This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
At long last the 2017 NFL season has arrived. Over the next few days, teams across the league will remove the bubble wrap from players they've been protecting from minor injuries and allow them to prepare for Week 1. A player's availability at practice throughout the week is a good gauge on whether he's worth utilizing in your upcoming matchup. Remember last year the NFL changed the way injuries are reported, removing the term "probable" as a designation.
There's no need to monitor Luck's workload for this week. The Colts have already ruled the quarterback as out and listed Scott Tolzien as the starter. The news is a disappointment for those who took a speculative pick on Luck despite limited information regarding his recovery from offseason surgery. It's been nearly eight months since Luck had the labrum in his throwing shoulder repaired, and early reports suggested he would be back in time for the regular season. However, as training camp progressed substantial updates on Luck's health became sparse.
Instead of trying to speculate on why Luck's recovery has moved at such a slow pace, let's instead focus on what we do know. Luck has been removed from the PUP list, making a return before Week 6 possible. The decision will also allow the quarterback to be an active and unlimited participant in practice. This is key, as it will allow Luck to adequately complete the final phase of rehab, sports-related activities. The former No. 1 overall pick can
At long last the 2017 NFL season has arrived. Over the next few days, teams across the league will remove the bubble wrap from players they've been protecting from minor injuries and allow them to prepare for Week 1. A player's availability at practice throughout the week is a good gauge on whether he's worth utilizing in your upcoming matchup. Remember last year the NFL changed the way injuries are reported, removing the term "probable" as a designation.
There's no need to monitor Luck's workload for this week. The Colts have already ruled the quarterback as out and listed Scott Tolzien as the starter. The news is a disappointment for those who took a speculative pick on Luck despite limited information regarding his recovery from offseason surgery. It's been nearly eight months since Luck had the labrum in his throwing shoulder repaired, and early reports suggested he would be back in time for the regular season. However, as training camp progressed substantial updates on Luck's health became sparse.
Instead of trying to speculate on why Luck's recovery has moved at such a slow pace, let's instead focus on what we do know. Luck has been removed from the PUP list, making a return before Week 6 possible. The decision will also allow the quarterback to be an active and unlimited participant in practice. This is key, as it will allow Luck to adequately complete the final phase of rehab, sports-related activities. The former No. 1 overall pick can build up his arm strength while working out with the Colts starting offensive unit. This will also allow him to work through the "mental" issues that members of the Indianapolis staff have openly discussed. While some may balk at an elite level athlete struggling psychologically, rehabbing an individual's mental abilities are often a key component of rehab. It doesn't mean Luck isn't mentally tough, it simply means he needs time to work himself back to the prior level of skill, including the mental aspects of the game like coordination, timing and quick thinking. Look for Luck to spend the next few weeks working his way back into football shape before returning some time before Week 6.
Odell Beckham Jr.
The Giants receiver did not practice Monday but was seen riding a stationary bike. The electrifying receiver has been limited to individual workouts since suffering a sprained ankle in the preseason. The specifics regarding the injury, like severity and location, have not been revealed, but it was noted he received laser treatment on the joint. The Phoenix Thera-Lase System that Beckham utilized is designed to stimulate the healing process and reduce inflammation using light energy. The concentrated photon energy is capable of permeating deeper soft tissues and works by addressing the injury site on a cellular level. While the technology is innovative, there's still no guarantee Beckham will play against the Cowboys. He will need to take part in a complete practice before I would trust him 100 percent. The timing of the game could complicate things a bit, as New York and Dallas play on Sunday Night Football. Fantasy owners willing to roll the dice on Beckham should have an insurance policy playing Sunday or Monday night readily available, especially if he becomes a true game-time decision.
Turf Burns
Tyler Eifert: The Bengals have kept their top tight end on the sidelines since early August. The team listed the reason for his absence as tendinitis in his knee but admitted the decision was purely precautionary. These claims appear substantiated, as Eifert was back at practice on Monday. He will continue to carry an elevated level of risk, but it looks like he's good to go for Week 1.
Leonard Fournette: The rookie running back is expected to make his professional debut Sunday against the Texans. He missed time with an undisclosed foot injury but has steadily increased his workload at practice. Fournette will continue to carry an elevated level of risk based solely on his extensive injury history but remains a player with plenty of upside.
DeAndre Hopkins: The Houston receiver's hand appeared to be fine when he signed his $81 million extension. The injury recently was revealed to be a thumb injury, likely a sprain. The Texans limited his practice reps to ensure the injury would heal and are confident he will play in Week 1. He's a must play in all formats.
John Ross: Like Fournette, Ross is a promising rookie with a checkered injury past. During his time at Washington the speedy receiver suffered traumatic injuries to both his knees. He first injured his right knee during the 2014 season. He underwent surgery to address meniscus tears and required a microfracture procedure. In 2015, he tore the ACL and a meniscus in his opposite knee. If that wasn't enough, he also underwent shoulder surgery for a labrum tear shortly after the NFL combine. Now with Week 1 on the horizon, he's nursing another knee injury. The injury reportedly is a minor sprain, but it's likely to delay his debut. Look elsewhere for the next few weeks or until he can put together a sustained stretch of good health.
Tyrod Taylor: The Buffalo quarterback took part in individual drills on Monday but remains in the league's concussion protocol. His appearance at practice is an encouraging sign, but he must complete the remaining steps of the protocol before he can start on Sunday. He still has ample time to do so, but the team remains noncommittal on his chances. Look for this situation to extend into the weekend.
Demaryius Thomas: Thomas' groin injury continues to be an issue, as he was unable to practice on Monday. The Denver receiver hurt the area during the preseason and has not practiced since. Groin injuries can be tricky injuries to manage and often are easily aggravated. Thomas will be a risky play entering the team's contest against the Chargers. As with Beckham, the timing of Denver's game complicates the manner as the Broncos don't play until Monday night. Tread cautiously and scale back your Week 1 expectations.
