Week 7: Game Time Decisions - Injury Update
WR Brandon Lloyd, ---
Lloyd injured his shoulder late in the week 6 loss to Seattle as he stretched out for a deep 4th quarter pass and landed directly on his shoulder. Initial reports are that Lloyd simply suffered a bruise and should be good to go for an important divisional battle with the Revis-less Jets in week 7. Through six games, the 31 year old WR is averaging 67 YPG, but has tallied just one TD. Veteran Deion Branch or Julian Edelman (also battling a hand injury) could see more snaps if Lloyd's shoulder keeps him out of action, but neither is on the fantasy radar.
WR Jerome Simpson, MIN
The high flying former Bengal has had a less than impressive start to his first year in Minnesota as a 3-game suspension and lower back / foot injuries have limited his production so far. Simpson was inactive against Washington in week 6, but was a full participant in Wednesday's practice and pronounced himself 100% ready to go for the week 7 matchup with Arizona. Michael Jenkins filled in admirably in week 6 finishing with 6 catches for 67 yards and a TD, but the 30 year old remains well off the fantasy radar. For now it seems like Simpson will get the start against a solid Cardinal defense that ranks 9th against the pass (216 YPG). A potential matchup with CB Patrick Peterson could limit Simpson's sleeper appeal this week.
TE Jimmy Graham, NO
The 3rd year TE from the U suffered an ankle injury in week 5 game against San Diego. The Saints had a bye in week 6 but Graham apparently is still having problems with the ankle as he missed Wednesday's practice and his status for the week 7 game with Tampa is in jeopardy. Through 5 games he's averaging 50 YPG and has 3 touchdowns (not what fantasy owners were expecting that used an early round pick). Backups Dave Thomas and Daniel Graham are not worth adding but Graham's absence could be a boost to Saints WRs Marques Colston, Devery Henderson and possibly Lance Moore if his hamstring injury is healed.
Remember to read all our columns for this week and use our Who To Start Rankings
