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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Blake Schuster

Fantasy Football: 11 major injuries to know before you draft

Things move pretty fast in fantasy football—especially in the preseason.

One day your roster looks ready for Week 1, the next you’re lobbying your commissioner for some extra IR slots. For those who haven’t even drafted yet, this is where it gets a bit trickier. Some major names will likely remain on the board much longer than they should because of their health status.

As NFL teams begin making their final roster cuts and shoring up playing time, here’s a quick look at 11 noteworthy players dealing with injuries and how their rehab process looks ahead of the regular season’s kickoff.

The best way to win your league is to stay informed.

Brian Robinson Jr., RB, Washington Commanders

(AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Injury: Lower Body 

The rookie running back was shot multiple times on Aug. 28 in what police believe was an attempted robbery in Washington D.C. Robinson was transported to a local hospital with “non-life-threatening” injuries to his lower body.

It’s an absolutely tragic and devastating turn for the third-round pick out of Alabama who looked primed to enter the season as Washington’s RB1.

J.K. Dobbins, RB, Baltimore Ravens

Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Injury: Knee

It’s unclear what’s next for Dobbins, who is working to return to action after tearing his ACL in the final preseason game before the 2021 season. According to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic, Dobbins may begin the season on Injured Reserve and his status for Week 1 is very much in doubt. A move to IR would keep the tailback out for another three weeks. Backup Gus Edwards remains on the PUP list for the time being as well.

Zach Wilson, QB, New York Jets

Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Injury: Knee

Wilson suffered a dreaded non-contact knee injury early in the preseason and required surgery to repair a torn meniscus. The good news is that he shouldn’t be out longterm. The bad news is he’s almost certain to miss at least Week 1.

Drake London, WR, Atlanta Falcons

AP Photo/John Locher

Injury: Knee

The Falcons are taking things slow with the rookie wideout from USC. That’s understandable considering its a full rebuilding year in Atlanta. What’s less clear is whether that means London will be back by Week 1. If not, it shouldn’t be too much longer.

Michael Gallup, WR, Dallas Cowboys

Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Injury: Knee

Gallup won’t be ready for Week 1. He may not even play in Weeks 2 or 3. But if he’s able to avoid the PUP list, the Cowboys WR2 should be able available to practice and can hopefully return sooner than later.

N'Keal Harry, WR, Chicago Bears

Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Injury: Ankle

If there’s a resurgence to be had for the former New England Patriot in Chicago, it won’t be til midseason at least. Harry had surgery in mid-August and is expected to remain sidelined for eight weeks.

Robert Tonyan, TE, Green Bay Packers

Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Injury: Knee

There’s likely to be one less target for Aaron Rodgers to begin the season. Tonyan was activated off the PUP list two weeks ago and is still working himself back into form. This could either be a draft steal or a draft fail depending on how long it takes him to see the field.

Cam Akers, RB, Los Angeles Rams

Rob Schumacher-Arizona Republic

Injury: Undisclosed

Reports out of L.A. have Akers dealing with soft-tissue injuries—and they’re keeping him from returning to full speed in practice. Already in line to split carries with Darrell Henderson, don’t be surprised if the Rams take things slow with Akers to begin the year.

Kenneth Walker III, RB, Seattle Seahawks

Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports 

Injury: Hernia

Originally expected to return for Week 1, Kenneth Walker III’s timetable is now up in the air. That certainly opens room in the backfield for DeeJay Dallas and Rashaad Penny.

Carolina Panthers QBs

(AP Photo/Rusty Jones)

Sam Darnold Injury: Ankle

Matt Corral Injury: Foot

You weren’t going to draft either of these guys anyways, but it should make you feel a bit better about selecting Baker Mayfield. Darnold is out for at least four weeks while Corral is done for the year.

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