FSH NOTEBOOK: SUNDAY NIGHT FANTASY NOTES

Tuesday Edition
November 6th, 2012  

SUNDAY NIGHT NOTES

Week 9 Fantasy notes 

“On the Injury Front”

Running back Darren McFadden has been a ball of fits and frustration thus far this season for fantasy owners, but the latest setback may not be as bad as first thought. McFadden suffered what appeared to be a high-ankle sprain on Sunday, but was initially expected to miss an extended period of time. The good news, according to head coach Dennis Allen McFadden has not been ruled out for this Sunday (week 10) against the Ravens.

The Colts wide receiver Donnie Avery exited early on Sunday against the Dolphins. Avery was well on his way to a big day with five grabs for 108 yards, before leaving with a hip injury. Avery did not practice on Monday, but did return today and looks on track to play Thursday night. Avery is the solid number two receiver behind Reggie Wayne, if he’s good to go he should be in lineups as a week 10 flex.

The Packers lost wide receiver Jordy Nelson early on Sunday against the Cardinals. Nelson was a game-time decision, so he was already banged up and didn’t last long. With the bye this week, he is expected to get healthy and be ready for week 11. Fantasy owners should not be concerned with his return having any kind of negative impact on the emerging Randall Cobb; both will be solid weekly plays going forward.

Wide receiver Antonio Brown went down on Sunday against the Giants with an ankle injury that is expected to keep him sidelined in week 10. Brown leads the team with 42 receptions this season and has become one of quarterback Ben Roethlisbergers’ main go-to receivers. With Brown out, wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders will be one of the hot grabs off the waiver wire this week. Mike Wallace is sure to draw a lot of attention leaving Sanders with lots of opportunities to take advantage of favorable matchups.

The Giants running back Andre Brown came out of Sunday’s game against the Steelers feeling a lot more black and blue after suffering a shoulder injury. Brown was an early exit from Sunday’s contest (left game during 4th quarter), but says his shoulder is fine. If Brown (6 rushing touchdowns this season) is available for week 10 against the Bengals, the touchdown vulture remains nothing more than a flex option in deeper leagues.

Against the Seahawks, Vikings’ wide receiver Percy Harvin suffered a serious ankle injury. Harvin sprained his ankle in three places and has been sporting crutches according to local reports. Considering the degree of severity and the upcoming bye for the Vikings in week 11, it is highly unlikely the team would push for him to play in week 10 against the Lions. Fantasy owners will need to look elsewhere.


These were some of the notable injuries from week 9 and their fantasy impact.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Thursday Edition

November 2nd, 2012

David’s Daily Digest

Sproles Out with Hand Injury

The Saints will be without running back Darren Sproles (hand) this Monday night when they face the Philadelphia Eagles. Sproles underwent surgery for a broken hand and will be unavailable for Monday’s matchup. With Sproles out, running back Pierre Thomas will see a boost in his fantasy value and likely an increased workload against the Eagles. Thomas should make a nice flex play for week 9.

Jones to Get Another Start

The Cowboys have ruled out running back DeMarco Murray for Sunday, meaning back Felix Jones is expected to start once again. Jones (knee) is listed as probable and expected to play in the Sunday night primetime matchup against the Falcons. Jones has not done a whole lot the past couple of games, but could be more of a factor against the Falcons 26^th ranked run defense. Jones is nothing more than an iffy flex option for this week.

Nelson Will Be a Game-Time Decision

Wide receiver Jordy Nelson (hamstring) is expected to be a game-time decision, although he was able to do some work. It’s sounding more like there’s a good chance that Nelson could be on the field, but owners will have to wait until Sunday morning to find out. Even when a healthy Nelson has played wide receiver Randall Cobb has been effective. If you are looking for a strong flex play, Cobb could fit the bill this week against the Cardinals.

Robinson Probable for Sunday Versus Lions

The Jaguars could see the return of wide receiver Laurent Robinson this Sunday against the Lions. Robinson has missed the past three games due to injury and in the three games he has played he’s been a non-factor. Wide receiver Cecil Shorts has really emerged as the current go-to guy, so don’t expect much this week from Robinson if he does return.

