Marques Colston Injury: Updates on Saints Star's Week 4 Status and Fantasy Value

In addition to losing to the Green Bay Packers, the New Orleans Saints lost a key member of their wide receiver corps in Week 1, as star receiver Marques Colston suffered a broken collar bone.

At the time, FOX Sports' Jay Glazer reported that Colston was going to be out of action for four weeks, which would put him in line to return in Week 5.

However, the good news for both the Saints and fantasy owners is that Colston is making progress. For updates on his status and fantasy value, check back here periodically for all the latest.

Update: Sunday, Oct. 2 at 6:57 p.m. EDT

Colston was only slated for 15-20 snaps on Sunday, per Rotoworld.com, so it wasn't exactly a surprise that his numbers were down. One catch for 8 yards, however, was a bit of a surprise.

On the other hand, the Saints were playing the Jaguars and probably figured they could win without Colston, which they did.

Expect Colston to play a bigger role in the Saints' offense with another week to heal against the Carolina Panthers.

-Ryan Rudnansky

Update: Sunday, Oct. 2 at 5:25 p.m. EDT

Colston was clearly rusty in his first game back in an early return from injury. He finished the day with 3 targets and just 1 reception for 8 yards. 

The team did run the ball more than pass, which is unusual for New Orleans. 

Look for him to bounce back next week as he returns to form.

UPDATE: Sunday, Oct. 2 at 2:40 p.m. EDT

Colston is looking rusty from the injury. He has just one target and no receptions at halftime against the Jaguars.

UPDATE: Sunday, Oct. 2 at 11:40 a.m. EDT

Colston will be playing today. He is not a safe start in fantasy because it is unknown how his injury will impact his performance. I would go with another option if available.

UPDATE: Saturday, Oct. 1 at 3:30 p.m. EDT

After breaking his collarbone in the first week of the season, Marques Colston may be returning to the New Orleans Saints lineup much sooner than expected.

Jeff Duncan of the Times-Picayune is reporting on twitter that Colston is questionable for Sunday’s game:

While I wouldn’t recommend starting him this week in fantasy, if he got dropped to the waiver wire or you can buy low in a trade, this is the time to make that move.

Thursday, Sept. 29 at 6:08 p.m. EST

After John Clayton reported that he didn't know how much Colston would be able to play this week, Jeff Duncan of the Times-Picayune is reporting that Colston could play the entire game,

It may be difficult for fantasy owners to plug him in their lineups, but for those desperate for him to come back may need to slide him into their lineups.

Thursday, Sept. 29 at 12:03 p.m. EST

John Clayton of ESPN has confirmed that Colston will be playing this week, but doesn't know how much he will play.

It might be wise to keep him on your fantasy bench, until you see just how healthy he is after this game.

Thursday, Sept. 29 at 9:49 a.m. EST

Saints coach Sean Payton seems pretty convinced that Marques Colston will be playing this week as he spoke with the Jacksonville media in a conference call,

"

"Yeah, he was listed as limited, but he's cleared," a transcript of Payton's words released by the Jaguars organization reads. "He'll be up this week."

In normal NFL parlance, "up this week" means a player presumably will be on the 46-man active roster. Players are not in that status unless they are expected to play and contribute.

"

Wednesday, Sept. 28 at 5:30 p.m. ET

It turns out Colston is a quick healer.

According to a report from the Associated Press, Saints head coach Sean Payton said earlier on Wednesday that Colston has been medically cleared to practice and that he will be able to play on Sunday at the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Colston broke his collar bone in Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers, and the original prognosis had him missing four weeks. That put him in line to return Week 5.

So much for that. Fantasy owners who bothered to hang on to Colston after he was hurt are free to plug him back into their lineups.

However, I would advise you to think twice before doing it. While Colston may be able to play this weekend, we don't know how much he is going to play. If you have to bench a hot receiver in order to get Colston in your lineup, I wouldn't do it.

Wednesday, Sept. 28 at 3:30 p.m. ET

Despite the fact Colston wasn't projected to return to action until Week 5, there is good news coming out of New Orleans. Mike Triplett of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reported earlier today that Colston is no longer just sitting around.

If Colston is back at practice, albeit in a limited way, you might be thinking that there's a chance he could play this weekend at the Jacksonville Jaguars.

It's possible, but far from probable. As Dave Richard of CBS Sports put it, it's "no lock" that Colston will play in Week 4.

All things considered, it still sounds like Week 5 is Colston's true return target. If you have him on your fantasy team, keep him on the bench.

If you want Colston on your fantasy team, however, now would be a good time to try and pry him from another owner. Colston doesn't have a whole lot of value right now, and that means he's going to be easier to get. If you have faith that Colston will return and be an integral part of New Orleans' offense once again, then by all means propose a trade.