Should You Draft Eddie Royal And Julian Edelman

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This time of year is an odd one. There are games, but they mean nothing. Over the past few seasons it seems that the preseason has less meaning than it has in the past. Most of the game action features the starters for a bit, then mostly the backups and guys that are trying to make the team playing their faces off. But this year I have noticed a trend that I haven't in the past. Some teams are sitting many of their most important players in a variety of situations. Some have been held out altogether so far, and some have gotten to that point. So how do you proceed with your drafting when you don't know what's going on? Let's try to find out together.

Two players that can have some serious implications for your PPR Fantasy teams are Eddie Royal and Julian Edelman. Both of these players are in positive expectation situations this season. Edleman has been a great PPR receiver for a few years now. Royal has had flashes, but is primed to see more balls in his direction this season than last. Both of these guys are listed as out with injuries, possibly for the rest of the preseason. So should you draft them? Maybe.

One point of consideration is the fact that both of these guys play for teams that have some apparent serious injury concerns at the wide receiver position. Kevin White is out for a large portion of the season, if not all. Alshon Jeffery has an ankle injury. Brandon LaFell is apparently just getting out of a walking boot. The Patriots situation is so dire, they just signed a 37 year old receiver, Reggie Wayne, to a decent money deal.

The Patriots are not known for being particularly forthcoming on their injury situations. There have been some rumors and tweets about what people have seen at their practices. Even the players don't say much. Edelman was asked about the extent and severity of his injury this week, and directed the reporters to talk to Head Coach Bill Belichick.

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Similarly the Bears were coy with the extent of the injury to White earlier this year. They said he had shin splints right until the time at which White had surgery on his stress fractures in his shin bone. So Bears Coach John Fox is not always the most trustworthy of injury consultants. The word right now on Royal is that he is day to day.

My take on the situation is that we are watching two teams protecting two of their remaining healthy offensive assets from the rigors of meaningless games and contact. With already depleted resources, it seems the narrative of these injuries points to making sure that the offense has what top line players are left healthy to open the season.

Practice Report Round Up

I've combed through the Friday practice report to find the fantasy relevant players for you. Much shorter list this week with 6 teams on bye in week 9. Here we go.

Owen Daniels (BAL) was a full participant in practice on Friday. Listed as questionable after having his knee scoped last week, Daniels is a game time decision. Putting in a full practice bodes well for his chances to play this week.

Giovanni Bernard (CIN) has been ruled out for week 9. Bernard has been banged up the last few weeks and with a Thursday night game in week 10, the Bengals aren't taking any chances with their star running back. If you have Jeremy Hill on your roster plug him in this week at Jacksonville.

AJ Green (CIN) is listed as questionable after being limited in practice. You can be sure that if Green plays, he will be well enough to give a good effort. After being without him for a few weeks already, it wouldn't make much sense to let him play if he isn't ready to go. The match up with the Jags is just what the doctor ordered for the owner that has gotten little to no production out of him this season.

Jordan Cameron (CLE) has been ruled out with a concussion. If you still had him on your roster, get him out of your lineup this week.

Tony Romo (DAL) has not practiced this week. Romo has been called a game time decision for the Cowboys with a back contusion. If Romo does play, it is hard to say if he will be effective. A back injury is debilitating and if he takes another hit, he may not be able to finish. If you have another option you want to have it ready just in case, if not just start your other option.

Ronnie Hillman (DEN) is our first bit of good news. Hillman is probable this week for the Broncos match up against the Patriots. Hillman fell on his shoulder awkwardly in practice this week. In a game that is predicted to possibly have high winds, Hillman may end up with a hefty workload.

Alfred Blue (HOU) is listed as probable for Sunday. The Texans have a good match up against the Eagles this week. Unless something happens to Arian Foster between now and kickoff, Blue is unlikely to be in a lineup. Given the amount of players on bye this week, Blue may be a flex option for you. It seems like he will be playing, but proceed with caution.

