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Dave Ventresca analyzes five fantasy football players returning from injury who you should considering trading away from your dynasty team before the 2024 season.
Injuries are no fun. They can ruin players' careers and leave us wondering what might have been. Sadly, it’s part of the game.
For fantasy football players, injuries can get old fast. Nothing saps the life out of your team more than watching star after star fall to injury. If you’re a dynasty fantasy football player, then you know how much injuries can change the fortunes of your roster. Sometimes, it’s worth holding onto assets after an injury. Other times, it’s better to move off injured players and cut your losses.
Make sure you keep up to date with all your fantasy football needs by following RotoBaller on X and checking out RotoBaller.com. Here are five players returning from injury to consider selling in your dynasty fantasy football leagues.
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J.K. Dobbins - RB, Los Angeles Chargers
Dobbins landed in a good situation after signing with the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency. He reunites with former Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman. Dobbins has a career 5.8 yards per carry (YPC) and has been one of the most efficient backs in the league.
Go be great J.K. Dobbins 🥲 pic.twitter.com/Uz9hnvrj7V
— The Ravens Realm (@RealmRavens) April 17, 2024
The problem is that he’s coming off a torn Achilles tendon. This is a devastating injury to running backs on its own, but Dobbins also has a history of serious knee injuries. However, there might be renewed excitement about the former second-round pick now that there’s a path to playing time in Los Angeles.
Even if Dobbins has a decent year, it’s likely the Chargers select a rusher in next year’s loaded running back class. Most dynasty players are aware of the situation surrounding Dobbins, so there may not be much interest. If there’s an owner in your league who still believes, get what you can for the fifth-year back.
Kirk Cousins - QB, Atlanta Falcons
All seemed fine for Cousins during the first month of the NFL offseason. He had just signed a massive contract with the Atlanta Falcons and was working hard to rehab his own Achilles tear. Then, the team threw a wrench into things when it selected Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth pick in the NFL Draft.
🎥 #Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. with a BEAUTIFUL TD 🍿
— SCOUTD (@scoutdnfl) October 14, 2023
The selection of Penix raises questions regarding Cousins’ future with the team. The Falcons signed him to a four-year, $180 million deal, but there is no guaranteed money left after the second year. Atlanta can get out of this contract at that time if it wants.
The Penix selection also raises concerns about Cousins’ return from injury. Will he be 100% for the season? Are the Falcons worried about a dip in production post-injury? These now become legitimate questions. While Cousins is set to start for the time being, Atlanta has already made plans to replace him. That’s usually not a good sign for a player’s future.
Nick Chubb - RB, Cleveland Browns
Chubb’s 2023 season ended prematurely when he suffered a serious knee injury in Week 2. He tore the ACL and MCL in the same knee he previously injured in 2015. This marks the second ACL injury for Chubb to go along with an MCL tear.
This is a devastating injury for an older back with a history of knee problems. Like the previously mentioned Dobbins, the majority of dynasty players are aware of Chubb’s situation. Any trade return will be low. The fact of the matter is that Chubb is now a 28-year-old running back coming off a second serious knee injury.
Even when he’s cleared, we shouldn’t be too optimistic about a return to form. Sometimes, it’s better to take what you can get for a player and move on. It’s better than eventually cutting them and getting nothing in return. It’s time for managers to take their medicine with Chubb.
Mike Williams - WR, New York Jets
Williams is entering his age-30 season. His value took a hit last year when he suffered a torn ACL. It dropped further when he was released by the Chargers this offseason. Williams' value bounced back after landing with the New York Jets in free agency. He figures to be Aaron Rodgers’ No. 2 receiver to open up the season.
It remains to be seen how Williams returns from his injury. Most players don’t see a return to their previous form until they are two years removed from an ACL tear. Williams is already an older player and any dip in play could be devastating to his career. If someone is bullish on Williams’ prospects with the Jets, try and work a deal to get him off your roster.
Joe Burrow - QB, Cincinnati Bengals
Burrow has missed 14 games in his career due to injury and has suffered season-ending injuries in two out of four years as a professional. It feels like we have enough of a sample here to say he has trouble staying on the field. While he’s an elite passer, dynasty owners need to start taking availability into account when it comes to the Bengals signal-caller.
Owners should consider moving off Burrow in exchange for players like Jordan Love or Justin Herbert. Both have similar fantasy ceilings to Burrow but don’t carry the same injury risk. Managers should be able to acquire Love or Herbert plus a little something else in exchange for Burrow. It’s worth kicking the tires on such a move and dynasty gamers might find an additional asset to further improve their teams.
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