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 One of the questions fantasy owners have to address each year as they prepare for their drafts is; Where to rank players injured last year in terms of fantasy value for this year? If you over value, or under value these concerns, you may be at a disadvantage as soon as you leave your draft. Here are some of the injured from last year and where I have them on my draft radar.
Delhomme, Jake, QB CAR
He underwent Tommy John surgery last October to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing elbow. For pitchers in baseball this is a minimum of 1 year; but for QB’s it only about 10 months. The difference is that throwing a baseball is more stressful to the elbow than throwing a football.
Fantasy Impact: He should be new and improved for the upcoming season. He will most likely have an increase in his arm strength and ability to throw the ball as well. They have re-built him. I have him as a solid number 2 with a lot of upside. If he remains healthy the entire season, he has good potential to end the season as a top 10 QB; just a hunch.
Gates, Antonio, TE SD
He had surgery last February to repair his dislocated big toe and will not be 100% to start the season.
Fantasy Impact: He is no longer the clear cut #1 TE in fantasy because of this toe issue. He probably drops to number 4 or 5. I am worried about the wear and tear of the season with this injury as well. His production has a better than good chance to not be the same as it has been the last few years. I love Gates, but will be looking for other options at TE as the fantasy implications of this injury are just to unpredictable.
Deuce McAllister, RB NO
Ronnie Brown, RB MIA
Both are attempting to return to the field after their seasons were cut short by ACL surgery last year.
Fantasy Impact: It usually takes about a year to return full tilt to the field of play after ACL reconstruction. Both are progressing well in their rehabilitation but look to be RBC’s as they get eased back into the offense. Another trend we see after the ACL injuries is it usually takes about 2 months of playing to get over the psychological affects and gain enough confidence in the knee to play on “automatic.” Take a look at Donavan McNabb’s stats from last year as evidence.
I am avoiding them draft day unless they really drop to later rounds. I will be happy to stash them on my bench but will not count on them as a starter until they prove they will produce. Chances are they will be taken earlier than they should be; if so, watch for a buy low trade as the owner may be quite disappointed early on and ready to dump right before the up swing.
Chris is a Certified Hand Therapist and avid fantasy sports participant. He consults and treats athletes from high school to the professional ranks sin the Baltimore/DC area for Maryland SportsCare & Rehab and Professional SportsCare & Rehab.
Tags: Hospital Injuries
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