The worst part of our beloved game is the frequency of injuries. It’s an unfortunate byproduct of such a fast-paced, contact-heavy sport. It’s something that is important to remember as we approach the first full week of the preseason. Luckily for the NFL players, they have access to some of the best doctors in the world and can usually return to form at least by the next season. Unfortunately for us fantasy players, it’s not always easy to know when a player will get hurt. To another degree, sometimes your roster isn’t big enough to plan ahead for an injury. This series, the Infirmary Report, will give you advice on the injuries that have happened every week during the season. Without further ado, here are the injuries from last week.
Brian Robinson, RB, Commanders
More on Robinson:
— He was shot in the glute and lower leg, sources say, both non-life threatening.
— Football is not important here, but since we cover football: Robinson has not been ruled out for playing at some point this season. https://t.co/9ah239gNcY— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 29, 2022
Injury: Brian Robinson was shot in the leg and glute during an attempted robbery.
Expected Return: No Timetable yet
Player to Pick Up: J.D. McKissic, RB
Well, the hype train for Brian Robinson unfortunately has come to a crashing halt. The very same day that he was announced as the Commanders RB1 he was shot and his future is uncertain. He has officially been released from the hospital and expects to play this season, but there is no timeline. This is pretty unprecedented and incredibly unfortunate. However, J.D. McKissic is a must-add now. The Commanders have shown little trust in Antonio Gibson, and they do truly love McKissic.
Isaiah McKenzie, WR, Bills
WR Isaiah McKenzie came up limping after an 11-on-11 rep and ultimately walked into the field house with a trainer and did not return to practice.
— Sal Capaccio 🏈 (@SalSports) August 27, 2022
Injury: Isaiah McKenzie missed the rest of practice after something undisclosed happen.
Expected Return: Questionable Week 1
Player to Pick Up: Jamison Crowder, WR
Depending on the status of McKenzie’s injury, Crowder will be the slot receiver to start the year. Any slot WR on the Bills will see plenty of volume with plenty of upside. Crowder was serviceable in his time in New York and will more than likely be serviceable in Buffalo when given the chance.
Sam Darnold, QB, Panthers
Rhule: Sam Darnold has high ankle sprain. Calls it “significant injury that could take some time.”
— Joe Person (@josephperson) August 27, 2022
Injury: Sam Darnold suffered a high ankle sprain during the preseason game against the Bills.
Expected Return: No Timetable yet
Player to Pick Up: Cam Newton, QB
I mean, Darnold isn’t starting or anything so really there isn’t someone to pick up. But with Matt Corral also going down and missing the year, the Carolina QB room is decimated. There are talks of Cam Newton being signed as some depth. We all know what to expect from Cam Newton at this point, but for deep leagues- why not?
Ty Montgomery, RB, Patriots
Sneaky important injury we're monitoring is the Ty Montgomery one. Here's the latest from @MikeReiss. https://t.co/ZFYRgau1LQ pic.twitter.com/U0JezN2PQA
— Adam Levitan (@adamlevitan) August 28, 2022
Injury: Ty Montgomery suffered an ankle injury in the preseason game against the Raiders.
Expected Return: No Timetable yet
Player to Pick Up: J.J. Taylor, RB
Ty Montgomery was impressing over camp and was likely going to be some sort of change of pace back. Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson still own the backfield, but the Patriots like to cycle their backs. With Montgomery likely missing time, look for J.J. Taylor to take on that role. And yes the Patriots drafted Pierre Strong but Belichick will more than likely go with the 3rd-year system player in Taylor over a rookie- at least to start the season.
Tre’Quan Smith, WR, Saints
I’d be shocked if Tre’Quan Smith doesn’t have a separated shoulder or broken collarbone. The way he landed was rough. #Saints #NFL pic.twitter.com/jkZXQWJFal
— Timothy J Jones (@tjayjones8) August 27, 2022
Injury: Tre’Quan Smith injured his shoulder in the preseason game against the Chargers.
Expected Return: No Timetable yet
Player to Pick Up: Marquez Callaway, WR
Callaway was already ahead of Smith on the depth chart but now he is firmly the WR4. This is actually a pretty solid spot to be in with this receiver corps. Both Michael Thomas and Jarvis Landry have injury histories, so Callaway could be thrust in at any moment.
Cam Sims, WR, Commanders
No Cam Sims in Washington’s preseason finale. https://t.co/qfOZpbJJjC
— Commanders Wire (@Washington_Wire) August 26, 2022
Injury: Cam Sims is in concussion protocol.
Expected Return: Questionable Week 1
Player to Pick Up: Curtis Samuel, WR
Same logic as Marquez Callaway– Samuel was technically ahead of Sims on the depth chart but now his role is more solidified if Sims misses time. Samuel has underwhelmed in his time in Washington, and Sims has been decent. But if Samuel can turn it around while Sims is out, he may be a solid option in deeper leagues.
Diontae Johnson, WR, Steelers
Steelers fans can exhale a little bit.
Evan Washburn reports he talked with Mike Tomlin, who said "if this is a regular season game, we may see them back in this game. There's no long term concern at the moment for T.J. Watt or Diontae Johnson."
— Jenna Harner (@JennaHarner11) August 28, 2022
Injury: Diontae Johnson injured his shoulder during the preseason finale against the Lions.
Expected Return: Week 1
Player to Pick Up: George Pickens, WR
The injury is not serious, just something to monitor. However, because it is a shoulder injury and Johnson is a WR, it may be a concern throughout the season. If he does reinjure it, George Pickens value will skyrocket. Pickens has impressed plenty during camp and preseason and with any increase in volume or injury he should impress during the season too.
