NFL Injury Report: Rob Gronkowski Finally Active?
By Erik Lambert
Jul 24, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) runs through drills during training camp at the team practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
A number of big names are on the NFL injury report ahead of week one. Who is likely to play and who could be out?
Cam Newton may be benched as a precaution with rib injury
Ron Rivera knows that a season is what decides the fate of a team, not a game. So while having Cam Newton available is key, the Carolina Panthers head coach may be willing to sacrifice one game for the bigger picture. Newton is still nursing a rib injury ahead of the opener in Tampa Bay and may need one more week before he’s deemed healthy enough to play.
Brian Orakpo and Jordan Reed should be good for Washington
Two key pieces expected to help the Washington Redskins regain their playoff form in 2014 are linebacker Brian Orakpo and tight end Jordan Reed. Orakpo has dealt with an ankle problem since the end of preseason while Reed has a nagging sore thumb. Both are questionable for the Houston game but word is that barring a serious setback in warmups they should get the green light to play.
Rob Gronkowski should play against Miami
Finally, after what seems like forever the New England Patriots have good news going into the opener against the Miami Dolphins. Tight end Rob Gronkowski, their best offensive weapon is expected to be ready for action despite a questionable designation with a knee injury that has kept him out the entire preseason. Fantasy owners should take note of that against a weaker group of Miami linebackers and safeties.
Andre Ellington still not in the clear
Speaking of fantasy impact, many leagues are teetering on an update regarding Arizona Cardinals running back Andre Ellington. When healthy he is a dynamic weapon but a potentially bad foot injury forced him to get an MRI. The good news is he practiced after doing so, but there has still been no update regarding his status. So for the time being one must assume he’s out.
Stephon Gilmore nursing groin problem ahead of Bears game
The Buffalo Bills defense can’t afford anymore key losses with Kiko Alonso and Jairus Byrd gone. So when news struck that top cornerback Stephon Gilmore could miss week one with a groin injury, that raised serious concern. He will be needed to contend with the star Chicago Bears receiving tandem of Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery. Worse yet, even if he does manage to play, he may not be as effective anyway.