During the season, I will transcribe Jene Bramel's Thursday injury video conference and provide you with his thoughts on which players to trust or fade for the upcoming week's game. Click here to view Jene's Week 2 injury video conference.
SAMMY WATKINS, WR - BUFFALO (FOOT)
The general consensus here is to fade Sammy Watkins. One, people tend to fade players on Thursday night, but also, there's concern that even if he plays, he'll be less than 100%. Signs are pointing in a positive direction, rather than a downward spiral, but this isn't the best stage to go all out on a player that you're unsure of how he will play. You could also argue that this will be a relatively low scoring game. The Jets had 7 sacks on Cincinnati last week and the Bills struggled to much offensively themselves. Reports suggest that Watkins will play, but this seems like a big fade. Too many indicators swaying the opposite direction.
Result: Fade
RUSSELL WILSON, QB - SEATTLE (ANKLE)
It's surprising to see how well Russell Wilson is doing after suffering a low-grade high ankle sprain. He has fully practiced both Wednesday and Thursday, despite having pain and swelling in his ankle. It's been noted that Wilson has a high pain tolerance and it's clearly showing. Barring any setback, it looks like you can trust Wilson in your lineups this week against the Rams. How effective he'll be is a mildly different story, but if he's out there, he'll be giving it his all.
Result: Trust
arian foster, RB - Miami (hamstring)
Arian Foster was listed with a hamstring issue, did not practice Wednesday, but did practice Thursday. This seems like it's reassuring news. He may be a Thursday fade, but a Sunday trust. This doesn't seem like an injury to be concerned about. Perhaps some level of caution to be sure he's not overworked, especially in practice.
Result: Thursday Fade, Sunday Trust
ANDREW LUCK, QB - INDIANAPOLIS (ARM/SHOULDER)
Andrew Luck is back on the injury report, but he was last week as well and he turned out fine. The Colts may have some concerns with lingering arm/shoulder issues, but for now, he's playing through any pain and playing well. Like Russel Wilson, Luck appears to be someone you can trust in your lineup.
Result: Trust
JULIO JONES (LOW ANKLE SPRAIN), mohamed sanu (low ankle sprain)
Both Atlanta receivers missed practiced on Wednesday and Thursday, but the thought here is that they will play on Sunday. You have to be cautious of choosing to roster a player who could easily tweak their injury (especially an ankle) and then miss a large portion of the game. As of now, this doesn't seem like a fade, however in Julio Jones' case, Odell Beckham, A.J. Green or Antonio Brown are similarly priced and have less concerns. Consider Sanu as a WR3 in a GPP only.
Result: Fade for better option
Spencer ware, RB - Kansas city (toe)
Spencer Ware is dealing with a toe injury, but it doesn't appear to be an injury that will keep him from playing this week. Monitor his practice on Friday to see if he's limited at all. Toe injuries can be a concern, especially if it's turf toe and the big toe. He had the bigger stat line than Charcandrick West last week, but the two had similar snap numbers. It would not be a surprise to see the two have a similar carry load this week. For now he looks ok to play, but he's not a strong trust.
Result: Trust, but realize concerns.
Demaryius thomas, WR - Denver (hip)
Demaryius Thomas was limited on both days this week and doesn't seem like a good receiver to trust, even with the juicy match up against the Colts. He didn't light up the box score last week with Siemian under center, so before relying on him, wait for the two to have a connection and a good game. The hip injury is a concern as well, which is more knowledge against the fade this week.
Result: Fade
TY Hilton, WR - Indianapolis (knee)
TY Hilton did not practice on Thursday. The understanding is he has a knee injury, but it's unknown when it happened, is it a chronic injury? There's not much detail on him at this point. The match up at Denver is a tough one and when you add injury concerns, it makes it easier to fade. If you want to stack a receiver with Andrew Luck, consider Donte Moncrief.
Result: Fade
Jeremy Maclin, WR - Kansas City
Jeremy Maclin suffered a head injury last week, but was cleared to return. The Chiefs have held him out of practice, probably just to keep him fresh and clear from any setbacks with what may have been a concussion. He should be a go this week and is likely someone you can trust for Thursday lineups.
Result: Trust
ROB GRONKOWSKI, NE ZACH ERTZ, PHI
Quick and easy, both are not expected to play this week. .
Result: Fade
QUICK ANALYSIS
Trust: Devonta Freeman, Jonathan Stewart, Brandon Marshall, Julius Thomas - All have fully practiced or are expected to fully practice at some point this week. Safe to enter in lineups.
Fade: Chris Ivory (back in locker room, but not to a point where you can trust him). Devante Parker, Josh Doctson also not at the point yet where they are someone to consider for your lineups.
IDP: Mo Wilkerson looks like a go for Thursday's game. Nothing mentioned to expect otherwise.
Questions, suggestions and comments are always welcome to haseley@footballguys.com