Every NFL team playing Sunday is required to issue a final injury report on Friday. The pair of teams playing Monday night will issue their final report Saturday. Here we will review all of the fantasy-relevant players dealing with ailments and how to plan accordingly. Keep in mind, however, the inactive list isn't due until 90 minutes before kickoff. As you start to put the final touches on those lineups, have a fallback plan or two at the ready in the event you will be dealing with an ailing player.
QUESTIONABLE
Josh McCown, QB, Browns – Shoulder
Earlier this week, head coach Mike Pettine said that Johnny Manziel could be needed in relief. McCown is dealing with issues in his throwing shoulder as well as his ribs. After four consecutive games with a pair of touchdowns, McCown was kept out of the end zone last week against the St. Louis Rams. This week, it's an even tougher NFC West foe in the Arizona Cardinals.
Dez Bryant, WR, Cowboys – Foot
Baring a setback, Bryant is expected to face the Seattle Seahawks in his first game back since suffering a foot injury in the opener. In addition to the rough matchup, Matt Cassel will be under center. If you have another option, a wait-and-see approach with Dez might be preferred.
John Brown, WR, Cardinals – Hamstring
The Arizona Cardinals have a bye in Week 9 and have been considering sitting Brown against the Cleveland Browns in order to give him additional rest. However, Brown has been playing through the issue very well. He was able to get into practice on a limited basis Friday, after missing Wednesday and Thursday. Michael Floyd has scored in two straight while becoming a bigger part of the offense. If Brown sits, Floyd is a strong play.
Eric Decker, WR, Jets – Knee
The Jets are wisely keeping Decker's workload in practice light as he works through a sprained knee. Decker saw double-digit targets last week and had his second-highest output of the year, 94 yards. The opposing Oakland Raiders have only allowed two receiving touchdowns to wide receivers this season while being taken for a league-high seven scores to tight ends.
Anquan Boldin, WR, 49ers – Hamstring
According to Boldin, there is "no doubt" he'll be on the field this week against the St. Louis Rams. Running back Carlos Hyde (foot) has already been ruled out, so Colin Kaepernick may need to target Boldin frequently. Sadly, Kap has gone without a touchdown pass in four of seven games this season.
Antonio Gates, TE, Chargers – Knee
After missing last week's game, Gates has yet to return to practice. It's hard to imagine he'll suit up to face the Baltimore Ravens on the road, especially with Ladarius Green getting the job done. The backup tight end has scored in three of the last four weeks. Even though the Ravens have been one of the better teams in limiting tight ends, odds markers have given this game the highest point total of any Sunday game.
OUT
Marcus Mariota, QB, Titans – Knee
It looks like one more week of Zach Mettenberger with Mariota expected back in Week 9 to play the New Orleans Saints.
Carlos Hyde, RB, 49ers – Foot
With Hyde out, Reggie Bush becomes the only experienced player in the Niners backfield. The 30-year-old Bush makes for a weak flex option. The Rams haven't allowed a rushing touchdown to a running back since Week 3.
Joseph Randle, RB, Cowboys – Oblique
When Randle was informed he had lost the starting job to Darren McFadden, he left the team facility instead of getting treatment for his strained oblique. Randle may also see a suspension from the league for a violation of the personal conduct policy steaming from a February arrest. You may recall he was also arrested last year for shoplifting.
James Starks, RB, Packers – Hip
Last week, Starks ran for 112 yards and a touchdown on just 10 carries. Meanwhile, the sluggish Eddie Lacy only managed three yards on four carries. Unfortunately for Starks, a hip issue has limited him in practice all week. It appears as though he'll play, although neither Green Bay running back is an attractive option against the stout Denver Broncos defense.
Bilal Powell, RB, Jets - Ankle
Leonard Hankerson, WR, Falcons – Hamstring
Rookie Justin Hardy will make his NFL debut this week. The fourth-round selection faces a horrid Tampa Bay Buccaneers secondary, but is unlikely to be worth the risk of starting. For right now, Hardy is just someone to keep an eye on.
Victor Cruz, WR, Giants - Calf
Cecil Shorts, WR, Texans - Hamstring
Breshad Perriman, WR, Ravens - Knee
DOUBTFUL
Vincent Jackson, WR, Buccaneers – Knee
There was speculation that the knee injury V-Jax suffered would cause him to miss multiple games. However, he hasn't been officially ruled out. It justdoesn't seem realistic Jackson can go on Sunday.
Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE, Buccaneers – Shoulder
Unlike Jackson, ASJ was able to get hit the practice field on a limited basis. There's a decent chance he'll be ready to play next week against the New York Giants.
PROBABLE (limited practice)
Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings - Ankle, Finger, Hip
The Vikings opted to let Peterson nurse his various ailments on Wednesday and Thursday prior to having him practice in full on Friday.
Joique Bell, RB, Lions – Ankle
Bell has looked terrible all year. The change at offensive coordinator is unlikely to turn around his putrid level of performance.
Steve Smith, WR, Ravens – Knee
Smith popped up on the Thursday practice report after tweaking his knee. He had a full practice on Friday, but looked a little slow.
Emmanuel Sanders, WR, Broncos – Shoulder
Sanders sprained his shoulder at the end of the Browns game in Week 6. He's had a week to heal and was full go Friday after being limited earlier in the week.
Davante Adams, WR, Packers – Ankle
Adams is on track to return after missing several weeks. Unfortunately, the opposing Broncos have only allowed one receiving touchdown to an opposing wide receiver all year.
PROBABLE (full practice)
Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers – Knee
Roethlisberger thought he might be able to play last week until some discomfort in his knee returned. There have been so such setbacks reported this week. Expect to see Big Ben get the start at home against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Matthew Stafford, QB, Lions - Elbow
Alex Smith, QB, Chiefs - Thumb
Colin Kaepernick, QB, 49ers - Hand
Marshawn Lynch, RB, Seahawks - Hamstring
Chris Ivory, RB, Jets - Hamstring
Melvin Gordon, RB, Chargers - Ankle
Charcandrick West, RB, Chiefs - Pectoral
Isaiah Crowell, RB, Browns - Ribs
Chris Polk, RB, Texans - Knee
Odell Beckham, WR, Giants - Hamstring
Jeremy Maclin, WR, Chiefs - Concussion
Marques Colston, WR, Saints - Shoulder
Travis Kelce, TE, Chiefs - Groin
Owen Daniels, TE, Broncos - Shoulder
Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Lions - Elbow
IR – Designated for return
Tony Romo, QB, Cowboys – Collarbone
Eligible to return Week 11.
David Cobb, RB, Titans – Calf
Currently practicing, expected to return Week 9.
Jay Ajayi, RB, Dolphins – Ribs
Currently practicing, expected to return Week 9.