A player's injury status can have a significant effect on both real-life and fantasy football. Maybe most importantly — at least for some — at this time of year, is that it has a major impact on fantasy football rankings and fantasy football draft strategy.
Each week, PFF injury analyst Mario Pilato will comb through the official injury reports for each game and give updates and analysis for fantasy-relevant players. Injuries are fluid, so make sure to stay up to date by following @PFF_Mario on Twitter.
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Dallas Cowboys @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-7.5)
QB DAK PRESCOTT, DALLAS COWBOYS (ankle/shoulder)
Prescott dislocated his ankle on Oct. 11, 2020. He is fully recovered from the gruesome injury, but he has been dealing with a strained shoulder throughout the training camp. It is much like what MLB pitchers go through if they don’t ramp up their volume properly. He was a full participant at practice on Monday and will be ready to go for Week 1.
G ZACK MARTIN, DALLAS COWBOYS (COVID-19)
Martin tested positive for COVID over the weekend and has been ruled out for Thursday night’s season opener.
RB GIOVANI BERNARD, TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (ankle)
Bernard suffered an ankle injury in practice last Thursday. He was a full participant at practice on Monday, a good sign for his availability.
The current total for this game is 51.5. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.
Philadelphia Eagles @ Atlanta Falcons (-3.5)
QB A.J. MCCARRON, ATLANTA FALCONS (knee)
McCarron suffered a torn ACL on Aug. 21. He will miss the 2021 season.
The current total for this game is 48. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Buffalo Bills (-6.5)
WR STEFON DIGGS, BUFFALO BILLS (knee)
Diggs didn't play in the preseason and has been dealing with an undisclosed knee injury. However, he recently returned to practice, so I expect him to play Week 1.
The current total for this game is 48.5. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.
New York Jets @ Carolina Panthers (-3.5)
WR DENZEL MIMS, NEW YORK JETS (hip)
Mims has been dealing with a hip injury, but I am optimistic he is ready for Week 1.
WR SHI SMITH, CAROLINA PANTHERS (shoulder)
Smith injured his shoulder in the preseason finale. It is being reported that he will miss two to three weeks. He will miss at least Week 1 and possibly Week 2, but it will not be a lengthy absence.
The current total for this game is 45. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.
Minnesota Vikings (-3) @ Cincinnati Bengals
WR ADAM THIELEN, MINNESOTA VIKINGS (thigh)
Thielen missed the last preseason game with a thigh injury, but it is of no concern for his Week1 availability.
WR JUSTIN JEFFERSON, MINNESOTA VIKINGS (shoulder)
Jefferson suffered a sprained A/C joint early in the preseason. I expect him to be ready to roll Week 1.
TE IRV SMITH JR., MINNESOTA VIKINGS (knee)
Smith Jr. suffered a meniscus injury in his final preseason game. He was placed on IR and underwent season-ending surgery.
C TREY HOPKINS, CINCINNATI BENGALS (knee)
Hopkins tore his ACL in the last game of the season last year. It is remarkable that a center is ready to start just eight months after his surgery. He is in line to play Week 1 and will help improve protection for quarterback Joe Burrow.
QB JOE BURROW, CINCINNATI BENGALS (knee)
Burrow tore his ACL, MCL and suffered other structural damage on Nov. 22, 2020. He has progressed through rehab well with no setbacks, and I expect him to start Week 1. It will take a little time for him to get back to 100%, but he will get better as the season goes on.
The current total for this game is 48. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.
San Francisco 49ers (-7.5) @ Detroit Lions
WR BRANDON AIYUK, SAN FRANCISCO 49ers (hamstring)
Aiyuk suffered a slight hamstring but has returned and is on track to play Week 1.
QB TREY LANCE, SAN FRANCISCO 49ers (finger)
Lance suffered a chipped finger in the last preseason game. He will take a week or two to recover. With Lance not expected to start Week 1, the injury is not of concern.
RB D’ANDRE SWIFT, DETROIT LIONS (groin)
Swift has been dealing with a groin injury this preseason. Dan Campbell has said he is worried about Swift’s conditioning and readiness for Week 1. I am concerned, as well.
Swift has not recovered quickly from injuries in the past, so I am worried this could linger if he comes back too soon. If he plays Week 1, I am not sure how effective he will be. I would take a wait-and-see approach.
TE T.J. HOCKENSON, DETROIT LIONS (shoulder)
Hockenson is dealing with an A/C joint sprain. His injury is not concerning, and he will be ready to roll Week 1.
