Injuries are an unfortunate part of football, and it would be tremendous if the NFL could wave a magic wand that prohibits injuries from taking place. Sadly, that isn’t reality, and in fantasy football, it’s vital to be aware of all of the injuries that could affect certain players. Throughout the regular season, I will be putting together a weekly injury report article. Within the article, I’ll attempt to highlight the specific injury, how much time the player could miss (if any), and players affected by the ailing player. Without further delay, let’s look at some of the notable injuries we have entering Week 1.
Already drafted? Get a free analysis of your team with My Playbook 
Injury Updates
Dak Prescott (QB – DAL)
Over the course of training camp, Prescott has been dealing with a shoulder injury that has caused concern for those in fantasy football. Prescott didn’t appear in the preseason as the Dallas Cowboys were cautious with their franchise quarterback. Despite the concerns from some, Prescott doesn’t seem to have a lingering injury and will be a ‘full go’ in Thursday’s season opener versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Carson Wentz (QB – IND)
Before the preseason got underway, Wentz reaggravated a foot injury that he’s reportedly been dealing with for years as he prepared to make his debut for the Indianapolis Colts. There were doubts that Wentz would be able to suit up in Week 1 upon undergoing surgery. However, all signs point toward Wentz being under center when the Colts face the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1. Wentz was also on the COVID-19 reserve list, but he’s since been activated from it.
Saquon Barkley (RB – NYG)
Barkley has been a popular player to talk about this offseason as he attempts to return from a torn ACL from a season ago. The New York Giants have been easing him into action, and reports suggest that Barkley won’t have a full workload in Week 1 against the Denver Broncos. Devontae Booker could be in store for an increased role in New York’s offense until they believe Barkley is ready to shoulder more touches behind an unproven offensive line.
Giovani Bernard (RB – TB)
Giovani Bernard sustained a mild high-ankle sprain last week during practice. The veteran running back returned to practice over the weekend, showing that he could be ready in time for Thursday’s matchup against the Cowboys. But who knows what Bruce Arians could elect to do as he could decide to be cautious with Bernard to begin the season. Bernard figures to have a pass-catching role in Tampa Bay’s offense while Ronald Jones and Leonard Fournette share touches on the ground.
T.Y. Hilton (WR – IND)
Besides injuries to Wentz and Quenton Nelson, the Colts have now endured an injury to T.Y. Hilton. Hilton was placed on injured reserve recently, which means that he will miss the first three weeks of the season. Expect Michael Pittman Jr. and Parris Campbell to see more targets through the air until Hilton returns. Also, Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines could be busier in the aerial attack.
Kenny Golladay (WR – NYG)
Along with Barkley, Kenny Golladay has been limited in practices throughout training camp due to an ailing hamstring injury. Hamstring injuries can be tricky as they can linger throughout a season. Still, Golladay’s decision to tread lightly during the offseason seems to have allowed him to be healthy entering Week 1. Even though he’s barely been on the field this summer, Golladay should immediately become a go-to target for Daniel Jones.
Brandon Aiyuk (WR – SF)
Similar to the weeks leading up to last season, Brandon Aiyuk is dealing with a hamstring injury for the San Francisco 49ers. Aiyuk has been absent from practice recently, but it could be due to the 49ers taking a cautious approach with their second-year wideout. The Arizona State product missed Week 1 of the 2020 season due to a hamstring injury. It will be worth monitoring Aiyuk’s status in the days leading to next Sunday. If Aiyuk is sidelined for a game, Deebo Samuel and George Kittle could be extremely busy against the Detroit Lions.
Jamison Crowder (WR – NYJ)
With the New York Jets prepared to face the Carolina Panthers in Week 1, Jamison Crowder has tested positive for COVID-19. Crowder’s status for the season opener is ‘up in the air,’ and it’s expected that he was an isolated case on the team. If Crowder is forced to miss the contest versus the Panthers, Corey Davis and Elijah Moore will lead the way at the wide receiver position. Keelan Cole could also see more offensive snaps in three wide-receiver sets.
Complete a mock draft in minutes with our free Draft Simulator
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | SoundCloud | iHeartRadio
Whether you’re new to fantasy football or a seasoned pro, our Fantasy Football 101: Strategy Tips & Advice page is for you. You can get started with Starting Your Own Fantasy Football League or head to a more advanced strategy – like What is the Right Amount of Risk to Absorb on Draft Day? – to learn more.
