You don’t usually expect the bye week to be filled with injury news for a team, but that’s exactly what the Indianapolis Colts have had to deal with this week.
First we got news that Dallas Clark and Joseph Addai would be out indefinitely, and then seemingly out of nowhere we were hit with the news that Austin Collie had surgery on his hand and will miss a few weeks.
At least for Week 7, this news isn’t devastating because you weren’t planning on using these guys anyway. But keep a close eye on them heading into next week. These are the kinds of injuries you’re planning for when you save a top waiver position for late in the season.
Okay, now let’s run down all the fantasy-relevant injuries for Week 7:
Antonio Gates is dealing with a toe injury and will most likely be a game-time decision. The bad part is that the Chargers play in the 4:00 game. If you can get Aaron Hernandez, Zach Miller, or Kevin Boss, all of whom play in later games or primetime, you’ll be able to adjust if Gates is indeed out.
Malcom Floyd still has not practiced this week as he recovers from a hamstring injury. He is not expected to play in Week 7. Potential replacement Buster Davis has been sidelined this week with a rib injury and Legedu Naanee has a hurt hammy that has kept him out of practice too. Patrick Crayton just keeps looking better and better.
Steve Smith will be back for the Panthers this week. His ankle is healed up enough for him to go and he’s been practicing fully. He also has Matt Moore back at QB, who he clicked so well with at the end of last season.
Vince Young still is not practicing as he deals with a knee issue. Jeff Fisher says he could play, but he’ll want Young to practice Friday. Check the injury reports today and see if he’s out there. Bo Scaife is dinged up also, and you’ll want to check the injury reports on him leading up to kickoff.
Surprise, surprise! Percy Harvin has been added to the Vikings injury report. He has a hamstring injury but was able to practice on a limited basis Thursday. He’s officially questionable for Thursday. He’s expected to play, but it’s Harvin, so you never know. And the Vikings play Sunday night so you’ll need to track this one and see what you can learn before kickoffs of the early games Sunday.
Brett Favre is on the injury report with a hurt ankle, wounded pride, and damaged marketability. He is expected to play Sunday night against his former team.
Derrick Mason was on the injury report but practiced fully. He’s good to go against Buffalo. The same is true for Ray Rice, who should have a big game.
Todd Heap is still dealing with the effects of the infamous Brandon Merriweather hit from Week 6. He practiced on a limited basis Thursday and will most likely be a game-time decision.
David Garrard and Trent Edwards are both dealing with injuries and neither practiced Thursday. Garrard has yet to be cleared by a doctor, and does it really matter if Edwards is healthy enough to play? Edwards, Todd Bouman, who cares? Surely you weren’t planning on using either one.
Chris Chambers was back practicing and is ready to go this week. However, his whopping 7 catches on the season should be on your waiver wire.
Peyton Hillis is still on the injury report with a thigh injury, and he’s only practicing on a limited basis this week, but he is expected to play.
Both Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace have missed practice all week and will not play. Joshua Cribbs and Mohamed Massaquoi have not practiced this week. You’ll have to see if either practices Friday to know whether there is a shot of them playing this weekend.
Pierre Thomas still has not practiced this week and his return in Week 7 appears unlikely. Reggie Bush also is not yet practicing as he tries to return from his broken fibula. Jeremy Shockey was limited in practice Thursday due to illness, but he should be fine for Sunday.
Chris Cooley is still dealing with the after effects of a concussion he suffered last week. He was back practicing yesterday though and reportedly felt fine. He appears safe to play.
Vernon Davis scared owners by going in for an MRI on his knee Monday. He’s fine.
Kellen Winslow is always on the injury report. He practiced fully on Thursday though, so he’s safe to play.
DeSean Jackson remains out as he deals with a concussion. Both LeSean McCoy and Michael Vick were full practice participants yesterday. McCoy will start, but Vick will backup Kevin Kolb.
Steve Breaston and Early Doucet were both limited practice participants on Thursday and both are expected to play Sunday.
The Raiders QB situation is a mess. Just stay away from it and all Oakland WRs. Bruce Gradkowski is the guy if healthy, but he hasn’t had a full practice yet. Jason Campbell would be next, but he’s still dealing with a bum knee. Kyle Boller starts if they can’t go. Altogether now: Ugh.
Darren McFadden has been practicing this week and should split carries with Michael Bush Sunday.
Eddie Royal did not practice Thursday as he deals with a groin injury. Considering the wealth of WR options at Kyle Orton‘s disposal, and the fact that he has a healthy Knowshon Moreno back, Royal is probably one to avoid this week.
Donald Driver has been dealing with a quad injury, but he says he’ll play Sunday night.
Dez Bryant is becoming a perpetual injury report name. This week it’s an ankle that is keeping him out of practice. See if he practices today. The Cowboys play Monday night and Bryant is their #4 option in the passing game, so I’d sit him if I had any decent alternatives.
Source for player updates: NFL.com injury report and CBS Sports player pages