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.
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DeVonta Smith progressing toward return
According to Eliot Shoor-Parks of 94WIP, WR DeVonta Smith, who missed his fifth day in a row of practice as he recovers from a groin injury, was rehabbing on a side field for the first time. (Source: Eliot Shorr-Parks)
Fantasy Impact: Smith was also seen getting some work done on a side field with a trainer, according to Martin Frank of the Delaware News Journal. Head coach Nick Sirianni called the sophomore receiver day-to-day. In his rookie year, Smith finished with 64 catches, 916 receiving yards and five touchdowns, good for WR30 in PPR formats. Smith currently goes on average as the WR36 in PPR formats this year.
Russell Gage suffers leg injury in practice
According to ESPN’s Jenna Laine, Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Russell Gage pulled up during 1-on-1s, appearing to suffer a leg injury. Gage returned to the locker room under his own power. (Source: Jenna Laine on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: The Buccaneers are still awaiting the return of WR Chris Godwin from his ACL tear, and WR Mike Evans suffered a minor hamstring issue recently. The belief is that Gage’s injury is not serious. He was listed as one of the team’s starting receivers on the first unofficial depth chart and could be in line for a big season in terms of targets if healthy. He currently is going on average as the WR46 in PPR formats, according to FantasyPros.
Melvin Gordon receiving evaluation on his foot
According to Jeff Legwold of ESPN, Denver Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett attributed RB Melvin Gordon’s Wednesday absence from practice to a foot injury. Gordon will receive further evaluations on it. (Source: Jeff Legwold on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Gordon sneakily finished last season as the RB17 in standard formats, one spot ahead of rookie teammate RB Javonte Williams. Williams was listed ahead of Gordon on the team’s first unofficial depth chart, but the team’s offensive coordinator Justin Outten said the two backs would receive “pitch counts” this year. Gordon will receive further evaluation, but if he misses any time, Williams receives a significant boost in all formats.
Trey McBride may be out for preseason opener
Trey McBride, who has been dealing with back soreness, is likely out for Friday’s preseason opener versus the Bengals. (Source: Darren Urban on the Cardinal’s official site)
Fantasy Impact: The Cardinals are taking it slow with their second-round pick, who will back up Zach Ertz this season regardless. Should something happen to Ertz, though, McBride could become relevant in fantasy as he enters the NFL as a premier pass-catching Tight End.
2022 Consensus Best Ball Rankings
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