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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Fantasy Football Injury Updates
Kenny Golladay underwent unspecified medical procedure this offseason
Kenny Golladay expects to bounce back from an underwhelming first season in New York following an unspecified medical procedure this offseason according to ESPN’s Jordan Raanan. (Source: Jordan Raanan, ESPN.com)
Fantasy Impact: Golladay was reportedly not moving well at times during training camp after not participating in OTA’s and this newly revealed medical procedure may have something to do with that. Golladay is looking to bounce back from a season where he failed to find the end zone at all. Golladay is looking to play a full season for the first time since 2019 when he racked up 1,190 receiving yards and an NFL-leading 11 touchdowns.
Deebo Samuel (knee) misses practice Thursday
Deebo Samuel missed practice on Thursday but did participate in conditioning work on the side as he continues to deal with a bone bruise behind his knee according to the San Jose Mercury News’ Cam Inman. (Source: Cam Inman, San Jose Mercury News)
Fantasy Impact: Samuel has not participated in any on-field drills since being revealed to be dealing with a bone bruise on Sunday that he suffered in the 49ers’ final preseason game. The 49ers have hope Samuel will be ready for Week 1 against the Bears but he will need to resume practicing before that can be a reality. Samuel signed a three-year contract extension in July worth $71.55 million. If Samuel is unable to suit up for Week 1, Brandon Aiyuk’s target share will likely increase in his absence.
Jaylen Waddle is expected to be ready for Week 1
Jaylen Waddle has been dealing with a lower-body injury that has held him out of practice for the majority of the preseason. However, HC Mike McDaniel is ‘very, very, very confident that the young WR will be ready for Week 1. (Source: Josh Alper, NBC Sports)
Fantasy Impact: Waddle burst onto the scene a year ago, setting the record for catches as a rookie receiver with an impressive 104 catches. The Dolphins weren’t satisfied with their receivers and made a blockbuster trade for Tyreek Hill. With the level of player, and the amount of money that he is being paid, Hill will most likely lead the team in targets which will make it hard for Waddle to take a big step up in 2022. The Dolphins offense could be much improved, which would offer more red zone opportunities for Waddle to score in 2022. The success of Hill, Waddle and any other Dolphins pass-catcher hinges on the play of Tua Tagovailoa. With that in mind, there could be a low floor for Waddle in 2022, but the ceiling is undeniably high. Assuming Waddle is healthy for Week 1, consider him a firm WR2 with a wide variety of possible outcomes week-to-week.
Jameson Williams ‘on track’ in recovery from torn ACL
Jameson Williams is recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered late in his last season at the University of Alabama, it appears that things are going well in his recovery so far. (Source: Benjamin Raven)
Fantasy Impact: The Lions have made it clear that Williams won’t be rushed back, and General Manager Brad Holmes made it clear that the Lions traded up for Williams as “a long-term investment.” Assuming Williams does return at some point before the fantasy playoffs this year he should be viewed as a long-term investment for your fantasy team when drafting this season. The Lions have an exceptionally easy schedule down the stretch, and Williams is extremely talented; however, the Lions do have many mouths to feed and Jared Goff has not shown an ability to carry many fantasy-relevant options. Williams is a deep sleeper, who has a lot of upside in dynasty formats.
Check out the 2022 Preseason Injury Report from Sports Injury Central
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