Pro Football Doc, Dr. David Chao, shares his thoughts on some key players ahead of NFL Week 7.
J.J. McCarthy & Carson Wentz
"We’ve talked for a while about JJ McCarthy hiding behind health for the Vikings. He is definitely healthy enough to play, but not 100%. It seems to be a coaching decision, and that coaching decision seems to be a healthy Carson Wentz over a not completely healthy JJ McCarthy, even though the Vikings are coming off a bye. There’s a “revenge game” for Carson Wentz against the Philadelphia Eagles — at least another week with Wentz, no JJ McCarthy."
McCarthy has been sidelined since Week 2 with a high ankle sprain. The Vikings will start Carson Wentz, with McCarthy designated as the emergency third quarterback.
Wentz has a -.2% SIC Player Edge projection which reflects the health of Wentz, the Vikings Pass Offense and the Eagles Pass Defense therefore we expect him to very close to his projected passing prop and DFS points.
Kyler Murray
"Kyler Murray is also a coaching decision. Toe injury, foot injury, midfoot injury — hard to push off his back foot, not as mobile. A pocket Jacoby Brissett probably outranks a less-than-mobile Kyler Murray, especially with his inaccuracy driving the ball downfield, given the back foot as the issue. Expect Jacoby Brissett."
Murray missed Week 6 but was listed as questionable with his foot injury.
If Murray does suit up, he has a -31.1% SIC Player Edge projection which reflects the health of Murray, the Cardinals Pass Offense and the Colts Pass Defense therefore we take the under on props and avoid in DFS.
Mac Jones
"Mac Jones is playing well enough to hold off Brock Purdy. Brock Purdy is not 100%, so there’s a good reason for him to sit still with his turf toe. Likely all three of those starting quarterbacks will give way to the backups."
Jones is 3-1 as the fill-in for Purdy this season while also dealing with his own knee and oblique injuries.
Jones has a -22% SIC Player Edge projection which reflects the health of Jones, the 49ers Pass Offense and the Falcons Pass Defense therefore we take the under on props and avoid in DFS.
Puka Nacua
"Puka Nacua: unlikely to play. That’s the London game, and they have a bye afterward. The Rams would be smart to rest him."
Nacua finished the Week 6 game but was only used as a decoy for a handful of plays. The Rams have a bye in Week 8. The Rams officially ruled Nacua OUT this week.
Garrett Wilson
"Garrett Wilson, with his knee issue, likely several weeks (not IR) — will be out this week."
The Jets bye week comes in Week 9, so the Jets could opt to rest him until Week 10. Wilson is doubtful for Week 7.
Wilson has a -42.9% SIC Player Edge projection which reflects the health of Wilson, the Jets Pass Offense and the Panthers Pass Defense therefore we take the under on props and avoid in DFS.
Terry McLaurin
"Terry McLaurin for the Commanders is finally getting close with his proximal quad/hip flexor strain. Not quite yet — 50/50, maybe approaching that on the dubious side of 50/50 for McLaurin."
McLaurin has been out since Week 3, but has returned to practice this week. The Commanders ruled McLaurin OUT.
CeeDee Lamb
"CeeDee Lamb seems to be ramping up. This is the fourth week — he has a chance to play through his high ankle sprain."
By all indications, Lamb is expected to return this week as the Cowboys take on the Commanders in DC.
Lamb has a -11.2% SIC Player Edge projection which reflects the health of Lamb, the Cowboys Pass Offense and the Commanders Pass Defense therefore we take the under on props and avoid in DFS.
Mike Evans
"Mike Evans’ hamstring won’t be 100%. He’s a gamer, he’s a veteran, he’s played through hamstring injuries before, and they’re without their top four wide receivers if he’s out. Therefore, I think Evans tries to give it a go."
The Bucs will be without Chris Godwin, Bucky Irving, and rookie standout Emeku Egbuka this week.
Evans has a -11.9% SIC Player Edge projection which reflects the health of Evans, the Bucs Pass Offense and the Lions Pass Defense therefore we take the under on props and avoid in DFS.
Rashee Rice
"And let’s end on good news — Rashee Rice. It was a suspension. He’s 100% healthy and rested, raring to go, ready to return."
Rice has finished serving his 6-game suspension and will join the Chiefs receiving corps that has Xavier Worthy and Hollywood Brown.
Rice has a -13.1% SIC Player Edge projection which reflects the health of Rice, the Chiefs Pass Offense and the Raiders Pass Defense therefore we take the under on props and avoid in DFS.
George Kittle
"And finally, George Kittle — possibility he returns, limited practice. He’s played through hamstring injuries before. The 49ers are very injured, they could use the help. Expect Kittle to potentially give it a try."
Kittle was injured on the 49ers' first drive of the season, with Brandon Aiyuk and Ricky Pearsall nursing injuries; the return of Kittle would be a big addition to San Francisco.
Kittle has a -16.9% SIC Player Edge projection which reflects the health of Kittle, the 49ers Pass Offense and the Falcons Pass Defense therefore we take the under on props and avoid in DFS.
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