Injury Wrap: Vick Ballard done for season; Larry Fitzgerald has a setback; Atlanta wideouts hobbling around
Time-shares are part of NFL backfield life these days, but things just got less complicated with the Colts.
Good news if you own Ahmad Bradshaw. Bad news if you're tied to Vick Ballard.
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Indianapolis announced Friday that Ballard is done for the season; he suffered a torn ACL in Thursday's practice. Bradshaw only had eight touches in the season-opening win over Oakland (compared to Ballard's 14), but he's probably in line for a lot of work Sunday against Miami. Saddle up, saddler.
The bottom of the depth chart also gets a bump, of course. Donald Brown should step into the No. 2 role for now, and Kerwynn Williams has been promoted from the practice squad. In deeper leagues, do what you need to do.
If I were shuffling up the running backs at this moment (the shuffle returns after Week 2), looking for seasonal value, I'd have Bradshaw in the low 20s, Brown around 40 and Williams about 10 spots after that. Season to taste.
Now for the rest of the league, starting with the wideouts.
• Just when everything looked shiny and happy for Larry Fitzgerald, we have something to worry about. According to Cardinals beat writer Darren Urban, Fitzgerald tweaked his hamstring in a midweek practice and was still limited in the Friday workout. Urban expects Fitzgerald to be a game-time decision, and it's one of those annoying late starts on Sunday. Make sure you have a caddy ready (a late-game option) if Fitzgerald cannot go.
• The Falcons have problems on the flanks, with Julio Jones (knee) and Roddy White (ankle) both listed as questionable. Jones was limited at the end of the practice week and we know all about White's status right now - he was surprisingly frank about it right after his decoy bit in Week 1.
Atlanta at least has an early game Sunday at St. Louis, when we can make a more educated guess on how to proceed. I'd be steering away from White in most situations, but I want to see what the club says about Jones. In the meantime, might be a good idea to kick the tires on Harry Douglas (just five-percent owned in Yahoo).
• Dez Bryant (foot) had a full week of practice and all signs point to him starting against the Chiefs. He's officially listed as probable.
• Cecil Shorts (groin) had a good week and the Jaguars expect him to play at Oakland. With Chad Henne in the saddle, I'm expecting a nice return here.
• Andre Roberts (quad) did everything asked Friday and is considered probable for the home opener against Detroit. He's turned into one of the better slot receivers in the league.
• Sidney Rice (knee) had a full workout Friday and should be fine against the Niners on Sunday night.
• The Broncos are listing Wes Welker (ankle) as probable. He had a full go Friday. Eric Decker (shoulder) also had a full practice and is also listed as probable.
• Danny Amendola (groin) didn't play Thursday and is out indefinitely. I'm sure the Patriots will be as helpful as possible during the process.
• With Jacoby Jones (knee) out 4-6 weeks, Marlon Brown is ready for an extended role in Baltimore. Brown had four catches for 65 yards and a score in the loss at Denver.
Running Backs
• Jamaal Charles (quad) had a full practice Friday and says he'll play against Dallas.
• Although Reggie Bush is battling a laundry list of dings (thumb, knee, groin), the Lions list him as probable.
• With Shonn Greene (knee) out of practice Friday, it looks like Jackie Battle will be Tennessee's goal-line back at Houston. Battle punched in a short score at Pittsburgh last week.
• Bernard Pierce (thigh) is expected to play against Cleveland, though he's listed as questionable.
• Brandon Bolden (knee) didn't play Thursday against the Jets, but I suspect he'll be ahead of LeGarrette Blount fairly soon.
Other Positions
• Tony Romo (ribs) is fully expected to start at Kansas City. He's listed as probable.
• Mark Sanchez would like to rehab his shoulder injury as opposed to having surgery now. Either way, there's no real reason for the Jets to hold off Geno Smith's development.
• Blaine Gabbert is dealing with hand and thumb issues and won't play in Week 2, as discussed.
• Owen Daniels (back/groin) had a full practice Friday and should play Sunday.
• Jermichael Finley (toe) is listed as probable. His hands, of course, are forever questionable.
• Rob Housler (ankle) isn't ready to play yet.
• Dwayne Allen (hip) missed Friday's practice and is very iffy for Week 2. Your move, Coby Fleener.
• Kai Forbath (groin) is listed as questionable and the Redskins have other options ready as needy. Play it safe at kicker, amigos.
• Lots of key defensive backs could be missing for the Manning Bowl: Champ Bailey (foot) is out, while Antrel Rolle (groin) and Prince Amukamara (concussion) are questionable.
• Seahawks corner Brandon Browner (hamstring) is doubtful; good news for Anquan Boldin.
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