Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
It looks like the wide receivers have been plagued by the injury bug that put some running backs on the shelf for a couple of weeks. Injuries occurred at an alarming rate over the last two weeks. Danny Amendola, Roddy White and Randall Cobb have already been ruled out for Week 7.
There are still many others holding the ‘questionable’ tag heading into Sunday, including Mike Williams, Julian Edelman and Eddie Royal, just to name a few. However, reports say that those players should be fine. This article will focus on star players that, if they miss Sunday’s game, will drastically affect lineups and game outcomes.
Related: Fantasy Football 2013: Under The Radar Starts For Week 7
Calvin Johnson: The last time I did an injury report like this, I gave Johnson a clean bill of health. Turns out, he wasn’t ready and sat out in Week 5. He came back for Week 6, but was limited, only playing in 51 percent of snaps and caught three passes for 25 yards. It wasn’t Johnson’s best showing.
This week, Johnson was limited in practice all week, but showed signs that his knee has improved. He’s still not 100 percent, but is listed as probable. As seen in Week 5, the Detroit Lions‘ offense crumbles without Johnson on the field. Even if he only plays for three quarters, Johnson is much better than most bench players.
Prognosis: Start, but check for last-minute changes.
Justin Blackmon: Since returning from suspension, Blackmon has been on fire. He has 326 receiving yards in just two games, however, he suffered a hamstring injury after Sunday’s game. He did not practice on Wednesday, was limited Thursday and sat out Friday. Blackmon is listed as questionable, but is more probable to play.
With teammate Cecil Shorts III listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game, the Jacksonville Jaguars need all the help they can get. The Jaguars are a much better team (if that’s saying much) with Blackmon on the field. They averaged 19.5 points and 362.5 total yards over the last two games.
Prognosis: Start, but keep tabs on reports.
James Jones: The Green Bay Packers suffered injuries that they probably can’t afford right now. Cobb has a broken fibula and will not return until Week 15, at the earliest. Jones has a knee injury and did not practice all week. ESPN fantasy lists him as questionable, but highly unlikely to play.
Aaron Rodgers will rely on Jordy Nelson, Jermichael Finley and Jarrett Boykin, which should be enough against the Cleveland Browns. With the Packers playing at 4:25, the inactives report won’t be out until 3:30 or so, leaving you with very little replacement options. Unless something changes, Jones should be benched.
Prognosis: Without a doubt, sit.
Bill Pivetz is a fantasy football writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @Mr_Piv1127.
