No one wants a star player to miss Week 1, but we already know WR A.J. Green will be on the sidelines. What about Cam Newton? And will the retired Rob Gronkowski be on the field at all in 2019? As fantasy football owners finalize their rankings, get ready for their drafts, and set their lineups for the season's opening week, these stars are all in very different places, which is why you need the latest updates.
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DOMINATE YOUR DRAFT: Ultimate 2019 Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Will Rob Gronkowski play in 2019?
Speaking Tuesday morning at a CBD oil press event, Gronkowski said he's "pain free" for the first time in a decade. He added that he doesn't see a comeback happening in the "foreseeable future" but wouldn't rule one out altogether. The Patriots are without TE Ben Watson due to a four-game suspension to start the season, and Matt LaCosse has dealt with injuries at the position, too.
We've had Gronk in our tight end rankings throughout the preseason based on the possibility of his return at some point this season. Judging by his comments Tuesday, it seems like any Gronkowski we'd see this season will come around the midway point. He's still worth a draft-and-stash if your bench is big enough because he'd be a fantasy starter immediately upon his potential return.
2019 STANDARD RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide Receiver | Tight End | D/ST | Kicker | Top 200
A.J. Green injury update
The Athletic reported that Green's best-case scenario for a return from injury would be Week 3 of the regular season. Green's injured ankle still has him on a knee scooter and yet to resume any on-field drills. It seems likely that he'll miss a month or more.
Tyler Boyd is the biggest beneficiary of Green's absence, as he becomes a fantasy starter for all the time Green is out. Deep leaguers should check out Damion Willis, who's been announced as a starter in Green's absence. As for Green, he's still not a bad player to draft for a bench slot in the early-middle rounds in the hopes him being normal upon his return.
2019 PPR RANKINGS:
Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | Top 200
Will Cam Newton play Week 1?
After spraining his mid-foot last week, Newton returned to practice in limited fashion on Monday. He didn't take part in team drills but worked out on the sideline, according to ESPN. Tuesday morning reports indicated that Newton was at practice again but not working with the other QBs. (Update: Speaking later Tuesday, Panthers head coach Ron Rivera told reporters he's not concerned about Newton's availability for Week 1.)
FANTASY SLEEPERS:
8 QBs | 14 RBs | 11 WRs | 11 TEs | 6 D/STs | One from each team
It seems Newton is close to rejoining the Panthers and being ready for Week 1. His shoulder was the big concern entering the preseason, but he's looked healthy from a throwing standpoint. His propensity to run around increases the risk of other injuries, like this sprain, but if he's healthy come Week 1, you can feel safe putting him in yoru lineups.