This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
The Texans continue to say all the right things about Watson's recovery from a torn ACL. He plans on being a "full go" on Thursday when the team's training camp is slated to begin. It seems likely that Houston provides him with routine days off to insure his long term health, but that shouldn't stop Watson from being one of the first quarterback's drafted in most fantasy formats. I'm still concerned about some early season struggles but, barring a setback, Watson should be able to build on last year's success.
Watson wasn't the only Texans rookie to suffer a significant injury last year. Foreman, the team's third-round pick, tore his Achilles tendon in Week 11 and underwent surgery shortly thereafter. While the procedure to repair a torn Achilles has evolved as modern medicine has advanced, studies have shown a return to previous performance isn't guaranteed with a quicker return to play. Power appears to be the biggest attribute affected. This could prove detrimental for a running back known for his power and explosive play. Fantasy owners shouldn't expect Foreman to assume a heavy workload this season and may need to wait for 2019 for a breakout campaign.
Houston's injuries were not limited to their backfield as one of the Texans top receiving options also enters training camp with minor injury concerns. Fuller missed three games with a fractured clavicle (collarbone) and another three with broken ribs. A knee injury that ultimately needed "minor" surgery
The Texans continue to say all the right things about Watson's recovery from a torn ACL. He plans on being a "full go" on Thursday when the team's training camp is slated to begin. It seems likely that Houston provides him with routine days off to insure his long term health, but that shouldn't stop Watson from being one of the first quarterback's drafted in most fantasy formats. I'm still concerned about some early season struggles but, barring a setback, Watson should be able to build on last year's success.
Watson wasn't the only Texans rookie to suffer a significant injury last year. Foreman, the team's third-round pick, tore his Achilles tendon in Week 11 and underwent surgery shortly thereafter. While the procedure to repair a torn Achilles has evolved as modern medicine has advanced, studies have shown a return to previous performance isn't guaranteed with a quicker return to play. Power appears to be the biggest attribute affected. This could prove detrimental for a running back known for his power and explosive play. Fantasy owners shouldn't expect Foreman to assume a heavy workload this season and may need to wait for 2019 for a breakout campaign.
Houston's injuries were not limited to their backfield as one of the Texans top receiving options also enters training camp with minor injury concerns. Fuller missed three games with a fractured clavicle (collarbone) and another three with broken ribs. A knee injury that ultimately needed "minor" surgery slowed him during the offseason. Fortunately, he's reporting to camp without limitations and could be in line for a big year. Fuller is already earning the praise of teammate and Pro Bowl wideout DeAndre Hopkins and has shown signs of a strong rapport with Watson. The two connected for seven touchdowns in a four-week span before they both went down with injuries. I'd feel a bit better about Fuller moving forward if there were more details available about the surgery he required. Still, he's a top-50 wide receiver and could sneak into the top 25 by Week 1 with a productive training camp.
After a confusing and lost season, Luck appears poised to make his long-awaited return. The 28-year-old quarterback hasn't played since undergoing surgery to repair a complex labrum tear in his throwing shoulder. Fortunately, this year's training camp is off to a smoother start as Luck has actually been seen throwing the football. The Colts front office has revealed Luck will receive regular days off as camp progresses but will not be restricted by any other limitations. Still, fantasy owners will have more confidence in Luck's availability entering Week 1 if he is able to participate in preseason action. Indianapolis' first preseason game is an August 9 matchup against Seattle.
Turf Burns
Odell Beckham: The Giants receiver will report for the starting of New York's training camp on Wednesday. Avoiding a lengthy holdout will insure Beckham is able to get plenty of reps before the start of the season, a necessary final step in his recovery from a broken ankle. He remains a dynamic receiver and a fantasy friendly option, and any concerns about his durability should be answered quickly.
Kareem Hunt: Hunt did not take part in Kansas City's OTAs due to a lingering hamstring injury. Hunt enters the season as a top-rated back after a stellar rookie season and should stay this way as long as he shows no signs of limitation in training camp. Hamstring injuries often sap a player of their speed and agility. Furthermore, they are easily aggravated and slow to heal. Hopefully Hunt's absence in OTAs was a necessary precaution that will allow him to be an active participant in camp. The Chiefs will start practice on Thursday with all eyes on Hunt's availability.
Alshon Jeffery: The Eagles wideout isn't expected to do much in the preseason as he targets a Week 1 return from offseason rotator cuff surgery. Jeffery played most of last season with the injury before going under the knife in late February. A cuff repair can be very restrictive for a player, and insuring mobility with stability is a must during rehab. Any lingering limitation here could make catching overhead passes difficult and leave the shoulder vulnerable to re-injury. Jeffery may be available at a discounted price on draft day but expectations should be scaled back as well.
JuJu Smith-Schuster: The Steelers wide receiver is looking to avoid a sophomore slump after a productive rookie campaign in which he led all rookies with 917 receiving yards. Unfortunately, Smith-Schuster was unable to participate in OTAs because of an undisclosed knee injury. He is expected to be ready for training camp, but fantasy owners should monitor his status early on to see if he has moved past his unknown ailment.
Carson Wentz: Things don't appear quite as promising for Wentz, as head coach Doug Pederson wouldn't commit to a return date for his starting quarterback. Multiple factors contributed to Wentz's longer recovery. To start, his injury was more than just an isolated ACL tear. Wentz also tore his lateral collateral ligament (LCL), his iliotibial band and sustained meniscus damage. As a result, more of the integrity of his knee joint was compromised. Next, his injury occurred later in the season, making it more likely his rehab protocol carries over into the upcoming year. More information will trickle out Wednesday when the Eagles are scheduled to begin camp, but I'm still guessing Wentz starts the year on the PUP list.
Terrance Williams: While Ezekiel Elliott is slotted as one of the top fantasy options, concerns about the Cowboys' passing game remain. With Dez Bryant and Jason Witten no longer with the franchise, it appears Williams would the biggest beneficiary. However, the former third-round pick had a tumultuous offseason that included a car wreck and public intoxication charge. Furthermore, Williams is still recovering from surgery to repair a broken fifth metatarsal in his foot. The success rate for his procedure is high amongst wide receivers, though secondary complications are common. Wait to draft Williams until his legal issues clear and it's apparent his foot will not be a problem.
