Things move pretty fast in fantasy football—especially in the preseason.
One day your roster looks ready for Week 1, the next you’re lobbying your commissioner for some extra IR slots. For those who haven’t even drafted yet, this is where it gets a bit trickier. Some major names will likely remain on the board much longer than they should because of their health status.
As NFL teams begin making their final roster cuts and shoring up playing time, here’s a quick look at 11 noteworthy players dealing with injuries and how their rehab process looks ahead of the regular season’s kickoff.
The best way to win your league is to stay informed.
Brian Robinson Jr., RB, Washington Commanders
Injury: Lower Body
The rookie running back was shot multiple times on Aug. 28 in what police believe was an attempted robbery in Washington D.C. Robinson was transported to a local hospital with “non-life-threatening” injuries to his lower body.
It’s an absolutely tragic and devastating turn for the third-round pick out of Alabama who looked primed to enter the season as Washington’s RB1.
I just got done visiting w/Brian. He is in good spirits and wanted me to thank everyone for their kind words, prayers & support. He wants his teammates to know he appreciates them all for reaching out and he loves them all & will be back soon doing what he does best.
— Ron Rivera (@RiverboatRonHC) August 29, 2022
#Commanders coach Ron Rivera says RB Brian Robinson is “in a really good place” after being the victim last night in an attempted robbery.
Some notes:
— Could be released from the hospital today.
— He’s doing as well as possible given circumstances.— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 29, 2022
From Brian Robinson’s IG https://t.co/xooapdtAps pic.twitter.com/SerOFWK2QX
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 29, 2022
J.K. Dobbins, RB, Baltimore Ravens
Injury: Knee
It’s unclear what’s next for Dobbins, who is working to return to action after tearing his ACL in the final preseason game before the 2021 season. According to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic, Dobbins may begin the season on Injured Reserve and his status for Week 1 is very much in doubt. A move to IR would keep the tailback out for another three weeks. Backup Gus Edwards remains on the PUP list for the time being as well.
Zach Wilson, QB, New York Jets
Injury: Knee
Wilson suffered a dreaded non-contact knee injury early in the preseason and required surgery to repair a torn meniscus. The good news is that he shouldn’t be out longterm. The bad news is he’s almost certain to miss at least Week 1.
Drake London, WR, Atlanta Falcons
Injury: Knee
The Falcons are taking things slow with the rookie wideout from USC. That’s understandable considering its a full rebuilding year in Atlanta. What’s less clear is whether that means London will be back by Week 1. If not, it shouldn’t be too much longer.
Falcons HC Arthur Smith said he doesn’t necessarily anticipate WR Drake London being available this week but it is not a long-term thing
Said anyone who is hurt right now he believes will be ready for reg season. Said he’s had a good camp & will assess if he returns in preseason
— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) August 14, 2022
Michael Gallup, WR, Dallas Cowboys
Injury: Knee
Gallup won’t be ready for Week 1. He may not even play in Weeks 2 or 3. But if he’s able to avoid the PUP list, the Cowboys WR2 should be able available to practice and can hopefully return sooner than later.
There's another reason to keep Michael Gallup on the 53-man roster at start of season: he can practice. If he remained on PUP and missed four games, he would not be able to practice at all, which means he would likely miss 5-6 games. Going this route allows him to ramp up work.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) August 29, 2022
N'Keal Harry, WR, Chicago Bears
Injury: Ankle
If there’s a resurgence to be had for the former New England Patriot in Chicago, it won’t be til midseason at least. Harry had surgery in mid-August and is expected to remain sidelined for eight weeks.
Robert Tonyan, TE, Green Bay Packers
Injury: Knee
There’s likely to be one less target for Aaron Rodgers to begin the season. Tonyan was activated off the PUP list two weeks ago and is still working himself back into form. This could either be a draft steal or a draft fail depending on how long it takes him to see the field.
Matt LaFleur said TE Robert Tonyan will participate in team drills today for the first time this summer.
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) August 28, 2022
Cam Akers, RB, Los Angeles Rams
Injury: Undisclosed
Reports out of L.A. have Akers dealing with soft-tissue injuries—and they’re keeping him from returning to full speed in practice. Already in line to split carries with Darrell Henderson, don’t be surprised if the Rams take things slow with Akers to begin the year.
Sean McVay said RB Darrell Henderson was able to get a full-speed workout in today, but RB Cam Akers "wasn't able to do that quite yet."
— Sarah Barshop (@sarahbarshop) August 28, 2022
Kenneth Walker III, RB, Seattle Seahawks
Injury: Hernia
Originally expected to return for Week 1, Kenneth Walker III’s timetable is now up in the air. That certainly opens room in the backfield for DeeJay Dallas and Rashaad Penny.
Carroll: RB Ken Walker is still tender after hernia surgery and there's no timetable for his return. He'd previously said he expected Walker back for Week 1, so that seems like a potentially significant update. OLB Boye Mafe has a shoulder strain. Likely won't be back this week.
— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) August 21, 2022
Carolina Panthers QBs
Sam Darnold Injury: Ankle
Matt Corral Injury: Foot
You weren’t going to draft either of these guys anyways, but it should make you feel a bit better about selecting Baker Mayfield. Darnold is out for at least four weeks while Corral is done for the year.
Rhule says Darnold will miss “at least” four weeks with his ankle.
— Darin Gantt (@daringantt) August 29, 2022
