2 years agoDallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (thumb) had successful surgery on Monday to stabilize his fractured right thumb, according to a source. He's now looking at a possible return for either the Oct. 30 game against the Chicago Bears or after the bye week on Nov. 13 against the Green Bay Packers. Prescott is expected to miss six to eight weeks after having surgery, and he's expected to be put on Injured Reserve this week. Even though the 29-year-old and the Cowboys offense looked bad on Sunday night against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Prescott should be stashed in all fantasy formats. For now, backup Cooper Rush will be Dallas' starter, which will be a big downgrade for all of the team's offensive skill players. The Cincinnati Bengals are coming to town in Week 2, where the Bengals defense/special teams unit will be extremely popular in fantasy.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport

2 years agoTests on Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris' foot came back negative on Monday, and there is a belief that he "should be good to go" for a Week 2 matchup against the New England Patriots, according to a source. Harris dealt with a Lisfranc sprain to the same foot during training camp, and it's believed this was just a minor aggravation of that injury. Last year's leader in touches carried just 10 times for 23 yards and caught both of his targets for three yards and a touchdown in Week 1's overtime win over the Cincinnati Bengals. We'll need to keep a close eye on Harris' practice status this week, but as of now, his fantasy managers have to consider this a huge win. If Harris is limited or inactive in Week 2, rookie Jaylen Warren would be in line for lead-back duties, with Benny Snell Jr. backing him up.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter

2 years agoWashington Commanders rookie defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis (knee), who injured his knee in the Week 1 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, is dealing with a torn meniscus and will have season-ending surgery, according to sources. It's a blow to the interior of Washington's defensive line this year, but the promising second-rounder is expected to make a full recovery for the 2023 season. The Commanders have already placed the 24-year-old on Injured Reserve. With Mathis out for the whole season, Washington will hope both Daniel Wise and Efe Obada can step up as defensive tackle depth for the team.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport

2 years agoGreen Bay Packers linebacker Krys Barnes (ankle, calf), who was carted off in Week 1 on Sunday with his right leg in an air cast, is believed to have suffered a high ankle sprain and calf injury, according to a source. Barnes will miss some time, but the initial hope is that he could be back in a few weeks. It sounds as though the 24-year-old will be able to return this season, barring some sort of setback in his rehab. The third-year pro had 107 solo tackles, nine tackles for loss, two QB hits, two sacks, four passes defensed and two fumble recoveries in 29 games (23 starts) in his first two seasons in the NFL with Green Bay.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero

2 years agoAn MRI exam revealed that Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Derek Barnett (knee) suffered a season-ending torn ACL in the Week 1 win over the Detroit Lions, according to a source. It's a big blow to the Eagles defensive line for the rest of the 2022 season, as Barnett has been a starter for the last four seasons. The 26-year-old played just 12 defensive snaps on Sunday before he went down with the injury. With Barnett out the rest of the season, the Eagles will need both Tarron Jackson and Josh Sweat to step up on the D-line. Barnett had 21.5 sacks coming into this season in five years, so he wasn't on the radar in IDP fantasy leagues.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter

2 years agoPittsburgh Steelers star linebacker T.J. Watt (pectoral) is undergoing an MRI exam on Monday to determine the severity of a pectoral injury that he suffered late in the Week 1 overtime win over the Cincinnati Bengals. The Steelers fear that Watt tore his pectoral, but we may not know for sure until he seeks multiple opinions from doctors. If Watt needs surgery, it would be season-ending, but if he avoids going under the knife, there's a chance he could choose to rehab in hopes of returning in a couple weeks. Losing the reigning Defensive Player of the Year would be a huge blow to the Steelers defense, so stay tuned. The 27-year-old was a game-wrecker before getting injured on Sunday, recording a sack, six solo tackles (three for loss), an interception and a pass defensed.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport

2 years agoNew Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen said that running back Alvin Kamara (rib) was dealing with a rib issue in the narrow Week 1 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, but Allen said, "I think he's going to be fine." Kamara out-snapped Mark Ingram II 38 to 20 on Sunday, carrying the ball nine times for 39 yards while added three receptions for seven yards through the air. The problem was tight end Taysom Hill, who stole four carries away for a team-high 81 yards on the ground and one touchdown. Negative game script didn't help the 27-year-old, but if Hill continues to be involved on the ground, it will lower Kamara's ceiling. Check his injury status this week, but it sounds as though he should be ready to go in a tough matchup against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN.com - Katherine Terrell

2 years agoDenver Broncos wide receiver KJ Hamler (knee, hip) is expected to play on Monday night in the Week 1 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, according to a source. Outside linebacker Randy Gregory (knee, shoulder) is also expected to play, and both have looked good in practice this week. Hamler said he feels every bit himself speed-wise. The 23-year-old was officially listed as questionable to play in Seattle, but it would be a surprise if he's inactive. The third-year wideout tore his ACL early in the 2021 season, but he's looking to bounce back in a big way as a deep threat for quarterback Russell Wilson this year. Hamler could have some big games if he connects deep with Wilson, but predicting those performances could be impossible. As the No. 3 wideout behind Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy, he'll be an unpredictable WR4/5 in deeper leagues.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NFL Network - James Palmer