Dwyer Doubtful for Sunday

With both Mendenhall (Achilles) and running back Jonathan Dwyer (quad) listed as doubtful for Sunday, it appears Issac Redman is in line to start for the Steelers. Redman himself is nursing an ankle injury, but is expected to play Sunday and will get the start with Dwyer sidelined. Although Redman gets a good week 9 matchup (against the Giants 19^th ranked run defense) this Sunday, he has missed the past couple of weeks and will likely split carries. Play him at your own risk.

Tannehill Uncertain for Sunday

The Dolphins could be without the services of their rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill, whose status remains uncertain for Sunday against the Colts. Tannehill suffered a knee injury last week and has been limited in practice this week. If Tannehill can’t go back up quarterback Matt Moore would get the start. The Colts have fared well against the pass this season, so whether it’s Tannehill or Moore, any fantasy value for the Dolphins would come from the run game; the Colts rank 27^th against the run this season.

By David Ortega

FSH: CHAMPIONSHIP WEEKEND INJURY NOTES

January 23rd, 2009 - 11:17am PST

Championship Round

Infirmary Report

Injury Updates for Championship Weekend

(Some recent player injury news; updated Saturday Jan. 23rd)

Offensive Player Injuries

Joseph Addai-RB (Colts)

The Colts running back Joseph Addai (shoulder) practiced all week and is listed as probable for Sunday's AFC Championship matchup with the Jets. The Jets boast one of the leagues better run defenses, so yards on the ground will be tough to come by for Addai and company.

Percy Harvin-WR (Vikings)

The Vikings rookie receiver Percy Harvin (migraines) has struggled with the migraine headaches missing some action down the stretch of the 2009 season. Despite the recent reports of the migraines, he appeared fine on Friday and will be traveling with the team. He's questionable for Sunday and likely to be game-time, but it sounds like he'll be playing.

Robert Meachum-WR (Saints)

The Saints wide receiver Robert Meachum (ankle) is expected to play and be close to 100 percent after working on a limited basis earlier in the week. The team is encouraged by his progress, which will be good news for the Saints vaunted passing attack. Meachum was a non-factor last week with no catches, but could be more instrumental on Sunday.

Jeremy Shockey-TE (Saints)

The Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey (knee) did not practice on Friday and is questionable for Sunday's NFC title game against the Vikings. With Shockey's injury history, he's likely to be a game-time decision. If he sits, a more than capable back up Dave Thomas could see a few more throws his direction on Sunday.

Defensive Player Injuries

Antoine Winfield-DB (Vikings)

The Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield (foot) was limited for a third straight day of practice. He's expected to play Sunday against the Saints, but could once again see limited duty as a result of the foot injury.

Kevin WIlliams-DL (Vikings)

The Vikings defensive lineman Kevin Williams (knee) was listed questionable for Sunday after missing two days of practice this week. He was able to return Friday, but he'll still be a question mark and likely game-time. The beefy run stuffer has been a big key to the Vikings 2nd ranked run defense, if he's missing this will be a huge break for the Saints ground attack.

Shaun Ellis-DL (Jets)

The Jets defensive end Shaun Ellis (hand) is expected to play Sunday against the Colts despite breaking his left hand in the team's divisional match up against the Chargers. Ellis will likely wear some type of protective cast on the hand for the title matchup and will have surgery following the game.

Ray Edwards-DL (Vikings)

The Vikings have a lot of questions and concerns along their defensive line for Sunday's title game, but are expecting defensive end Ray Edwards to give it a go. He sat out practice earlier in the week, but returned Friday wearing a brace. He's listed as questionable, but the team is hopeful he can play.

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

FSH: DIVISIONAL ROUND INJURY NOTES

January 17th, 2010 10:57pm PST

Sunday Football Notes

Divisional Playoffs

Injury round-up

(Updated Sunday Jan. 17th)

Offensive Player Injuries

Pierre Thomas-RB (Saints)

The Saints running back Pierre Thomas (ribs) did not appear to be symptomatic from his rib injuries as he totaled 70 yards on 17 touches in Saturday's blowout victory over the Cardinals. With Reggie Bush running well, we could see more of the same split in the coming round.

Thomas Jones-RB (Jets)

The Jets running back Thomas Jones (knee) showed no ill-effects in Sunday's tilt with the Chargers, but clearly to a back seat to the hot hand of rookie Shonn Greene. Jones tallied just 14 touches to Greene's 24. Expect much of the same in the next round.

