Injury Status: Super Bowl

Thu Feb 8 10:35am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

There are just a handful of injuries we are dealing with for the Super Bowl, which is great news. Both teams head into the game pretty close to having a full compliment of players. Sure, guys are banged up at this time of the season, but there aren’t many key guys that are going to miss this big game. It is good to see these teams near full strength. Now let’s hope it makes for a great game.

Joe Thuney, OG, Chiefs. Thunk is trying to return from a pectoral injury. He has been out the last few weeks and head coach Andy Reid said Thuney is a long shot to play. But there is speculation that Thuney still has an outside chance to play in the Super Bowl. He has not been ruled out yet and would be a great addition to the Chiefs offensive line if he happens to play.

Skyy Moore, WR, Chiefs. Moore was activated from Injured Reserve on Wednesday. He has a chance to return from his knee injury this week. But even if he is active, it isn’t certain how much Moore plays after missing so much time. He will be a risk for fantasy teams to use.

George Kittle, TE, 49ers. Kittle has been limited in practice the last few weeks because of a toe injury. It is bothering him, but he will be ready for the Super Bowl. He probably won’t be too limited in the game despite the nagging toe injury. Expect him to get his usual amount of playing time.

Jerick McKinnon, RB, Chiefs.  McKinnon is trying to return from his groin injury. He remains on Injured Reserve and will need to be activated in the next day or two if he hopes to play this week. He is practicing on a limited basis, so things are trending the right way for him at the moment. He is another player that could be limited in the game if active after being out the last several weeks.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Player Notes
Skylar Thompson Sep 26 4:00pm CT
Skylar Thompson

Miami Dolphins quarterback Skylar Thompson (ribs) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, according to Joe Schad of the Palm Beach Post. Thompson left last week's game early due to a rib injury and remains in questionable status. The Dolphins do not play until Monday this week against the Tennessee Titans, so Thompson will have an additional day to recover from his injury. Filling in for Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) last week, Thompson completed just 13 of his 19 attempts for 107 yards and no scores. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Thompson's status throughout the week, as Tim Boyle or Tyler Huntley could be called upon to start Monday's game.

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Ja'Marr Chase Sep 26 3:50pm CT
Ja'Marr Chase

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (shoulder) was a full participant in Thursday's practice and should be expected to see a full workload on Sunday when the Bengals face the Carolina Panthers. Chase would have been labeled as a limited participant on Wednesday, but the Bengals only held a walkthrough. Seeing Chase return to practice without limitations is a great sign and suggests the shoulder injury was minor and nothing serious. After being contained through the first two weeks of the season, the former national champion enjoyed a big game on Monday night as he caught six passes for 118 yards and two scores against the Washington Commanders. Chase should be viewed as a high-end WR1 every week and should never leave your starting lineup. When asked about his shoulder, Chase said, "I'm great."

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Justin Herbert Sep 26 3:40pm CT
Justin Herbert

The Los Angeles Chargers defense is a risky fantasy play in Week 4 against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Bolts defense got the season off to a good start, scoring 14 fantasy points in Week 1 against the Raiders and 11 in Week 2 against the Panthers. They followed that up with a solid on-field performance against the Steelers in Week 3, but it only amounted to five fantasy points for the week. Week 4 against the Chiefs will be the toughest matchup so far, and with the Chargers offense expected to be limited even if starting quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) does play, the Chargers DST is well outside of the top-12 for the week.

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Sam LaPorta Sep 26 3:40pm CT
Sam LaPorta

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (ankle) did not practice on Thursday due to an ankle injury, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The sophomore tight end suffered a low-ankle sprain in last week's game against the Arizona Cardinals and was forced to leave the game early. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to the injury report throughout the week as it should provide clarity on his status heading into the weekend. However, the Lions will face the Seattle Seahawks on Monday night which will provide the Iowa product an additional day to recover. Even though he has had a disappointing start to the season, the former second-round pick should still be viewed as a TE1 given his excellent rookie campaign. If LaPorta happens to miss Monday's game, Brock Wright should be viewed as a TE2 with upside.

