Week 5 Fantasy Injuries

Need to know if your starting running back is going to play this weekend? Injuries are a huge part of fantasy football. If your receiver is a number two, but the number one guy isn’t playing, that could mean you’re in for some solid points. Be sure to check PSL’s fantasy injuries each week so you can get ready to set your lineup for Sunday (and Monday – and sometimes Thursday).

Jamal Lewis – Cleveland Browns – Questionable – Hamstring

Lewis had full participation in practice Friday. He remains listed as questionable, but should be good to play. We wouldn’t expect him to get a full load. Don’t be surprised if Jerome Harrison gets a decent amount of carries as well.

Jonathan Stewart – Carolina Panthers – Questionable – Achilles

Although Stewart is listed as questionable, he took part in all of practice Friday. Right now, it looks like he will play Sunday against the Redskins. Washington allows 128 rushing yards per game, but has only given up one touchdown on the ground.

Willie Parker – Pittsburgh Steelers – Out – Toe

Parker hasn’t practiced all week. With the Steelers curious to see if Mendenhall can perform like he did in week 4, they will rest Parker and hope he is ready for week 6 against the Browns.

Matthew Stafford – Detroit Lions – Questionable – Knee

Stafford took part in some drills Friday, but wasn’t running around. The Lions aren’t going to completely rule him out until Sunday morning, but don’t expect him to play. Detroit isn’t a great team, but they should be smart enough to make sure their franchise quarterback is at full strength before letting him play.

Calvin Johnson – Detroit Lions – Probable – Thigh

The Lions limited Johnson’s participation in practice on Friday, but he’s listed as probable. Expect him to get the start against a Steelers’ defense that will likely be without Troy Polamalu again.

Roy E. Williams – Dallas Cowboys – Doubtful – Ribs

Roy E. didn’t participate in practice this week, making it very unlikely he will play on Sunday. He’s not officially ruled out, but look for Miles Austin to get the start in his place. Austin and Patrick Crayton have a favorable match up against a spotty Kansas City defense.

Felix Jones – Dallas Cowboys – Doubtful – Knee

Jones’ status is basically the same as Williams’. He hasn’t practiced, and it is very unlikely that he will play this weekend. The way things look right now, the Cowboys will start Marion Barber with Tashard Choice as his backup for the second straight week.

Darren McFadden – Oakland Raiders – Out – Knee

This will probably be the only time McFadden is on this list for about two to four weeks. That’s not a good thing, by the way. McFadden underwent surgery on Tuesday and will miss at least two games. The Raiders have their bye, week 9, so don’t be surprised if they take their time bringing McFadden back and wait until week 10.

Kevin Boss – New York Giants – Doubtful – Ankle

Boss missed practice Friday. If he’s your normal starter at TE, you may want to begin thinking about who you want to start instead. Although, with only an average of 35.75 yards per game and no touchdowns, you may want to do that anyway.

Eli Manning – New York Giants – Questionable – Foot

On Friday, Manning participated in most of practice with the first team. This shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone, as the Giants never really seemed worried that Eli wouldn’t play. Unless he has some kind of setback over the next couple days, expect him to get the start on Sunday against the Raiders.

Antonio Bryant – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Questionable – Knee

Bryant was able to play last week against the Redskins. He caught 4 passes for 44 yards and a score. Bryant has been limited in practice this week, but the Bucs are just being precautious. Expect him to play Sunday. Now may be a good time to pick him up. He may be available in some leagues, and you can get him for cheap in others. Once he is back to full health, he’ll be the go-to-guy.

Fred Taylor – New England Patriots – Questionable – Ankle

Taylor is on the same boat as Darren McFadden. Except, Taylor is on the boat for a bit longer. There’s no definite number, but don’t expect him to return for at least four to six weeks. The Patriots do believe he’ll be able to return at some point, however, otherwise they’d put him on injured reserve.

Wes Welker – New England Patriots – Questionable – Knee

Last week, Wes was able to play against the Ravens. He recorded 6 grabs for 48 yards. Welker was limited in practice on Friday and is officially listed as questionable, but he should be able to play Sunday. Check back before the game just to be sure. In a PPR league, Welker is usually a great start. In the two games he’s played, Welker has 12 and 6 catches.

Correll Buckhalter – Denver Broncos – Out – Ankle

Buckhalter is officially listed as out for Sunday’s game against the Patriots. This means rookie Knowshon Moreno will get the start and almost all of the carries.

Matt Hasselbeck – Seattle Seahawks – Probable – Rib

It looks like Hasselbeck is going to return to action on Sunday against the Jaguars. On Friday he took almost all of the first team snaps. His match up against Jacksonville this week is very favorable as the Jags give up over 280 yards/game in the air.

Joseph Addai – Indianapolis Colts – Questionable – Hand

Addai fully participated in practice on Friday, but remains listed as questionable. He’ll most likely play, but will be going against a Titans’ defense that allows 79.8 rushing yards per game. They’ve also only give up two touchdowns all year.

Jerricho Cotchery – New York Jets – Questionable – Hamstring

Cotchery missed practice on Friday and the Jets officially have him listed as questionable. He does have an extra day to rest, as they play the Dolphins Monday night. Right now, however, it’s not looking too good. The Jets won’t rule him out yet, so check on his status Sunday before the early games. If Cotchery doesn’t start, newcomer Braylon Edwards might be able to put up decent numbers in his debut with the Jets.