Allen Robinson WR, Bears: groin injury
Robinson never looked quite right as he played through a groin strain last Sunday. He has yet to practice this week, and his Week 8 availability isn’t looking good. The Bears officially listed him as questionable. A mild groin strain requires two weeks of recovery time, so it’s not surprising that Robinson likely aggravated it when he played only a week removed from the injury. He’s looking at an additional 2 weeks until he’s healthy enough to return.
Matt Breida RB, 49ers: ankle sprain
Matt Breida’s week 5 ankle injury came back to haunt him in week 7. He tried to play through the sprain for the past two weeks but lasted just five snaps last weekend before re-aggravating the injury. It looks like he might finally get the rest he needs. Breida is looking doubtful for Week 8 after getting back-to-back DNPs to start the week (his official injury designation is questionable). If he does try and play through the injury for the third week in a row, don’t expect much out of him. He has been extremely limited as he played through the ankle sprain and will remain a High Injury Risk. Without much to play for, the 49ers need to protect Breida so he doesn’t suffer a more serious injury that could have a lasting effect into 2019.
Rob Gronkowski TE, Patriots: back injury and ankle injury
Unfortunately for his fantasy owners, Gronk’s Week 8 availability is shaping up to be a game-time decision. And the Patriots play on Monday this week. The safest bet is to prepare with a back-up. Gronk has a long history of back problems that include multiple surgeries. He’s also dealt with ankle injuries in the past that could have a lingering effect, all of which make both of these injuries concerning. If Gronk plays, there is little doubt he will be effective. But at an Elevated Injury Risk, he could aggravate either of the injuries and be out for the rest of the game.
Adam Vinatieri K, Colts: groin injury
The veteran kicker aggravated a groin injury in Week 7, but the Colts are expecting him to play in Week 8. This is not a smart idea. Groin injuries are especially difficult for kickers, and this has already been a lingering issue. Vinatieri missed two extra points last week, so he’s obviously hobbled by the injury. If he does play, he will be at an extremely high risk of further aggravating the injury, and his chances of missing an extra point or field goal are tremendously high.
Jack Doyle TE, Colts: hip injury
Jack Doyle has been sidelined since Week 2 with a hip injury, but he could be looking at a possible return in Week 8. The Colts haven’t given much information regarding Doyle’s injury, but the Inside Injuries algorithm calculated a 3-6 week Optimal Recovery Time, depending on the severity. Doyle has now reached the end of that timeline, which means he should be OK to play in Week 8. He returned to practice this week, suggesting the Colts are expecting him out there on Sunday against Oakland. He’s still an Elevated Injury Risk, but his Peak Health Performance Factor is a good sign. If Doyle suits up, Eric Ebron’s usage will be sapped.
Cam Newton QB, Panthers: shoulder soreness
Cam Newton was limited this entire week as he dealt with soreness in his throwing shoulder. This is concerning for any quarterback, but especially one who underwent surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff just two years ago. Newton dealt with some soreness last season as well but never missed time. It would be surprising if Newton sat out Week 8, but his performance will likely be affected by his injury (hence the Below Average Health Performance Factor). Even minor soreness can affect a QB’s mechanics.
LeSean McCoy RB, Bills: concussion
Though he participated in practice on Thursday, LeSean McCoy remains in the concussion protocol. He suffered the injury in last weekend’s game. McCoy does have an extra day to clear, as the Bills play on Monday, but he will have to be cleared by an independent neurologist before he can play. McCoy has only had one other concussion (that we know of) in 2012, but it was a very serious one that forced him to miss 4 weeks. He will continue to be a High Injury Risk (35%) in Week 8.
Chris Thompson RB, Redskins: ribs and knee injury
Chris Thompson is on track to make a return this week after spending two weeks on the bench with rib and knee injuries, but he’s still considering questionable. Thompson was able to get in a week’s worth of limited practice sessions, putting him in a good spot for a return. Rib injuries are possible to play through, though extremely painful, and a mild knee sprain requires two weeks of recovery time. Thompson should be good-to-go for Week 8.
Marlon Mack RB, Colts: ankle
Mack’s practice status has been all over the place this week. He was limited on Wednesday with an ankle injury, then downgraded to DNP on Thursday, but was able to return to practice on Friday. Ending the week on a high note would generally suggest Mack is on track to play, but he’s still a week away from his Optimal Recovery Time. Even a mild ankle sprain requires at least 2 weeks of rest, and it’s possible Mack is dealing with something more serious. Mack is an Elevated Injury Risk, and his Below Average Health Performance Factor suggests he isn’t worth the risk.
Sony Michel RB, Patriots: left knee injury
Sony Michel hasn’t practice all week and will more than likely sit on Monday night. He twisted his left knee on a tackle last weekend and had to be carted to the locker-room. The Patriots have said the injury isn’t “serious,” but we are still suspecting partial cartilage damage or a mild to moderate sprain. Either way, he should sit out at least 2-4 weeks. Michel won’t be healthy (or effective) if he tries to play Week 8, and he has an incredibly concerning history of injuries to his left knee.
Geronimo Allison WR, Packers: hamstring strain
Allison should make his return from a concussion and a hamstring strain this Sunday. It’s no surprise that his Overall Injury Risk remains Elevated, but with an Above Average HPF he is an ok fantasy option if injuries and bye weeks have left you thin at WR. He was removed from the final injury report so he is fully expected to play Week 8.
Peyton Barber RB, Buccaneers: ankle sprain
The Bucs are calling Peyton Barber “good-to-go” for Week 8, despite the fact that he suffered an ankle sprain just one week ago. He missed practice on Wednesday, but was back out there on Thursday. While it looks like he’s just dealing with a mild, grade 1 sprain, that type of injury still comes with a 2 week Optimal Recovery Time. Barber is an Elevated Injury Risk, and his Below Average Health Performance Factor suggests he won’t be worth the risk in this pass-heavy offense.
Randall Cobb WR, Packers: hamstring strain
Randall Cobb is considered questionable for Week 8 as he recovers from a hamstring strain. While he has just hit his 5 week Optimal Recovery Time, he is no longer one of Aaron Rodgers favorite targets, and hamstring injuries are very difficult for WRs to recover from. Just look at Will Fuller and Keke Coutee. Until he proves he has value again, don’t plug him into lineups.
More Breaking News and NFL Injury Analysis and follow Virginia @VZakas.
