It’s never too early to check in on player injury statuses ahead of the 2022 season, and our news desk has you covered. Let’s take a look at the latest injury news and notes around the NFL.
Get the FantasyPros News App for iOS and Android now 
Ezekiel Elliott admits 2021 knee injury limited burst, fully healthy again
While speaking with the media regarding how the PCL tear injury he suffered in week 4 affected him last season, Dallas Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott said “It definitely limited my burst. And I think just the stiffness, keeping it warm on the sideline, but mostly just the burst.” Elliott went on to proclaim that he has been 100% healthy since the beginning of OTAs. (Source: CBS Sports)
Fantasy Impact: Elliott’s been a first-round pick in fantasy drafts throughout his entire career, but his draft stock has taken a significant hit this offseason due to fears related to a lack of burst on the field last season. Elliott no doubt looked like he lost a step last season, but this could very well just be the result of him playing through a torn PCL, and if so, he will be a bargain at his current ADP (30 overall in PPR formats). Through the first five weeks of last season, Elliott was averaging 19.1 PPG in PPR formats, a number that if maintained through the entire season, would have been good enough for an RB3 finish. Elliott’s efficiency dropped off after week five, but that coincides with his knee injury. Elliott should receive enough volume as the Cowboys’ lead RB to be worth his current price tag, and if he truly has his burst back, he could be a huge draft day steal.
Pat Freiermuth leaves practice early
According to Bob Pompeani of KDKA, second-year TE Pat Freiermuth left practice early with some lower body tightness. The injury isn’t likely to be serious. (Source: Bob Pompeani on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Early into training camp, it’s smart to just keep things safe and avoid injuries the best you can. Even though Freiermuth left early, it seems more precautionary than foreboding. Freiermuth had a strong rookie season finishing the year as the TE12 in fantasy. He had 60 catches for 497 yards and seven touchdowns. With a new quarterback in charge of the Pittsburgh Steelers, it’s hard to know how Freiermuth will fare in terms of targets, but at least last season he was a favorite in the red zone. He is currently being drafted on average as the TE12 in PPR formats, according to FantasyPros.
Michael Gallup unlikely to be ready for Week 1
According to Ari Meirov, Michael Gallup has said it “is not a realistic possibility” to suit up for the Cowboys’ Week 1 matchup against Tampa Bay. (Source: MySportsUpdate on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Gallup signed a 5-year, $57.5M contract this offseason despite suffering a torn ACL late last season. Gallup only appeared in nine games last season, but combined for 1,800 yards and 11 TDs in the two seasons prior. With the departure of Amari Cooper, Gallup will almost certainly have a bigger role in the Cowboys’ passing offense when he does return. In the meantime, CeeDee Lamb and rookie Jalen Tolbert will get many targets, with James Washington in the mix for touches as well. Gallup is worth a roster spot in most leagues, but a discount should be applied to his draft stock considering his injury.
While the redraft season is still a few months away, you can draft anytime by participating in best ball leagues! We have you covered with our best ball content, rankings, average draft position (ADP), and mock draft simulator.
2022 Consensus Best Ball Rankings
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | SoundCloud | iHeartRadio
If you want to dive deeper into fantasy football, be sure to check out our award-winning slate of Fantasy Football Tools as you navigate your season. From our Start/Sit Assistant – which provides your optimal lineup, based on accurate consensus projections – to our Waiver Wire Assistant – that allows you to quickly see which available players will improve your team and by how much – we’ve got you covered this fantasy football season.
