Week 2 of the NFL season is underway after Denver’s shocking victory in Kansas City on Thursday night. As always, fantasy owners have more questions than answers when it comes to players who are banged up during the week and whether they will play on Sunday. The best we can do is make educated guesses interpreting what the players and teams are saying while also remaining diligent and checking for updates right up until rosters lock. So without further adieu, here is the next edition of the gridiron walking wounded.
Arian Foster (RB-HOU)
There is great news for fantasy owners who drafted Foster in the later rounds stashing him until he returns. Foster returned to practice in a limited capacity this week and has not officially been ruled out yet for Week 2. However, chances are he will not play this week but rather could make his debut in Week 3. This is a huge boost for owners who took the chance on him as he immediately steps in as a RB1 once he is ready to go. This is likely the last week Alfred Blue should be in your starting lineup until Foster inevitably gets hurt again.
Julio Jones (WR-ATL)
Fantasy darling Julio Jones missed a couple days of practice this week dealing with a hamstring injury, but he is expected to return on Friday. The Falcons are saying that he will definitely play this Sunday against the Giants, and we have every reason to believe them. Jones is one of the best fantasy options of the week against a suspect Giants’ defense in what should be a high scoring game. Put Jones in your lineup without thinking twice and pay whatever the salary is to get him on your DFS rosters.
Mike Evans (WR-TB)
Mike Evans practiced in a limited capacity this week and has declared himself 100%. The only question is whether Tampa Bay allows him to play. You will need to check his status consistently right up to game time because he is a must-start with a favorable matchup against the Saints in Week 2. Evans is a high end receiver that will make a big difference in your lineup after keeping him sidelined last week.
Justin Forsett (RB-BAL)
Forsett was one of many to have an ugly game in Week 1 against Denver, but he is a good choice to bounce back and break out against Oakland this week. Forsett practiced in full on Thursday and will play this Sunday in Week 2. He is the Ravens’ top running back and is a great candidate to explode against a suspect Oakland defense.
Golden Tate (WR-DET)
After a lot of hype during the preseason, Golden Tate put up a dud in last week’s loss to San Diego with only four catches for 24 yards. Tate is coming off a breakout season and expectations were high for him playing opposite Calvin Johnson. He has been dealing with a quad injury but should be good to go on Sunday against Minnesota. He is a solid WR2 option against a Vikings’ secondary that wasn’t really tested by the 49ers.
LeSean McCoy (RB-BUF)
Red flags have been arisen as McCoy pulled himself from practice on Thursday as he was dealing with soreness in his hamstring. He was awful in Week 1 rushing 17 times for only 41 yards. The Bills are hopeful that McCoy will be able to play against New England, but we won’t know more until later today and over the weekend. He is a risky option this week either way, so it may be worth your while to take a chance on backup Karlos Williams instead as a potential Flex option.
Andre Ellington (RB-ARZ)
Ellington injured his PCL last week and will not play in Week 2 against the Bears. That was expected but unfortunate because the Cardinals have a very favorable matchup against a bad Chicago defense. Look for veteran Chris Johnson to get most of the carries early on, but don’t expect that to last. Johnson has not produced much in several years so it shouldn’t be long before rookie David Johnson gets more opportunities.
Jonathan Stewart (RB-CAR)
Stewart practiced in full on Thursday and is set to go this week against Houston despite dealing with a knee injury. While he is not a great fantasy option, Stewart is the primary running back in a bad Carolina offense. He will get a majority of the rushing attempts and some targets out of the backfield. That may be enough to make him a Flex option if you are desperate, but don’t look for much statistical production from the oft-injured Panther.
C.J. Spiller (RB-NO)
Spiller has been limited in practice this week but says he is feeling good and is hopeful to play on Sunday against Tampa Bay. This is another situation where the decision will go down to the wire so be prepared to make changes to your lineup right up until game time. Spiller would be a solid Flex option if he suits up as he should see plenty of targets out of the Saints’ backfield.
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),