IDP Analysis: Last-Minute Injury News and Updates

We've covered most of our draft strategy over the past month, and with all of the meaningful preseason action in the books, we'll take a look at the injury and playing-time news from this week. This could be quite useful for later drafters or even those looking ahead to setting Week 1 lineups.

Defensive Line

Although DeMarcus Lawrence has yet to regain full strength in his surgically repaired shoulder, he's optimistic that he'll be on the field for Week 1. If he's on the field, he'll be a must-start in IDP leagues.

Josh Allen finally played with the Jaguars' first-team defense in the third preseason game and he had a pair of tackles for loss along with two hits on the QB. Look for the rookie playmaker to have an immediate IDP impact.

Linval Joseph (upper body) was cleared for team drills on August 20, and if he can avoid any setbacks, he'll be good to go for Week 1.

Ezekiel Ansah (shoulder) could resume practicing as soon as August 26, and should he return during the week, he'd be in good shape to appear in the season opener.

As expected, first-round draft choice Ed Oliver has moved past Jordan Phillips at defensive tackle on the Bills' depth chart, and Oliver will now have significant IDP value right away.

Tyrone Crawford (hip) was activated from the PUP list on August 20 and is expected to be ready for the regular season.

Linebacker

Jarrad Davis suffered a high-ankle sprain, and although no exact timeline for his return has been provided, he's expected to miss regular-season time.

Deone Bucannon injured his knee in the third preseason game and has been ruled out for the remainder of the preseason. Although he's not expected to miss significant time, there's a chance that he won't be ready to start the season.

Shaq Thompson had missed time with a hamstring injury, but after playing in Thursday's game, he's good to go for Week 1.

Todd Davis (calf) is behind schedule in his recovery, and it's a possibility that he could sit out Week 1.

Brandon Copeland is facing a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy, and with appeals usually falling on deaf ears, it seems most likely he won't be available to start the season.

Defensive Back

Following up on last week's news, Derwin James will be placed on IR after undergoing surgery to repair a stress fracture to his fifth metatarsal. If he recovers well, he could come back after missing the first half of the season.

Reshad Jones isn't expected to be an every-down player for the Dolphins, and Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald is reporting that Jones is a candidate to be traded. So, this makes him a player to avoid if you need to start all IDPs in Week 1, but for those with bench spots, it'd be great to stash him to see if he gets sent to a better destination. And if that doesn't work out, you'll be able to cut him a couple weeks into the season.

Dre Kirkpatrick (shoulder) is expected to miss the Bengals' preseason finale, but he's expected to be ready for Week 1.

A.J. Bouye (hamstring) played in Jacksonville's third preseason game after missing the previous two weeks, so he'll be all systems go headed into the season.

Trumaine Johnson (hamstring) is hoping to be available for the start of the season, but he'll be questionable at best for Week 1.

Patrick Chung was indicted August 8 for felony cocaine possession. In addition, he's still working his way back from the broken arm he suffered in the Super Bowl. Based on these factors, he's likely not worth a roster spot in IDP leagues.

Kevin King (hamstring) ran sprints during the Packers' third preseason game, indicating he's close to returning to action.