X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Join the Best Live Fantasy Chat Community!

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


LINEUP RESOURCES

Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Starts and Sit
Daily Fantasy
Who To Pickup
Fantasy Updates
24x7 News and Alerts

Injury Exam Room - Cam Newton, Dalvin Cook, Allen Robinson

In our new weekly feature in collaboration with Inside Injuries, we take a comprehensive preseason look into major injuries and their Fantasy Football implications.

The medical team at Inside Injuries breaks down each player’s outlook from physical perspectives. RotoBaller then provides in-depth fantasy recommendations based on the impact of every injury breakdown. It’s an unrivaled combination of medical and fantasy expertise, designed to help you gain a true advantage as you prepare for your 2019 drafts.

Inside Injuries predicts the impact of injuries on player performance by using data analytics, medical expertise, and statistical modeling. Also check out our previous Injury Exams on Fournette, Kupp and O.J. Howard or Gurley, Sanders, and D. Freeman.

Featured Promo: Get any full-season NFL Premium Pass for 50% off and win big in 2023. Exclusive access to our Premium articles, 15 lineup tools, new Team Sync platform, Lineup Optimizer, Premium DFS tools and cheat sheets, and much more! Sign Up Now!

 

 

Cam Newton (QB, CAR)

Something was clearly off with Cam Newton late in the 2018 season, and it wasn’t exactly a surprise when he underwent another surgery on his shoulder during the offseason. Newton’s shoulder problems started in 2016 when he suffered a partially torn rotator cuff. He tried to go the rehab route but ultimately underwent surgery in March 2017 to repair the damage. He has been up and down ever since.

Now Newton is six months removed from his second shoulder surgery. This one wasn’t as extensive, but there was some cartilage damage that had to be addressed. Newton is expected to be a full participant early at training camp and has been throwing a full-sized football for two months. All of this is positive news, but it doesn’t change the fact that he’s an aggressive quarterback who takes a lot of big hits and he has already had two surgeries on his throwing shoulder.

Newton should start the season feeling strong and healthy as he can be seven months removed from surgery, but as the season progresses his body will wear down. Right now he is in the Peak HPF (Health Performance Factor) category, an indication he can play well right now, but that can quickly change.

There are a number of things that could lead to an up and down season. He could experience fatigue in his shoulder, causing weakness and accuracy issues. He could aggravate his shoulder due to a big hit or just wear-and-tear due to the grind of the season. He could change his style of play to run less in an effort to protect his shoulder. Sure, Newton could have some big games, especially because of his running ability, but there’s a lot of risk here. Our algorithm still says he is a High Injury Risk (28%), and he won’t reach his Optimal Recovery Time until October. Stay away from Cam unless you have another strong quarterback on your roster.

Engel’s Fantasy Analysis

Newton is currently being drafted as the eighth or ninth QB off the board on most sites, but FFPC players are being a bit more cautious with him, as he is the 11th QB taken in the high stakes leagues. His longtime reputation as a major dual threat with the upside to be a top-five fantasy QB keeps him in the QB1 mix. But he appears to be a risky pick who can still cause legitimate concerns and he simply may not be dependable.

The QB position is so deep that it does not appear to be a smart move to take Newton as your prime starter when there are other safer choices you can make. Sure, he can still be a significant threat as a runner, but he has not been enough of a productive passer over the past three seasons. With his body already feeling wear and tear from past seasons, there does not seem to be enough upside to take the shot on Newton as a Top 10 QB this year.

In the past, we’ve drafted him for his distinctive combination of passing and running, with the latter trait pushing him above many other players at his position when he is performing at optimum levels. But he is a health gamble and we simply have to stop chasing the memories of 2015. If he runs less than he used to, Newton may start to be known more as a mediocre fantasy player with his best years already behind him.

 

Dalvin Cook (RB, MIN)

In 2018 Dalvin Cook suffered the same fate as many players coming back from a torn ACL. A recurring hamstring strain nearly ruined his season and sidelined him for five games while limiting him in many others. Cook suffered a torn ACL in just the fourth game of his rookie season. He spent the offseason recovering, and while his knee was fully healed by the time the 2018 season started, the rest of his body wasn’t quite ready. When returning from a torn ACL it’s common for the muscles in the leg to be weaker than they were pre-injury, and it can take over a year to get back to normal.

