This weekend’s NFL injury report features a number of key players, with the status of Texans RB Arian Foster (hamstring) foremost among a number of players whose statuses are in doubt. Here are some key injuries, and their impact, for Week 9.
Arian Foster, Roddy White lead the NFL Week 9 injury report
A handful of injured running backs and wide receivers could be the difference this week. Here’s a look at the latest injury report.
Running backs
Arian Foster, Houston Texans, hamstring
HOU (2-5) vs. IND (5-2), 8:30 p.m.
Foster left the Texans’ Week 7 loss at Kansas City after suffering a hamstring injury and was able to rest this past week, as the team was on a bye. The Houston RB has a history of hamstring injuries – he missed two games in the 2011 season with one – and was didn’t return to practice until this past Thursday. Foster has been labeled a game-time decision for tonight’s matchup with the Colts, and even if he plays, he may be a risk to fantasy owners, as hamstring strains are particularly prone to reinjury if not completely healed prior to participating in athletic activities.
Zac Stacy, St. Louis Rams, ankle
StL (3-5) vs. TEN (3-4), 1:00 p.m.
Stacy emerged as a legitimate fantasy option last week against the Seahawks, rushing for 134 yards before injuring his ankle on the team’s final drive of the game. Although he did practice in full on Thursday, Stacy took limited reps on Friday and has been listed as questionable on the Rams official injury report. Backup RB Daryl Richardson also has missed time at practice this week with a foot injury, with Benny Cunningham third on the depth chart. Early indications are that Stacy is likely to play against the Titans today, but keep an eye on his status as the start draws close.
Wide receivers
NO (6-1) @ NYJ (4-4), 1:00 p.m.
Colston has been in and out of practice all week with a knee injury and is listed as questionable for this afternoon’s contest at the New York Jets. With the emergence of rookie Kenny Stills as a legitimate playmaker in Sean Payton’s offense, Colston’s impact has been diminished this season, and his effectiveness today is in question even if he is able to suit up.
Darrius Heyward-Bey, Indianapolis Colts, hamstring
IND (5-2) @ HOU (2-5), 8:30 p.m.
The oft-injured Heyward-Bey was set to take on an increased workload following the season-ending ACL injury to Reggie Wayne, but after suffering a hamstring strain in Thursday’s practice is listed as questionable to take the field tonight. If Heyward-Bey is limited or unable to play, WR T.Y. Hilton and TE Coby Fleener are likely to see a good number of Andrew Luck’s passes come their way against the Texans.
James Jones, Green Bay Packers, knee
GB (5-2) vs. CHI (4-3), Monday night
Jones has been out since Week 6 after suffering a posterior cruciate ligament sprain while blocking during an Eddie Lacy run against the Ravens, but he returned to practice late this week for the first time since then. Given that the Packers play Monday night, Jones is a risky fantasy option this week, but all indications are that he stands a reasonable chance of taking the field tomorrow.
SD (4-3) @ WAS (2-5), 1:00 p.m.
The Chargers’ top receiving threat has been hampered since Week 6 with a toe injury and is questionable for today’s contest at Washington. Royal has benefitted from the team’s bye this past week but is still considered a game-time decision this afternoon.
Roddy White, Atlanta Falcons, hamstring
ATL (2-5) @ CAR (4-3), 1:00 p.m.
White missed games for the first time in his career the past two weeks due to a hamstring injury, and this follows a high ankle sprain that he had played through earlier in the season. He was back on the practice field on Friday, although doing limited work, and is questionable for today’s divisional matchup with Carolina. With Julio Jones already out for the season, the slumping Falcons could badly use White on the field this afternoon, but he will be a true game-time decision.
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