Danny Amendola Injury: Updates on Rams WR's Week 4 Status and Fantasy Value

Danny Amendola's dislocated elbow is as bad as it sounds. The Rams appear to be taking the safe route and at this point, it's unlikely that he will be action for their matchup against the Redskins. Given their 0-3 start, Sam Bradford and the Rams have to be disappointed with Amendola's absence.

The bye week can't come soon enough for the Rams. There is a solid chance that they will enter the bye week 0-4 and though Amendola would obviously give them a boost in this game, risking losing him for the season would be foolish in the grand scheme of things.

Sunday, October 2nd at 6:55 p.m. EDT

Credit where credit's due, the Rams have done their best to try to get Amendola back out on the field, but it sounds like his dislocated left elbow may need more than just time and rest to heal.

Per CBS Sports' Ron Clements:

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WR Danny Amendola suffered a setback with his dislocated left elbow in Thursday’s practice and was sore on Friday, when he was held out of practice. Amendola had another MRI and will have a second opinion this week to decide whether or not Amendola needs surgery.

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If Amendola does need to have surgery, one assumes he will not be back any time soon. In fact, a trip to injured reserve could very well be in the cards.

Admittedly, this is pure speculation. Either way, now would be a good time for fantasy owners to consider dropping Amendola.

Sunday, October 2nd at 12:16 a.m. EDT

It took a little while for the Rams to finally give in and downgrade Amendola to doubtful for today's game.

Adam Schefter has now alerted us to exactly why that happened:

This is terrible news for the Rams. 

The extent of the injury could be even more severe, and he could miss extended time. Earlier today we even wrote that it was good news he was getting work in, but now we know the reason for his downgraded status.

The Rams, likely heading for an 0-4 start, need to keep a careful on him moving forward.

Sunday, October 2nd at 10:16 a.m. EDT

Things continue to get better for Amendola, but getting back onto the field this quickly was always a shot in the dark.

The Rams, for whatever reason, refuse to rule him out for their game against the Redskins, but have downgraded him to doubtful.

An AP report on ESPN states:

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Amendola, the Rams' receptions leader last season, switched to a sturdier brace this week, but is likely to be held out to give him a chance to be at full strength after next week's bye.

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This the smartest thing the Rams can do.

There is no point in rushing him back to a losing team, and one more of rest essentially gives him two more weeks of rest once the bye is factored in.

Thursday, September 29th at 5:22 p.m. EDT

It looks like Amendola won't be able to go at this point. He is still listed as doubtful on the injury report even though he was able to take part in some team drills today according to Jim Thomas of STL Today.

It is certainly a step in the right direction, but Amendola will likely sit another week.

Tuesday, September 27 at 12:41 p.m. EDT

Amendola seems to be a no-go at this point. The Rams' official Twitter page Tweeted that Steve Spagnuolo and the Rams will be careful with Amendola with the bye week approaching.

It's a smart move, given the tough start the Rams have had thus far. Putting Amendola in harm's way just a week before he'll be able to recover during the bye week doesn't make sense. If he is less than 100 percent, you can expect him to be sidelined.

Fantasy Value:

Under no circumstances should you start Amendola this week. Odds are he's going to be out and even if he plays, he'll be used in a limited capacity. Exercise other options this week, as Amendola and his team are facing too much adversity to have faith.