Saturday, December 26, 2009

FSH: THE FRIDAY NIGHT INFIRMARY REPORT

December 25th, 2009 - 11:17pm PST

Week 16 Fantasy Football
Infirmary Report

Week 16 Injury Updates
(Some recent player injury news; updated Friday Dec. 25th)

Notable Offensive Player Injuries

Ryan Fitzpatrick-QB (Bills)
The Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (ankle) is expected to be a game-time decision on Sunday against the Falcons. Fitzpatrick did not practice most of the week and was limited on Friday. Brian Brohm who took most of the first team reps this week is expected to make his first start if Fitzpatrick is unable to go.

Matthew Stafford-QB (Lions)
The Lions are expected to place quarterback Matthew Stafford on the injured reserve ending his 2009 season. The rookie quarterback will have surgery Tuesday on his knee to clean things up. Back up Drew Stanton is expected to get the start against the Niners.

Ahmad Bradshaw-RB (Giants)
The Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (ankles) did not practice all week as the team is obviously trying to allow the injuries to heal. Bradshaw is listed as probable for Sunday against the Panthers and could be a decent flex play in deeper leagues.

Michael Turner-RB (Falcons)
The Falcons running back Michael Turner (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday against the Bills, but is more than likely not going to play. Turner has not practiced all week and has been a quick departure the past two times he has tried to play, so it sounds like owners would be wise to avoid.

Brian Westbrook-RB (Eagles)
The Eagles running back Brian Westbrook completed a full week of practice and has been cleared to play. He is listed as probable and is expected to play, although in a limited role. He probably won't warrant any fantasy consideration being limited and a high health risk coming off the concussions.

DeAngelo Williams-RB (Panthers)
The Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams (ankle) traveled with the team, but it's not likely he will play. While he has not been ruled out, he is listed as dobutful. Jonathan Stewart is expected to start against the Giants.

Percy Harvin-WR (Vikings)
According to the Minneapolios Star-Tribune, the Vikings wide receiver and return specialist Percy Harvin practiced in full on Thursday and is not listed on the team's injury report. Unless he suffers any setbacks Harvin is expected to play and should have a favorable matchup against a weak Bears secondary.

Eddie Royal-WR (Broncos)
The Broncos wide receiver Eddie Royal (head/neck) has been ruled out for Sunday against the Eagles. Royal sustained the injury last week against the Raiders and will be replaced by Jabar Gaffney in the lineup. A little more familiar with McDaniels system Gaffney could be a bit more productive, but Marshall is the only fantasy worthy receiver in Denver.

Calvin Johnson-WR (Lions)
The Lions outstanding receiver Calvin Johnson (knee) was a full participant in practice on Friday and is listed as probable for Sunday against the Niners according to NFL.com. Without reliable quarterback play this season Johnson has not had a great campaign with just four touchdowns, but against the Niners 28th ranked pass defense that could change.

Jeremy Shockey-TE (Saints)
The Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey (turf toe) is listed as questionable for Sunday against the Buccaneers. Shockey was limited in practice all week and is likely a game-time decision. Fantasy owners would be wise to consider other options.

Notable Defensive Player Injuries


DeMarcus Ware-LB (Cowboys)
The Cowboys playmaking linebacker DeMarcus Ware (wrist/neck) was a full participant in Friday's practice and is listed as probable for Sunday. Ware is a difference maker and a must play with 11 sacks and five forced fumbles this season.

James Harrison-LB (Steelers)
The Steelers linebacker James Harrison suffered an injury to his biceps during Friday's practice. According to ESPN's John Clayton Harrison took a helmet to his bicep that caused some damage. Harrison is a big question mark for Sunday and will likely be a game-time decision.

Leonard Little-DL (Rams)
The Rams defensive end Leonard Little (knee infection) has an open wound from an infection cleared out of his knee. Until the wound heals and closes he won't play. There is no timetable for his return, although he is not expected to play Sunday.

DeAngleo Hall-CB (Redskins)
The Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday night against the Cowboys. Hall is enjoying a good 2009 campaign and leads a very good Redskins pass defense with four picks this season. The Cowboys passing game will benefit from his absence.

Louis Delmas-DB (Lions)
The Lions rookie defensive back Louis Delmas (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday against the Niners according to NFL.com. The rookie has been solid this season with 82 tackles, two picks, including a 100-yard interception return for a touchdown.

Darren Sharper-DB (Saints)
The Saints defensive back Darren Sharper (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday against the Buccaneers. Sharper has 64 tackles this season including 47 solo and leads the club with eight interceptions. He's been a huge reason for the Saints success on defense in the secondary.

Don't forget to check every Sunday morning for "Game-time" updates....

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