Arian Foster (HOU) is probable for Sunday. He was limited in practice, but this is a common thing for Foster. Expect him to play and get fed the ball often against the Eagles.

Andre Johnson (HOU) is probable after being limited in practice. Johnson and Foster both were limited in an effort to rest them up for game day. Expect Johnson to play.

Reggie Wayne (IND) put in a full practice on Friday. At this point it seems likely that Wayne will be able to return from his elbow injury after missing only one week. I would be cautious with him this week as he may be susceptible to re injury. Wayne has been hit and miss this season, and mostly miss, so you likely have a better option. In a bye heavy week though, if he plays, you can start him.

Donnie Avery (KC) is out again this week for the Chiefs. Avery is a fringe player for most leagues, but if you had him, you shouldn't be starting him this week.

Rashad Jennings (NYG) is making good progress, but is out this week against the Colts. Jennings did not practice, but was doing conditioning and pulling a sled on the side. Next week is definitely a possibility, but you won't have him to start this week.

Darren Sproles (PHI) put in full practices all week. He will be back in the Eagles lineup this week. Sproles may be a good flex play this week against the Texans.

Donald Brown (SD) was a full participant in practice for the Chargers. Brown wasn't having much success before suffering a concussion that has kept him out multiple weeks, but beyond Darren Oliver, Brown is about it right now. Expect him to see some action, but only use in case of emergency.

Doug Martin (TB) is listed as doubtful for the Buccaneers in week 9. Martin has had a big fall from grace this season. The Bucs should be seeing the first action of Charles Sims this week, and if his audition goes well, this could be his job to lose. At this point you can all but cut Martin from your roster. The future is bleak.

Robert Griffin III (WAS) will be making his return to action this week after practicing in full for the first time since his ankle injury. The biggest question will be, what will RG3 look like? Will he be the dynamic player he was in college and his rookie year? Or will he be the complete mess he was last year and the beginning of this season. If he is medically sound, hope for the best.

And with that we reach the end of the list for this week. Some good news, some bad. As always remember to watch the inactive lists on Sunday to make sure your guys are in or out. Good luck this week!

Practice Report Round Up Week 8

Week 8 brings us some familiar names on the practice reports, some new additions, and a few guys getting back in action. Here is the list of guys you might care about for your fantasy games this week.

John Brown (ARI) is probable after being limited in practice this week. Brown may make a good fill in for injured wide receivers or bye week fill in. The Cardinals play against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. The Eagles have the 23rd ranked pass defense. This game may see the Cardinals put the ball in the air more as Carson Palmer has not appeared on the practice report himself this week.

Harry Douglas (ATL) is a welcome addition back to a struggling Falcons offense. The bad news is that he can't play offensive line. Douglas is a good third option for the Falcons, but Matt Ryan has had little time to make the read to get to Douglas. Detroit has one of the best defensive units so far this season, so I personally wouldn't be playing Douglas.

Owen Daniels (BAL) is out this week after having some "cleanup" done on his knee. No other viable option exists with the Ravens for fantasy purposes, so go fine yourself a waiver guy like maybe Andrew Quarless from Green Bay or Luke Willson or Cooper Helfet from the Seahawks.

Fred Jackson (BUF) is out for a few weeks. Some estimates are 2-3 weeks, or as many as 6 with a groin injury. In the absence of both Jackson and CJ Spiller there isn't a consensus on whether Anthony Dixon or Bryce Brown are the best play. Take your shot this week, or just don't play any Buffalo running back this week. The Bills play the stingy run defense of the Jets this week, so caution may be the best option.

Philly Brown (CAR) is out this week with a concussion. It is unlikely you were playing Brown, but he does return kicks, so if you were playing him in a league that gives credit for this, you won't have him to score for you this week.

Chris Ogbonnaya (CAR) is questionable this week with a groin injury against the Seattle Seahawks. The Panthers running back situation is its usual mess, with anyone who is anyone banged up. Jonathan Stewart is getting the start this week, but with the 2 starting guards out for the Panthers, I wouldn't feel good about starting any of their backs.

