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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Elijah Mitchell (hamstring) on track to return Week 1
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters that RB Elijah Mitchell is on track to return Week 1 vs. Chicago. (Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Mitchell is currently dealing with a hamstring injury and is not expected to play at all in the preseason. He still expects to open the season as the lead back. It is worth noting San Francisco has had a different leader in carries each of the last five seasons, so that adds some risk to Mitchell for fantasy managers.
Jameson Williams placed on Reserve/NFI list
On Tuesday, the Lions will place rookie WR Jameson Williams on the Reserve/NFI list.
Fantasy Impact: The move was expected after drafting the 21-year-old out of Alabama who tore his ACL in the National Championship in January. An NFI designation means he will miss the first four games of the regular season and must be medically cbeforerior to returning to practice. Depending on your fantasy league format and available IR spots, Williams is a sneaky stash in redraft leagues. Be aware that the timeline for return sounds closer to November than Week 5, but the potential is enticing.
Darren Waller misses practice Tuesday
Darren Waller did not practice for the second consecutive day on Tuesday. (Source: Tashan Reed on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: There aren’t any concrete details as to why he has missed practice recently. He had missed time earlier in training camp due to a hamstring injury, but the team has not said whether Waller’s absence is due to the same injury or something else. He should still be a very solid option at TE in the Raiders’ offense as long as he stays healthy.
JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee) expected to be fine for Week 1
Chiefs coach Andy Reid said WR JuJu Smith-Schuster’s sore knee occurred during the Monday after first preseason game. Smith-Schuster hasn’t practiced since. (Source: Herbie Teope on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Reid did not sound too concerned and said Smith-Schuster has “turned the corner” and should be fine for the regular season. He will look to compete to lead the Chiefs wide receivers in targets this season.
Ken Walker III may not be ready for Week 1
Ken Walker III is “making progress every day” but his status is uncertain for Week 1, per Seahawks’ head coach Pete Carroll. (Source: Brady Henderson on Twitter )
Fantasy Impact: Walker underwent a procedure separate from the hernia injury he suffered early in the preseason. Although Pete Carroll expected him back for Week 1, it looks like Rashaad Penny will open the season as the lead back in Seattle. Walker is currently being selected as the RB37 in PPR ADP, according to FantasyPros.
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