Cook initially injured his hamstring in Week 2, missed Week 3 and returned in Week 4 (two weeks before his Optimal Recovery Time). He quickly re-injured it and ended up sitting until Week 9. Cook averaged 12 carries per game, significantly lower than the 18.5 he averaged in 2017 before injuring his knee.

Now that Cook has had an entire offseason where he was healthy, he should be much stronger and comes with a lower Injury Risk (9%). Once a player has dealt with lower body muscular strains they are more susceptible to this type of injury in the future, so don’t be surprised if Cook misses practice time with tightness or soreness in his hamstring/quad at some point. According to our algorithm he enters the 2019 season in a much better place physically than in 2018, but he still comes with a bit of risk.

Engel’s Fantasy Analysis

This is a somewhat encouraging report, as Cook has already gained a reputation as a significant injury risk. But entering the new campaign after a quiet offseason without having to deal with recovery is a positive sign in his favor. When he is available, Cook is a dynamic and versatile RB who can operate as another major weapon in the Minnesota offense. As indicated above, he could be in danger of some more injury issues at any time, but there do not seem to be any notable worries about him as training camp opens.

Cook has a PPR ADP of 11th or 12th at RB on most sites right now. As long as you handcuff rookie Alexander Mattison to him, you should be content with landing him on the back-end RB1/high-end RB2 cusp. If he plays most of the schedule, Cook can perform as a consistent RB1 in PPR formats. He does not appear to have fully escaped the injury shadow yet, but his outlook has improved to the point where he can be a minor rather than major concern.

 

Allen Robinson (WR, CHI)

The last two seasons have been rough for Robinson due to various injuries, but now that he has had an offseason where he was fully healthy he should be prepared for a much more consistent, injury-free campaign.

Robinson’s injury problems started in 2017 when he suffered a torn ACL in the first game of the season. He returned to play in 13 games in 2018 but battled rib and groin injuries that forced him to miss multiple games and limited him in others. As we mentioned with Cook, these lower body muscular strains are common when coming back from a torn ACL. Groin strains also tend to linger, so it isn’t a surprise that it affected his performance even when he was cleared to play. From Weeks 11-16 Robinson topped 50 yards just twice. He surpassed 100 yards just once in the regular season (Week 10) but finally looked healthy in the Wild Card game (10 receptions, 143 yards, TD).

Our algorithm is saying that the playoff outing should be a sign of good things to come. He has been healthy for over seven months and was able to spend the offseason focusing on strength and conditioning instead of rehab.  Now back at a low Injury Risk (9%), Robinson has WR1 potential in his second season with the Bears. He has a good shot at being out there for close to 16 games.

Engel’s Fantasy Analysis

Many fantasy players appeared to have soured on Robinson after a disappointing 2018 campaign in which he was widely expected to re-emerge as a very good fantasy option. After last year’s frustrating regular season, he has fallen to the range where he is the 33rd WR off the board, This report makes it seem like Robinson can be quite the value selection for 2019. The Bears should take more steps forward as an offense in 2019, and Mitch Trubisky must rely on Robinson to help him improve as a passer.

Right now, Robinson is barely being drafted as a fantasy WR3. But now two seasons removed from his major injury, this is the year where he can finally bounce back and regain a lot of respectability. The potential is there for Robinson to play at a fantasy WR2 level in 2019. Grab him when others choose to pass on him. Don’t let the memory of 2018 linger as many others will do. The second year under Matt Nagy could be the one where the Chicago offense starts to blossom, and Robinson could be a key part of the process.

For less than one dollar a day, get the edge you need to bet with confidence at Inside Injuries!

More Fantasy Football Analysis




LINEUP RESOURCES

Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Starts and Sit
Daily Fantasy
Who To Pickup
Fantasy Updates
24x7 News and Alerts

