NFL Week 1 WR Injury Updates: Boldin, Bryant, Welker, Walter, Berrian

Gazing through the Thursday edition of the official NFL Injury Report, it’s clear that one fantasy-relevant position will be affected by injury more than any other: wide receiver.

A plethora of No. 2 and No. 3 WRs are listed on the Thursday injury reports and could impact your lineup decisions. Here's a quick rundown of the latest injury updates on each of the dinged up pass catchers.

Anquan Boldin Injury Update

Boldin has been battling a hamstring issue and was a limited participant in Thursday’s practice.

The Cardinals coaches are obviously hoping that Boldin will be ready to go, as are his fantasy owners, but this is an injury to watch as the games approach on Sunday. You will probably have to make your decision before pre-game warmups though, as the Cardinals play in their typical 4 p.m. slot on Sunday.

Boldin’s teammate Steve Breaston was a full participant in practice and would be a good option should Boldin not be able to go.

Antonio Bryant Injury Update

Bryant is battling a knee injury and was limited in Thursday’s practice. According to RotoTimes’ latest injury update on Bryant, Bucs head coach Raheem Morris said that Bryant and teammate Michael Clayton are okay and the team is just being careful leading up to Sunday’s game against Dallas.

The Cowboys are susceptible to big plays in the passing game, so Bryant appears to be a solid start this weekend.

Wes Welker Injury Update

The Patriots’ diminutive dynamo has been battling a knee injury that has him listed as a limited practice participant on the injury report.

Of course this is New England, so injury updates on Welker are hard to come by. What you see in that link to the Boston Globe is about as much as you’ll get out of the tight-lipped Pats.

Monitor this one because it appears relatively serious and could keep Welker sidelined. The Patriots play Monday night, so you’ll probably have to make your decision Sunday. If you have a solid option ready, think seriously about using it. But if any positive reports about Welker come out over the next 48 hours, keep him in your lineup as the Patriots should be able to throw the ball effectively against the Bills.

Kevin Walter Injury Update

Walter is listed on the Texans’ injury report with a hamstring issue and did not participate in Thursday’s practice.

According to the Texans’ official website, the latest injury update on Walter is that he will be a game-time decision for the team’s 1 p.m. matchup against the Jets on Sunday. If he’s healthy he will play, but there is no telling if the hamstring issue will linger. I’d have another option ready to go and be checking the pregame reports if you are intent on using Walter.

Bernard Berrian Injury Update

Berrian has a hamstring injury and was a limited participant in Thursday’s practice. The latest injury update on Berrian from the Minneapolis Star-Tribune is not all that optimistic about his prospects for Sunday, as they cite the fact that this is the first time Berrian has battled hamstring issues in his career.

For a straight speed receiver, this type of injury can be especially troublesome. The Vikings want to make sure he is totally healthy before green-lighting him, so check on this one up until kickoff Sunday.

Other WRs Of Note Battling Injury Issues:

• Kevin Curtis is listed on the Eagles’ injury report with a knee issue, but was a full participant in Thursday’s practice. He should be good to go Sunday.
• Chris Henry has a thigh injury and did not participate in Thursday’s practice.
• Deion Branch has a hamstring injury and did not participate in Thursday’s practice.

I will update this post with any new reports on the availability of these WRs.

* – Anquan Boldin photo credit: The Cards