Robert Meachum-WR (Saints)

The Saints wide receiver Robert Meachum (ankle) was sporting a walking boot following Saturday's win over the Cardinals. The injury is not thought to be serious and the boot is only a precaution. Meachum should be ready for the Vikings next weekend.

Jeremy Shockey-TE (Saints)

According to the New Orleans Times-Pcayune, the Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey (toe, ankle) not only tweaked an ankle in Saturday's win over the Cardinals, he also aggravated a toe injury. Despite the laundry list of injuries Shockey is still expected to play next weekend against the Vikings although likely at less than 100 percent.

Defensive Player Injuries

Ray Edwards-DL (Vikings)

According to the Star Tribune the Vikings defensive lineman Ray Edwards (knee) suffered a sprained knee in Sunday's win over the Cowboys. Edwards left the game momentarily, but returned. The Vikings will need another big effort from him in the NFC Championship against the Saints. Edwards recorded three sacks and a forced fumble on Sunday.

Shaun Ellis-DL (Jets)

According to the NY Daily News the Jets defensive lineman Shaun Ellis (hand) suffered a fracture to his hand early in Sunday's contest against the Chargers. Ellis is going to play next week against the Colts and have surgery following the game. He likely wear a club as he did Sunday. While he could be a liability on defense, with Manning's lack of mobility Ellis could still be an effective pass rusher.

Antoine Winfield-CB (Vikings)

The Vikings playmaking cornerback Antoine Winfield (foot) was limited on Sunday in the win over the Cowboys. He was primarily used in nickel packages and short-yardage only. With the ailing foot it will be more of the same when the Vikes take on the Saints.

By David Ortega

Check out more “Injury Notes” every week!

FSH: THE FRIDAY NIGHT INFIRMARY REPORT

January 15th, 2009 - 11:17pm PST

Divisional Round

Infirmary Report

Injury Updates for the Divisional Round

(Some recent player injury news; updated Friday Jan. 15th)

Offensive Player Injuries

Thomas Jones-RB (Jets)

The Jets running back Thomas Jones (knee) practiced in full on Friday for the second straight day. He is probable for Sunday and doesn't sound like he'll have any restrictions when he squares off the with Chargers.

Pierre Thomas-RB (Saints)

The Saints running back Pierre Thomas (ribs) returned to practice this week and looks ready for Saturday. Although he's not quite 100 percent, he's close and will wear a protective flak jacket. The Cards 17th ranked run defense will have their hands full trying to slow Thomas down.

Marion Barber-RB (Cowboys)

The Cowboys running back Marion Barber (knee) returned to full practice on Friday and appears set to start on Sunday. It's unclear if he's healthy, but he doesn't figure to make a huge impact. Backup running back Felix Jones should be in line for more touches.

Larry Fitzgerald-WR (Cardinals)

The Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (arm) is expected to start Saturday despite having to wear a protective sleeve over his left arm. Fitzgerald suffered a nasty bruise near his elbow, but doesn't appear to be slowed by the injury. With Boldin likely out it could be a big day for Fitz.

Anquan Boldin-WR (Cardinals)

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter the Cardinals are not expecting wide receiver Anquan Boldin (ankle) to be available for Saturday's matchup against the Saints. Boldin sat out last Sunday's wildcard matchup wiht the Packers and will likely be a game-time decision for Saturday.

Lance Moore-WR (Saints)

The Saints receiver Lance Moore (ankle) was limited earlier this week in practice, but according to Scout.com he now appears probable for Saturday's clash with the Cardinals. Moore has not played in nearly a month and has missed eight of the team's last nine games.

Defensive Player Injuries

DeMarcus Ware-LB (Cowboys)

The Cowboys Pro Bowl linebacker DeMarcus Ware (wrist/back) is listed as probable and expected to start Sunday against the Vikings. Ware has 14.5 sacks this season and will be a huge part of the Cowboys plans to slow down Vikings quarterback Brett Favre.

Robert Mathis-DL (Colts)

The Colts defensive lineman Robert Mathis (shoulder) was a full participant in Friday's practice for the third straight day. He is listed as probable and should be ready to go for Saturday's tilt with the Ravens.

Antoine Winfield-DB (Vikings)

The Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield (foot) was a full participant in Friday's practice and is expected to play, but with his recent struggles he could be limited in action. Winfield aggravated his foot injury in Week 14 and has not returned to his normal pro bowl form. If he has any trouble on Sunday, it could be a long day for the Vikings secondary.

