This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
Last week I looked at 10 running backs who could make or break fantasy teams this season. Now it's time to examine wide receivers who are durable, and those who are fragile.
Durable Wide Receivers
Amari Cooper
Age has to be considered when determining a player's ability to stay healthy, and the 22-year-old Oakland wideout has youth on his side. He stayed on the field for all 16 games during his rookie campaign, though a minor foot injury appeared to slow him the last few games. The foot appears to be a non-issue entering training camp, and Cooper has reportedly impressed with his work in the offseason. Now that he's had time to better prepare his body for an NFL season, Cooper appears ready to avoid a sophomore slump.
DeAndre Hopkins
Hopkins has steadily increased his productivity in each of his first three seasons in the NFL, playing in all 48 regular-season games. He hasn't been completely immune to injury, suffering minor injuries to his ankle, hand and legs, but he's managed to play despite each ailment. Furthermore, he's a good blend of size and speed, allowing him to absorb contact and create separation.
Jordan Matthews
A cousin of Hall of Fame receiver Jerry Rice, Matthews is out to prove durability is in his blood. The third-year wideout has not missed a game in his professional career after appearing in all 52 games of his collegiate career. He also has an innovative medical staff at his disposal with a proven
Last week I looked at 10 running backs who could make or break fantasy teams this season. Now it's time to examine wide receivers who are durable, and those who are fragile.
Durable Wide Receivers
Amari Cooper
Age has to be considered when determining a player's ability to stay healthy, and the 22-year-old Oakland wideout has youth on his side. He stayed on the field for all 16 games during his rookie campaign, though a minor foot injury appeared to slow him the last few games. The foot appears to be a non-issue entering training camp, and Cooper has reportedly impressed with his work in the offseason. Now that he's had time to better prepare his body for an NFL season, Cooper appears ready to avoid a sophomore slump.
DeAndre Hopkins
Hopkins has steadily increased his productivity in each of his first three seasons in the NFL, playing in all 48 regular-season games. He hasn't been completely immune to injury, suffering minor injuries to his ankle, hand and legs, but he's managed to play despite each ailment. Furthermore, he's a good blend of size and speed, allowing him to absorb contact and create separation.
Jordan Matthews
A cousin of Hall of Fame receiver Jerry Rice, Matthews is out to prove durability is in his blood. The third-year wideout has not missed a game in his professional career after appearing in all 52 games of his collegiate career. He also has an innovative medical staff at his disposal with a proven track record that should help keep him dressed on Sundays. While Nelson Agholor could push him for the top receiving spot in Philadelphia, Matthews' sustained health gives him an early lead in the competition.
Doug Baldwin
Baldwin's breakout season came after he appeared in 62 of the first 64 games of his career. The two missed games were the result of a high ankle sprain in 2012. Baldwin has picked up a few other minor bumps and bruises throughout his career but has managed to remain a constant presence in the Seahawks' lineup. I'm betting that trend continues in 2016.
Demaryius Thomas
The Broncos' receiver is a good example of how it is possible to shed the dreaded injury-prone label. After an Achilles' tendon tear and a broken foot combined to cost him 11 games in his first two seasons, Thomas has appeared in 64 consecutive regular-season games and 10 more playoff games. The quarterback situation in Denver could negatively impact his numbers, but Thomas remains a reliable fantasy wide receiver.
Fragile Wide Receivers
Alshon Jeffery
The speedy receiver has never started 16 games in his four years with Chicago, and reoccurring strains in his lower legs cost him nearly half of the 2015 season. His hamstrings have been the primary problem and have been a long-standing limiting factor on his productivity. Hamstring strains are bad enough for receivers due to the sudden starts and stops the position demands but even more so for speedy receivers. Jeffery has also missed time with hand and knee injuries, and it's difficult to put much confidence in the Bears' wideout.
Michael Crabtree
The Oakland receiver has battled health issues since he came into the league. He underwent surgery for a stress fracture in his left foot just prior to the 2009 NFL Draft. The problem required a second procedure and has been an off-and-on issue ever since. Crabtree ruptured his Achilles' tendon in the opposite foot in summer 2013, which limited him to five games that year. He's managed to stay on the field since returning, but the cumulative effects of his injuries appear to have limited his overall growth. Avoid the risk and invest elsewhere.
Marvin Jones
Calvin Johnson's retirement left a big hole in the Lions' offense that the Detroit front office opted to fill with Jones. The decision was made despite an incomplete resume from the fourth-year professional. Jones missed time during his rookie season with a significant MCL sprain and then the entire 2014 season with multiple foot and ankle problems, including surgery for a fractured fifth metatarsal. He's still relatively young, but there are simply too many questions to ignore.
Brandon Marshall
The 10-year veteran posted career highs in receptions and touchdowns last season at age 31. However, a step back in 2016 seems likely, and Marshall's health could be a contributing factor. The lofty 2015 totals have caused some to forget his injury-riddled 2014 campaign that included three missed games for broken ribs and a collapsed lung. The real concern, though, is with his lower extremities. Marhsall has a long history of ankle and toe problems, as recently as last season, and both of his hips have required surgery at various points of his career. Father Time will eventually catch up to the six-time Pro Bowler, and chances are it starts this season.
Victor Cruz
Odell Beckham Jr. and rookie Sterling Shepard might open looks for the six-year veteran, but Cruz has to make it to the field to take advantage of the opportunity. He has not played since October 2014 when he suffered a ruptured patellar tendon against the Eagles. His return was stunted by a calf injury that ultimately required surgery, as well. Now, Cruz once again finds himself entering training camp coming off months of rehab with uncertainty about his availability for the regular season lingering. Someone familiar with Cruz and his previous reputation may be willing to reach on the salsa-dancing receiver, but it won't be me.
