What This Is:
*A no-nonsense quick-hitting analysis of fantasy-relevant player injuries that could impact performance on game day.
What This Is Not:
For any questions related to this article such as “should I drop [player A] for [player B]?” please refer to the staff’s weekly projections.
Sammy Watkins - Calf - Questionable
Watkins finally practiced in full on Friday and looks to be a go for the Big Game. Last year in the Super Bowl, Watkins went for 5 catches and 98 yards on 6 targets. As the third option (at best), there’s some sneaky upside to the receiver for GPPs. I would be hesitant to utilize him in cash, though, as soft tissue injuries have the propensity to recur. (Though I guess you have to take risks in a one-game slate…)
Le’Veon Bell - Knee, No Designation
It’s hard to believe that three short years ago, Bell was at the top of the fantasy football mountain at the position. Now, even though he’s a full participant on Friday, there’s no way to trust him for any amount of meaningful volume on Sunday. But hey, at least he’s healthy.
Antonio Brown - Knee, Questionable
Even harder to believe is that Bell’s old teammate from Pittsburgh, compared to his glory days, is more of an afterthought on Super Bowl Sunday. Brown is coming off of a mystery injury to the knee. It could have been a contusion, slight meniscus tear, or any of the above. He finally practiced in full Thursday and Friday and looks to be ready for Sunday. He’s another Watkins-type of player who could see some volume on a team with an implied total of 25.
Cameron Brate - Back, Questionable
Adam Schefter says that Brate will try to play, because of course he’ll try to play —it’s the Super Bowl. The problem is that Brate’s new back issue popped up on Thursday when he was limited. Then on Friday, he didn’t practice at all. He is not trending in the right direction whatsoever so even if he’s active, it’s really hard to trust him even though he’s been more productive than Rob Gronkowski lately.
Good luck this weekend!
