Brian Hoyer is looking at roughly a six week absence after breaking his arm
Even the minor injuries are worth noting as we approach the bye week vortexes. We’ve been remarkably lucky over the last six weeks, but there are always a few victims. Let’s take a look at who’s okay, who might be okay, who’s going to miss some time and who you should target as a replacement.
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Quarterbacks
Brian Hoyer (CHI): broken arm
Those who delight in streaming Hoyer will need to look for a new darling. His broken arm required surgery, and he’s going to miss about six weeks.
Next up: Jay Cutler
Cutler has been cleared to play. That’s good for everyone with a stake in Chicago’s offense seeing as Matt Barkley’s 15 passes led to six completions, 81 yards and two interceptions.
Cutler’s no prize, but he could at least pad stats in garbage time. He isn’t a great option in the short-term since Chicago faces Minnesota on Monday night before a bye week.
Cody Kessler (CLE): concussion
Ho hum, another quarterback change in Cleveland. When does the World Series start?
Next up: Kevin Hogan
Hogan rushed for 104 yards and a touchdown on Sunday. That was weird.
In fact, it was so weird that I’m going to go ahead and call it a fluke. Besides, it’s just a matter of time before someone else is in at quarterback.
Geno Smith (NYJ): torn ACL
Smith said he didn’t think his injury was significant. However, the MRI revealed a “brutal” ACL tear. Well, that doesn’t sound good.
Next up: Ryan Fitzpatrick, again
Fitzpatrick’s benching turned out to be short-lived. He didn’t throw any interceptions, so maybe he learned his lesson. His next two are against Cleveland and Miami, so he’s a viable streaming option with Eli Manning missing Week 8 and Andy Dalton, Tom Brady, Carson Palmer and Kirk Cousins missing Week 9.
Running Backs
Tevin Coleman (ATL): hamstring strain
There’s no word on the severity of the injury, so monitor his status during the week. Hopefully, this doesn’t turn into a Doug Martin situation.
Next up: Devonta Freeman
Freeman becomes the feature back, and he was already averaging 18.1 touches per game. If Coleman misses time, Freeman has elite RB1 upside.
Jerick McKinnon (MIN): possible high ankle sprain
McKinnon missed some time but managed to return to the game in a limited role. If he does indeed have a high ankle sprain, he could find his way to the inactive list. The Vikings play on Monday night this week, so it’s probably best to avoid him.
Next up: Matt Asiata, Ronnie Hillman
Asiata would probably start and get the most carries, but Hillman’s skill set is more similar to McKinnon. Asiata is the one you want, and Hillman could be a home run flex play if you’re desperate.
Wide Receivers
Sammie Coates (PIT): hand laceration/fracture
Coates already had problems catching the ball, so a hand injury is obviously not what he needs. The good news is Pittsburgh is going on bye, so he’ll get a chance to heal before Week 9. That’s also when Ben Roethlisberger will return if you believe the “4-6 weeks” story was manufactured by Big Ben to make him look tougher when he makes his triumphant return.
Next up: Darrius Heyward-Bey
Heyward-Bey doesn’t have the upside Coates has, but he’s always a threat to get deep for a touchdown. He’ll be an okay flex play if Coates isn’t back to normal after the bye.
Reexaminations
Quarterbacks
Ben Roethlisberger (PIT)
Well, would you look at that? Roethlisberger could be back in Week 9.
Running Backs
LeSean McCoy (BUF)
McCoy screwed his owners by suiting up at less than full strength and possibly made his hamstring worse. He’ll probably be a game-time decision again this week.
Doug Martin (TB)
There’s no telling when Martin will return after re-aggravating his hamstring injury. Jacquizz Rodgers and Peyton Barber will continue to fill in.
Carlos Hyde (SF)
Hyde was inactive in Week 7. It’s possible he could return after missing just one game.
Thomas Rawls (SEA)
Rawls should return against Buffalo in Week 9. It’s time to roll the dice on him if he’s on the waiver wire and you need running back help.
Dion Lewis (NE)
Lewis didn’t practice last week and was inactive. He’s a decent hold in PPR leagues.
Wide Receivers
Dez Bryant (DAL)
Bryant is expected to return Sunday night.
Donte Moncrief (IND)
If his original prognosis was correct, Moncrief should be back this week or next week. He shouldn’t be on any waiver wires.
John Brown (ARI)
Brown’s leg problems were the result of carrying the sickle-cell trait. He was inactive Sunday night and is week-to-week.
Corey Coleman (CLE)
There’s a chance Coleman returns to practice this week.
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Derek Norton is a correspondent at FantasyPros. To read more from Derek, visit LeagueSafe Post, his archive, or follow him on Twitter @mdereknorton.
