The first week of the 2021 NFL season did not disappoint in many ways. From the opening game to the wild events of the Monday Nighter in Vegas, fans were treated to the usual week one madness and then some. Unfortunately, another aspect carried on like clockwork; injuries. The running back position continues to take hits and the beard is headed to IR. Yes, some things never change. Luckily, The Infirmary is here to keep fantasy managers up to speed. Week 2, bring it on.
INJURED RESERVE
Michael Gallup– DAL (Calf), Jerry Jeudy– DEN (Ankle), Tre’Quan Smith– NO (Hamstring), Raheem Mostert– SF (Knee), Ryan Fitzpatrick– WFT (Hip)
A handful of bummers in the IR department to begin this week’s Infirmary tour. Fortunately, the majority of these players will be on the short-term Injured Reserve and can return after three weeks- an aspect of the rule changes for the 2020 season that stuck around. Gallup, Jeudy, Smith and Fitzpatrick are all due back at some point this season. Mostert, however, is done for the year after having surgery on his knee.
Taking Mostert’s place this past Sunday was fifth-round rookie Elijah Mitchell, with Trey Sermon being a healthy scratch. There are differing reports as to why Sermon was a healthy scratch, but it’s likely he is playing and involved this coming Sunday. Though it seems the running back position is a bit messy in San Fran, Mitchell should be the guy moving forward. While Sermon has the higher draft capital, Mitchell has the better player profile and appears to be in the favor of the coaches.
Elijah Mitchell Advanced Stats & Metrics Profile
As for the wide receivers headed to IR, the Jeudy injury stands out. Reports suggest he’ll be out closer to six weeks, and Tim Patrick or K.J. Hamler will need to step up while he is away. Deonte Harris, as seen last week, played well for the Saints in Smith’s absence, despite this writer’s sense of indifference towards him. For Dallas, Tony Pollard could be a sneaky beneficiary of Gallup’s time off. Reports from training camp had stated that Pollard was getting a lot of run at wide receiver. There’s also rookie Simi Fehoko to keep an eye on.
OUT
Odell Beckham Jr.- CLE (Knee), Josh Jacobs– LV (Ankle/Toe), Marcus Mariota– LV (Quad), Will Fuller– MIA (Personal)
For those excited to see Fuller’s debut as a Miami Dolphin, more patience will be required. The newly signed wideout has been deemed out for Sunday’s matchup against the Bills due to a personal matter. This bodes well for rookie Jaylen Waddle, who impressed in Week 1, catching four of six receptions for 61 yards and a touchdown. Not that Waddle wouldn’t have been involved anyway, but the Target Share will remain consolidated with Fuller out.
As for Beckham, this feels all wrong. What once seemed like an inevitable return that had the potential of a bounce back year now feels very far away. There could be more to the situation, or this could be Cleveland simply playing it safe with OBJ. Either way, look for Anthony Schwartz to continue to shine with his opportunity. Sure, three receptions for 69 yards isn’t crazy, but this came off of a 31.1-percent Target Rate (No. 15 among qualified receivers) for a fifth round rookie who was banged up during camp. He currently is questionable for this Sunday, but should suit up. Cheers to those who snatched him off the wire this week.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnumTMUnXKs
With Jacobs out Sunday for the Raiders, many are latching on to the Kenyan Drake train. Perhaps they should pump the brakes; Drake’s efficiency last season was abysmal. His True YPC of 3.8 was “good” for No. 63 at the position. His 4.1 Yards Per Touch ranked No. 57 and his -8.9 Production Premium ranked No. 108. Not to mention, Peyton Barber will likely be involved and maybe even a bit of Trey Ragas. Yeah, Drake’s a strong fade for the Chatter.
DOUBTFUL
Rashaad Penny– SEA (Calf), D’Wayne Eskridge– SEA (Concussion)
These damn doubtful designations… A bit annoying, yes? Regardless, DeeJay Dallas is the name worth mentioning here. Dallas had a modicum of success last year when called upon, and should be Chris Carson‘s direct backup should Penny miss Sunday. Travis Homer is still on the roster, but Dallas is the better bet for touches behind Carson. Should Eskridge miss the game, as well, look for Gerald Everett to get more opportunities.
QUESTIONABLE
Marquise Brown– BAL (Ankle), Devin Duvernay– BAL (Groin), Gabriel Davis– BUF (Ankle), Darnell Mooney– CHI (Back), Anthony Schwartz– CLE (Knee), D’Andre Swift– DET (Groin), Tyrell Williams– (Concussion), Parris Campbell– IND (Abdomen), Michael Pittman– IND (Ankle), Preston Williams– MIA (Foot/Knee), Jonnu Smith– NE (Hip), Jamison Crowder– NYJ (Groin), Keelan Cole– NYJ (Knee), Anthony Firkser– TEN (Knee)
The Ravens’ injury woes continue, as Brown missed practice time this week with an ankle issue. Quarterback Lamar Jackson can’t do it on his own (though he does try his damndest), so hopefully his pass catchers find a way on the field. He’ll still have Sammy Watkins, though, who wasn’t bad in his Ravens debut. They play the Chiefs in a Sunday night matchup, so approach the situation cautiously if you roster Brown.
Both Colts receivers are expected to play Sunday, and good thing. Carson Wentz also needs help, and all the help he can get. However, both Campbell and Pittman were disappointing in week one. The leading receiver on the Colts was running back Jonathan Taylor, with Nyheim Hines right behind him. In fact, it was Zach Pascal who was the leading wideout on the squad. If the young receivers play Sunday, we’ll start to get a sense if last week was an aberration or closer to the norm.
With Swift practicing on Saturday, the team is optimistic he’ll play Monday night. His teammate, Jamaal Williams, was also questionable but was cleared and the designation removed. It is tricky, being a Monday Night game, but the feeling is Swift will be on the field. Should Swift not be able to go for any reason, Williams would be a screaming value. The problem, of course, is that damn Monday Night time slot.
CONCLUSION
Some big time names were lost to The Infirmary this week, but as always, the door of opportunity opens for another. Mitchell and Schwartz were some of the top waiver wire names this week, and this Sunday offers the chance for them to continue their ascension. It’s only week two and the bodies are already piling up fast in The Infirmary; don’t let injuries be the cause of a lost fantasy season. Good luck this week and stay tuned!