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

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL NOTES

January 10th, 2010 10:57pm PST

Sunday Football Notes

Wildcard Weekend

Injury round-up

(Updated Sunday Jan. 10th)

Offensive Player Injuries

Pierre Thomas-RB (Saints)

The Saints running back Pierre Thomas (ribs) has practiced with the team, but continues to wear a non-contact jersey. Thomas sounds confident he will be available to play on Saturday against the Cardinals, but will likely require additional heavy padding for protection.

Marion Barber-RB (Cowboys)

The Cowboys running back Marion Barber (knee) saw limited action in Saturday night's matchup against the Eagles. If Barber is not 100 percent for Sunday's showdown with the Vikings, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice are more than capable of picking up the slack as evident in their play against the Eagles.

Lance Moore-WR (Saints)

The Saints wide receiver Lance Moore has been sidelined much of the 2009 season with hamstring and ankle injuries, but the team is hoping for his return to practice this week. If Moore is able to get back out there as planned he could be available for Saturday's matchup with the Cards.

Anquan Boldin-WR (Cardinals)

The Cardinals dynamic wide receiver Anquan Boldin (ankle, knee) was held out of Sunday's contest with the Packers. The team is hoping with the extra rest who could return next week against the Saints. Boldin did not practice last week and likely won't practice until later in the week if he has a chance to play.

Todd Heap-TE (Ravens)

The Ravens tight end Todd Heap sustained a back stinger on Sunday against the Patriots and is being listed as questionable for Saturday night's rematch with the Indianapolis Colts. The Ravens passing game struggled on Sunday and will need a healthy Heap against the high-powered Indy Colts.

Defensive Player Injuries

Malcolm Jenkins-CB (Saints)

According to the Sporting News, the Saints rookie cornerback Malcolm Jenkins (hamstring) did not practice with the team on Saturday. Jenkins hopes to be able to return to practice on Tuesday and be ready to play in next week’s divisional round.

Shawne Merriman-LB (Chargers)

The Chargers pass rushing linebacker Shawne Merriman has been nursing a foot injury over the past several weeks and is expected to be as healthy as he's been all season when he returns to action for the divisional round. Merriman has lost of bit of his explosion and has yet to show any dominance on the field this season, the Chargers will need him to be healthy and at his best this weekend against the Jets.

By David Ortega

Check out more “Sunday Night Football Notes” every week!

FSH: THE FRIDAY NIGHT INFIRMARY REPORT

January 8th, 2010 - 11:17pm PST

Wild-card Weekend

Infirmary Report

Injury Updates for

Wild-card Weekend

(Some recent player injury news; updated Friday Jan. 8th)

Offensive Player Injuries

Tom Brady-QB (Patriots)

The Patriots field general Tom Brady has been banged up all season, but he is listed as probable for Sunday against the Ravens and expected to start. Despite the bumps and bruises Brady still passed for over 4,300 yards and tossed 28 touchdowns. On Sunday he’ll faces the NFL's 8th ranked pass defense.

Joe Flacco-QB (Ravens)

The Raven's second year quarterback Joe Flacco (hip) is listed as probable for the Ravens' Wild Card round game against the Patriots. He did receive some treatment during Friday's practice ten minutes, but Flacco's hip is no worse than it has been all season. He is expected start as usual on Sunday.

Marion Barber-RB (Cowboys)

According to the Dallas Morning News, Marion Barber (knee) participated in Friday's walkthrough and is listed as probable for Saturday against the Eagles. Barber has been splitting time all season, so he should be ready to start. Last week the Barbarian punished the Eagles defense for 91 yards on the ground.

Chad Ochocinco-WR (Bengals)

Despite the knee injury he suffered last week against the Jets, it appears Chad Ochocinco will play on Saturday. There was little doubt he would, but at less than 100 percent he'll have a tough time making many catches against the Jets shut down corner, Darrelle Revis.

Anquan Boldin-WR (Cardinals)

The Cardinal's could be without one of their star wide receivers on Sunday against the Packers. According to the NFL Network's Jason LaConfora, Anquan Boldin who has missed practice all week is listed as questionable is "highly unlikely" to play Sunday.