Fozzy Whitaker (CAR) is out this week. Part of the mess of injured Panthers running backs, Whitaker will not be available to you this week.

AJ Green (CIN) is questionable this week. Having already missed time with a toe injury this season, this is not a surprise to any Green owner. He was heard to say last week that he was playing this week, but was only able to do conditioning this week at practice. I wouldn't count on him playing, and even if he does, there is no way to know how effective he would be. I would look for better options this week.

Reggie Bush (DET) is listed as doubtful this week with an ankle injury. With Joique Bell and Theo Riddick both healthy, it doesn't make a whole lot of sense for the Lions to play Bush this week. Riddick might be a good addition if you are weak at running back, as the Lions play against the terrible defense of the Atlanta Falcons this week.

Calvin Johnson (DET) was a limited participant in practice this week. According to multiple reports on Friday night, it is unlikely the Lions will play Johnson this week. If they do, you can be pretty confident that he will be able to contribute, as the Lions have found a way to be competitive so far in his absence. The confounding issue is that this game is an afternoon game in London, and starts at 9:30 am eastern, 6:30 am pacific. If you go to bed with Johnson in your lineup, you better be up to make sure he plays.

Theo Riddick (DET) is listed as probable for the Lions this week. In the absence of Reggie Bush, Riddick will likely get the workload of the second running back for the Lions. In week 6 when bush was inactive, Riddick was a big contributor in the Lions passing game against the Vikings. He had 5 catches for 75 yards and a score, adding slightly to that with 3 rushes for 6 yards. Riddick is a good hail mary at running back against the Falcons. If Detroit can get a big lead, it is likely that Riddick will see much of the work. He will likely make a good one week option for a desperate team.

Eric Ebron (DET) is out this week against the Falcons. Missing his second game in a row for the Lions with a hamstring injury, if you were playing Ebron, time to get another option.

Joseph Fauria (DET) is bad at being a pet owner. Fauria will miss another game with an ankle injury, now famously, sustained trying to stop his dog from peeing in the house. I feel bad for Fauria, but it is one of the better weird injury stories.

Brandon Pettigrew (DET) is listed as doubtful for the Lions this week. The third tight end for the Lions to be unlikely to play this week, Pettigrew has a foot injury. Having almost fallen off the fantasy football map, it is unlikely that you were playing Pettigrew anyways, but if you were, unlikely this week.

James Starks (GB) is probable for Sunday after being limited in practice all week with an ankle injury. It is unclear if Starks will continue to get the workload he was getting in the past few games seeing as he is hurt, but he has been getting a near equal share of the work and did score last week. Keep an eye on the inactives list to be sure, but Lacy seems like the better option this week for the Pack.  This is also the Sunday night game, so it makes it more difficult to wait to see what Starks status will be.

Trent Richardson (IND) did not participate in practice this week and is listed as questionable for Sunday with a hamstring injury. Richardson left last weeks game early and has not been on the field since. This is a late game on Sunday, so I would make other plans if you have Richardson in your starting lineup.

Reggie Wayne (IND) is out for Sunday against the Steelers. After suffering an elbow injury, Wayne is likely to miss a few weeks. A possible replacement in the Colts lineup is either Hakeem Nicks or Donte Moncrief.

Toby Gerhart (JAX) was a full participant in practice Friday. It is unclear what Gerhart's role will be with the Jags on Sunday, but he was unimpressive in his previous appearances for Jacksonville. This one is your judgement call.

Donnie Avery (KC) is out this week for the Chiefs with a groin injury. Not a big fantasy name, you likely don't have Avery as a regular member of your squad, but if you did, take him out.

Shane Vereen (NE) missed Friday practice with an illness. Head coach Bill Belichick is famous for listing guys on the injury report possibly erroneously, but it is possible that Vereen will not play. Keep an eye on the inactives Sunday. Jonas Gray is a good name to keep in mind if Vereen is out.

