The Jets and Bills kicked of the Week 13 fantasy action last night with a thrilling game won by New York. The big story this morning is the health of Mark Sanchez’s knee, which he injured diving for a first down, and his coach’s displeasure with the extra effort.
Whether Sanchez is healthy or not moving forward, it is not going to impact too many fantasy playoff situations. Something tells me that if you were relying on “Sanchise” at the QB position, you probably faded from playoff contention long ago.
There are, however, plenty of other injuries that will have a significant impact this week and moving forward. As we do every Friday, let’s roll through the most important of these injuries, game-by-game, including Kurt Warner, who the Cardinals hope can go Sunday night against Minnesota.
Eagles-Falcons Injuries
Desean Jackson Injury Update – In our Desean Jackson injury update earlier this week, we told you that DJax did not think that he would be able to go this week. Nothing has really changed since then, with Jackson most likely to be listed as “out” or “doubtful” when the new injury report comes out. Get a replacement ready.
For the Eagles, Brian Westbrook continues to be out and will be out for the foreseeable future.
Michael Turner Injury Update – Turner has not practiced yet this week and in all likelihood will sit this week’s game out. Get Jason Snelling and Jerious Norwood ready if you have them. There appears to be a slight chance Turner could see the field, so check the injury reports today and monitor this one up until kickoff, but even he plays, how effective will he be with a high ankle sprain?
You’ll see Roddy White’s name listed as a limited practice participant, but he is expected to play Sunday.
Panthers-Buccaneers Injuries
There are not any relevant fantasy injuries for Tampa Bay, nor are there many fantasy-relevant players on Tampa Bay. In Carolina, Jake Delhomme will not play, but hopefully you weren’t counting on his anyway. Here’s the important one…
DeAngelo Williams Injury Update – Williams hasn’t practiced all week, but John Fox sounds like he’s still holding out hope that DAW will be able to play on Sunday: “There’s always tomorrow,” said Fox. “I’d say it’s fair to say with our leading rusher, I’d be hopeful he’d be able to go Sunday, for sure. Anything before that I’d be happy with, too.” You’ll just have to stay tuned on this one, because you’ll want Williams in there if he plays. He torches TB historically.
Rams-Bears Injuries
The Bears have no relevant injuries on the offensive side of the ball, except for the collective confidence of the unit. As for the Rams, however, there are injury concerns about their entire offense…meaning SJax.
Steven Jackson Injury Update – What is Steven Jackson, the new Brian Westbrook? Jackson hasn’t practiced this week as he deals with a back issue, but he says he’s playing. And if you own him, you have to have him in your lineup.
Lions-Bengals Injuries
There are no important injuries for the Lions that you should be concerned about. In Cincinnati, all eyes will be on the backfield, where Cedric Benson is back practicing again.
Cedric Benson Injury Update – Benson appears to be fully recovered from the hip issue that has sidelined him. He has practiced fully this week and will start against a porous Lions run D. Larry Johnson is now there to spell Benson, but I expect Benson to get his typical 20 carries and have another very solid outing.
Titans-Colts Injuries
Tennessee appears very healthy on offense and the Colts do too for the most part. Anyone that you’d consider starting from these two teams, start ‘em.
Texans-Jaguars Injuries
Steve Slaton was only a limited participant in Thursday’s practice, but should be fine to play on Sunday. Everyone appears healthy for Jacksonville.
Broncos-Chiefs Injuries
Not much to report here. Both teams have very clean injury reports.
Steelers-Raiders Injuries
The Raiders suck, but at least all of their sucky players are healthy! As for Pittsburgh, the big question is Big Ben.
Ben Roethlisberger Injury Update – Umm, everything that happened last week with the Steelers losing and Hines Ward’s comments, do you really think Big Ben would be sitting this one out? Hell no. He’ll play, although I’d temper my expectations a bit as he could be rusty and the Steelers will likely dominate this game on the ground.
Saints-Redskins Injuries
The Saints are coming off a huge win over the Patriots, but have a few injuries to deal with. Reggie Bush, Pierre Thomas, and Jeremy Shockey were all limited practice participants on Thursday. The Saints are hopeful that Bush will be able to play, and the same is true for Thomas and Shockey. The team just played Monday night, which has created a slightly longer-than-usual injury report.
On the Washington side, Clinton Portis remains out.
Chargers-Browns Injuries
San Diego appears totally healthy, while the Browns have a whole lot of injuries that mean nothing for fantasy purposes. Move along. Nothing to see here.
Vikings-Cardinals Injuries
The Vikings have a few guys dinged up, but Visanthe Shiancoe, Bernard Berrian, and Adrian Peterson are all expected to play Sunday night.
As for the Cardinals, Anquan Boldin is finally off of the injury report, but there is now another prominent name stealing the Arizona injury headlines:
Kurt Warner Injury Update – Warner has been splitting practice reps with Vince Young’s bitch this week and is optimistic that he’ll be out there on Sunday night. It is not certain, so you’ll want to track this one. And if you have a really good alternative playing in the early games on Sunday, I’d take it. There is always a chance that Warner could get a headache Sunday and then be ruled out. Monitor closely.
Cowboys-Giants Injuries
Both teams are about as healthy as they could be heading into a pivotal NFC East battle.
Seahawks-49ers Injuries
Unfortunately for Justin Forsett owners, Julius Jones is back and ready to resume sucking as the starting RB. Truth be told, Jones usually plays well at home, so he could have a decent day…it unfortunately will have to come at the expense of Forsett. Other than Jones, there are now earth-shattering fantasy injuries in this one.
Patriots-Dolphins Injuries
The Patriots have a long list of injuries, but Brady, Moss, Welker, and Maroney are all healthy; what else do you need to know? In Miami, everyone who you might play (i.e. Ricky Williams) is healthy.
Ravens-Packers Injuries
Nothing major here. Some bumps and bruises on both sides, but the major players will all be out there and ready to go Monday night.
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