Jeremy Maclin-WR (Eagles)

The Eagles rookie wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (thumb/foot) fully practiced Friday with the team and is listed as probable for Saturday night against the Cowboys according to the team's offical website. After their week 17 poor showing the Eagles offense will need every weapon available on Saturday.

Defensive Player Injuries

Charles Woodson-CB (Packers)

The Packers cornerback Charles Woodson (shoulder) was able to practice in full for a second straight day and appears to be good to go for Sunday's matchup with the Arizona Cardinals. Woodson led the team with nine interceptions this season.

Ed Reed-DB (Ravens)

The Ravens safety Ed Reed (groin) was a full participant in Friday's practice and he is listed as probable for Sunday's matchup with the Patriots according to the team's official website. Reed has missed four of his last five games, but did participate in the season finale. He'll be a big key covering the deep middle for the Ravens defense.

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie-CB (Cardinals)

The Cardinals cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (knee, toe) announced he was "100 percent" after practicing on Friday. Rodgers-Cromartie is expected to start against the Packers and the Cardinals defense will need him if they hope to slow down the Packer's 7th ranked passing attack.

DeMarcus Ware-LB (Cowboys)

According to the Eagle's official website, the Cowboy's linebacker DeMarcus Ware (wrist/back) is listed at probable for Saturday's playoff matchup. Ware was a full participant in Friday's practice and is expected to start. Ware led the team with 11 sacks and will a key on defense trying to stop the Eagles passing attack.

Don't forget to check for more updates....

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL NOTES

January 3rd, 2010 10:57pm PST

Sunday Football Notes

Week 17 Injury round-up

For the diehard fantasy fan, the season never ends and with the post season set to start-up in just six days here are the notable injuries from this past weekend of action.

(Updated Sunday Jan. 3rd)

Notable Offensive Player Injuries

Tom Brady-QB (Pariots)

Following Sunday's loss to the Texans, it was reported that the Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has three broken ribs and a fractured finger on his right hand. It does not appear any of these injuries will keep Brady off the field, but it is worth noting.

Tashard Choice-RB (Cowboys)

The Cowboys number three running back Tashard Choice left Sunday's game with a concussion and did not return. Choice did not see much action before exiting the game, but is expected to be ready for the Wildcard round. With Barber and Jones performing a solid one-two punch against the Eagles Choice is likely to see very little action in the playoffs and may only have fantasy as insurance (for Jones or Barber).

Wes Welker-WR (Patriots)

The Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker suffered a devasting knee injury in Sunday's loss to the Texans. According to Adam Schefter's Twitter page tests showed Welker suffered a torn ACL and MCL. He is expected to undergo more tests on Monday, but it does not look good.

Anquan Boldin-WR (Cardinals)

The Cardinal's wide receiver Anquan Boldin said following Sunday's loss to the Packers that he injured both his ankle and knee on a play that took him out of the game. Boldin expects to be okay for the playoffs and should be a decent WR2 play in the wildcard round.

Chad Ochocinco-WR (Bengals)

The Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocinco left Sunday night's game with a left leg injury in the third quarter. It was noted prior to the game that Ochocinco had slipped during warmups and was seen limping afterward. He did start, but was unable to continue after halftime. Team trainers told NBC he would "absolutely" be available next week in the playoffs.

Brent Celek-TE (Eagles)

The Eagles tight end Brent Celek was dinged up some in Sunday's loss to the Cowboys, but was able to play through the leg injury. Celek received some attention on the sidelines and finished the game. He should be a fantasy favorite at the position entering the Wildcard round.

Notable Defensive Player Injuries

Charles Woodson-CB (Packers)

The Packers defensive back Charles Woodson left Sunday's game against the Cardinals with a shoulder injury. The injury does not appear to be seriou and Woodson noted following the game he could have returned if needed. The Packers defensive back has been big all season and is a must start IDP formats.

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie-CB (Cardinals)

The Cardinals cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie left Sunday's game against the Packers with a knee contusion. He was seen limping after Sunday's game, but said he should be OK for next weekend.

Terrance Newman-CB (Cowboys)

The Cowboys cornerback Terrance Newman left Sunday's game against the Eagles with a knee contusion. His return to the game was questionable. The Cowboys will need him healthy to pull a three-peat against the Cowboys next weekend.

By David Ortega

Check out more “Sunday Night Football Notes” every week!