ROTOBALLER PLAYER NEWS

Tee Higgins3 hours ago

Not Concerned About Contract Situation
Jeff Skinner3 hours ago

Scores Game-Winning Goal In Overtime
Devon Levi3 hours ago

Earns Victory In NHL Debut
A.J. Puk5 hours ago

Picks Up Save For Marlins Friday
Rhys Hoskins5 hours ago

Undergoes Successful Knee Surgery
Nick Solak5 hours ago

Mariners Acquire Nick Solak From Reds
Justin Verlander5 hours ago

Does Some Throwing On Friday
Justin Verlander5 hours ago

Does Some Light Throwing
Luis Urías6 hours ago

Luis Urias Reportedly Heading To Injured List
Joey Wiemer6 hours ago

Reportedly Will Be Called Up
Anthony Rendon6 hours ago

Being Investigated By MLB
Willson Contreras7 hours ago

Receives Good News On Friday
Seattle Seahawks8 hours ago

Ryan Neal Becomes Free Agent
Pharaoh Brown8 hours ago

Joins Colts
Darrynton Evans8 hours ago

To Meet With Colts
Laquon Treadwell8 hours ago

Working Out For Cowboys
Zach Collins8 hours ago

Out Against Golden State
De'Andre Hunter8 hours ago

Out With A Knee Injury On Friday
Oscar Gonzalez8 hours ago

Starting On Friday
Obi Toppin8 hours ago

Will Start Against The Cavs
Jarrett Allen9 hours ago

Downgraded To Out On Friday
Nelson Cruz9 hours ago

Batting Cleanup On Friday
Mike Moustakas9 hours ago

Remains Out Again
Michael Brantley9 hours ago

Takes Batting Practice
Andrew Vaughn9 hours ago

Sitting On Friday
Gavin Sheets11 hours ago

Oscar Colas Starting On Friday
Paul Sewald11 hours ago

Picks Up Win On Opening Day
Garrett Whitlock11 hours ago

Making Rehab Start Friday
Josh Rojas11 hours ago

Hitting Leadoff Against Dodgers
Corey Julks11 hours ago

Making MLB Debut Against White Sox
Bryan Reynolds12 hours ago

Opt-Out Clause The Sticking Point For Bryan Reynolds Extension
Portland Trail Blazers12 hours ago

LaMarcus Aldridge Officially Retires From The NBA
Corbin Carroll12 hours ago

Hitting Fifth Against Right-Hander
Jamal Murray12 hours ago

Considered Questionable Against Phoenix
Nikola Jokic12 hours ago

Could Miss His Second Consecutive Game
Kenyon Martin12 hours ago

Jr. Uncertain To Play Against Detroit
Tobias Harris12 hours ago

Could Miss Friday's Game Against Toronto
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander12 hours ago

Upgraded To Questionable On Friday
Al Horford12 hours ago

Uncertain To Suit Up On Friday
Jaylen Brown12 hours ago

Tagged As Questionable With Lower-Back Pain
Jayson Tatum12 hours ago

Listed As Questionable Against Utah
Kelly Olynyk12 hours ago

Is Available Against Boston On Friday
De'Andre Hunter12 hours ago

Downgraded To Out On Friday
Trayveon Williams14 hours ago

Bengals Have High Hopes For Trayveon Williams
Joe Burrow15 hours ago

Bengals Begin Extension Discussions With Joe Burrow
Mac Jones15 hours ago

Bill Belichick Still Non-Committal On Mac Jones
Sammy Blais16 hours ago

Extends Point Streak To Six Games
Cam Talbot16 hours ago

Makes A Winning Return
Matthew Beniers17 hours ago

Logs Two Points Against Anaheim
Stuart Skinner17 hours ago

Grabs A 43-Save Shutout
Tristan Jarry17 hours ago

Records His Second Shutout
Matthew Tkachuk17 hours ago

Rolls To Four Points Versus Montreal
T.J. Oshie17 hours ago

Exits With An Upper-Body Injury
Mikey Anderson17 hours ago

Injured On First Shift Thursday
CJ McCollum18 hours ago

Drops 23 Points In Easy Win Over Denver
Jamal Murray18 hours ago

Salvages Solid Performance In Loss
Brandon Ingram18 hours ago

Secures A Triple-Double Against Denver
Jaylen Brown18 hours ago

Collects Another 30-Point Game
Jayson Tatum18 hours ago

Drops 40 Points In Blowout Win
Naz Reid18 hours ago

Set To Miss Significant Amount Of Time
Linus Ullmark1 day ago

Allows One Goal In Overtime Victory
David Pastrnak1 day ago

Scores Game-Winning Goal
Baltimore Ravens1 day ago

Ravens Have Been Active In Receiver Market
Baker Mayfield1 day ago

Kyle Trask To Compete In Training Camp
Courtland Sutton1 day ago

Broncos Could Still Trade Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton
DeAndre Hopkins1 day ago

