NFL Week 1 Injury Updates & Fantasy Outlook
It's here! Football is back, and fans are preparing to spend 11.5 consecutive hours on their couch watching their favorite teams and their fantasy football rosters battle. Injuries are always a concern for fantasy football managers, and once again, I've got your back. The players below are all playing with some type of injury. Will they be able to play well through the injury? Is re-injury risk high? Read the NFL Week 1 Injury Updates & Fantasy Outlook article below and find out.
Lamar Jackson
Injury: Foot Injury
Analysis: Lamar has returned to practice and will start week 1 after having his foot stepped on. X-rays were negative, and this will not impact him in the short or long term. Jackson is an elite QB1.
Matthew Stafford
Injury: Lumbar Disc Injury
Analysis: Stafford is on track to start week 1 as he manages a lumbar disc injury. I have shouted from the rafters my concerns for Stafford this season. Being ready to play in week 1 is a great amount of progress, but lumbar disc injuries are easily aggravated by playing football. The rotational motion the body makes while throwing a football puts a shearing force on the discs, which, over time, can aggravate them. Additionally, it will only take one bad hit to worsen his condition. Studies show a 20% recurrence rate for lumbar disc injuries; however, this rate applies to the general population. The 20% number will be much higher for a professional quarterback.
I certainly hope Stafford can stay healthy, and while he is healthy, he should be able to throw well, but re-injury will be a big concern, especially in the first month of the season.