Jimmy Graham (NO) was limited in practice this week with a shoulder injury. Graham was active last week, but only got 2 targets. Being the night game on Sunday makes him a difficult decision. It is possible that if you wait on him and he is inactive you could gamble on Gavin Escobar or Niles Paul in the Monday night game, but unlikely you have a better option that Graham. Because he played last week, it is likely he would play this week after being able to participate in practice at all.


Pierre Thomas (NO) is out this week for the Saints with rib and shoulder injuries. The logical replacement for Thomas in the Saints offense is Travaris Cadet. Likely available, if you want to play a Saint against the Packers 31st ranked run defense, Cadet will assume the Thomas role.

Khiry Robinson (NO) is out this week with an arm injury. This bolsters the role for Mark Ingram for the Saints. Ingram is a great play this week as the only running back surviving for the Saints that actually runs most of the time.

Eric Decker (NYJ) was limited in practice this week for the Jets. This will likely be the case for most, if not all, of the season. Keep an eye on the inactives for Sunday as Decker has missed time already this year, but if you have been playing him, plan on continuing.

Darren Sproles (PHI) was a full participant in practice for the Eagles. Officially listed as questionable with a knee injury, keep your eye on the inactives and make your educated decision.

Vincent Jackson (TB) is questionable for the Buccaneers after being limited all week in practice. Widely expected to play, you can likely pencil Jackson into your lineup Sunday, but make sure to check inactives Sunday morning.

Shonn Greene (TEN) was a full participant in practice for the Titans. Muddying up the running back situation for Tennessee, Greene will likely be in a backfield with a disappointing Bishop Sankey on Sunday. Currently there is no solid information on who will have what workload, so playing either guy is a gamble. Adding to that the Titans are starting Zach Mettenberger this week for the first time. The Titans may decide that it is time to see what the youth of their team can do together, so tread carefully with Greene.

Robert Griffin III (WAS) was a limited participant in practice this week. Being called a game time decision by head coach Jay Gruden, it is possible Griffin returns to play this week. Being the Monday night game makes it nearly impossible to wait to see, but you may want to stash RG3 if you have faith left in him.

That brings this look at the Friday practice reports to a close. Remember the early Sunday London game, and to keep a close eye on the inactives for your players. Good luck this week!

Waiver Wire Week 8

Looking through the box scores and checking the injury reports, there are some names with opportunities for your fantasy team in week 8. Take a look in your league, and add these guys if you need help at their position.

RB

 Bryce Brown (BUF) will be getting a big opportunity to take the lead back role for the Bills in week 8. After Fred Jackson went down with a groin injury, and CJ Spiller broke his collar bone and is out for the season, expect Brown to get the bulk of the carries until Jackson comes back. Brown has been a healthy inactive so far this season, but had mixed results with Philadelphia in the past. Putting up back to back 165+ yard games in 2012, Brown followed that up with two miserable performances. He has talent enough that the Bills traded for him in the off season. A starting running back is a hard thing to come by this time of year, especially one in an offense that will look to run. Brown is the top add of the week.

Jerick McKinnon (MIN) has taken over the feature back role in Minnesota. Rushing 19 times for 103 yards in week 7, McKinnon is a must add player that is only owned in 11.7 percent of ESPN fantasy leagues. He will be getting the rushing down work, and will mix in some pass catching as well. If he is unowned in your league, go grab him.

Tre Mason (STL) got the starters reps for the Rams against the Seahawks in week 7, and he didn't squander his opportunity. Gaining 85 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries, look for Mason to continue to get work for the Rams in the future. A tough schedule lies ahead for the rookie, but given volume, he can still be a productive addition to a running back talent starved roster.

Stepfan Taylor (ARI) is more of a speculative add. He got 12 carries for 40 yards and a score plus caught 2 passes for 19 yards and a score. There is no guarantee that he will continue to get any kind of volume for Arizona, but if something happened to Andre Ellington, Taylor would likely see increased workload. Watch him again in the coming week to see if his increase in touches continues.

