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Training camps around the league are set to wrap up soon, and there are plenty of fantasy football studs dealing with injuries ahead of the regular season. Going into fantasy drafts with the most information possible is key to making great selections, so we have the latest update on the top banged-up guys. Our fantasy football injury reports as of Friday, August 11 will give you the latest news on the top banged-up players including Joe Burrow, Garrett Wilson, George Kittle, Tony Pollard, and more.
Being up-to-date on NFL injury news can give you an edge over your league mates in fantasy football. Even though the season is still about a month away, keeping up with the top players dealing with injuries as we move closer to fantasy draft season is important.
To keep close tabs on all of the news across the NFL, make sure to favorite or bookmark the fantasy football player news page, or download the free RotoBaller fantasy football mobile app with push notification alerts on all the latest news.
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Joe Burrow Injury Update
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (calf) was at practice for the first time since suffering a calf strain a few weeks ago. However, he didn't participate in the joint session with the Green Bay Packers on Wednesday. Instead, he watched from the sidelines. While the signal-caller could have at least attended camp after going down, he has stayed out of the public eye to focus on his ailing calf.
But unfortunately, Burrow's status moving forward remains in the air, and there's a chance he won't play in the season opener against the Cleveland Browns. Yet, considering there's still time before Week 1, the 2020 No. 1 overall pick should be out there, barring a setback. (BengalsWire)
Garrett Wilson Injury Update
New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (ankle) returned to practice on Thursday at training camp and did more than expected. He took a handful of repetitions in 11-on-11 work and even caught two passes. Wilson seemed to have no problem cutting on the grass field after suffering a minor low-ankle sprain early in camp.
The Jets have brought the 23-year-old pass-catcher along slowly in camp. As long as no setbacks happen, he'll be 100 percent healthy for Week 1 of the regular season, where he'll be a top-10 fantasy receiver now that he'll be taking passes from future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Wilson isn't expected to play in the team's second preseason game this weekend.
George Kittle Injury Update
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle is dealing with an adductor strain and is expected to be sidelined for about a week. The 29-year-old has missed at least two games in five of his six NFL seasons, so he's no stranger to minor injuries and brief absences.
Given his short timeline to return, this shouldn't concern fantasy managers ahead of preseason drafts, but it's worth monitoring to ensure he doesn't suffer any setbacks. The four-time Pro Bowler is fully expected to produce at least top-five tight end fantasy stats once again in 2023.
Tony Pollard Injury Update
Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy thinks running back Tony Pollard (ankle) is fully healed and back to his explosive self. "He has put his foot in the ground on a number of runs," McCarthy said. "I definitely think he's back."
Pollard suffered an ankle injury that required offseason surgery in the NFC Divisional loss to the San Francisco 49ers, so this is a significant positive update. The 25-year-old runner posted nearly 1,400 yards from scrimmage and 12 total touchdowns last year while splitting plenty of touches with Ezekiel Elliott. With Elliott gone, the Memphis product has top-three fantasy running back upside in all formats.
Rashod Bateman Injury Update
So far since Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman (foot) was activated from the Physically Unable to Perform list this week, he's been limited to individual drills in training camp practices. "I think we'll see as we go, but it's very promising right now. He looked good to me, and I'm excited to see him out there. Obviously, it's big for us," head coach John Harbaugh said. Bateman isn't going to play in the team's preseason opener this Saturday against the Philadelphia Eagles, but he has plenty of time to get ready for Week 1.
The additions of rookie first-rounder Zay Flowers and Odell Beckham Jr. will create additional competition for targets for Bateman in 2023, and that, in addition to his foot injury, has dropped his fantasy value considerably. But his ADP should slowly rise as he proves his health in camp and the preseason.
Kyle Pitts Injury Update
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (knee) wasn't taking part in team drills at training camp practice on Wednesday, but head coach Arthur Smith revealed that the team plans to put more on his plate at practice heading into next week. Pitts is recovering from an MCL injury and is unlikely to play in the preseason opener on Friday against the Miami Dolphins.
But barring a setback, the 22-year-old should be ready for the start of the regular season in Week 1. The former first-rounder in 2021 is trending down in fantasy after playing in only 10 games in his second NFL season last year due to injury. He finished with 28 receptions for 356 yards and two TDs, and he's scored only three times in 27 games (25 starts). Despite the lack of TDs, Pitts did have over 1,000 receiving yards in his rookie year and should still be considered a top-10 fantasy tight end. (Atlanta Journal)
Miles Sanders Injury Update
Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich said that running back Miles Sanders (groin) tweaked his groin in a joint practice with the New York Jets on Wednesday and is likely to be held out of the preseason opener on Saturday. It doesn't sound like a very serious injury for Sanders, and he may have been held out of the first preseason game regardless of whether he was hurt.
Carolina views the 26-year-old as a three-down back after coming over from Philadelphia. Sanders should have more volume with his new squad, but the efficiency might go down a bit behind the Panthers' offensive line. Carolina's offense surely won't have nearly as high of a ceiling as the Eagles', but the added volume should put Sanders on the RB2 map for fantasy managers in 2023.
Damien Harris Injury Update
Buffalo Bills running back Damien Harris (right knee) is feeling sore and will not practice on Thursday, according to Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic. However, head coach Sean McDermott told the media that "he thinks Harris is headed in the right direction with the injury."
While Buffalo is likely to incorporate James Cook quite often this season, Harris' presence cannot be ignored. He scored 15 touchdowns with the Patriots in 2021 and was specifically signed by Buffalo to take some of the work off Josh Allen's plate and reduce the quarterback's injury susceptibility by giving his short-yardage touches to a running back. Consider Harris a viable RB3/FLEX option heading into the 2023 campaign.
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