Your fantasy draft is soon. And things are chaning every day as training camp continues. Don’t get blindsided by a lingering or sudden injury with direct effect in a key player’s draft stock.
Here’s a brief look around the league after every team has completed two preseason games — with an update on some key players (on a list already too long for one article) with injuries that could have an effect on draft positioning prior to the kickoff of the NFL regular season:
John Brown, WR, Cardinals
Brown will probably go undrafted — or late — as there is little certainty as to when he will suit up for Arizona as a quad injury has kept him from going full speed yet.
“I can’t rush it,” he said. “My body’s different than others. They expect me to come back fast but you know I can’t.”
Devonta Freeman, RB, Falcons
Freeman is fighting his way back from a concussion and is in the NFL’s post-concussion protocal. If the Falcons are smart, they won’t risk rushing him back. He’ll probably be ready to go when the season starts in September — probably — but there’s always the chance his symptoms linger or he hurts his head again. Draft with caution.
Cam Newton, QB, Panthers
Ron Rivera says he is comfortable starting Newton in Week 1 even if he misses the entire preseason — which indications are he may as he has yet to play in more than 7-on-7 drills in practice. However he is optimistic that he can play Thursday in Preseason Week 3.
Jordan Howard, RB, Bears
The Chicago running back suffered a corneal abrasion during a walk-through earlier this week, an eye injury, and will miss action against the Cardinals Saturday. It is described as a minor injury.
DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Texans
Houston says Hopkins is healthy, relatively, but they are saving him for the regular season which does mean something. Injuries to fellow wideouts Will Fuller and Braxton Miller do help explain the Texan’s caution with Hokpins risk to injury in preseason games.
Mike Williams, WR, Chargers
Sources say the first round pick will be ready to go come October. Whether that is the start or end of the month is yet to be determined.
Latavius Murray, RB, Vikings
Murray is still working his way back from offseason ankle surgery. He hasn’t played yet as a Viking, giving rookie Dalvin Cook more reps. Making Cook a sleeper to keep an eye on.
Mike Gillisee, RB, Patriots
An ankle injury is sidelining the Pats’ newest running back. The injury is described as minor and his sitting out next week is precautionary.
Quincy Enunwa, WR, Jets
The Jets’ top receiver is undergoing neck surgery next week and could miss the year. It is said not to be career threatening.
