Thank heavens there weren't a lot of injuries to big-name players in the preseason, right? No, instead they've been occurring in practices between Week 1 and 2. Some key starters need to be removed from lineups this morning, and also for tomorrow.
Michael Pittman was the big one definitely sidelined, and Ian wrote about him in a separate post. Alec Pierce was already out, leaving the Colts with top wideouts of Parris Campbell and Ashton Dulin.
Adam Schefter is reporting this morning that Alvin Kamara (rib) is expected to be inactive for today's game against Tampa Bay. Backup Mark Ingram (ankle) is expected to play, although I'd be monitoring the inactives (this is an early game) if I hoped to use him. The Saints also have Dwayne Washington and Tony Jones available, and makes sense to think gadget extraordinaire Taysom Hill might be a bigger part of the offense.
Schefter has also reported that George Kittle (groin) is not expected to play. I'd made the decision to bench Kittle anyway; I think you really need to see him get in a full practice before using him in a lineup. Last week Tyler Kroft was the primary fill-in, catching 1 pass (though conditions didn't help).
One more from Schefter: Allen Lazard (ankle) is expected to play tonight. I'm a little wary of using Lazard, but it makes me a lot less likely to chance someone like Sammy Watkins. In a league where I have both (and lost Pittman), I'm using Lazard.
Gabriel Davis apparently picked up an ankle injury in the team's final practice of the week. Have looked for details without success. Bills are playing tomorrow night; there should be more details today. I think if you're hoping to use Davis, you need to make sure you have an alternative who's also playing tomorrow (Bills-Titans and Eagles-Vikings are the games). I don't know if there will be clarity on the injury before today's games kick off.
Mike Evans (calf) is expected to play. But Julio Jones (knee) is a gametime decision. Has anything in Jones' recent career made you think he's a safe bet to play (and play well) through injury? I'm benching him; doesn't seem reliable.
D'Andre Swift (ankle) is expected to play. Little bit riskier than usual, and Jamaal Williams looks like a better option than if Swift were fully healthy, but I think if you have Swift you're still starting him, while just expecting a little less upside.
If I see other critical injury news this morning, I will post in the comments below.
--Andy Richardson