Travaris Cadet (NO) caught 6 passes for the second time in 3 weeks for the Saints. With Pierre Thomas suffering an injury in week 7, Cadet could see some work in the coming weeks if Thomas misses any time. Cadet is a better addition in a point per reception (PPR) league. Watch for news on Thomas and grab Cadet if he can help your team.

WR

Odell Beckham Jr. (NYG) had 4 catches for 34 yards and 2 touchdowns plus a rush for 13 yards. On bye in week 8, Beckham will not be a helpful addition to your team this week, but he should be owned in all leagues after the injury to Victor Cruz. Currently owned in only 20.2 percent of ESPN leagues, get him while you can.

Doug Baldwin (SEA) had a monster game in the first game after the Seahawks traded Percy Harvin. The Hawks were behind early on Sunday, and came out firing in the second half. Baldwin had 7 catches for 123 yards and a score in week 7 against the Rams. Baldwin is the best receiver on the Seahwaks roster, and has now been thrust into the number 1 role. Expect him to continue to see a high volume in the future.

Stevie Johnson (SF) has 3 games this season with at least 5 catches, and has scored in 3 of his last 4 games. A bit hit or miss, Johnson will definitely leave you hanging at times, but if the 49ers are behind, he will likely see some solid fantasy production. On bye in week 8, you may be able to wait until next week to get him, but don't miss the boat on a player that could help your team.

TE

Gavin Escobar (DAL) had 3 catches for 65 yards and 2 touchdowns in week 7. This is the first week Escobar has had that kind of production, but his upcoming match ups are good ones for tight ends. Facing off against Washington, Arizona, and Jacksonville the next 3 weeks, Escobar could see his scoring ways continue.

Jermaine Gresham (CIN) has 16 catches in the past 2 weeks. Seeming to be a bit of a safety valve for Andy Dalton, he had 10 catches for 48 yards in a dismal game for the Bengals against the Colts in week 7. In PPR leagues he will have value based on his volume.

Clay Harbor (JAX) has either 6+ catches or a score in 3 of the last 4 weeks. A favorite target of rookie Blake Bortles, Harbor can provide you some help at the dismal tight end position on your team. If your tight end is out or on bye this week, you could definitely do worse than Harbor for your roster.


QB

Ryan Tannehill (MIA) has put together three solid games in a row. Throwing for at least 240 yards and 2 touchdowns in each of his last 3 games, Tannehill is putting up some good numbers. He is bolstering his stats with rushing yardage as well. Averaging 44 rushing yards per game his last 3, Tannehill is a good option for a bye week fill in, or a switch if you are in the market for a new quarterback. A week 8 match up with Jacksonville should provide him with a good opportunity to score.

Robert Griffin III (WAS) is likely to practice this week. It is uncertain what RG3 will come back from his latest injury, but it has become painfully obvious that Kirk Cousins is either not an NFL talent, or just not ready to be a starter yet. I would recommend a speculative stash of Griffin if you are unhappy at the quarterback position. If he can gain the rushing yardage he had as a rookie, he can score big. Games against Minnesota in week 9, and Tampa Bay in week 11 set him up for the chance to score for you.

Practice Report Round Up Week 7

After the Friday practices I have combed through the practice reports for each of the teams that will play Sunday and Monday. The following fantasy relevant players are listed with the likelihood they will play and the impacts that will have.

Carson Palmer (ARI) was a full participant in practice. Palmer said this week that his arm is weaker than it was early in the season. This is not surprising, but he played well last week in a win for the Cardinals. With another week of practice under his belt, it seems likely that Palmer will be just fine this week in a great match up with the Raiders.

Harry Douglas (ATL) is once again out this week for the Falcons. At this time beyond Julio Jones, it is hard to trust any of the other players for the Falcons.

Julio Jones (ATL) was a full participant in practice. The Ravens give up 270 yards per game through the air so Jones could find some success this week.

