Gameday Injury Expectations: Week 7

If you are here, it's likely because your fantasy team has been affected by injuries. 

Join the club.

There is a ton to discuss this week, so let's get down to business. 

Understanding the NFL's Injury Report

(per Dr. Bramel - Footballguys OG)

"The injury report released by the NFL is [made up of] two reports. The first is the Practice Participation report, which lists which injured players practiced and their participation level. It also includes players who rested or missed practice for non-injury-related reasons. The second is the Game Status Report, which gives the probability a player will play, i.e., Questionable, Doubtful, Out. The Practice Participation Report is released every day of the week (Monday through Saturday). The Game Status Report is released with the Friday participation report (Wednesday for Thursday games, Saturday for Monday games). In this feature, I'll include the Game Status Listing and my expectations of their likelihood of playing."

If you are reading this article on Saturday, make sure to come back on Sunday morning as more updates trickle in within the next 24 hours.

Current Status on High-Impact Injured Players

Gameday Decision

• RB Travis Etienne Jr. 
• RB Rhamondre Stevenson
• RB Ray Davis 
• WR Dontayvion Wicks
• WR Cooper Kupp
• WR Diontae Johnson 
• RB Rachaad White 
• WR Quentin Johnston 
• WR Ladd McConkey 

Trending Doubtful (Likely Inactive)

• TE T.J. Hockenson 
• WR Jakobi Meyers

Trending Probable (Expected to Play)

• RB Aaron Jones
• RB Nick Chubb (Coming off PUP)
• WR Michael Pittman Jr.
• WR Josh Downs
• RB Zamir White 
• RB Brian Robinson Jr. 
• WR Ricky Pearsall 
• RB Jordan Mason
• WR Mike Evans
• WR Marvin Harrison Jr.

Ruled Out

• TE Dallas Goedert (hamstring)
• RB Jonathan Taylor (high ankle sprain)
• RB Tyjae Spears (hamstring)
• RB Jerome Ford (hamstring)
• RB Jonathon Brooks (knee)
• WR Rashid Shaheed (knee surgery on IR – projected season ending) 
• WR Jauan Jennings (hip)
• RB Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle)
• WR Treylon Burks (knee – IR canidate)

* Key: Player | Injury | Game Status Listing | Playing Expectation 

Sunday 9:30 AM Game (London)

RB Travis Etienne Jr., Jacksonville | Hamstring | Questionable | Projecting Inactive

Travis Etienne Jr. has been battling injuries all season long and picked up another in Week 6. Etienne is Questionable heading into Week 7 with a hamstring strain. This is typically a multi-week injury in the NFL, with >80% of NFL RBs since 2017 missing at least one game. 

It was promising to see that Etienne was able to practice this week, although in a limited fashion (LP). When looking at fantasy-relevant players who logged an LP in their final practice session, only 62% of players went on to start. When I drilled down to just RBs, that number dipped to 54%. A lot of data points suggest Etienne sits this week. Luckily, the Jaguars play in London again, and fantasy managers will know his status early.

RB Rhamondre Stevenson, New England | Foot | Questionable | 50/50

Rhamondre Stevenson did not practice at all heading into Week 6 due to his foot injury. This trend continued in Week 7, but Stevenson was able to practice in full on Friday. Even though this is a great sign, I am not sold that Stevenson suits up this week.

The Patriots have still listed the former Sooner as "Questionable" heading into Week 6, and head coach Jarod Mayo has said that Stevenson will "be a game-time decision." Like Travis Etienne Jr., we will know early whether or not Stevenson is available due to the early London kick-off. However, if your fantasy team has been relying on Stevenson's services, I would make sure you have a backup plan.