The current total for this game is 46. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.
Jacksonville Jaguars (-3) @ Houston Texans
G ANDREW NORWELL, JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (elbow)
Norwell is dealing with an elbow injury, but there is no concern for him missing Week 1.
WR D.J. CHARK JR., JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (finger)
Consensus Fantasy Rank: WR38
Chark Jr. is dealing with a finger injury but will be ready for Week 1.
T CAM ROBINSON, JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (ankle)
Robinson has been dealing with an ankle injury, but I expect him to play Week 1.
WR MARVIN JONES JR., JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (shoulder)
Jones Jr. has been dealing with an A/C joint sprain late in the preseason. I expect him to be ready to go for Week 1.
WR TAVON AUSTIN, JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (quad)
Austin injured his quad in practice on Aug. 27. He has been placed on short-term IR and will miss at least the first three weeks of the season.
RB TRAVIS ETIENNE, JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (foot)
Etienne suffered a Lisfranc injury on Aug. 23. He underwent surgery and will miss the entire 2021 season.
WR ANTHONY MILLER, HOUSTON TEXANS (shoulder)
Miller suffered yet again another shoulder dislocation on Aug. 14. Shoulder dislocations have plagued Miller’s career. I do not expect him to play Week 1, and his general manager did not offer encouraging comments. Nick Caserio expects Miller ‘to play at some point this season.”
The current total for this game is 45. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.
Seattle Seahawks (-2) @ Indianapolis Colts
WR TYLER LOCKETT, SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (groin)
Lockett missed the last preseason game due to a groin injury, but I do not expect him to miss Week 1.
QB CARSON WENTZ, INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (foot)
Wentz underwent surgery to remove a bone in his foot. Week 1 will mark five weeks since his surgery. His mobility might be an issue, but I expect him to play.
T ERIC FISHER, INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (Achilles/COVID-19)
Fisher tore his Achilles in the AFC championship game last year, January 24. Recent studies suggest the timeline for NFL players to return from this injury is 11 months. I believe Fisher will miss a portion of the season but will eventually return.
G QUENTON NELSON, INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (foot)
Nelson suffered a similar injury to Wentz on Aug. 2. He underwent the same surgery and is expected to start Week 1.
WR T.Y. HILTON, INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (neck)
Hilton underwent surgery on his neck last week and has been placed on the short-term injured reserve list. Hilton is eligible to return in Week 4, but I do not expect him to return then. I expect him to come back eventually, but he will miss a good portion of the season.
The current total for this game is 48.5. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.
Arizona Cardinals @ Tennessee Titans (-3)
RB DARRYNTON EVANS, TENNESSEE TITANS (knee)
Evans suffered an undisclosed knee injury early in the preseason. He was put on short-term injured reserve and will miss at least the first three weeks of the season.
The current total for this game is 51.5. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.
Los Angeles Chargers (-1.5) @ Washington Football Team
WR MIKE WILLIAMS, LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (hip)
Williams missed joint practices the other week but returned on Aug. 25. I expect him to be ready to go for Week 1.
WR CURTIS SAMUEL, WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM (groin)
Samuel has been dealing with a groin injury all preseason but is set to return to practice on Monday. I believe he will be ready to play Sunday.
The current total for this game is 44.5. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.
Cleveland Browns @ Kansas City Chiefs (-5.5)
WR ODELL BECKHAM JR., CLEVELAND BROWNS (knee)
Consensus Fantasy Rank: WR25
Beckham Jr. tore his ACL in Week 7 last season. He is fully recovered and will play Week 1.
WR RASHARD HIGGINS, CLEVELAND BROWNS (knee)
Higgins missed the final preseason game with an unspecified knee injury. It is not serious; he will be ready for Week 1.
G KYLE LONG, KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (knee)
Long suffered a fractured kneecap during OTAs and was placed on the PUP list. He cannot return until Week 7.
RB CLYDE EDWARDS-HELAIRE, KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (ankle)
Edwards-Helaire injured his ankle during the second preseason game. The injury was rumored to be on the “inside” of his foot, causing concern for a medial or high-ankle sprain. I do not believe that was the case, so I expect him to be ready for Week 1.
The current total for this game is 53. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (-2.5)
TE HUNTER HENRY, NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (shoulder)
Henry has been dealing with a shoulder injury during the preseason but returned to action recently. I expect him to play Week 1.
WR N’KEAL HARRY, NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (shoulder)
Harry injured his shoulder on Aug. 19. He has been placed on short-term injured reserve and will miss at least the first three weeks of the season.
