Every year, it’s the same story. Fantasy football drafts that are conducted earlier in the summer must recover from injuries.
Last year was the epitome of an injury-riddled season, highlighted by Jordy Nelson’s injury during the preseason. So far this season hasn’t had the big name like Nelson, but there has been plenty of injury news already, a few weeks before the NFL season starts for real.
If you haven’t drafted already, pay attention to who is injured and what kind of timetable is reserved for that player’s re-entry into the league.
Here’s a few injuries this preseason that could have a major impact on your team.
Dion Lewis, RB, New England
ADP: 57 overall (22nd among RB)
He’s going in for another knee surgery, so he might as well be off your list. He is slated to miss the first two months of the season, meaning James White should carry the lion’s share of Lewis’ expected load.
Lewis was the main contributor out of the backfield for the Patriots last season, so it’s difficult to assume White will be that kind of player. New England is known to not use its running backs in a way that is good for fantasy owners, but Lewis was well on pace of bucking that trend.
Now we’re likely back to square one with New England running backs. Lewis was a fifth-round draft pick. Expect White to be available later, in possibly the 10th or later rounds
Ladarius Green, TE, Pittsburgh
ADP: 102 overall (11th among TE)
For many, Green offered the opportunity as a major sleeper among tight ends. He was going to be the main tight end on a team that has utilized that position in the past.
Now, though, Green is still on the shelf with an injury. And depending on who you believe, it’s either because of ankle issues or recurring headaches. If it’s the headaches, then there’s rumors that he may never play again.
That leaves plenty of questions for a player that’s a starter in 12-team fantasy leagues. It’s not a risk I’m willing to take. Even it’s still the ankle, I’m concerned with all the smoke surrounding Green. I’m also not looking at his backup, just in case Green does play the majority of the season.
If you’re looking for a sleeper, look at either Zach Ertz with an ADP of 99 or Austin Seferian-Jenkins with an ADP of 182.
Jordy Nelson, WR, Green Bay
ADP: 17 overall (8th among WR)
He’s unlikely to play in the preseason, meaning you’re betting your WR1 for your fantasy team will be a top-10 option after not playing for a year. That’s a steep price to pay.
I’m much higher on Dez Bryant, who also was injured for the majority of last season. However, he fits that mold of being a wide receiver who is so athletically gifted that he could jump into any offense and make an immediate impact.
Nelson is a very good receiver when he’s healthy, but his game is predicated on the relationship between him and Aaron Rodgers. Both need each other to be elite and seem to rely on timing more than other quarterback/receiver duos. If rust isn’t noticeable in the early going, then I’d be shocked.
Nelson will likely be a quality receiver, but I value him more as a WR2 than a WR1, making his draft status of mid-second round too high for my blood.
Jordan Matthews, WR, Philadelphia
ADP: 69 overall (30th among WR)
Matthews says he will be ready for week 1 of the NFL season. That’s debatable since he won’t see any action this preseason after injuring his knee during practice earlier this month.
The expectations for this season was for Matthews to make a big leap in production. He’s the top receiver for the Eagles and is in his third year, typically a year when receivers either break onto the scene or remain closer to the waiver wire. Matthews has improved each season, but missing the entire preseason may have some repercussions.
Philadelphia is working with a new offense and needs Matthews to be up to speed. I expect the offense to struggle anyway and if Matthews is slow to learn the offense, that offense could be even worse.
However, with all those concerns, Matthews still has a pretty good average draft position of 30th as a wide receiver. He’s the top option for the Eagles and if he takes another step forward this year, he will eclipse the 1,000-yard mark. That’s good value for a player intended to be a low-end WR3. Receivers have a way of working their way into offenses with little time spent practicing in the preseason. Matthews shouldn’t concern you too much with missing this much time in the offseason.
