Off-season NFL Injury Update
It is always tough gauging the come back from injury of any player. This article features the off-season injury updates of some of the NFL's bigger names. Guys like Terrell Owens, Tom Brady, Matthew Stafford, Frank Gore, Maurice Jones-Drew, Antonio Gates, Dez Bryant, DeAngelo Williams, Tony Romo and Jermichael Finley will come back this season following injury or surgery from the 2010 campaign. From multiple injuries reported to clavicle and hip fractures, we have seen it all. Only time will tell how these big name players will return from hard times.
QB Tom Brady, --- - Stud (low risk)
FANTASY PROFILE / STATS & MORE
The tricky part about Tom Brady and new England is the truth about injuries. Is it Brady's finger, his foot, his ribs? New England's injury report may be the most notable deception in the league. I do buy that Brady has suffered injuries over the course of seasons. It is of no doubt that he takes a beating here and there and gets the bumps and bruises of any quarterback. However, I am skeptical of the injury reports of New England and the state of their star quarterback. I think Brady is ready for the the 2011 campaign and will be a stud on the field as usual. Draft Brady as you see fit.
QB Tony Romo, --- - Solid/Safe Pick
FANTASY PROFILE / STATS & MORE
Romo's season-ending clavicle fracture was not great for Dallas in 2010. Romo can be one of the league's most dynamic quarterbacks if he stays healthy. I think Romo is a solid/safe pick for the 2011 campaign. He has the weapons he needs to be a leading passer in the league and has the ability to run the ball if needed. Look for Romo to return with a renewed sense of purpose to get Dallas into the playoff hunt and into the Super Bowl. I like Romo and think he can produce, so take him if you can get him in your draft.
QB Matthew Stafford, LAR - Sleeper (undervalued)
FANTASY PROFILE / STATS & MORE
Matthew Stafford's shoulder injury was surgically repaired this off-season and he appears to be back on track to produce during the 2011 season. Reports state that he has participated in recent Detroit informal practices and looks decent at this early stage of the pre-season. Stafford has some decent weapons at his disposal and can be an interesting option in your 2011 draft. Stafford could be a top five quarterback or fall within the top fifteen in my book. This ideally puts him in the sleeper category. Take a hard look at Stafford in your draft if you need to take a gamble on a quarterback and get some upside.
RB Frank Gore, --- - Stud (low risk)
FANTASY PROFILE / STATS & MORE
Frank Gore's non-displaced hip fracture was a scary injury for his fantasy owners. Yes, he lost his 2010 season, but I think he will be back in force in 2011. Gore's recent interview with Sports Illustrated discussed his fit with the team and his role in the offense. I believe that Gore is the heart of the San Francisco offense and will continue to be. This is also my worry. If Gore is utilized as the primary team weapon, will he be over-utilized and prone to injury? I am sure these are questions that his coaching staff is considering. As a fantasy owner I would consider this as well in my draft. Grab Gore if you can get him as I suspect he will produce.
RB Maurice Jones-Drew, --- - Solid/Safe Pick
FANTASY PROFILE / STATS & MORE
Jacksonville reports that Rashad Jennings' role will increase "to take some of the load off Jones-Drew." This should be a concern and draft red flag for fantasy owners. Jones-Drew's knee will be a major issue at the onset of training camp if it happens. Jones-Drew has been a stud running back in certain formats and could continue to be in 2011, but if his team is reporting some doubts about his ability to carry the full load, I have concerns. When it boils down to it, Jones-Drew is a solid/safe pick in my book, but this could change quickly based upon his status. Continue to check in on his workload during training camp and then see where you will rank him on your scratch pad.
RB DeAngelo Williams, --- - Sleeper (undervalued)
FANTASY PROFILE / STATS & MORE
The biggest question with Williams at this stage is where will he end up? Williams is a free agent and may not return to Carolina. Williams' foot and ankle injuries have not been great in assisting where he will end up. One thing that seems consistent with commentary is that Williams will split time with another back no matter which team he ends up with. Williams is a solid running back on the right team and can make a difference. I think Williams could be a higher end running back in the right situation, but the likelihood that he will find the perfect fit is not great. Look at Williams as a sleeper in my book. He has the skills, but may not get the opportunities.
WR Dez Bryant, --- - Solid/Safe Pick
FANTASY PROFILE / STATS & MORE
On Wednesday morning, Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant spoke on the Ben and Skin Show on 103.3 FM. Bryant announced that he is in good shape, but has not been cleared to play football. Bryant's fractured ankle is healing well and he seems to be participating in other activities, but football practice is still off the table as far as doctors are concerned. However, Bryant has participated in nearly all of the Dallas player-controlled workouts during the lockout. Bryant is a solid receiver and has the eye of Romo, but if he has injury issues, Dallas will remove him from Romo's radar early. Look for Bryant to return in 2011 and take over where he left off, but consider him a safe/solid pick until we see production.
WR Terrell Owens, --- - Not Draft Worthy
FANTASY PROFILE / STATS & MORE
In April T.O. had surgery to repair his torn ACL. T.O.'s agent insists that Owens will be back on the field come pre-season, but I am skeptical (as are most fantasy experts). Rosenhaus, T.O.'s agent, also insists that there are no plans for retirement. To tell the honest truth, I really doubt that Owens will be on the field for pre-season and doubt how productive he can be at this point in his career. A four month recovery from ACL repair is not unheard of, but unlikely at Owens' age. Look for T.O. to end up somewhere and maybe have a role, but in my book, he is not draft worthy.
TE Jermichael Finley, --- - Stud (low risk)
FANTASY PROFILE / STATS & MORE
Finley's knee injury seems to be well on the mend, but team reports state that he is about 60-70 percent during cutting drills. I think the biggest issue with Finley is his contract. Green Bay is entering its last season in contract with Finley and I am not sure he is their long-term option. Watch Finley's status and see how he progresses during training camp, but he might still be limited at the beginning of the season. I do not think his injury will limit him personally, so I rank him as a stud pick. Rodgers likes Finley and if they can connect, Finely will be a stud TE.
TE Antonio Gates, --- - Stud (low risk)
FANTASY PROFILE / STATS & MORE
Gates should be considered a stud fantasy tight end this season despite the season-ending foot injury he suffered last season. Gates has benefited from the lockout in terms of more time for rehabilitation and recovery. Look for Gates to return in the 2011 campaign ready to go and produce in San Diego. Gates is the number one tight end in my book and will likely be viewed as such by many fantasy owners.