Preseason injuries are inevitable in the NFL. This week, several top players from the NFC North (D’Andre Swift, Justin Fields, Justin Jefferson) are dealing with dings, as well as others around the league. While there are some big-name players on this list, it currently appears all will be ready for Week 1. Still, it’s always good practice to monitor their situations and be ready to update your rankings and cheat sheets ahead of your fantasy drafts.
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DOMINATE YOUR DRAFT: Ultimate 2021 Cheat Sheet
Justin Fields injury update
Fields impressed in his preseason debut, but he also tweaked his groin in the process. The good news is it seems to be minor, and the Bears only held him out of practices early this week as a conservative measure. Matt Nagy says Fields will likely play in their next preseason game against the Bills, so there shouldn’t be a ton of worry. In fact, his ADP has risen over the past week despite the news of the injury, as highlighted in our ADP report.
Unless he suffers a setback, the injury shouldn’t affect Fields’ 2021 fantasy prospects. However, it’s still unclear when he’ll get the opportunity to start. Recent, Andy Dalton said it’s “his time” to start, and Bears beat writer Patrick Finley praised the veteran as the “most consistent QB Matt Nagy has ever coached.” Fields has more upside and is worth stashing, but obviously he can’t be counted on in Week 1.
2021 PPR FANTASY RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker | Top 200
D’Andre Swift injury update
Swift has been dealing with a lingering groin issue, causing him to be absent from practice over the past few weeks. However, practiced Thursday and will slowly be worked back onto the field. Don’t expect him to play in the preseason. Young running backs with injuries are always concerning, but his injury is nothing major at this point. Monitor his situation closely, as the missed practice time could lead to reduced reps and a slower start to the regular season.
If Swift suffers a setback that causes him to miss Week 1, Jamaal Williams is set to be the lead man in the backfiel with rookie Jamar Jefferson likely getting some work.
2021 FANTASY SLEEPERS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Each team
Justin Jefferson injury update
Jefferson suffered what appeared to be a scary left shoulder injury during a Vikings practice two weeks ago. However, he did return to practice just 10 days later, as it was revealed the injury was nothing serious. After being diagnosed with just an AC joint sprain, he’s not likely to miss Week 1.
Jefferson’s injury feels the least concern among this list, and you should carry on with the same plan you had for Jefferson prior to the scare.
2021 STANDARD FANTASY RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker | Top 200
Chase Claypool injury update
After a terrific downfield snag in the Hall of Fame Game, Claypool tweaked his shoulder and was slow to get up. That didn’t slow him down much, but during Tuesday’s practice, he suffered an ankle sprain and had to be helped off the field. Fortunately, this is also not considered to be a significant injury
While his injuries don’t affect his availability in the regular season, it’s concerning Claypool has already dealt with two ailments (albeit minor) before Week 1 has kicked off. It shouldn’t necessarily change his fantasy draft stock, but it is worth monitoring. Those who choose to be ultra-conservative with injuries might want to avoid him.
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