10/26/2012 Injury Report

by Christian Hardy

Aaron Hernandez did not make the trip with the team in what is a bad response to the treatment of his ankle. It makes sense before the Patriots week 9 bye, seeing that he has been hindered by the ankle injury in his last two weeks. I moved Lloyd up in my rankings a bit, but other than that, there's not much here. Targets were very spread out when Hernandez was out for three weeks earlier in the season.

For the Rams, Danny Amendola had a limited practice all week long and is listed as questionable for Week 8, but he is not expected to play. However, if Amendola is still on your waiver wire, pick him up now! Sounds like he's going to be back after the Week 9 bye.

Calvin Johnson did not practice because of a knee injury, and there is speculation that he will be a game-time call for Week 8. Nate Burleson is already out, so if Johnson doesn't play and you're searching for a receiver to start, Titus Young and Ryan Broyles should be set as the starters for Week 8. However, I do expect Johnson to play. He was at practice, and by the looks of it, he missed as a precaution.

DeMarco Murray missed Friday's practice with his foot injury and was ruled out for Week 8. Murray was among safety Matt Johnson, center Phil Costa, and defensive end Sean Lissemore for players who did not practice on Friday. It comes as no surprise, as Murray could miss more than just Week 8. Costa is also a big loss for the Cowboys, who have greatly struggled running the ball without him.

Trent Richardson "looked good" in practice according to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Expect him to be active on Sunday unless he suffers a setback. I do expect him to start and see a split with Montario Hardesty, as the Browns try to limit him to get him up to full speed.

Ahmad Bradshaw was limited in practice and will be a game-time decision. If you're a Bradshaw owner, expect him to play but limited in Week 8. His foot has gotten worse and worse, and if he's not healthy, and with him being limited, he's a RB2/Flex option this week. Andre Brown would draw the start and be a nice play if Bradshaw is out.

Jimmy Graham (ankle) will be a game-time decision in Week 8 against the Broncos on Sunday Night Football. It's a tough spot for fantasy owners, since it is a late game. If I own him, there's no way I'm going to be playing him. Graham says he is good, and the way it sounds, I think he will be active, but I wouldn't want to bank on him playing in the late game.

Jordy Nelson missed practice on Thursday and Friday with a hamstring injury and is listed as questionable for Week 8. He will be a game-time decision. I did not rank him and I'm not expecting him to play this week. Be sure to get Randall Cobb in your lineup, I ranked him in my top 10.

Alshon Jeffrey (hand) was ruled out of Week 8's game against the Panthers. Panther have a weak secondary after losing Chris Gamble for the year to a torn ACL, and losing defensive leader Jon Beason to a knee and shoulder injury isn't going to help either. Earl Bennett and Kellen Davis are deep plays, but won't make a huge impact.