Injury Wrap: Down to the wire for Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery
It's been a long, complicated week. Here's the latest on the injury and status front, beginning with the wide receivers.
(If you're looking for news on Adrian Peterson's indictment, we're going to let Shutdown Corner handle the latest. Matt Asiata is expected to start for the Vikings, with Jerick McKinnon the next option. Updated Yahoo fantasy ranks can be found here.)
Sunday Update: Carson Palmer is out, Drew Stanton starts. I moved my Arizona wideouts down a little bit.
• Brandon Marshall (ankle) was held out of Friday's team practice, though he did some light jogging on the side. He'll be a game-time decision for Sunday night's feature at San Francisco. Things are also cloudy for Alshon Jeffery (hamstring), though he did some work Friday. Santonio Holmes might need to play a notable role for the Bears in this game. It could also be a busy evening for TE Martellus Bennett and RB Matt Forte.
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If you can't find a Sunday night caddy for Marshall or Jeffery (a late-game option to use in a pinch), don't forget to look at the Philly-Indianapolis game, where both teams have several pass-catching options.
• Cecil Shorts (hamstring) didn't work Friday, and although he's listed as doubtful, you can rule him out of the game at Washington. Marqise Lee (hamstring) should be able to play, and Allen Hurns is also worth considering.
• A.J. Green (foot) had a full Friday and is probable for the home opener against Atlanta. Good to go.
• Dwayne Bowe (quad) is available for the Chiefs again, if a little dinged up. He's listed as probable. He'll get a full test from Denver's excellent secondary.
• The Dolphins list Mike Wallace (hamstring) as probable, so give him a go at Buffalo. The new regime seems to have a better understanding of getting Wallace open, and he just missed a second touchdown against the Patriots.
• Wes Welker is expected to be freed of his suspension when the new NFL drug policy is officially ratified, but it still appears unlikely Welker will play Sunday against Kansas City.
• Terrance Williams (back) should be able to go at Tennessee. He's probable.
• Reggie Wayne had a veteran's rest on Thursday, but he should be fine for Monday's pinball match against Philadelphia. He remains PPR royalty.
• Not that you want deep reaches from the Giants passing game, but Odell Beckham (hamstring) won't play this week.
• Roddy White (knee), Justin Hunter (knee) and Keenan Allen (ribs) are all listed as probable. Allen's biggest problem is the opponent, the Seahawks.
• Jordan Cameron (shoulder) missed another day and looks like a game-time decision against New Orleans. Have other options ready.
• The Pats limited Rob Gronkowski (knee) this week but still list him as probable.
• Antonio Gates (hamstring) has been practicing and is listed as probable.
• Austin Seferian-Jenkins (ankle) won't play against St. Louis, making Brandon Myers a possible reach play. Josh McCown looked to his tight end often last week.
• Jordan Reed (hamstring) is out for Washington's home opener. Niles Paul is the next man up.
• Charles Clay (knee) is listed as probable. I'm not souring on him after a quiet opener.
• Garrett Graham (back) should start at Oakland. He's probable. Ryan Fitzpatrick generally likes to throw between the numbers.
Running Back
• Eddie Lacy (post concussion) is listed as probable. He gets another nasty matchup, the run-stuffing Jets. Generally I frown on the handcuff game for fantasy, but this is one case where I see the understudy (James Starks) as mandatory insurance.
• Maurice Jones-Drew underwent hand surgery earlier this week, and although he carries the questionable tag, there's a strong chance he won't play. Darren McFadden and Latavius Murray are the next options in Oakland. Long-term, Murray's upside is intriguing.
• Arian Foster (ribs) is listed as probable for the road game at Oakland.
• Doug Martin (knee) took some reps Thursday and Friday and is considered questionable for the home game against St. Louis. Bobby Rainey is a talented backup here. The Bucs have one of the five games in Sunday's second wave, making things more complicated.
• A lot of mixed reports on Toby Gerhart (ankle) this week, but apparently the Jags aren't too concerned. They're listing him as probable.
• Andre Ellington (foot) took some snaps Friday after resting the earlier days. The Cardinals are on a short week after playing Monday. His status is expected to come down to game-time again, but given how he played last week, it sure seems like he'll be starting at the Giants. At least it's an early game, so we'll know the story far in advance.
• DeAngelo Williams (thigh) had a messy week and is listed as questionable. Context clues point to him not playing against Detroit, and even if he did, I can't see how you'd start him. The Panthers still have a complicated rushing situation, with Jonathan Stewart, Mike Tolbert and Cam Newton around for possible goal-line work.
• Although Reggie Bush (knee) missed some work Wednesday, he did fine the remainder of the week and is listed as probable. The Lions give Bush general maintenance time here and there; it's probably no big deal.
• Knowshon Moreno (shoulder) is a little dinged up but nonetheless listed as probable. He should see plenty of work against Buffalo.
• Christian Michael (hamstring) won't play at San Diego. Robert Turbin will back up Marshawn Lynch.
• Ben Tate (knee) hopes to return in Week 5, after Cleveland's bye. Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell lug the mail in the meantime.
Quarterback
• Carson Palmer (shoulder) didn't do anything this week in practice, but it still was a surprise to see him scratched on Sunday. Drew Stanton gets the call. Big hit for Arizona.
• Cam Newton (ribs) is fully expected to start against Detroit. He's tagged as probable.
• Tony Romo is practicing despite his wonky back and considered probable at Tennessee.
• The Rams aren't sure if Shaun Hill (thigh/questionable) or Austin Davis will start at Tampa Bay. Meanwhile, you might want the Bucs defense going for you.
