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 Peyton Manning, QB INDY:
He has missed all of preseason with a knee injury. There is speculation that he has had 2 surgeries on the knee, rather than the 1 reported.
Fantasy Impact: The knee will most likely be fine; he is a pure pocket passer so they will put a brace on it and he will look like the same statue he has looked like his entire career. The real problems are as follows: the loss of center Jeff Saturday and Manning’s lack of reps in training camp. Teams will look to pressure Manning up the middle, no QB likes pressure in his face. More importantly, Manning is a huge advocate of reps; before each game he goes out and throws every route to his receivers, he has had minimal to date. Look for a slow start to the year for Manning as the protection and rhythm of the Indy passing game needs to be established. Addai owners should benefit from a more conservative offense. Manning and Addai should be great buy low, sell high candidates early in the season.
Chad Johnson, WR CIN:
He has a partially torn labrum in his shoulder; he will wear a protective brace during games.
Fantasy Impact: His fantasy numbers will take a hit as his receptions will decline. He has a high potential to be out for a series or half and be very inconsistent. Plus, the line of DB’s looking to take “Chad Javon Ocho Cinco” out is undoubtedly long as pay back for all the celebrations. My advice: put the “wet paint” sign on him….do not touch; his downside is too high in comparison to his upside.
Bernard Berrian, WR MIN:
He re-injured his right toe in early August and has not played another down in preseason. He was slowed by this same issue last year.
Fantasy Impact: He has been touted as a solid number 3 with number 2 potential on most draft boards. His toe issue drops him down. This is obviously a chronic condition, most likely turf toe. If it got sore on the grass of Soldier Field, just wait until he beats it up on the turf of the Metrodome. They call it turf toe for a reason; and it has ended careers.
Deion Branch, WR SEA:
He had ACL reconstructive knee surgery 8 months ago; it typically takes a year to return. There is chatter that he may be ready for the season opener.
Fantasy Impact: This is NFL smoke and mirrors. That knee will not be ready for NFL action by week one. Look for him to be an option in the second half of the season off the waiver wire at best.
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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