FANTASY FOOTBALL & INJURIES

 

I have to admit: I enjoy fantasy sports, namely football & baseball. It is a great way to stay connected, both to the game, and frankly, it just gives me & my friends something to talk about. You know men….it's tough to just make small talk. But throw in a topic of where you might be drafting or which running back is out for 3 weeks because of a pinky toe injury, and we can talk for hours. Which brings me to the point of this blog……if you are into fantasy football, it is probably getting close to draft time. There are some high-profile players with injury concerns, and I want to take a moment & apply my area of vocational expertise to these injuries. Maybe these will help you…maybe not. Either way, let me state right now that I am not responsible for you using this info & your draft choice tanking!

Let me know if you have any specific questions about these or other players by commenting on the post!

 

NAME	POSITION	TEAM	INJURY	PROGNOSIS
Tom Brady	QB	New England	ACL/MCL	Despite post-surgical complications, Brady is having a terrific rehab. Reports coming out of camp is that is looking like the Brady of old, and until he demonstrates otherwise, you have no reason to pass on him if he is available. He still has a great team around him. It is his plant (left leg) but he should be fine.
Darren McFadden	RB	Oakland	Turf Toe	I think he has the worst of this behind him…he now sees what it takes to play at the NFL level, and has taken the steps needed to get his body ready. I see no reason to have any concerns about this injury for the 2009 season. I have more concerns about the Raiders as a team, but that's another story.
Felix Jones	RB	Dallas	Toe	Another ex-Hog with a toe injury…hmmmm. The difference here is that Felix actually had surgery on his toe. While he had some toe issues in college & played through them, this one gives me pause. I personally would wait & not draft him high…there's also the non-injury issue of splitting time with Barber.
Brian Westbrook	RB	Philadelphia	Ankle/Knee	Lots of factors going against him here: he is almost 30, creaky knee, now a creaky ankle. This one also gives me personal angst, as I have to decide if I want to protect him on my team. I think he will still be a serviceable #2 RB but don't expect typical Westbrook numbers this year.
Anquan Boldin	WR	Arizona	Jaw	Devastating hit last year…but I would not hesitate one bit this guy. Maybe not a team player but a hard-nosed competitor.
Carson Palmer	QB	Cincinnati	Elbow	This is the same-type injury that affects many pitchers, but Carson did not require surgery. He also did not get hurt throwing the ball, but it was a contact injury. I think he will not have any issues with throwing the ball this year. Now, to whom is another issue.
Antonio Gates	TE	San Diego	Ankle/Toe	This combination of injuries gives me pause. Due to where he is in his rehab schedule, I can't see him being the Antonio Gates of old for the first part of the season.