Kelvin Benjamin (CAR) was a full participant in practice on Friday. The Packers will be without one, if not both of their starting corners against the Panthers this week, so look for Benjamin to have a solid week barring a setback with his concussion.

Jonathan Stewart (CAR) was a full participant all week for the Panthers. Facing off against the bottom ranked run defense of the Packers is a fantastic match up for Stewart. Hopefully he can make it through the game. There is also a chance that Cam Newton takes up some of the rushing, as he began to run again last week against the Bengals.

Darrin Reaves (CAR) was limited on Friday in practice for the Panthers. Head coach Ron Rivera has already said that Jonathan Stewart will start for the Panthers on Sunday, so Reaves is not likely to get too much action if he plays.

AJ Green (CIN) did not practice this week. The Bengals have said that there is not a timetable yet for Green to return to action. Mohammed Sanu is a must add if he is not already owned in your leagues.

DeMarco Murray (DAL) was a full participant after missing practice time earlier in the week with an illness. There should be no issues with him this week in a good match up with the Giants.

Eric Ebron (DET) did not practice Friday for the Lions. It would be surprising if Ebron played this week. The Lions are injury ravaged. Not a lot of players left to pick up to replace Ebron from their roster.

Joseph Fauria (DET) also did not practice for the Lions Friday. The Lions are hurting at the tight end position, along with others.

Calvin Johnson (DET) did not practice this week for the Lions. It would be surprising if he played, but has not been ruled out as of yet. Even if he does play, it would be hard to trust that he wouldn't be in a decoy role still. Keep your eye on the inactives and roll your own dice.

Theo Riddick (DET) also didn't practice for the Lions on Friday. Riddick is the third string running back for the Lions, so his loss is not huge as long as nobody else gets hurt.

Reggie Bush (DET) is the lone bit of good news this week for the Lions offense. He was a full participant on Friday and will play on Sunday. Looking forward to his match up with his old team, the Saints, Bush and the Lions will face off against the 15th ranked run defense. Look for the Lions to run, as their receiving corps are very depleted.

Jarrett Boykin (GB) was a limited participant in practice on Friday. Boykin seems to have lost his role in the Green Bay offense to Davante Adams, so the fantasy impact of his return is negligible.

Sam Shields (GB) is one of the starting corners for the Packers. Usually this column would mainly focus on offensive players, but the loss of shields, who is out this week, is huge for the Packers Defense. Facing off against the Panthers, the Packers secondary is in bad shape this week. Stay away from their defense.

Tramon Williams (GB) is another corner for the Packers. He was not a participant in practice Friday, and leaves the Pack in quite a lurch. Being down two corners and having the leagues worst run defense is a pretty good reason to stay far from their defense this week.

Andre Johnson (HOU) was limited on Friday in practice. Houston plays on Monday night, so keep an eye on his practice report from Saturday, but this is not out of the ordinary for the veteran Johnson. Expect him to play Monday night unless he fails to practice on Saturday.

Toby Gerhart (JAX) is out again this week. Storm Johnson will be the starter, but he was on a carry count last week, and couldn't really get going anyways.

Charles Clay (MIA) was a limited participant in practice Friday for the Dolphins. This is the same as last week, and Clay played. He is banged up, so you might be better to find another option to start in your league.

Brandon Gibson (MIA) was a full participant for the Dolphins on Friday. Gibson is listed as first team, but may be losing some targets to rookie Jarvis Landry who put up a solid performance last week.

Lamar Miller (MIA) was a limited participant in Friday practice. Miller has a knee issue, but is likely to play Sunday. It will be interesting to see what the Dolphins do with the workload with Knowshon Moreno out for the season. Miller could see a big jump in touches and may be a monster for your fantasy roster.

Jimmy Graham (NO) was a surprise participant in practice this week in a limited capacity. Having reports earlier of a 2-3 week injury for Graham, it is not out of the question at this point that he play this week. If he plays his snap count could be limited, and he may only be in for goal line packages, but that might be enough to get you the points you need from your top drafted tight end. The nature of his injury is undisclosed as of now, but if it is an AC joint issue, that could make it difficult for him to reach up. Proceed with caution with Graham this week.

