Week 1 is here, and that means worrying about the health of the players we own in fantasy football. Injuries are obviously a huge part of football, but there's nothing worse than game-time decisions who make or break your lineup. Trey Burton, adding the complication of playing in the Thursday night opener, is one of those whose status might not be clear until near kickoff. Jordan Reed is dealing with another concussion, so that will probably be an ongoing thing to monitor this season. Thankfully for DK Metcalf truthers, his knee scope went well and he should be good to go for Seattle.
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DOMINATE YOUR DRAFT: Ultimate 2019 Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Trey Burton injury update
After missing practice on Sunday, Burton was limited at Chicago's practice on Monday as the Bears prepare to open the NFL season on Thursday night. Burton's been dealing with a groin issue that's unrelated to his offseason sports hernia surgery. A limited practice on a Monday would normally be fine, if not for the fact that Chicago plays Thursday.
A groin injury seems like one Chicago wouldn't push too hard even if Burton feels decent, meaning his snaps might be down in the opener. Adam Shaheen would start at tight end if Burton is out, although there are better stopgap options than Shaheen. Possibilities include Oakland's Darren Waller and New England's Matt LaCosse as waiver-wire fill-ins for Burton.
2019 STANDARD RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide Receiver | Tight End | D/ST | Kicker | Top 200
Jordan Reed concussion status
Reed didn't practice Monday and remains in the NFL's concussion protocol, Redskins head coach Jay Gruden told reporters. Reed is dealing with his seventh reported concussion. Washington opens up on Sunday against Philadelphia.
Hopefully you're not counting on Reed as your starting TE, but if you are, Vernon Davis is his backup and a worthy fill-in if Reed misses Week 1. Philadelphia's secondary, led by Malcolm Jenkins, allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends in 2018, though, so you could look to Waller and LaCosse to fill this spot, too.
2019 PPR RANKINGS:
Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | Top 200
DK Metcalf fantasy outlook
Metcalf underwent a knee scope two weeks ago that put his Week 1 status in doubt, but he practiced Monday and seems to be all set for making his NFL debut at home against the Bengals. Metcalf is expected to line up in one of the Seahawks outside spots, along with Jaron Brown, as Tyler Lockett occupies the slot.
Week 1 Non-PPR Rankings:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker
Metcalf brings intrigue because of the unprecedented strength-speed combination he showed at the NFL Combine, but he's still raw as a receiver. He fits the bill as a hold candidate to see how the targets break out in Seattle, along with how NFL-ready he looks.