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Week 1 Injury Report (2020 Fantasy Football)

Week 1 Injury Report (2020 Fantasy Football)

The 2020 injury report has been upgraded to include some new features. In addition to covering all of the fantasy-relevant injuries, I will update you on the previous weeks’ injuries. Also, I’ll explain the nature of the injury (if known), provide information on the expected length of each player’s absence, and offer an assessment of the impact on the injured player’s teammates.

With that, I welcome you to the revamped injury report. Football is a violent game, and, unfortunately, players are going to miss time due to injuries. I promise you I don’t want to be here just as much as you don’t, but this is a necessary evil in this game that we love. As always, I hope this list is as short as possible.

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New Injuries

Duke Johnson (RB – HOU)
The lesser Johnson on the Texans sprained his ankle early in the opening game of the 2020 season. Duke Johnson had zero fantasy value prior to getting hurt. Obviously, I hate all injuries and don’t want to see any player get hurt, no matter how impactful he is or isn’t, but Duke’s injury is about as minimally impactful as it gets. David Johnson remains locked in as the Texans’ three-down back and will play as many snaps as he can handle.

Fantasy Value Impact: N/A

Marlon Mack (RB – IND)
After completely dominating snaps ahead of Jonathan Taylor, Marlon Mack went down on a seemingly innocuous play and grabbed his ankle. It was later revealed that he might have torn his Achilles, which would mean the end of his season. With Mack out, Taylor will take over as the primary early-down back, and Nyheim Hines is locked into the passing-down role. Hines should be rostered in all leagues at this point.

Fantasy Value Impact: Jonathan Taylor ???, Nyheim Hines ??

DeVante Parker (WR – MIA)
The Dolphins WR1 pulled his hamstring in Sunday’s loss to the Patriots. After dealing with a hamstring injury during camp, this is an unwelcome development for DeVante Parker. Hamstring injuries have a tendency to linger, so it would be surprising if Parker suited up in Week 2. With Parker hobbled, Preston Williams takes over as the WR1. Mike Gesicki should also see a bump in targets.

Fantasy Value Impact: Preston Williams ?, Mike Gesicki ?, DeVante Parker ??

Le’Veon Bell (RB – NYJ)
There was a report during late August that Le’Veon Bell was dealing with a hamstring strain, but he tweeted out that his hamstrings were fine. After Week 1, we’re left to wonder if perhaps there was something to that rumor. Bell pulled a hamstring after being completely ineffective prior. There’s really no reason to be interested in any Jets running back, but it’s noteworthy that Josh Adams was the man to enter the game alongside Frank Gore after Bell went down. I certainly wouldn’t pick him up, but he’s a name to monitor as Gore is not going to be fantasy relevant regardless of Bell’s status.

Fantasy Value Impact: Josh Adams ?, Le’Veon Bell ??

Justin Jackson (RB – LAC)
Justin Jackson was the primary backup to Austin Ekeler before departing with a quad injury. Joshua Kelley balled out in his NFL debut and certainly earned an increased role regardless of Jackson’s injury. Ekeler was always going to be the primary back, but he was never going to be a three-down workhorse, so the Jackson injury doesn’t change anything for him. It does, however, make Kelley a must-add.

Fantasy Value Impact: Joshua Kelley ??, Justin Jackson ???

Blake Jarwin (TE – DAL)
One of the most popular breakout tight end candidates will have to wait another season, as Blake Jarwin went down with a non-contact knee injury in the first half. It looks like Jarwin tore his ACL. Dalton Schultz is the replacement, but he doesn’t matter.

Fantasy Value Impact: Blake Jarwin ???

George Kittle (TE – SF)
The best tight end in football briefly exited with a hyperextended knee. He then returned shortly thereafter and reported that he felt “fantastic” after the game. He’s fine.

Fantasy Value Impact: N/A

Injury Updates

Kenny Golladay (WR – DET)
The Lions missed their alpha WR1, as they dropped a home game to the Bears in Week 1. Kenny Golladay picked up a hamstring injury at practice and ultimately couldn’t go. He’s week-to-week and should be considered 50-50 to play in Week 2. Expect the Lions to be cautious with their best receiver. Marvin Jones will remain the top target in Golladay’s absence, with T.J. Hockenson picking up the rest of the slack.

Estimated Return Time: 1-2 weeks
Course of Action: Hold

Courtland Sutton (WR – DEN)
At the time of this writing, Courtland Sutton is questionable to play Monday night. If I had to guess, I don’t think that he’ll play, but by the time you’re reading this, we may have an answer. If Sutton plays, then feel free to disregard this note. If he doesn’t, it would be because of a sprained AC joint in his shoulder. This is typically a 2-3 week injury, but it’s not overly serious, and it’s one that receivers can play through in certain circumstances. If Sutton can’t play, Jerry Jeudy would be the presumptive WR1.

Estimated Return Time: 1-2 weeks
Course of Action: Hold

Miles Sanders (RB – PHI)
After being limited in practice all week, the Eagles held out Miles Sanders due to a hamstring issue. I get the feeling that Sanders would’ve played if it were later in the season or a more important game. With the Eagles blowing a lead against the worst starting quarterback in the NFL, they may feel pressured to activate Sanders next week, even if he’s less than 100%. Boston Scott led a committee with Corey Clement in Sanders’ absence. Scott should have a role even when Sanders returns.

Estimated Return Time: Week 2
Course of Action: Start him as soon as he returns

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Jason Katz is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Jason, check out his archive or follow him @jasonkatz13.

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