Donald Brown (SD) has not practiced since suffering a concussion. He is unlikely to play this week without practicing.

Eddie Royal (SD) was a full participant this week for the Chargers. In a tough match up against the 7th ranked pass defense of the Chiefs this week, expect to see Royal in the slot.

Luke Willson (SEA) did not practice for the Seahawks on Friday. Willson was playing in place of the injured Zach Miller, and his loss is worse for the passing game than the run game. Cooper Helfet would be the next man up for the Hawks, but he has little experience. It is uncertain what the Seahawks will be doing Sunday after trading away Percy Harvin on Friday. I would steer clear of Willson and Helfet for now.

Vernon Davis (SF) was a full participant for the 49ers on Friday. Davis has less than impressive numbers so far this season, as his injuries have robbed him of playing time. After last week seeing him struggle through the game, it would be hard to trust him this week.

Stevie Johnson(SF) was a full participant in practice after taking a knee to his hip in the 49ers game against the Rams in week 6. He should be good to go on Sunday.

Zac Stacy (STL) was a full participant Friday. With an uncertain role in the offense, and a tough match up against the Seahawks defense on Sunday, Stacy may be a guy you want to put on your bench this week.

Shonn Greene (TEN) is out for Sunday. Bishop Sankey has been less that exciting so far for the Titans, but so was Greene before his injury. This is likely not a big issue for your fantasy roster.

Jake Locker (TEN) is questionable after being a limited participant in practice Friday. Even if he does play, it is hard to trust Locker, who has missed time twice this year with a wrist injury. If he is on your roster, I'd make other plans one way or the other.

That brings our look at the Friday practice reports to a close. Remember to keep your eyes on the Saturday practice reports for Monday teams, and the inactives on Sunday Morning. You Can follow me @FFFTW_ for more updates. Good luck this week!

Practice Report Round Up Week 6

Back again with your week 6 practice report round up. Some new and interesting names appear this week. As always, if they don't practice on Friday, they probably aren't playing on Sunday. With that said, here we go.

Image source washingtonpost.com

Carson Palmer (ARI) was limited on Friday. Arizonacardinals.com is reporting that Palmer is throwing at about 80%. Coach Bruce Arians was quoted as saying that he didn't know who was going to start on Sunday. Definitely keep your eyes open Sunday morning for the inactives for the Cardinals.

Drew Stanton (ARI) is the other piece of the enigma at quarterback in Arizona. He has progressed through the concussion protocol this week, and barring a setback should be able to play on Sunday. The status of Carson Palmer will ultimately decide who is going to start for the Cardinals. If Palmer is able to go, it is his show.

Andre Ellington (ARI) was limited in practice on Friday with a foot injury. This is the same injury that he has been dealing with all season, so it is unlikely that he will not play this week. Keep your eye on the inactive list Sunday, but I would be surprised if he didn't play.

Harry Douglas (ATL) is out this week. The third wide out for Atlanta, if you were starting him in a deep league make other plans.

Devin Hester (ATL) was limited in practice on Friday. He will likely play, but may not see a full slate of offensive plays. Hester would likely only be an offensive option in very deep leagues, so if you happen to have him, you may want to find another receiver to play this week.

Fred Jackson (BUF) did not practice on Friday due to illness. It is likely that he will suit up on Sunday, but just in case make sure to check his status before kickoff.

Greg Olsen (CAR) was limited in practice on Friday with an ankle injury. He is expected to play on Sunday.

Jonathan Stewart (CAR) was limited on Friday, and NBC sports is reporting that he will be a game time decision. Stewart has been a marginal talent as it is, and his seemingly being injury prone makes him hard to trust.

Image source fansided.com

Darrin Reaves (CAR) was nursing an injury early in the week, but was back as a full participant in
practice on Friday.

