The preseason is nearing its end, with just the Week 3 dress rehearsal and the backup-laden Week 4 to go. Given its status as the most important preseason game, this will be a pivotal week in discerning who will be ready to go for Week 1. Some situations are clearer than others, though. Here are the key injuries most likely to affect your preseason gambling and DFS needs for this week.
QB
Carson Wentz (PHI) – torn ACL
Wentz is still questionable for Week 1, so naturally the Eagles won’t risk playing him here. Luckily, the Eagles have a proven backup in Nick Foles.
Nick Foles (PHI) – shoulder strain
Oh wait, maybe they don’t. Foles suffered a shoulder injury against the Patriots, but tests revealed it to be minor. Reports indicate he should play the entire first half this week, but would the Eagles risk it with Wentz’s status up in the air? Nate Sudfeld is even more enticing in DFS if Foles sits.
AJ McCarron (BUF) – collarbone
Initial reports that McCarron fractured his collarbone proved to be incorrect. He’ll be back much sooner than originally thought, but he’s not a lock for this week. Expect more of Josh Allen and Nathan Peterman.
Related: Preseason betting guide
RB
Saquon Barkley (NYG) – hamstring strain
Barkley’s preseason debut was as glorious as it was brief. He sat out last week and still hasn’t returned to practice. Expect more from Jonathan Stewart, Wayne Gallman and Robert Martin.
Jerick McKinnon (SF) – calf strain
McKinnon injured his calf in practice on Aug. 12 and was subsequently ruled out for the rest of the preseason. Matt Breida is out too, so San Francisco will roll with Jeremy McNichols and Joe Williams.
Marlon Mack (IND) – hamstring strain
Mack was considered week-to-week when he strained his hamstring on Aug. 9. It’s a fair bet the Colts will continue to rest him until at least Week 1. Nyheim Hines, Jordan Wilkins and Christine Michael are likely to fill the gap.
Sony Michel (NE) – meniscus
Michel’s injury was just over three weeks ago and required a minor procedure. He’s out until at least Week 1. Mike Gillislee and Jeremy Hill are getting plenty of work, so this backfield is in decent shape.
Rashaad Penny (SEA) – broken finger
Penny’s injury required surgery. There are reports he could miss a game or two of the regular season, but Pete Carroll says he’ll play Week 1. Take that for what you will. Chris Carson, Mike Davis and C.J. Prosise will pick up the slack.
WR
Odell Beckham Jr. (NYG) – broken ankle
There’s been no word on whether Beckham will make his preseason debut. As last season taught us, New York’s offense is vastly different without him. An active Beckham would swing some money toward the Giants.
Doug Baldwin (SEA) – knee
Baldwin will continue to rest a sore knee, though the plan is for him to suit up for the season opener. The Seahawks will look to see some production from Brandon Marshall, among others.
T.Y. Hilton (IND) – shoulder sprain
Hilton’s injury came in practice last week. He sat out Indy’s second preseason game but returned to practice on Wednesday. Perhaps will the Colts will sit him this week against the 49ers.
TE
Delanie Walker (TEN) – toe
Little is known about the extent of Walker’s injury. He missed Tennessee’s second preseason game and hasn’t returned to practice.
OL
Zack Martin (DAL) – knee
Dallas’ vaunted o-line takes a huge hit due to Martin’s absence. That was bad enough, but Travis Frederick will also sit after being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. The Dallas offense should see a drop-off this week.
DL
Kyle Williams (BUF) – knee
Williams is week-to-week, meaning more playing time for Stanford rookie Harrison Phillips. The absence of the five-time Pro Bowler will surely have an effect on Buffalo.
LB
Mark Barron (LAR) – shoulder
Barron hasn’t played this preseason as he recovers from shoulder surgery. The Rams are aiming for Week 1, so don’t expect to see him this week.
DB
Casey Hayward (LAC) – hamstring
The Chargers’ poor injury luck continues. At the rate hamstring injuries can be aggravated, we surely won’t see him this week. That’s not great with Drew Brees and the Saints coming to town.
Eric Berry (KC) – Achilles
The Chiefs are being cautious to avoid “going backward” as Andy Reid said. It’s been roughly a year since the injury, so we should see Berry by the time the regular season rolls around.
