Fantasy Football Injury Report Week 1 Analysis: Wells, Moreno, And More

Let’s take a look at the NFL Injury Report (click here for the full report from nfl.com) and some of the bigger impacts on fantasy lineups for Week 1.

Knowshon Moreno, Running Back, Denver Broncos

Status: Probable, hamstring

He’s been practicing all week, so look for him to play, but be cautious.  He is still working his way back from a hamstring injury and will share carries with Correll Buckhalter.  Of course, Moreno’s ability to make the most of his touches makes him worth using in all deeper formats, but those in shallower formats could consider going a different route.

Beanie Wells, Running Back, Arizona Cardinals

Status: Questionable, knee

According to Darren Urban of the Cardinals’ website (via Twitter), “Whiz said it’ll be game-time decision. Could contribute a few plays, Whiz added.”  That is in regards to Wells, who is nursing a knee injury.  He should be on your bench at this point, with Tim Hightower certainly usable as an RB3. 

Owen Daniels, Tight End, Houston Texans

Status: Probable, knee

Yeah, he’s going to suit up, but the talk all week is that he is not likely to play many snaps and may be limited for the first few games.  According to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle (click here for the article), “Daniels is expected to take 15 to 20 snaps in his first game action since suffering the season-ending knee injury at Buffalo last season.” That tells you that for Week 1, you want to find another option.

Demaryius Thomas, Wide Receiver, Denver Broncos
 

Status: Questionable, foot

He continues to improve from his foot surgery, but according to Lindsay Jones of the Denver Post (click here for the post), it is no guarantee that he is active for Sunday.  Of course, having missed the entire preseason, he’s also fourth on the depth chart trailing Jabar Gaffney, Eddie Royal and Brandon Lloyd.  He’s got the potential to develop into usability by year’s end, but at this point is value is nil.

Donovan McNabb, Quarterback, Washington Redskins
 

Status: Questionable, ankle

He’s going to play, which is really all we need to know.  If you drafted him as your starting quarterback, it’s safe to use him at this point.  Of course, I’d much rather have him as my backup, so what it really comes down to is the other options available to you.  He was listed as the 14th quarterback on our Week 1 rankings (click here to view).

Michael Bush, Running Back, Oakland Raiders
 

Status: Questionable, thumb

Expected to be out for a few weeks, it now appears that he may play on Sunday.  According to the Oakland Tribune (click here for the article), Bush is improved, though coach Tom Cable said, “No, we threw some stuff to him today” when asked if Bush was thrown harder balls.  It would appear that he’s not likely to have a big impact this week, but Darren McFadden’s chances to entrench himself as the go to back is now limited.  We’ll see how this plays out, but both are better served as depth options for now.

Laurence Maroney, Running Back, New England Patriots
 

Status: Questionable, thigh

While he may not play a huge role in the Patriots offense this season, his absence takes a little pressure off Fred Taylor and Sammy Morris.  Taylor is likely the biggest benefactor, as he is the starting running back and is likely the Patriots back you want to own.

What are your thoughts on these situations?  Who would you start?  Who would you sit?

Make sure to check out our Week 1 Rankings:

• Top 25 Quarterbacks
• Top 40 Running Backs
• Top 60 Wide Receivers
• Top 20 Tight Ends
• Top 15 Kickers
• Top 15 Defenses

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