AJ Green (CIN) is out for Sunday after aggravating his previous toe injury. This is expected to be at least a 1-2 week injury.

Marvin Jones (CIN) looks like he will have to wait until at least next week to make his return to the field for the Bengals after not practicing at all this week.

Reggie Bush (DET) missed practice on Friday and is likely out for Sunday. According to ESPN, Bush said he will test the ankle this weekend, but won't push it to play against Minnesota.

Calvin Johnson (DET) is likely out this week. After re-injuring his ankle last week on his only catch of the game, and playing a decoy role in previous games, it would be decidedly difficult to trust Johnson if he did suit up this Sunday.

Jarrett Boykin (GB)did not practice on Friday. If you had Boykin in your lineup, take a look at Davante Adams as a viable option as the 3rd wide out in Green Bay.

Image source Jacksonville.com

Toby Gerhart (JAC) was out of practice on Friday. Look for the Jaguars to Give Storm Johnson a look as the running downs back, and possibly a 3 down back in their offense this week, and maybe going forward.

Marqise Lee (JAC) was back in practice this week and should be able to play.

Cecil Shorts (JAC) returned to practice this week. The additions of Shorts and Lee back into the Jaguars lineup should give them some hope of gaining their first win of the season. Hard to trust Shorts at this point, as he is injured frequently, but when healthy his talent is unquestioned.

Charles Clay (MIA) was limited in practice on Friday. Clay has struggled this season, and is likely not a top option in your leagues, but should play if you have no better options.

Knowshon Moreno (MIA) returned to practice and is now listed as probable for Sunday. The Dolphins have a great match up against the Packers, who have the worst run defense in the NFL. It is unclear what the role for Moreno will be, but early in the season there was plenty for both backs to eat in the Dolphins backfield.

Tom Brady (NE) showed up on the practice report on Friday and is listed as questionable. Never quite sure what to make of the Patriots practice reports, so keep your eyes on the inactives on Sunday.

Image source nydailynews.com

Eric Decker (NYJ) was limited on in practice Friday. It seems that he may have extra motivation to make it back to action against his former team Sunday, but he will be hard to trust after leaving a game early with his hamstring injury.

David Nelson (NYJ) is questionable for Sunday after being limited in practice Friday. Rex Ryan said that Nelson may have had a setback this week with his ankle, according to ESPN. You would likely be playing Nelson in deep leagues and should think about other plans at wide receiver if you were playing him.

David Carr (OAK) was limited on Friday. I would expect him to play against San Diego on Sunday. There is likely to be some good garbage time and catch up so Carr may put up decent numbers if you are in a deep league or a 2 quarterback league.

Jordan Matthews (PHI) missed practice on Friday. I found no other information on the reason he was out. The Eagles play the Sunday night game, so if you were playing him you should make sure to have another Eagles option or someone from the Monday night game to play just in case Matthews does not play.

Donald Brown (SD) missed practice this week and looks unlikely to play.

Image source sfexaminer.com

Vernon Davis (SF) was limited in practice Friday. A slightly different situation with Davis playing on Monday night, but that also makes it harder to start him on your fantasy team. Watch the reports for Saturday and make an informed decision on Sunday.

Zac Stacy (STL) did not practice on Friday. Just like with Vernon Davis, Stacy plays on Monday night. Watch the Saturday practice reports, and treat them like the Friday reports with regard to Stacy. Out means likely out, limited means he may play. Proceed with caution.

Mike Evans (TB) returned to practice this week for the Bucs. He seems like he is going to play this week for Tampa Bay.

Vincent Jackson (TB) was limited in practice on Friday. He should play and if you spent the draft pick on him, you are playing him.

Jake Locker (TEN) did not practice this week. Locker is not expected to play. Enter clipboard Jesus!

Jordan Reed (WAS) was limited in practice. He will be a game time decision but said earlier this week that barring a setback he expects to play this week. Washington plays the Cardinals who are traditionally bad at defending the tight end, so if he plays, there is a good chance that he will be a good option for you.

Good luck this week!