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Bijan Robinson Sep 26 3:30pm CT
Bijan Robinson

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (shoulder) was limited during Thursday's practice, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The 22-year-old was not on Wednesday's injury report, so this situation is worth monitoring closely, as the Texas standout could enter the weekend in questionable status depending on Friday's injury report. The former eighth-overall pick has been deployed as a workhorse running back through the first three games, seeing at least 14 carries and two catches in every game. Last weekend, he carried the ball 16 times and caught both of his targets for a combined 52 yards and a score. He remains a high-end RB1 simply due to the heavy volume he will see weekly and should remain locked into all lineups.

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T.J. Hockenson Sep 26 3:20pm CT
T.J. Hockenson

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee) could return to practice as early as next week, according to Kevin Seifert of ESPN. The 27-year-old suffered a torn ACL and MCL last season and has been on the PUP list since the beginning of the 2024 season. Earlier this afternoon, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported that the team is loosely targeting a Week 7 return for the Iowa product. Seeing that he could return to practice next week is a great sign and suggests a Week 7 return could be possible. Before the season-ending injury, Hockenson was on pace to smash previous career highs in 2023 and could be in store for a strong second half, given how potent the Minnesota offense has looked early into the season.

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Cameron Dicker Sep 26 3:20pm CT
Cameron Dicker

Los Angeles Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker is a safe option in Week 4 fantasy lineups. Dicker was extremely accurate in his rookie season last year and has remained that way three weeks into his sophomore season. The only downside to Dicker's fantasy prospects is a slow moving Chargers offense going against a strong Kansas City Chiefs team this week. Dicker has one of the higher floors among fantasy kickers, but his ceiling is somewhat limited. He's made six field goals and four extra points through the first three weeks of the season.

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Rome Odunze Sep 26 3:20pm CT
Rome Odunze

Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze (hip) was limited during Thursday's practice due to a hip injury, according to Jonathan Jones of CBS. The Washington product was not on Wednesday's initial injury report, but seeing that he was only limited suggests it might not be a serious injury. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Friday's injury report as it should provide clarity on the 22-year-old's status heading into the weekend. After two quiet outings in his first two professional games, the ninth-overall pick enjoyed a nice breakout last weekend as he caught six passes for 112 yards and a score. Odunze should be considered a WR3 with upside if he is a "full-go" against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.

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Keenan Allen Sep 26 3:13pm CT
Keenan Allen

Chicago Bears S Kevin Byard (back), TE Marcedes Lewis (rest), DL Zacch Pickens (groin), DB Terell Smith (hip), DL Darrell Taylor (knee, illness) and DL Andrew Billings (knee) did not practice on Thursday, Sept. 26. OT Darnell Wright (back), WR Keenan Allen (heel), FB Khari Blasingame (hand, knee), OT Braxton Jones (knee) and WR Rome Odunze (hip) were limited. OG Nate Davis (groin) and DE Montez Sweat (elbow) practiced in full.

From TheHuddle

Keenan Allen Sep 26 3:13pm CT
Keenan Allen

Chicago Bears WR Keenan Allen (heel) was limited during practice Thursday, Sept. 26.

Fantasy Spin: Allen appears to have a decent chance to play this week after sitting out the Week 3 game. He should see a decent amount of targets if he is active and could be at least a flex option in fantasy leagues.

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Alex Anzalone Sep 26 3:13pm CT
Alex Anzalone

Detroit Lions TE Sam LaPorta (ankle), S Ifeatu Melifonwu (ankle), C Frank Ragnow (pectoral) and OT Dan Skipper (ribs) did not practice on Thursday, Sept. 26. Also, DB Brian Branch (concussion), DL Alim McNeill (shoulder), DL Levi Onwuzurike (knee) and CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (hamstring) were limited and LB Alex Anzalone (concussion) practiced in full.

From TheHuddle

Diontae Johnson Sep 26 3:10pm CT
Diontae Johnson

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (groin) did not practice on Thursday due to a groin injury, according to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team. Meirov further reported that Carolina expects Johnson to return to practice tomorrow. As a result, fantasy managers should see this as a precautionary measure as it does not look too serious. However, Friday's injury report will clarify any potential designation the former Steeler might have heading into the weekend. After catching just five passes across the first two weeks of the season, Johnson enjoyed a breakout game last weekend as he caught eight passes for 122 yards and a score. Much of this was credited to Andy Dalton stepping into the starting QB role in favor of Bryce Young. If Johnson sees his expected workload on Sunday, he should be considered a high-end WR3 in PPR formats.

