It’s never too early to check in on player injury statuses ahead of the 2022 season, and our news desk has you covered. Let’s take a look at the latest injury news and notes around the NFL.
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Michael Thomas: recovery ‘headed in right direction’
Ian Rapoport reports there is “optimism” that Michael Thomas will be cleared “at some point early in camp.” (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Saints head coach Dennis Allen is reportedly “on the same page” as the star wide receiver as far as the recovery goes, which is good news. Thomas was held out of the entire 2021 season with a high ankle sprain suffered the year prior. Before this injury, Thomas posted four straight seasons as a top nine fantasy WR in all scoring formats, including a number one finish at the position in 2019. We have yet to see a healthy Thomas on the field since his 2020 season was derailed by injury, but news of anticipated return occurring at some point during camp is positive. If Thomas were to be fully healthy for Week 1, his current ADP of outside the top 50 WRs would be a steal, and then some.
Jameis Winston’s health is ‘all positive’
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, QB Jameis Winston took part in minicamp and OTAs without many limitations as he recovers from an ACL tear he suffered last season. (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: The expectation around Winston is that “full health is coming” and that it is “all positive” in regards to his health. Rapoport said that Winston could look like the Winston of old from the pocket again. The Winston of old may leave a bad taste in the mouths of some people, but the former Heisman winner was playing some of his best football in 2021 before the injury. In seven games, Winston went 5-2 with 14 touchdowns to just three picks. When healthy, Winston has finished nearly every season as at least a QB2. While the Saints have a new head coach in Dennis Allen, the promotion came in-house, so the organizational stability may help a healthy Winston to a strong season.
Jimmy Garoppolo progressing well, targeting mid-August
San Francisco 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo has been throwing for weeks and is currently working on not just throwing deep but doing so multiple times. The target date is mid-August for a full clearance. (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Rapoport said that Garoppolo is working toward returning to the point where he can withstand the rigors of a practice or game before he can receive his full clearance. However, the team is “thrilled with where he is physically.” Rapoport also mentioned that we may not know Garoppolo’s destination in 2022 until he gets cleared, whether that’s San Francisco, Seattle or elsewhere, making his fantasy future tough to be certain on at this point in time.
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