Sunday morning injury news is filtering in. A few expected absences, some not so much. And then some conflicting reports on one key starter. A quick run-through what's being reported thus far.
- A report from NFL.com indicated Sterling Shepard (hamstring) isn't expected to play. That was a surprise after he was able to practice on a limited basis on Thursday and Friday. Then ESPN's Dan Graziano says the sense he gets is that Shepard will play. We won't know for sure until the inactives come out, about an hour from now.
I have Shepard in a couple of playoff games. I am now concerned about using him. The matchup is great, but the conflicting reports have me worried that he is injured enough that he could either be limited or at risk of aggravating the injury. In one league I'm sitting him for Cooper Kupp. In the other my option isn't as good (Jason Witten). People I think need to assess how good their alternatives are. If you're comfortable that Shepard will play something close to his usual snaps, that's fine. But if you have a similar option, the safer decision might be to start that player. Same game, Orleans Darkwa is expected to play, but the Giants are using a committee.
Zach Ertz (concussion) hasn't cleared the protocol and is considered doubtful to be available. Trey Burton would fill in. Burton got a bunch of targets after Ertz was knocked out of last week's game, though he's not as dominant a player, obviously. If you're hoping to use Ertz, line up an alternative you can plus in if he is officially inactive.
Doug Martin is expected to start for Tampa Bay. That's disappointing to those hoping to use Peyton Barber.
Chris Hogan (shoulder) should return for New England.
Ameer Abdullah (neck) is not expected to play for the Lions. According to the report, injury is only part of the reason.
Robert Woods (shoulder) is not expected to play for the Rams.
Amari Cooper (ankle) is apparently expected to play, but maybe with limited snaps. I view him similarly to Shepard: great matchup, but at risk for aggravating the injury or being limited by the team. If you have a good alternative, safer to use it.
Matt Forte (knee) should play in the Jets' three-man committee.
If inactives come out that confirm or conflict with some of the more significant stories here (Cooper and Shepard, primarily) I'll post in the comments thread.
--Andy Richardson