The Week 11 NFL injury report seems to be quiet this week. However, there are some key fantasy players who are in jeopardy of missing action.
To help protect yourself from inactive players, start your Thursday Night Football players at their dedicated position and not your Flex spot. And, if possible, your Flex player should be the player who has the latest game. i.e. Monday Night Football players.
Obviously, there are times where you cannot accommodate this. But when you can accomplish this, it really allows flexibility — pun intended — if a player becomes inactive. Trust me, you would much rather be able to choose from both pass-catchers and running backs, rather than just one position. You never know when this could save your team one week!
Here are some key injuries to monitor going into Sunday of Week 11.
Adam Thielen (WR, MIN)
Adam Thielen, one of the most dynamic fantasy stud-muffins this year, was limited in practice on Wednesday because of two injuries: lower back and calf. While his status Sunday has not been threatened further, showing up with two injuries after a BYE week is cause for concern and warrants monitoring. If Thielen is active in Chicago on Sunday, you play him — the dude is a stud! If he misses, Stefon Diggs, Dalvin Cook, Kyle Rudolph and Laquon Treadwell would see their target-share increase.
[Week 11 Fantasy Football Analysis: See rankings, player to add, players to drop, sleepers, busts and more.]
Marvin Jones (WR, DET)
The Detroit deep-threat, Marvin Jones, was listed as a non-participant for practice Wednesday. Jones is currently dealing with a bone bruise and has been labeled day-to-day. Though Jones has not been ruled out, there also has not been encouraging news that Jones will play, either. If Jones is unavailable, Kenny Golladay will stand to be the immediate target beneficiary. Deeper PPR leagues would possibly see deep-flex potential in Theo Riddick.
Sammy Watkins (WR, KC)
The status of Sammy Watkins is in question for Week 11, as he was a non-participant in Wednesday’s practice. With this being a Monday Night Football game, Watkins’ fantasy owners at least get the perk of extra rest; but, that also means relying on Watkins to actually play – and not burn you last minute. On a positive note, Watkins alluded to playing this Monday on social media. If Watkins misses, Chris Conley would be a deep-flex worthy candidate. If that does not excite you, go pick up Josh Reynolds from the Rams, because the historic over-under (64) in this game suggests fantasy scoreboards are going to light up!
Joe Flacco (QB, BAL)
Joe Flacco did not participate in Wednesday’s practice for the Ravens. The veteran has a great matchup at home this week against the Bengals, who have given up 1500 yards of offense over the last three games. If Flacco misses, streaming his backup would not be out of the question, since this is a heavy BYE week. The only conflict here is, who would get the start: Lamar Jackson or Robert Griffin III? If you need to decide today, I would go with Jackson since he has been involved in the Ravens’ offense this year.
Chris Godwin (WR, TB)
Fresh off of a seven catch, 100-yard performance, Chris Godwin was not seen at practice on Wednesday. Godwin’s ability to practice should be monitored, as the severity of his injury is not clear. If he does not get a full practice in, prior to the Buccaneers’ matchup in the Meadowlands, you may want to replace Godwin in your starting lineup. Tampa Bay is facing the Giants, who rank fifth against fantasy receivers. Desean Jackson and Cameron Brate may see more targets if Godwin is inactive.
Royce Freeman (RB, DEN)
Freeman being on the injury report after a BYE week is concerning — especially since this is that same nagging ankle injury. The Denver running back has rested his ankle over the past three weeks and on Wednesday, he was able to put in a limited practice. While he is technically progressing, it is hard to tell how much. Further, you have to consider that Vance Joseph and his staff could place Freeman on a “pitch-count.” What is definite is that Phillip Lindsay has been the primary back in Denver, while Freeman’s fantasy scoring has been touchdown dependent. Add in the fact that Freeman is not fully healthy yet, and that creates a floor you do not want from a starting back. If Freeman fails to play on Sunday, Devante Booker would be an available running back who could see some deep-flex considerations. Ultimately, Lindsay will gain the most out of Freeman missing.
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