Injury Wrap: Waiting on Delanie Walker
There’s been a lot of player movement and injury news, so let’s jump right into it.
Deshaun Watson tore his ACL in Thursday’s workout and is lost for the season. Tom Savage, last seen playing poorly in the season opener against Jacksonville, is back in the saddle for Houston. I wouldn’t immediately dismiss Savage in the two-QB world; Jacksonville’s defense deserves some credit for the Week 1 beatdown. And at least Savage is working with two credible receivers, DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller. It doesn’t mean Savage will approach Watson’s level of play — no one expects that — but perhaps he can do an adequate job. I’m going to approach this game against Indianapolis with an open mind.
Delanie Walker (ankle) was limited all week and is no sure thing to play against Baltimore. Jonnu Smith becomes an interesting TE sleeper if Walker is scratched. Corey Davis (hamstring) is expected to go.
Ezekiel Elliott pushed off his suspension for at least another week; he’s good to go Sunday against Kansas City.
Jameis Winston (shoulder) had a full Friday practice after two partial days. He might not be 100 percent, but he’s fully expected to start at New Orleans.
Joe Flacco passed through the concussion protocol and should start at Tennessee. The Ravens are also optimistic about Jeremy Maclin, though he’s dealing with a sore shoulder. Terrance West (calf) is out another week.
Devonta Freeman (shoulder) had a limited week but the Falcons didn’t list him on the final injury report. Looks like he’ll start and play a fair amount at Carolina, though Tevin Coleman remains an excellent understudy.
Zach Ertz (hamstring) had two limited days of practice and isn’t 100 percent, though he says he’ll play against the Broncos. Jay Ajayi is expected to see limited work in his Philly debut.
Jay Cutler (ribs) and DeVante Parker (ankle) worked in full Friday and should play Sunday night against Oakland.
Kelly Golladay (hamstring) finally logged a practice Saturday, but he’s far from a sure thing Monday at Green Bay. We’ll need a show-me game here.
Leonard Fournette (ankle) had a solid week of work and should be ready to go against Cincinnati. Marqise Lee (knee) is more iffy; he missed two days before logging a partial day Friday. Rookie Dede Westbrook might be ready to make his seasonal debut.
Brandon LaFell (hamstring) put in two strong days at the end of the week and should play against Jacksonville.
Pierre Garcon (neck) is down for the year, which means Aldrick Robinson graduates to a starting position. Marquise Goodwin is the other primary outside receiver, while Trent Taylor works in the slot. C.J. Beathard remains the starting quarterback for now; it’s not clear when Jimmy Garoppolo will step into the No. 1 position.
Washington will be without at least three of its starting linemen at Seattle, in addition to TE Jordan Reed (hamstring). Vernon Davis isn’t a bad starter in a pinch. Jamison Crowder (hamstring) didn’t work all week and although he’s listed as questionable, I wouldn’t rely on him this week. Josh Doctson and Ryan Grant are more interesting to me than Terrelle Pryor. RB Rob Kelley (ankle) was limited in the practice week; he’s listed as questionable.
The Seahawks want to give Eddie Lacy a chance at the featured role this week. Good luck behind that offensive line, big fellah. C.J. Prosise (ankle) was limited in the practice week.
To the surprise of almost no one, Andrew Luck (shoulder) has been ruled out for the balance of the year.
Martellus Bennett (shoulder) has been out of practice all week and can’t be trusted in Week 9.
