hayden and Marlin Jackson on the injury report with knee problems. Somehow though, this D always seems to come through on Sundays. Considering the matchup, however, I’d try to go elsewhere if possible.

Chiefs-Jaguars Injuries

No major injuries to report here.

Dolphins-Patriots Injuries

None here either, not that you’d know about them anyway considering its Parcells and Belichick. Sammy Morris won’t play for New England, but all of the other fantasy guys are good to go.

Packers-Buccaneers Injuries

Aaron Rodgers has been dealing with sprains in his foot and has sat out practice this week. He should be fine for Sunday and has a nice matchup against Tampa Bay. As for emerging star TE Jermichael Finley, he appears likely to sit out another week.

Donald Driver injury update: The Packers’ all-time leading receiver is dealing with the after-effects of the neck injury he suffered last Sunday. He has not practiced this week, and may not on Friday, but still could end up playing Sunday. I like his chances to play and would have him starting against the porous Bucs.

For the Bucs, Antonio Bryant still has some issues with his knee but is expected to play.

Panthers-Saints Injuries

The only issues in this game are at WR, but with two guys who you shouldn’t really be considering anyway: Muhsin Muhammad (likely out with an MCL sprain) and Lance Moore (status unknown with ankle injury, but has not practiced).

Chargers-Giants injuries

The Chargers have no injuries to speak of, while the Giants are dealing with Ahmad Bradshaw’s injured ankle. It will be a problem all year, but he’s going to keep playing. Take note though: his yard per carry average the last two weeks is 2.7 and 2.3, so the injury is clearly affecting him. He needs to be on your bench. As for Mario Manningham, he is dealing with a shoulder injury that could potentially keep him out of Sunday’s game. Track this one, but take note that it’s an afternoon game and you may want to start someone who is healthier and more of a sure thing to start.

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* – Devin Hester photo credit: drumerdude33 via PhotoBucket

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