Teams can be sneaky when it comes to navigating the NFL Injury Report. League rules require teams to report accurate and appropriate injury information in a timely manner, including location of the issue. However, details regarding injuries are often omitted intentionally or presented in an ambiguous fashion. To avoid any confusion, pay closer attention to what a team does more than what they say. If reports surface that a running back is nursing a mild injury, but the team brings in multiple free agents for workouts, it probably isn't a minor issue. This week Houston is providing a perfect example of actions speaking louder than words.
The Texans have been cryptic regarding the specifics of Mixon's offseason foot injury. However, the team made a move that firms up the running back's timeline. Mixon will be placed on the Reserve/Non-football injury list, meaning he will not be eligible to play in Houston's first four games.
The injury initially occurred when Mixon was not with the club and has kept him out of every subsequent team activity. Details on the foot/ankle issue have not been revealed, though reports suggest this problem could be a season-long problem. Mixon's injury history isn't encouraging either, as he has a lengthy list of injuries, including a foot injury in 2020 that cost him 10 games.
As a result, veterans Nick Chubb and Dameon Pierce instantly gain fantasy relevance. Chubb appears to have a slight edge over Pierce but does have his own extensive injury
Teams can be sneaky when it comes to navigating the NFL Injury Report. League rules require teams to report accurate and appropriate injury information in a timely manner, including location of the issue. However, details regarding injuries are often omitted intentionally or presented in an ambiguous fashion. To avoid any confusion, pay closer attention to what a team does more than what they say. If reports surface that a running back is nursing a mild injury, but the team brings in multiple free agents for workouts, it probably isn't a minor issue. This week Houston is providing a perfect example of actions speaking louder than words.
The Texans have been cryptic regarding the specifics of Mixon's offseason foot injury. However, the team made a move that firms up the running back's timeline. Mixon will be placed on the Reserve/Non-football injury list, meaning he will not be eligible to play in Houston's first four games.
The injury initially occurred when Mixon was not with the club and has kept him out of every subsequent team activity. Details on the foot/ankle issue have not been revealed, though reports suggest this problem could be a season-long problem. Mixon's injury history isn't encouraging either, as he has a lengthy list of injuries, including a foot injury in 2020 that cost him 10 games.
As a result, veterans Nick Chubb and Dameon Pierce instantly gain fantasy relevance. Chubb appears to have a slight edge over Pierce but does have his own extensive injury history that must be considered.
Turf Burns
De'Von Achane: It doesn't sound like Achane will log any practice reps this week as he continues to nurse a strained calf. The team is handling his recovery conservatively with the hopes of having him ready to go for Week 1. The success of their plan will become clearer early next week when the Dolphins began preparing for the Colts. If Achane remains limited or out, it will hint that the team may limit his workload or hold him out of regular season action. Rookie Ollie Gordon would likely get the start after Jaylen Wright suffered a right leg injury that has made him "week-to-week" according to coach Mike McDaniel.
Mark Andrews: Baltimore has taken the vague approach to an extreme with their tight end, listing him as out with an undisclosed injury. Head coach John Harbaugh did say he expects Andrews back at practice next week, but the source of his absence remains a mystery. This is probably a case of the team handling a proven veteran conservatively, especially when backup Isaiah Likely is still recovering from surgery to fix a broken bone in his foot. Clarity on Andrews ailment should come early next week when the team is required to report injuries, but for now those interested in the veteran are taking a calculated gamble on his health.
Jaydon Blue: The Cowboys rookie running back suffered a sprained ankle in Friday's preseason win over the Falcons. The injury occurred to his right ankle, the same ankle that he injured earlier in training camp. The new injury is considered a low-grade sprain, meaning the overall integrity of the ligament(s) remains intact. However, even a mild sprain can limit lateral movement, making side-to-side movement difficult. Remember the Cowboys open the season in Philadelphia on a Thursday night, limiting Blue's recovery time. With Miles Sanders still nursing a sore shoulder and knee, Javonte Williams sits atop the Dallas depth chart and will likely be the starter entering the regular season.
Lamar Jackson: Exhale Ravens fans. Jackson returned to practice Monday after missing time with a bruised foot. The injury occurred when the Baltimore quarterback was stepped on by a teammate. X-rays on the area were negative, and the team almost immediately downplayed the severity of the problem. Continue to draft the former MVP with confidence.
Tetairoa McMillan: The Panthers rookie has been moving up draft boards with a current ADP of No. 53.53. The rise could stall after McMillan suffered a minor hamstring injury that kept him out of the team's preseason finale. I briefly mentioned McMillan last week but want to reiterate my lingering concerns. Wide receiver is the offensive position most at risk to suffer hamstring injuries. Prior injury is also considered a major risk factor, and McMillan already missed time during mini-camps with another lower leg injury. Combine those risks with data that suggests soft tissue injury rates are higher in the first four weeks of the regular season and it is easy to see why I'm elevating McMillan's inherent injury risk to begin his career. He remains an intriguing prospect, but I won't blame you if you consider other more proven and healthier options at this point.
Calvin Ridley: Tennessee has allotted Ridley routine days off for "general soreness" but believes he will be available for Week 1 against Denver. He also dealt with cramping in his lower extremity earlier in the summer but has still managed to build chemistry with rookie quarterback Cameron Ward. Look for Ridley to produce as a solid WR2 in most fantasy formats.
Khalil Shakir: The Bills receiver is working his way back from a high ankle sprain. High ankle or syndesmotic sprains are often considered more significant than your garden variety lateral ankle sprain, as the injury has a great impact on the stability of the ankle complex. They are often multiweek injuries that may require surgery to stabilize. Shakir avoided a trip to the operating room but missed the entire preseason recovering. The team remains optimistic about his chances for Week 1, but future roster moves may be a better indicator of how they really feel. If Buffalo opts to keep Tyrell Shavers, a second-year undrafted receiver who had a solid preseason, perhaps Shakir's status is shakier than suggested.
Matthew Stafford: The news remains positive for Stafford, as he participated in his fifth straight practice Monday. He has been a full participant after he missed time with a disc issue in his back. I'm still worried about a possible flare up as the season progresses but the chances of Stafford being available for Week 1 against the Texans have drastically improved.