To Stay With Cardinals?
Odell Beckham Jr.1 day ago

Jets The Most Likely Landing Spot For Odell Beckham Jr.
Carolina Panthers1 day ago

Panthers Not Settled On One QB For No. 1 Pick
Lamar Jackson1 day ago

Not Seeking Fully Guaranteed Deal
Nathan Peterman1 day ago

Re-Signs With Bears
Ryan Lindgren1 day ago

A Game-Time Decision Against New Jersey
Seth Jones1 day ago

Expects To Play Thursday
David Savard1 day ago

A Game-Time Call Thursday
Kirby Dach1 day ago

Set To Miss At Least One Week
Adam Boqvist2 days ago

Not Expected To Play Thursday
Matt Grzelcyk2 days ago

Sits Out Thursday's Game
Michael Hutchinson2 days ago

Tending Twine Against Boston Thursday
Stuart Skinner2 days ago

Gets The Nod For Edmonton Thursday
Petr Mrazek2 days ago

Between The Pipes Versus Blues
Dre Miller2 days ago

Kendre Miller Ahead Of Schedule
Buffalo Bills2 days ago

Bills Re-Sign Jordan Phillips
Las Vegas Raiders2 days ago

Alex Bars Returns To Raiders On One-Year Deal
Dallas Cowboys2 days ago

Johnathan Hankins Re-Signs With Cowboys
NFL2 days ago

Wanya Morris Getting Close To 100%
Brendon Todd3 days ago

Has Success At TPC San Antonio
Ben Martin3 days ago

Has Value At TPC San Antonio
Nick Taylor3 days ago

A Boom-Or-Bust Option At Valero
Taylor Pendrith3 days ago

A Sleeper Option At TPC San Antonio
Chris Kirk3 days ago

A Good Option At The Valero Texas Open
Matt Kuchar3 days ago

Loves Playing TPC San Antonio
Will Gordon3 days ago

Offers A Wild-Card Option At Valero
Cam Davis3 days ago

Can Keep His Current Form At TPC San Antonio
Mark Hubbard3 days ago

A Low-Risk Value Option At Valero
Tyler Duncan3 days ago

Start Tyler Duncan At TPC San Antonio
Emiliano Grillo3 days ago

Not Recommended At Valero
Patrick Rodgers3 days ago

Don't Give Patrick Rodgers A Shot At Valero
Adam Schenk3 days ago

Wants To Keep Momentum Rolling At Valero
Ryan Moore3 days ago

Cannot Get Past The Cut Lately
Stephan Jaeger3 days ago

Could Warm Things Up At Valero
Si Woo Kim3 days ago

A Possible Contender At Valero
Taylor Montgomery3 days ago

Attempting To Find Weekend Consistency
Corey Conners3 days ago

Trying To Recreate A Little Magic
Thomas Detry4 days ago

Continues To Impress In Rookie Season
Aaron Rai4 days ago

Brings Positive Momentum To Valero Texas Open
Akshay Bhatia4 days ago

Looks To Stay Hot In Texas
Todd Gilliland4 days ago

Impressive At COTA
Ty Gibbs4 days ago

Finds His Footing At COTA
Chris Buescher4 days ago

Continues To Shine On Road Courses
NASCAR4 days ago

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Finishes Seventh
Austin Cindric4 days ago

Has A Solid Day
Marlon Vera5 days ago

Has Four-Fight Winning Streak Snapped
Cory Sandhagen5 days ago

Dominates Striking Department
Yana Santos5 days ago

Dominated In Decision Loss
Holly Holm5 days ago

Dominates In Co-Main Event
Austin Lingo5 days ago

Suffers Submission Loss
Nate Landwehr5 days ago

Shines With Second-Round Submission Win
Andrea Lee5 days ago

Suffers Defeat In Close Matchup Saturday
Maycee Barber5 days ago

Takes Close Matchup On Saturday
Chidi Njokuani5 days ago

Takes Close Loss In Split-Decision Showing
Albert Duraev5 days ago

Holds Off Opponent In Tight Split Decision
William Byron5 days ago

Rounds Out Top Five At COTA
Ross Chastain5 days ago

Caught Up To Fourth At COTA On Sunday
Alex Bowman5 days ago

Brings Home Third Place Finish At COTA
Kyle Busch5 days ago

Scrambles Up To Second At Austin
Tyler Reddick5 days ago

Dominates And Wins At COTA
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF