Injury Wrap: Stefon Diggs questionable, Antonio Brown gone
This will probably be the shortest Injury Wrap of the year, though we have to start with a player who’s not injured at all.
• Antonio Brown has officially reached the Tyson Zone. All we really know is that he’s off the Raiders and he won’t be playing Week 1, for anyone. Brown requested his release from the team Saturday and the club, essentially out of options, cut the cord.
There isn’t a big winner in the Oakland offense, though obviously a bunch of theoretical targets just got released. You could talk yourself into Hunter Renfrow or J.J. Nelson in a bigger league. Tight end Darren Waller has turned into everybody’s sleeper. I don’t see a big ceiling for Tyrell Williams, but more opportunity is generally good.
Just remember, Derek Carr isn’t exactly a kingmaker:
Also: Carr re-downgraded from QB27 to QB28.
This will remain a Derek Carr valuation account.— Andy Behrens (@andybehrens) September 7, 2019
• Stefon Diggs (hamstring) wants to go against Atlanta, but given his history when dinged up, I’ve pulled back from Diggs (both Week 1, and longterm). The Minnesota receiver depth chart after Diggs and Adam Thielen is paper thin.
• Mike Evans (illness) missed Friday’s practice but is expected to go against San Francisco. That matchup looks like one of the fantasy treats of the weekend; heck, Tampa Bay should be a carnival all season.
• The Seahawks, perhaps a potential landing spot for Brown, will have rookie DK Metcalf on Sunday. He says he’s 100 percent after having knee surgery about three weeks ago. David Moore (shoulder) is out indefinitely.
• Robby Anderson (calf) isn’t 100% but appears likely to play against Buffalo. He’s the best the Jets have, obviously.
• Although Odell Beckham Jr. (hip) took it easy most of the summer, he’s fully expected to play in Cleveland’s home opener. Given OBJ’s injury history, I did not prioritize him this summer. I also think Baker Mayfield is more of a spread-it-out quarterback, not someone to heavily rely on any singular player. Nonetheless, it will be one of my primary games to scout Sunday.
• Keke Coutee (ankle) has been limited this week, and is too fringy to be deployed in Week 1. I’m curious to see how long it takes Kenny Stills to get comfortable with his new team.
• Jordan Reed (post-concussion) looks like a game-time decision. It’s Week 1, you surely have safer tight-end options.
• The Eagles can’t be too worried about DeSean Jackson (broken finger); he’s not on the injury report.
• Not that you want any part of the Baltimore wideouts, but Marquise Brown (foot) missed practice Friday and is questionable.
• Michael Badgley (groin) was injured in Friday’s practice, putting him in limbo. If the Chargers sign another kicker Saturday, you have to move on from Badgley. Why do the football gods hate the Chargers so much?
