Injury Wrap: Drew Brees out for Week 3; Marshawn Lynch a game-day call
With two wild-eyed McCown brothers set to start in the NFL, it’s a crazy Week 3. Let’s get a jump-start on the injury report. We will update this file Friday evening.
Although the Saints claim Drew Brees (shoulder) made progress every day, he has been ruled out for the Sunday game at Carolina. A charmed life for the Panthers: they’re facing Blake Bortles, Ryan Mallett and Luke McCown in consecutive weeks. Other than RB Mark Ingram, there isn’t a single New Orleans skill player I’d feel good about starting this week (and Ingram is merely slotted as a RB2 because that position is such a mess).
A late-afternoon shocker from Seattle: Marshawn Lynch has a calf injury and is a game-time call for Sunday against Chicago. Fred Jackson's stock takes a sizable jump. We'll keep close tabs on this one.
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The Bears won’t have Jay Cutler (hamstring) or Alshon Jeffery (hamstring) for the ominous Week 3 trip to Seattle. Jimmy Clausen is the stand-in quarterback.
Eddie Lacy (ankle) did individual drills Friday, as expected. He's far from a sure thing for Monday's game against Kansas City, so have James Starks stashed away, as needed.
Although DeMarco Murray (hamstring) is listed as questionable, nothing is guaranteed for him, given the offensive line in front of him (playing rather poorly) and the nasty draw in front of him (the Jets). If you forced me to play a Philly running back this week, I’d gamble on Ryan Mathews.
The Jets consider Chris Ivory a game-time decision for Sunday. He’s dealing with groin and quad injuries. Bilal Powell is worth a speculative pickup in any league. Eric Decker (knee) is another game-time decision, though context clues suggest he’s closer to the doubtful side. I’d look for a different option right away.
Todd Gurley (knee) and Tre Mason both received first-team reps in the leadup to Sunday’s home date against Pittsburgh. Gurley seems likely to make his NFL debut this weekend, but it’s hard to say how many touches the Rams are ready to give him.
The Falcons weren’t optimistic about Tevin Coleman (ribs) all week, and he was officially scratched Friday. Devonta Freeman becomes the starting tailback at Dallas.
Andre Ellington (knee) is listed as doubtful and remains on a week-to-week watch. He won't play against San Francisco.
The Texans welcomed DeAndre Hopkins (post concussion) back to practice Friday, though he still needs to pass a baseline test before he’s cleared for the home date against Tampa Bay. Arian Foster (groin) remains week-to-week; he's out for Sunday.
[Week 3 rankings: Quarterback | Running Back | Receiver | Flex | All Positions]
Ladarius Green is coming off a pair of concussions and while he’s listed as questionable on the injury report, I wouldn’t risk a thing on him for Sunday. The Chargers are two weeks away from getting Antonio Gates back.
Delanie Walker (wrist) appears ready to return to action. The Titans list him as probable.
Dwayne Allen (ankle) is a no-go for Week 3, which should lead to more opportunity for the thus-far invisible Coby Fleener.
Jason Witten (knee/ankle) is expected to go Sunday, par for the course with him. He’s listed as probable. Remember his rookie year, when he played through a busted jaw?
