This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
Arian Foster
Last week I advised that Foster's progress through rehab would be evident by what the Texans did when final roster decisions were made. His exclusion from the PUP list is a clear indicator he's progressing faster than the initial timelines suggested and could only miss a minimal time. Foster underwent surgery to repair a groin injury a month ago, and it was feared he could miss up to 10 weeks recovering. However, it now appears those opportunistic fantasy owners who took a gamble on Foster could get a big return on their investment with the Pro Bowl running back targeting a late-September to early October return. He still carries significantly high inherent risk given his checkered injury past, but it's been worth it given his ADP the last few weeks.
LeSean McCoy
McCoy's status for Week 1 has yet to be revealed, and there's growing concern he will not be in uniform when the team takes on the Colts. Shady is recovering from a left hamstring strain sustained Aug. 18 and has seen minimal practice time. McCoy admitted he still feels pain and discomfort when making certain cuts, indicating he remains less than 100 percent healthy. McCoy is at his best when he is able to use his speed and agility to beat would-be tacklers and accelerate down field. However, these explosive movements are highly dependent on a fully functional hamstring and any lingering issues would limit his abilities. Even if McCoy plays Week 1, fantasy owners should
Arian Foster
Last week I advised that Foster's progress through rehab would be evident by what the Texans did when final roster decisions were made. His exclusion from the PUP list is a clear indicator he's progressing faster than the initial timelines suggested and could only miss a minimal time. Foster underwent surgery to repair a groin injury a month ago, and it was feared he could miss up to 10 weeks recovering. However, it now appears those opportunistic fantasy owners who took a gamble on Foster could get a big return on their investment with the Pro Bowl running back targeting a late-September to early October return. He still carries significantly high inherent risk given his checkered injury past, but it's been worth it given his ADP the last few weeks.
LeSean McCoy
McCoy's status for Week 1 has yet to be revealed, and there's growing concern he will not be in uniform when the team takes on the Colts. Shady is recovering from a left hamstring strain sustained Aug. 18 and has seen minimal practice time. McCoy admitted he still feels pain and discomfort when making certain cuts, indicating he remains less than 100 percent healthy. McCoy is at his best when he is able to use his speed and agility to beat would-be tacklers and accelerate down field. However, these explosive movements are highly dependent on a fully functional hamstring and any lingering issues would limit his abilities. Even if McCoy plays Week 1, fantasy owners should scale back expectations. McCoy demonstrated last season that he needs time to return to top form following injury. The former Eagles running back suffered a case of turf toe during the 2014 preseason and struggled out of the gate, averaging 48 rushing yards per game over the first four weeks of the season. Monitor his workload in practice throughout the week but consider all available options before plugging McCoy in as a starter.
Mike Evans
The Week 1 hamstring patrol will also be in full force in Florida closely watching Evans' participation in practice. The second-year receiver did not dress for the team's final two preseason games, but the move is considered by many to be purely precautionary. Evans previously stated that he felt he could have played in one of the two exhibition games, but Tampa Bay wisely did not run that risk. He did not participate in practice Monday, though I will be more concerned if he is still on the sidelines later in the week.
DeVante Parker
The rookie receiver will play Week 1, but on a snap count. Parker underwent offseason surgery to replace a faulty surgical screw in his foot needed to treat a fracture he injured during his senior season at Louisville. Fortunately, the proactive approach has worked and Parker is poised to play a major role in Miami's passing game this season. Several receivers, most notably Atlanta's Julio Jones, have had success following similar procedures, and Parker could easily add his name to the list. His presence also improves the value of teammate Jarvis Landry, another young receiver on the rise. Give Parker a few weeks to get up to speed and improve his snap count before utilizing him on a regular basis and consider stashing him if he remains available.
Alshon Jeffery, Eddie Royal
Both Bears' receivers remain hampered by injury, though both will be evaluated prior to Wednesday's practice. Jeffery remains out with a strained calf and did not speak with reporters following Monday's practice. While Coach John Fox said Jeffery has "a shot" to play versus the Packers, those words don't exactly instill confidence in fantasy owners. Like McCoy's hamstring, a limitation in the calf muscle group would rob Jeffery of his speed, drastically hindering the skill that makes him so deadly. The Bears have handled the situation as well as can be expected, but time remains limited. Royal did participate in practice Monday, though the specifics of the injury remain vague. It's been described as a hip injury, but it has not be diagnosed as a sprain, strain or other ailment. Regardless of specifics, Royal expects to be available against Green Bay, and his chemistry with quarterback Jay Cutler could up his value, especially if Jeffery is unable to play.
Turf Burns
Dez Bryant - The Cowboys wide out is expected to be a full participant in practice this week and should be ready to go for Week 1. Bryant did not play in preseason due to a lingering hamstring injury. The team thought his familiarity with quarterback Tony Romo and the offense would allow it to treat his injury carefully and insure his availability to start the year. Start Dez without hesitation.
Victor Cruz - The Pro Bowl receiver continues to deal with a strain to his left calf and did not practice Monday. Coach Tom Coughlin revealed Cruz is still limited to non-weight bearing running drills, putting his availability for Week 1 in serious jeopardy. Fantasy owners should avoid the situation altogether with the Giants playing in the Sunday night game and the chances for fantasy owners of an empty roster spot very much real. The injury elevates the value of Rueben Randle, who could find success as the Dallas defense focuses on Odell Beckham Jr.
Duke Johnson - Johnson remained in the NFL's mandated concussion protocol Monday, and his status for the season opener against the Jets is in doubt. He still has time to complete the necessary steps (detailed in last week's column), though he will be on a tight timeline. Factor in his preseason hamstring injury and it's hard to have much confidence in the rookie to start the season. Isaiah Crowell will start at running back with Shaun Draughn likely to join the activate roster from the practice squad.
Travis Kelce - The Chiefs' tight end is "good to go" for Week 1 against the Texans after sitting out the final preseason game with a mild ankle sprain. Kelce will be one of the top-tier tight ends entering the season and a major weapon in the Kansas City offense. Use him with confidence.
Brandon LaFell - The Patriots placed LaFell on the PUP list, meaning he will not be available to play until Week 7. The talented receiver remains out with an undisclosed foot injury. Dropping LaFell has merit especially since the specifics surrounding the injury are unknown and an extended absence is guaranteed.
