By now, you know what we do here every weekend. We play doctor and try to analyze some of the injury situations from around the NFL. It’s Week 7, which means we’ve done this six times now.
Let’s go.
Jimmy Graham, New Orleans Saints (shoulder)- After originally being ruled out for the next 2-3 weeks, Graham actually was limited in practice on both Thursday and Friday. He’s now being ruled a game-time decision for Sunday’s tilt against the Lions elite defense. Personally, I would be shocked if he plays. I could see the Saints trying to get into the Lions’ head, making them gameplan for one of the best offensive players in football, only for him to not be on the field. I’d still plan for Graham not being out there this week, but it’s a one o’clock game, so we’ll know ahead of time.
Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions (ankle)- He’s listed as questionable, but the Lions already stated that it would be a miracle if Calvin played this week. He didn’t practice all week and his ankle clearly isn’t close to 100 percent. Do you believe in miracles? Staying in Detroit, both Lions running backs will play, as Reggie Bush returns to the lineup after missing last week with an ankle injury of his own. Do you believe in narrative street and the revenge game? Finally, tight end Eric Ebron doesn’t look like he’ll play either, nursing a hamstring injury. With Joseph Fauria also sidelined, it’ll be the Brandon Pettigrew show at tight end for Detroit.
A.J. Green, Cincinnati Bengals (toe)- Green has been listed as doubtful all week long, but you can go ahead and officially rule him out. He won’t be playing in this game, and with Marvin Jones out for the season, Mohamed Sanu will be heavily targeted for the time being, making him a WR2 in fantasy leagues. For what it’s worth, the Colts and Vontae Davis have done a good job shutting down opposing number one wideouts this season.
Zac Stacy, St. Louis Rams (ankle)- Stacy missed a few early practices this week, but was out there in full on Thursday and Friday, and is listed as probable for Sunday’s game against Seattle. Still, the Rams are going with a hot hand approach in their backfield, making zero St Louis backs startable against the Seahawks, who are allowing the 9th-fewest fantasy points to opposing rushers this season.
Shonn Greene, Tennessee Titans (hamstring)- Greene didn’t practice once all week long and is listed as doubtful for Sunday’s contest against the Redskins. That means Bishop Sankey will get the start, but how much can you trust him? He had a strong 18 carries against the Jaguars last week, and started to get going as the game progressed. He should be in line for 15-18 carries again this week, with Dexter McCluster mixing in on passing downs, while Jackie Battle may vulture another short-yardage touchdown again. If that does happen for a second time, you can find me crying in the shower. Leon Washington will also mix in, but not much.
Kelvin Benjamin, Carolina Panthers (concussion)- The Panthers rookie wideout was diagnosed with a “minor” concussion earlier in the week. Benjamin did, however, practice in pads on Friday, and appears to be in line to play on Sunday, but he still has to go through the concussion protocol. Keep an eye out this weekend, and hopefully we know on Saturday, as this game kicks off at four o’clock. Assuming Benjamin does play, he should be looked at as a top-12 guy, as the Packers will be without Sam Shields and potentially Tramon Williams in their secondary.
Jonathan Stewart, Carolina Panthers (knee)- Stewart should be in line for as many carries as his knee can hold this week, which should put him at about eight or nine. And I’m only somewhat kidding. He practiced in full and is listed as probable for this week’s game, and with Fozzy Whittaker doubtful after suffering a thigh injury, Stewart will get the start and the majority of the work. DeAngelo Williams is also listed as doubtful, while Mike Tolbert won’t be back for a few weeks. The matchup is pretty favorable, as Green Bay is surrendering the most rushing yards per game this year (154.3), while coughing up the 11th-most fantasy points to opposing rushers.
