Is Miles Sanders Injured for Week 1? Should I Draft Sanders or Kenneth Gainwell for Fantasy

I hate to say it, but this isn’t the first time we’ve had concern for a Miles Sanders injury. The Eagles starting running back has missed the last week of practice and the team's second preseason game while nursing a hamstring injury.

Sanders has dealt with some injuries in each of the last two seasons. Missing four games in 2020 and five in 2021 with a wide variety of injuries. These types of absences turning into habits can alter timetables for any injury sustained by the 4th year pro.

While it didn’t seem like there was anything to worry about after Sanders’ involvement in Week 1 of the preseason, going into a second week without practicing leaves us wondering just how hurt Sanders is.

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Is Miles Sanders Injured or Healthy for Fantasy Football?

Originally, the injury was described as “leg tightness” by Nick Sirianni. The Eagles' head coach has continued to maintain that the team is simply taking a cautious approach in Sanders’ recovery. Reports seem to line up with Sirianni’s lack of concern for the running back’s Week 1 availability.

Even though Nick Sirianni wouldn’t give any timetables on his injured players, word is that the Eagles are just being precautious with Miles Sanders and Javon Hargrave and expect them for Week 1.

James Bradberry is day to day.

— Dave Zangaro (@DZangaroNBCS) August 19, 2022

By all accounts, the team fully expects Sanders to be available for its opening matchup on September 11. It is hard to have the same expectation that Sanders will see a full workload at all this season.

With Boston Scott and Kenneth Gainwell seeing meaningful time with the first-team offense, the Eagles will look to keep Sanders available throughout the season by mixing in all three backs.

Should I Draft Miles Sanders or Kenneth Gainwell for Fantasy Football?

After an impressive performance in Sanders’ absence in Week 2 of the preseason, Kenneth Gainwell’s fantasy stock seems to be on the rise. While the RB28 price tag for Sanders continues to fall.

The injury is certainly playing a role in the recent drop in ADP, but the Eagles' confidence in Gainwell and Scott continues to play a part in the loss of appeal in drafting the most expensive piece of this backfield.

The Eagles possess one of, if not the best offensive line in football. Their rushing attack will certainly hold plenty of value. In these situations, where the running back room seems to be crowded, along with the QB's rushing ability baked into the offense, the later cost of Gainwell in drafts projects to be the more worthy investment for fantasy football managers.

Positive news about Sanders' injury leading up to fantasy drafts may present a value opportunity for the Eagles' lead back at his cost in what projects to be a valuable role for fantasy, but the risk is certainly there.

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