RADIO
The NFL season is almost here, but unfortunately for fantasy managers, injuries are a year-round occurrence. Some big names are dealing with injuries acquired during offseason training. Though some players are on the mend and expected to start Week 1, other players' statuses hang in the air. RotoBaller tracks all injured players and provides updates on key injuries every week so you can be prepared for the season before the season starts.
Staying on top of injuries is vital; there's nothing worse than seeing goose eggs in your scoring lineup because you didn't know a player was hurt and ended up missing the game. It's a good idea to check starting every Tuesday and staying updated throughout the week so you can keep an eye on players you need to substitute out.
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Christian McCaffrey Injury Update
Christian McCaffrey has been dealing with a calf strain he picked up early in camp, and has not practiced through August since acquiring it. 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan praised McCaffrey for his preparation habits in a press conference when asked about his injury but provided no timetable for a return. McCaffrey has been working with trainers on the sidelines of practice but has yet to return to practice.
Here’s an exchange that Kyle Shanahan had today with reporters that explains why he is not overly concerned about RB Christian McCaffrey missing the majority of camp with a calf injury: pic.twitter.com/YPb40PJw4O
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 20, 2024
Though we don't have any clear updates from the 49ers on this situation, the general feeling is that McCaffrey is unlikely to miss Week 1. However, he could be limited in his return (with lower touches), or hampered by his injury. However, the injury is not thought to be major. There's simply no way to know for sure, so this situation will require further monitoring.
McCaffrey is coming off the best statistical season of his career. Whether he can repeat this performance likely hinges on the specifics of this injury, which are unknown.
Tyreek Hill Injury Update
Tyreek Hill has been held out of practice with a thumb injury since sometime in August. He was seen being held out of practice with a brace on his hand, presumably to immobilize his thumb and protect it from further damage. The Dolphins previously implied that this was a minor injury, and Hill was never expected to miss any time during the regular season.
Following this, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel stated on Monday that Hill will return to practice and has suffered no setbacks. McDaniel suggested that the Dolphins were taking every possible precaution with Hill to ensure his injury did not continue to affect him during the regular season. Hill may still carry a "Questionable" tag in many Fantasy apps, but it appears that he will be good to go in Week 1.
Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle back after 'no setbacks' from camp injuries https://t.co/evhs9hwD2I #miamidolphins
— Phins.com (@Phinscom) September 2, 2024
Hill led all WRs in fantasy points per game in 2023 and has shown no signs of slowing down. This injury shouldn't affect him long-term.
Puka Nacua Injury Update
Star Los Angeles Rams WR Puka Nacua picked up a knee injury in early August and has been recovering since. Rams head coach Sean McVay described Puka's injury as a "kind of burst" of a bursa sac in his knee, but indicated that there will be no long-term effects. That appears to be true as Nacua returned to practice last Monday.
Puka Nacua returns to Rams practice https://t.co/2dJtkaywAI
— Opening Day Game (@OpeningDayNFL) August 27, 2024
It's likely that Nacua will be listed on the Rams injury report for Week 1, but a full return to practice nearly two weeks before the Rams' season opener is very encouraging. There's no reason to believe Nacua won't suit up. After a record-breaking rookie season, it appears Nacua is back on track to play at full strength.
Davante Adams Injury Update
Davante Adams missed the Raiders preseason games against the Cowboys and 49ers after picking up a minor injury. Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce said Adams "tweaked something", but aside from that, we've had no updates on Adams' condition.
Given the minor nature of his injury, Adams should be expected to suit up and play in Week 1, when the Raiders face the Chargers in their season opener. Sometimes no news is good news, and Adams should be good to go.
Antonio Pierce admits Davante Adams is dealing with some sort of injury and he wasn't going to risk him by playing him tonight after he missed practice on Thursday. #Raiders
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardNFL) August 18, 2024
Adams is coming off his worst statistical season since 2019, but still managed 103 receptions for 1,144 yards and 8 TDs. It doesn't appear that this injury will affect his performance in 2023.
Jahmyr Gibbs Injury Update
Jahmyr Gibbs suffered a hamstring injury during the offseason and was held out of practice for an extended time. However, Gibbs returned to practice and was spotted running routes with the Lions before their final preseason game against the Steelers.
Good signs: Sam LaPorta and Jahmyr Gibbs ran routes pregame at Ford Field before the Lions preseason finale pic.twitter.com/rHHLBVAqul
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) August 24, 2024
Gibbs dealt with hamstring issues in 2023, but missed minimal time and put up monster numbers for the Lions. It doesn't appear that it's affected his performance when on the field to this point. Gibbs is likely to start in Week 1 assuming there are no more setbacks.
Sam LaPorta Injury Update
Similarly to Gibbs, LaPorta has missed practices and preseason games due to a hamstring injury. LaPorta dealt with hamstring injuries in 2023 but ended the year as the overall TE1 in scoring. Luckily for fantasy managers, head coach Dan Campbell provided an encouraging update on LaPorta's status.
Dan Campbell said Ifeatu Melifonwu is his only injury concern for the week. That means Gibbs, LaPorta, Branch, Davis, etc., should be good to go vs. Rams.
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) September 2, 2024
Campbell's confidence signals that LaPorta will be ready for the Lions' Week 1 matchup against the Rams, and his absence from practice has been merely precautionary. Such is the case with many offseason injuries, as there is much more time for players to recover, and star players typically don't need to play in preseason games. LaPorta's chances of repeating his monster 86/889/10 season shouldn't be affected by this injury.
Jaylen Waddle Injury Update
Jaylen Waddle has been dealing with an undisclosed injury throughout August. He was held out of practice for some time, then spotted in a red no-contact jersey upon his return. Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel has been unconcerned with Waddle's status, indicating that his absence and practice limitations have been precautionary. “Are we approaching Jaylen Waddle the same way we would in season? The answer is no,” McDaniel stated on Monday. Waddle, like Hill, returned to practice on Monday.
We are officially at the beginning of the 2024 NFl season.
Tyreek Hill has been dealing with a right thumb injury, likely a UCL sprain.
Jaylen Waddle has been dealing with a soft tissue injury, likely a left calf strain.
The good news is that both are practicing today and… https://t.co/Y6NOrc5fg7
— Jesse Morse, MD (@DrJesseMorse) September 2, 2024
McDaniel's caution with Waddle should be a positive sign for fantasy managers. The Dolphins are taking great care in their management of his injury, and it's likely that during the season he'd have practiced anyway. Currently, Waddle should be ready to go in Week 1, when the Dolphins take on the Jaguars.
Keenan Allen Injury Update
Keenan Allen exited practice on August 24 due to what the Bears described as a foot issue related to his cleats. Bears GM Ryan Poles has stated that Allen "should be fine" and the injury doesn't appear to be major. Allen is a seasoned veteran and one of the best WRs in the NFL, and there's no reason to rush him back to play. Many NFL teams are taking similar approaches with veterans, and it appears to be best practice.
Keenan Allen - foot injury
“Ryan Poles assured that it was due to a cleat issue” and shouldn’t be an issue for week 1.
Possibly blisters? Bruising? I’ll take Poles at his word on this one. https://t.co/Ud1wbtDZJG— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) August 29, 2024
Though it may cause some concern for fantasy managers, Keenan is slated to play in the Bears' season opener against the Titans on September 8. Should no other issues arise, Allen will start his 12th season looking to build on his stellar resume, having reached six Pro Bowls and eclipsed 10,000 receiving yards in his career. Allen is coming off a huge season with 108 catches for 1,243 yards and seven TDs.
