Fantasy owners may have some tweaking to do if they have anyone starting in their lineups on Monday night. The Arizona Cardinals, San Diego Chargers and New York Giants have some notable players listed on their injury reports for Week 1.
Perhaps the most talked about injury in the fantasy world was that of Cardinals running back Andre Ellington. The former Clemson Tiger was expected to have a big season in 2014 following his 652 rush yards on 118 carries in 2013 (5.5 ypc) and the retirement of starting running back Rashard Mendenhall. But the 25-year-old injured his foot in Thursday's practice and his status for Monday night is in question, as he's expected to be a game-time decision.
"I know the Cardinals are saying 'game-time decision' on Andre Ellington, but the vibe that Mort and I are getting is negative, and we'd be surprised to see him out there on Monday night," Adam Schefter said on ESPN's "NFL Countdown" Sunday morning. Reports surfaced last week that the running back could even miss significant time.
The Cardinals also have wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, safety Tryann Mathieu and guard Jonathan Cooper on the injury report. Fitzgerald (knee) and Cooper (toe) are listed as probably while Mathieu (knee) is questionable and expected to be a game-time decision along with Ellington. However, it's also very likely he doesn't play, according to Rotoworld.
But San Diego has some injuries of their own as they go into their matchup with the Cardinals tonight at 10:20 p.m. Tight end Antonio Gates injured his hamstring during the Chargers' practice on Saturday and was listed as questionable for tonight's game in Arizona. The timeliness of the injury could very well keep Gates out of the lineup, but the Chargers wouldn't be too concerned with Ladarius Green right behind him on the depth chart. Also, wide receiver Keenan Allen (ribs) and cornerback Jason Verrett (shoulder) are both listed as probable while linebacker Manti Te'o is listed as questionable with a foot injury that he sustained in the preseason.
As for the early Monday night game, the Giants will face the Lions in Detroit at 7:10 p.m. without rookie wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (hamstring), tackle James Brewer (back) and defensive tackle Markus Kuhn (ankle). Linebacker Jon Beason (foot), tackle Charles Brown (shoulder) and guard Brandon Mosley (back) are all probable. The Giants could work the middle of the field against the Lions because Detroit is expected to be without safeties James Ihedigbo (knee/neck) and Don Carey (hamstring).
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