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Josh Reynolds Sep 26 3:03pm CT
Josh Reynolds

Denver Broncos S JL Skinner (ankle) did not practice on Thursday, Sept. 26. TE Nate Adkins (shoulder) was limited. WR Josh Reynolds (Achilles) practiced in full.

From TheHuddle

Josh Reynolds Sep 26 3:03pm CT
Josh Reynolds

Denver Broncos WR Josh Reynolds (Achilles) fully participated in practice Thursday, Sept. 26.

Fantasy Spin: Reynolds has been a good option in the passing game for the Broncos this season and should see a few targets this week against the New York Jets. He can be a possible flex option in deeper leagues.

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Quentin Johnston Sep 26 3:00pm CT
Quentin Johnston

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston will look to make it three weeks in a row with a touchdown when the Chargers face the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4. Johnston scored twice in Week 2 and followed it up with another trip to the end zone in Week 3. The scores and a few long gains have shot the sophomore pass catcher up to an overall WR21 ranking through the first three weeks. Some of his underlying metrics aren't all that pretty, but results count and he's making things happen on the field. A matchup against a strong Kansas City secondary will be a good test for QJ, who leads the Chargers with a 31.6% first read share. There's a concerning floor, but an enticing ceiling as well, leaving him somewhere in the WR3 ranks as long as Justin Herbert (ankle) is able to start under center.

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Cameron Heyward Sep 26 2:53pm CT
Cameron Heyward

Pittsburgh Steelers RB Jaylen Warren (knee), LB Alex Highsmith (groin), TE MyCole Pruitt (knee), DT Cameron Heyward (rest), S Miles Killebrew (rest) and RB Cordarrelle Patterson (rest) did not practice on Thursday, Sept. 26. QB Russell Wilson (calf) and OG Isaac Seumalo (pectoral) were limited. WR Roman Wilson (ankle), WR Van Jefferson (eye), RB Najee Harris (rest), S DeShon Elliott (quad), CB Donte Jackson (rest), LB T.J. Watt (rest) and DL Larry Ogunjobi (rest) practiced in full.

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Russell Wilson Sep 26 2:53pm CT
Russell Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Russell Wilson (calf) was limited during practice Thursday, Sept. 26.

Fantasy Spin: The Steelers continue to be cautious with Wilson because Justin Fields is playing well as the starting quarterback. Wilson probably will not be cleared to play until Fields struggles in a game or two, so fantasy players can continue to avoid Wilson.

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Ladd McConkey Sep 26 2:50pm CT
Ladd McConkey

Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey could end up with a good game in Week 4 despite a tough matchup against a strong Kansas City Chiefs defense. McConkey has been the top receiving option for the Chargers offense, logging a 25.8% target share and a 30.7% air yard share, both leading the team. He's also second on the squad in first read share at 28.9%. The Chiefs secondary has limited most opposing receivers, but they have been somewhat exploited by slot routes, with Kansas City allowing the fourth most receptions to slot receivers so far this season. With quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) likely to be limited if he even plays, all Chargers pass catchers should be downgraded somewhat, but McConkey is the safest bet to still produce a high floor, and he has some clear upside this week as well.

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J.K. Dobbins Sep 26 2:40pm CT
J.K. Dobbins

Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins will look to bounce back in a Week 4 game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Dobbins was outstanding in Weeks 1 and 2, averaging 20.5 fantasy points per game before slowing down to a 6.9 point performance in Week 3. He still played on 65% of the team's offensive snaps in Week 3, it was just a down week in general for the Chargers offense. Dobbins is having an excellent start to the season, ranking fourth in explosive run rate and sixth in missed tackles per attempt. He's involved as a runner and as a pass catcher, and is firmly in the RB2 conversation despite a tough Chiefs run defense in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Gus Edwards Sep 26 2:40pm CT
Gus Edwards

Los Angeles Chargers running back Gus Edwards is not shaping up as a Week 4 fantasy starter in a game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Edwards has faded well behind J.K. Dobbins in the Chargers backfield. Edwards was only in on 35% of the team's offensive snaps in Week 3, totaling just three runs for nine yards total and not drawing a single pass game target. Dobbins, meanwhile, has averaged around 16 fantasy points per game even after a slow Week 3 of his own. This is clearly Dobbins' backfield, and Edwards is only around to play a change of pace and maybe occasional short down role.

From RotoBaller