This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
COVID-19 has already made its mark on the 2020 season and will be a constant threat to derail the NFL's hope of crowning an eventual champion. The league has done a commendable job of minimizing the spread of the virus, but it was inevitable players would miss time due to the illness. The first notable in-season case comes courtesy of Jacksonville where Armstead likely will not play in Week 1 after being placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list. This marks the second time the 23-year-old running back has received this designation and will prevent him from establishing himself in the suddenly wide-open Jaguars backfield. Armstead's stay on the COVID-19 list is expected to keep him out "a while," opening the door for Devine Ozigbo to move up the depth chart with Chris Thompson the likely option in passing catching situations.
Following surgery to address a pinkie injury, Harris will become one of the first noteworthy players to utilize this season's new (and temporary) injured reserve rules. For the 2020 season, any player placed on the IR for a football or non-football related injury can be reactivated after a minimum of three weeks. In previous years, the designation required a player to sit for at least eight weeks. Additionally, there is no limitation on the number of players that an organization can place on the IR. These new rules will give teams significant roster flexibility for the year ahead and could add clarity to normally ambiguous injury scenarios.
COVID-19 has already made its mark on the 2020 season and will be a constant threat to derail the NFL's hope of crowning an eventual champion. The league has done a commendable job of minimizing the spread of the virus, but it was inevitable players would miss time due to the illness. The first notable in-season case comes courtesy of Jacksonville where Armstead likely will not play in Week 1 after being placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list. This marks the second time the 23-year-old running back has received this designation and will prevent him from establishing himself in the suddenly wide-open Jaguars backfield. Armstead's stay on the COVID-19 list is expected to keep him out "a while," opening the door for Devine Ozigbo to move up the depth chart with Chris Thompson the likely option in passing catching situations.
Following surgery to address a pinkie injury, Harris will become one of the first noteworthy players to utilize this season's new (and temporary) injured reserve rules. For the 2020 season, any player placed on the IR for a football or non-football related injury can be reactivated after a minimum of three weeks. In previous years, the designation required a player to sit for at least eight weeks. Additionally, there is no limitation on the number of players that an organization can place on the IR. These new rules will give teams significant roster flexibility for the year ahead and could add clarity to normally ambiguous injury scenarios. An IR designation will come with a mandated three-week recovery window and help define depth chart positioning and roles. The rule change should also make it easier to stomach holding onto an injured player know he will not automatically miss half of the season. In New England, Sony Michel becomes the feature back for the Patriots with James White having additional value in PPR formats.
Things are looking up for Samuel to at least make an appearance in Week 1. The San Francisco receiver was recently activated from the active/non-football injury list after suffering a fifth metatarsal fracture in June. After surgery to repair the fracture site was necessary, an estimated recovery window of 12-to-16 weeks was provided. Samuel insisted he would be ready to start the regular season and he appears to have a realistic chance of that happening. He did not practice Monday and is slated to meet with his surgeon, Dr. Robert Anderson, on Tuesday. However, Samuel's Week 1 value could have a limited ceiling, even if he gets the green light from Dr. Anderson. The Niners could elect to limit Samuel's snap count in his first game back as they ease the amount of stress placed on and through the foot. The decision could also protect Samuel from suffering a potential soft tissue injury after being limited for the past 11 weeks. As a result, fantasy players will also want to exhibit patience here and consider waiting at least one week to plug Samuel back into their lineups. The same goes for rookie Brandon Aiyuk who is still nursing a hamstring strain and did not practice on Monday.
The Chargers wideout continues to work his way back from a shoulder injury. Williams suffered an acromioclavicular (AC) sprain in late August and was slated to miss between two-to-four weeks. The AC joint is located where the collarbone meets the acromion, a bony prominence of the shoulder blade. Multiple ligaments stabilize the articulation, allowing the joint to serve as a strut for the arm. Mild to moderate AC sprains can heal without surgical intervention and can be braced upon return. Williams has been making progress in his recovery, though there are conflicting reports on when he will be cleared to return. It was believed Williams could be sidelined for a majority of the month, but coach Anthony Lynn has stated he will be a "game-time decision." Even if Williams is able to suit up against the Bengals, it may be worth benching him for Week 1 to see if the shoulder limits his performance.
Turf Burns
Brandin Cooks: A quadriceps injury limited Cook's level of participation in Monday's practice. The injury has the markings of a low-grade strain, and the team is downplaying the severity. The Texans have a shortened week of preparation heading into Thursday's matchup against the Chiefs, but those invested in Cooks shouldn't panic just yet. If he remains hampered on Wednesday, then it may be time to consider alternative options. For now, stay patient and hope Cooks can gradually increase his workload in the coming days. Randall Cobb and Kenny Stills would move up the depth chart if Cooks sits out.
Kenyan Drake: The Arizona running back has been a spectator for most of training camp due to two separate medical issues. The major problem involved an injured foot that required the use of a protective walking boot. No specific injury was ever revealed, though it likely was a mild sprain. He then dealt with an undisclosed illness but has since returned to practice. He is considered fully healthy and will be the lead back in the season opener against San Francisco.
Melvin Gordon: A rib injury has dogged Gordon in the days leading up to the start of the regular season, but he was able to take part in practice on Friday and is expected to be available for Week 1. Gordon has been named a co-starter along with Phillip Lindsay, setting up would could be a frustrating running back by committee approach in Denver.
Travis Kelce: The Chiefs Pro Bowl tight end was a surprise addition to the injury report on Monday. An undisclosed knee issue was the reason for the designation, though the Chiefs are confident he will be in uniform for the season opener. Start Kelce with confidence.
Miles Sanders: The Eagles expect to have Sanders in Week 1 after the running back missed a majority of camp with a hamstring injury. However, don't sell your stock in Boston Scott just because Sanders is back in action. Hamstring injuries are easily aggravated, and a history of prior injuries is a major risk factor for future injury. I'll feel better about Sanders' overall health if he can put together a multiweek stretch of sustained health.