The current total for this game is 43. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.
Green Bay Packers (-3) @ New Orleans Saints
T DAVID BAKHTIARI, GREEN BAY PACKERS (knee)
Bakhtiari tore his ACL in Week 16 of the 2020 season. He will not be ready for Week 1 and has been put on the PUP list, meaning he cannot return before Week 7.
TE ADAM TRAUTMAN, NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (ankle)
Trautman suffered an ankle injury on Aug. 23. It initially looked bad, as he was carted off of the field. His expected return-to-play timeline was set at one to three weeks. He needs to be monitored this week. I am optimistic he can give it a go in Week 1.
WR MICHAEL THOMAS, NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (ankle)
Thomas suffered a high-ankle sprain in Week 1 of the 2020 season. He had surgery late in the offseason and has been placed on the PUP list. Thomas will not be able to play until Week 7.
The current total for this game is 50. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.
Denver Broncos (-1) @ New York Giants
WR COURTLAND SUTTON, DENVER BRONCOS (knee)
Consensus Fantasy Rank: WR39
Sutton tore his ACL in Week 2 last season. He is fully recovered, and his routes have looked amazing in the preseason. Sutton is exploding out of his breaks, so I expect him to make a big impact in Week 1.
TE NOAH FANT, DENVER BRONCOS (leg)
Fant has been dealing with an unspecified injured knee during the preseason. He is expected to practice this week. The third-year tight end needs to be closely monitored, but I expect him to be ready to go for Week 1.
TE EVAN ENGRAM, NEW YORK GIANTS (calf)
Engram suffered a calf injury in the last preseason game. He didn’t practice much this past week. I believe he will be close to playing Week 1 but this needs to be monitored.
WR KENNY GOLLADAY, NEW YORK GIANTS (hamstring)
Golladay has been dealing with a hamstring injury. He has finally returned to practice, but he needs to be monitored closely. The veteran receiver had an issue with hamstring injuries all year last season. I do not trust he is going to play or be effective until I see it.
TE KYLE RUDOLPH, NEW YORK GIANTS (foot)
Rudolph underwent foot surgery in March. He has since returned, and I expect him to play Week 1.
RB SAQUON BARKLEY, NEW YORK GIANTS (knee)
Barkley tore his ACL in Week 2 of last season. He has rehabbed well with no setbacks. I expect him to play Week 1.
The current total for this game is 42.5. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.
Chicago Bears @ Los Angeles Rams (-7.5)
RB TARIK COHEN, CHICAGO BEARS (knee)
Cohen tore his ACL last season and has had two different procedures since then. Due to the multiple procedures, Cohen has been placed on the PUP list and will miss at least the first six weeks of the season.
RB CAM AKERS, LOS ANGELES RAMS (Achilles)
Akers tore his Achilles on July 20. He underwent surgery and will miss the 2021 season.
RB DARRELL HENDERSON, LOS ANGELES RAMS (thumb)
Henderson suffered a minor thumb injury on Aug. 23. He will be ready for Week 1.
The current total for this game is 44.5. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.
Baltimore Ravens (-4.5) @ Las Vegas Raiders
RB J.K. DOBBINS, BALTIMORE RAVENS (knee)
Dobbins suffered a torn ACL on Aug. 28. He is potentially dealing with a multi-ligament tear and will miss the 2021 season. Dobbins' availability for the start of next season is also in question.
WR RASHOD BATEMAN, BALTIMORE RAVENS (groin)
Bateman underwent groin surgery in early August. The Ravens placed Bateman on short-term injured reserve, meaning the rookie pass-catcher will miss the first three weeks of the season at a minimum. I do expect him back around Week 4.
TE NICK BOYLE, BALTIMORE RAVENS (knee)
Boyle suffered a season-ending knee injury on Nov. 15 last season. He underwent a clean-up procedure during the offseason and has since been pulled off of the PUP list. He will not miss the first six weeks, but he is still far from a lock to start Week 1. I do not believe he will be ready to go against the Las Vegas Raiders, but he will be ready shortly after.
WR MILES BOYKIN, BALTIMORE RAVENS (hamstring)
Boykin suffered a hamstring injury in early August. The Ravens have placed Boykin on short-term injured reserve, which will keep him out of the first three weeks. I expect Boykins to return shortly after Week 3.
G RICHIE INCOGNITO, LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (calf)
Incognito has been dealing with a calf injury over the last few weeks. I expect him to be ready for Week 1.
The current total for this game is 51.5. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.
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