Looks like a tough week for injuries, and things are only going to get worse as the season moves along. We don't have all the actives and inactives yet, but let's take a look at the information we do have, and walk you through some recommendations for each one.
In each case, these are guys who might be inactive. If that happens, obviously, don't use them. If they're active, here's how I'm handling them in my lineups.
Melvin Gordon: (Pictured) We've seen differing reports here. One said he should play as much as Justin Jackson played the first few games as a complement to Austin Ekeler. This morning's suggested he'll play only in an emergency. No one really knows. It's a really soft matchup and I don't think Ekeler's going to touch the ball 25 times, so I think Gordon could be in line for 10-15 touches and maybe a scoring opportunity. But there's risk in whatever you do with this particular player.
Rex Burkhead: Burkhead has a foot injury. He's expected to play. I see a guy in a tough matchup with a good Buffalo defense who will split the backfield with Sony Michel and James White. Who has a foot injury. Not using him.
Chris Godwin: Godwin has a hip injury but it's probably minor since he got in a limited practice on Friday. You'd think if a hip injury was significant you couldn't walk, let alone practice. Bucs expect him to play and they haven't added anyone this week so I think he'll be out there. I'm not using him since I have a comparably ranked alternative and he's facing a Rams secondary that hasn't allowed a wide receiver to score yet. But if you're looking for a 5 for 60 type of game out of a wideout, that seems reasonable, so I won't say Don't start him.
Julian Edelman: Edelman is expected to play through a chest injury, but one report has him possibly on snap count. I don't like the sound of that and consider the Patriots one of the least reliable teams as far as providing accurate injury information. Maybe Edelman is fine and plays full-time; I expect he'll be active. But I wouldn't use him.
Terry McLaurin: McLaurin picked up a calf injury in practice this week and sat out Friday. But reports suggest him being held out was precautionary. I think there is some risk of aggravation, but sounds like he'll start, and the matchup is really favorable. I'm on the fence on this one; I'm debating him or James White in a flex spot. If Burkhead winds up being inactive, I'll definitely use White. If Burkhead is active, I might chance McLaurin. UPDATE: McLaurin is INACTIVE.
Mark Andrews: Andrews didn't practice (foot) on Wednesday or Thursday but got in a limited practice on Friday. This is in line with his routine to this point so sounds like he's fine. If I had a similarly ranked option I'd avoid him.
Danny Amendola and Devin Singletary aren't expected to play through their injuries.
--Andy Richardson