NOTE: This column is a living document and will be updated throughout the morning. Major changes to the content will be in red. Check back often for additions as gameday inactives are announced and lineup / depth chart changes are reported. I'll also be immediately retweeting any breaking news with quick bits of analysis, so make sure you're following me at (@JeneBramel) and checking my timeline on Twitter on Sunday mornings.
We're still picking up the pieces of the brutal past three weeks, in which we saw season-ending injuries to Le'Veon Bell, Jamaal Charles, Arian Foster, Keenan Allen, and Steve Smith. Fortunately, whiel there are many players on the injury report, there are no elite fantasy options who are game time decisions this week.
Already declared out are Matt Forte, Vincent Jackson, Carlos Hyde, Kendall Wright, Eddie Royal, and Leonard Hankerson.
Likely to be ruled out are Anquan Boldin, Ladarius Green, and T.Y. Hilton.
Probable and likely to see their usual workload are Andrew Luck, Tyrod Taylor, Marcus Mariota, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Dion Lewis, Chris Ivory, C.J. Anderson, Karlos Williams, Julian Edelman, Dez Bryant, Eric Decker, Willie Snead, Julius Thomas, and Antonio Gates. Not all are great fantasy options this week, but none should be signfiicantly limited by injury.
Here are the situations I'll be tracking most closely this AM:
brandon marshall | ankle | questionable | early sun start
Todd Bowles said Marshall had continued to make progress this week but needed "to get a little better" in order to play today. I think his consecutive limited practices on Thursday and Friday suggest the Jets are preparing for him to play, but there remains a slim chance he'll be unable to go after pregame warmups. Marshall has been effective through injury in the past and has a favorable matchup against Jacksonville.
Fantasy expectation: If Marshall is active, he'll have a lower than usual floor. Consider him a WR3 with WR1 upside.
sammy watkins | ankle | questionable | early sun start
Watkins still isn't healthy coming out of the bye week. After limited practices on Wednesday and Thursday, he missed practice on Friday, telling reporters he was fatigued. He insists he'll play, but it appears the team considers him more of a game time decision. If he plays, his admitted lack of conditioning will put him at risk of yet another injury.
Fantasy expectation: If active, Watkins can't be trusted as more than a flex play today.
ryan mathews | groin | questionable | sunday night football
Chip Kelly isn't an easy read with injuries but we've seen a similar pattern before with Mathews. Earlier this season, Mathews had a mid-week DNP and was listed questionable but played. So, this week's mid-week DNP and questionable listing isn't a major concern, especially since Mathews practiced fully on Friday. Demarco Murray is fully healthy, however, and will keep Mathews' snap count and touches capped today.
Fantasy expecation: Mathews should be active and play today. Unfortunately, his role will likely keep him in the low RB2 - flex range.
ronnie hillman | thigh | questionable | late sun start
Hillman was limited in practice this week, but there's been nothing but optimism from the Denver coaching staff. Hillman is expected to play, but it's fair to wonder if we're seeing the injury script flipped now. C.J. Anderson looked healthier last week than any time this season. While the coaches are calling Hillman the starter, Anderson will remain involved in the offense.
Fantasy expectation: Injury and the ongoing rotation with Anderson will limit Hillman's upside today. Consider him a low upside RB2 / flex.
austin seferian-jenkins | shoulder | questionable | late sun start
Seferian-Jenkins is still rumored to be a game-time decision despite a full Friday practice. Seferian-Jenkins has repeatedly said he wants to be 100% before returning and Lovie Smith wouldn't commit to activating him yet. Unless Seferian-Jenkins felt terrible on Saturday after the full Friday workout, I think we'll see him start today.
Fantasy expectation: Yet to be confirmed active and with the Buccaneers possibly limiting his playing time, Seferian-Jenkins isn't a safe option. But the upside is there if you're willing to take on risk today.
900 ET: Adam Schefter tweets Seferian-Jenkins will warm up but is doubtful to play. Avoid him today.
desean jackson | hamstring | questionable
Jackson has missed well over a month with a high grade hamstring strain. He has been telling reporters all week he's heatlhy and will play. Three consecutive limited practices are also a promising sign he's ready.
Fantasy expectation: Expect Washington to ease Jackson back into the lineup and ensure his conditioning is good enough to handle game action. He's a boom-bust WR3 today.
Best of luck in your fantasy contests this weekend. I'll be back on Monday morning to review all the Week 9 injuries in the Injury Rounds column. Follow on Twitter @JeneBramel for breaking news and analysis during the games today.
