Happy Labor Day to everyone out there.  I hope you are reading this article while lying on a beach or preparing for a family barbecue as the holiday marks the unofficial end of summer and beginning of the NFL season.  Rosters have been cut down to 53 players and decisions have been made with respect to the Injured Reserve/PUP lists.  There are still a couple days left of draft season so I wish everyone the best of luck if that is still on the agenda.  So without further adieu, here is the next edition of the gridiron walking wounded.

Arian Foster (RB-HOU)

Initial reports had Arian Foster missing up to two months following surgery on his groin.  Now it appears he could be back as soon as Week 3 which would be a tremendous windfall for fantasy owners who patiently drafted him in the later rounds.  However, proceed with caution with Foster who has a lengthy injury history and is one of the most untrustworthy players in all of fantasy football.  He clearly has RB1 upside but expectations should be tempered because of all the risk. 

T.Y. Hilton (WR-IND)

Hilton was cleared from the NFL’s concussion protocol late last week and should be on track to play in the Colts’ Week 1 game against Buffalo.  Hilton is now the primary wide receiver for Andrew Luck and should be in for a big season.  Barring any unforeseen setbacks this week, plan on putting Hilton in your lineup as a WR1.

Breshad Perriman (WR-BAL)

There was a slim chance Ravens’ rookie Breshad Perriman would be ready for Week 1, but those hopes have all been shattered now that it is being reported that he could be out until at least Octover.  Perriman would have a prominent role in Baltimore’s offense because of how thin their receiving core is, but he missed so much time in training camp that it is hard to imagine him just coming in with an impact the way Odell Beckham, Jr. did in 2014.  Perriman is a decent option to stash if you have roster flexibility.

Brandon LaFell (WR-NE)

LaFell had a productive season in 2014 and was expected to be even better this year with a healthy Rob Gronkowski and an unsuspended Tom Brady.  However, the Patriots placed him on the PUP list which makes him eligible to return by Week 8.  LaFell will be a solid waiver wire option as we get closed to Week 8, but for purposes of your roster construction in redraft leagues you can let him go and use the spot on your bench for someone who is actually active.

Leodis McKelvin (DB-BUF)

McKelvin had a setback earlier this summer during his recovery from ankle surgery last November.  He has been placed on the Reserve/NFI list and is expected to return by the time he is eligible in Week 7.  McKelvin would be a solid IDP option playing in Rex Ryan’s aggressive defense.  Look for him on the waiver wire after September assuming he was not drafted and stashed.

Vontaze Burfict (LB-CIN)

Burfict had a breakout 2013 season before being limited to just five games in 2014.  He underwent microfracture surgery on his knee which is a serious procedure and typically takes quite awhile for a full recovery.  He was placed on the PUP list and will not be eligible to return until Week 8.  Burfict is a great option in IDP leagues when healthy, so consider streaming him later in the year when he is eligible to come back.

David Cobb (RB-TEN)

Rookie David Cobb has been placed on Injured Reserve and will not be eligible to return until Week 10.  He was slated to compete with Bishop Sankey for playing time, but a serious calf injury has derailed any fantasy value he would have had in his rookie season.  Tennessee acquired Terrance West late in the preseason so it does not appear Cobb will provide any type of value in 2015.

Jay Ajayi (RB-MIA)

There were mixed reviews of Miami rookie Jay Ajayi as he was first pegged to be competing for carries with incumbent Lamar Miller.  However, an unimpressive training camp and lack of blocking skills pushed him further down the depth chart.  Now he has been placed on the PUP list with several cracked ribs and will not be eligible to play until Week 10.  Ajayi can be dropped if you drafted him and should remain on the waiver wire at least through October.

Michael A. Stein, Esq. is the Chief Justice of Fantasy Judgment, the industry's premier dispute resolution service, and is also the co-host of the Fantasy Alarm podcast. You can contact him at michael.stein@fantasyjudgment.com or on Facebook and Twitter (@FantasyJudgment),