Fantasy Doctor is Online; Dr. Selene Parekh talks NFL injuries

Dr. Selene Parekh aka the Fantasy Doctor talks about injuries around the league. What players will return? Find out below:

Charles no longer in charge: Chiefs RB out with torn ACL

http://youtu.be/IY_D7wCayy4

What happened: Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles tore his right ACL during Sunday’s game against the Bears. He’ll need surgery and a long rehab before hopefully returning for the start of the 2016 season. Typically, a player will take 9 to 11 months to return to the NFL field.

Player/team outlook: Charles tore his left ACL four years ago and made it back to top form, but it’s hard to imagine he’ll return again to being an all-purpose star. Kansas City’s offense simply won’t be the same without him.

Fantasy recommendation: Charles should only be kept in very deep keeper leagues. KC will try and replace him with the duo of Charcandrick West and Knile Davis, making it hard to play either unless one starts to stand out. Look for backups who could offer value if they become starters like the Packers’ James Starks and the Saints’ Khiry Robinson.

Running out of Luck? Colts QB dealing with shoulder issue

What happened: Colts quarterback Andrew Luck has missed the last two games with a shoulder injury. His status for Week 6 has yet to be solidified. However, he has been practicing unlimited for the last two days. It is unclear exactly what had happened to his shoulder, but the expectation is for him to play on Sunday.

Player/team outlook: In the long term, the Colts need a healthy Luck to have any chance at making serious playoff runs. He was getting creamed behind the offensive line early in the season and that has to change for him to stay healthy.

Fantasy recommendation: Those that drafted Luck early probably didn’t worry about having a backup, but now it makes a lot of sense to have a viable option. Check your leagues waiver wire for guys who could make for good fill-ins based on upcoming matchups.

Hammy an issue again for Giants’ Beckham Jr.

What happened: Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. missed a good chunk of the fourth quarter during Sunday night’s game against the 49ers due to a hamstring issue. He did not practice on Thursday. However, expect him to play during Week 6 unless he re-aggravates the hamstring.

Player/team outlook: Beckham and the Giants need to be very careful here as he’s struggled with hamstring problems in the past. The team can’t afford to lose him for a significant amount of time so they’ll monitor this situation very closely.

Fantasy recommendation: No need to panic as Beckham is a must start even if he’s on the injury report. However, if your league starts three or more WRs and the available players on waivers are thinning out, take a chance on Dwayne Harris, who has become a popular target for Eli Manning. That also allows you to make a late switch if Beckham is scratched on Monday night.

Out of concussion protocol: Panthers’ Kuechly set to return 

http://youtu.be/_-Cms4qncwk

What happened: Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly suffered a concussion during the first half of Week 1 and hasn’t played since. He’s slated to return this week.

Player/team outlook: Kuechly is a disruptive defensive player and his return only makes the Panthers better. The concern is that if he gets another concussion in the near future his season will be in doubt.

Fantasy recommendation: Kuechly delivers huge points on a weekly basis in IDP leagues and adds significant value to the Panthers as a defensive unit. The good news for fantasy players is that there are usually LBs out there that can be picked up at any point, such as the Broncos’ Danny Trevathan and the 49ers’ Michael Wilhoite.

Follow the Fantasy Doctor on Twitter @seleneparekhmd