Fantasy Football Injury Report for QBs/TEs: Preseason Updates on Matthew Stafford, Joe Burrow, Kyler Murray, Irv Smith Jr.

Being up-to-date on NFL injury news can give you an edge over your league mates in fantasy football.

At the quarterback and tight end positions, there are a few notable names to keep an eye on in the injury department with preseason games getting underway.

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Matthew Stafford Injury Update

Stafford has been experiencing pain in his elbow since the latter part of last season and it's carried over into the offseason. While the veteran quarterback has been limited in training camp, the Los Angeles Rams revealed that Stafford is dealing with an injury that is 'abnormal for a quarterback'.

The experienced signal-caller has been forced to sit out of practices due to his elbow ailment and with Sean McVay always sitting starters in the preseason, we shouldn't expect him to suit up until Week 1. We've seen Stafford deliver some pristine passes during practices recently, so there shouldn't be much concern in the short term, but the injury is something to monitor as the season progresses.

Joe Burrow Injury Update

Burrow exceeded all expectations upon returning from a torn ACL in 2021 as he put together a masterful campaign for the Cincinnati Bengals. At the start of training camp this year for the Bengals, Burrow underwent surgery to remove his appendix.

Nearly a week after receiving the surgery, Burrow returned to practice on Thursday, though he was mostly seen moving around practice in a golf cart.

Zac Taylor shared that Cincinnati doesn't know when Burrow will return, but there doesn't appear to be any doubts that he'll be ready for Week 1. The Bengals will likely ease Burrow back into drills soon and people taking part in fantasy football drafts should confidently be taking him as a top-tier option at quarterback.

Kyler Murray Injury Update

Murray recently tested positive for COVID-19 and was forced to remain away from the Arizona Cardinals until he recovers. Kliff Kingsbury suggested that the goal is for Murray to return to practice soon as the mobile quarterback is feeling better in recent days.

Besides testing positive for COVID-19, Murray was also dealing with an injury to his wrist early in training camp. Neither appears to be a long-term issue for the 24-year-old quarterback that inked a multi-year extension that makes him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL.

Seeing that Murray is gearing a return to the field, we should be expecting a QB1 season from Murray again in 2022.

Irv Smith Jr. Injury Update

In recent years, there have been plenty of fans calling for a breakout season from Smith, and this season is no exception with Kevin O'Connell becoming the new head coach of the Minnesota Vikings. Smith has dealt with his fair share of injuries since entering the NFL and he recently underwent surgery on his thumb.

The good news is that the Vikings are optimistic that Smith will be able to return in time for the team's Week 1 bout with the Green Bay Packers. Meanwhile, the athletic tight end will lose some meaningful reps with Kirk Cousins and the first-team offense in the coming weeks.

Even with Smith missing time, the Alabama product is still a late-round tight end that has plenty of upside in an offense that is looking for other guys to step up in the passing game alongside Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen.

Taysom Hill Injury Update

The New Orleans Saints are moving Taysom Hill to the tight end position this season; however, they plan on deploying him in a variety of ways still. Hill missed time recently with a rib injury, but the versatile weapon was able to return to practice on Thursday.

At the end of last season, Hill was sidelined due to a Lisfranc injury that he attempted to play through for multiple games. With the Saints needing someone to step up at the tight end position, Hill will likely get an opportunity to join the starting offense.

While Jameis Winston is on track to be the starting quarterback for the Saints in 2022, Hill is a viable late-round target as he could be utilized in a variety of ways, or he could even see snaps at quarterback if Winston gets injured or struggles.

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