Fantasy Football: Top 5 injuries heading into Week 1

Heading into Week 1 Fantasy Football, here are the top five injuries owners must make preparations for before it’s too late.

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Jan 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) runs past Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris (25) in the third quarter in the AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

It is officially the first weekend of the NFL and first week of fantasy football. With teams finalizing their rosters for the week, injury reports have been submitted for Week 1.

Aside from the obvious players we have heard about for weeks; Tyler Eifert, Jamaal Charles and Tony Romo, there are several players that have been ruled out of this week’s season opener.

With that said, there are also a couple of players that have been cleared but are still listed questionable on the report. Keep in mind things can still change, so some of these players should be tracked, especially if they play Monday night.

I have identified five key fantasy players whose health will make or break your team. Now, let’s see who appears on this week’s injury report.

Next: 5. Has his Luck ran out?

Sep 1, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) looks on from the sidelines in the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals in a preseason NFL football game at Paul Brown Stadium. The Colts won 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

5. Andrew Luck, QB Indianapolis Colts

After finally returning to the NFL healthy, quarterback Andrew Luck landed himself back on the injury list. Luck is now listed as questionable but, the Colts believe all is fine with him.

The Colts have a plan in action just in case Luck isn’t the same in his Week 1 matchup against the Detroit Lions. I’m sure the Colts learned their lesson last year and are ready for every situation.

Luck could be listed as questionable all season because he will be restricted during practices this season as he eases back into things.

His fantasy football value has not decreased, and he is still a QB1 option. Luck is a sure start this week.

Next: 4. This running back is questionable, or is he?

Aug 20, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars running back Chris Ivory (33) runs during the first quarter of a football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

4. Chris Ivory, RB Jacksonville Jaguars

Chris Ivory has fallen short of the new NFL rule. This year players can only be listed as questionable, doubtful and out, omitting the probable option.

Had this been last season, Ivory would be listed as probable for a calf injury. However, the Jacksonville Jaguars had to list Ivory as questionable.

Head coach Gus Bradley stated Ivory is good. He also included that his calf injury shouldn’t alter any plays.

Ivory should be considered an RB3 option. His red zone specialty should offer fantasy value.

Next: 3. This tight end will have limited snaps

3. Jimmy Graham, TE Seattle Seahawks

Jimmy Graham has been listed questionable for Week 1 due to a knee injury. However, he practiced in full this week.

This is supposed to be Graham’s first week back since Week 12 last season when he tore a tendon in his knee. Head coach Pete Carroll has stated he expects him to be in this weekend’s lineup.

With this being Graham’s first week back and his questionable status, he could be limited to snaps. His value decreases a bit making him a TE2 option in Week 1.

Next: 2. The Patriots will suffer this week

Aug 11, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) during pregame warmups prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

2. Rob Gronkowski, TE New England Patriots

When the New England Patriots injury report released Rob Gronkowski as questionable I was shocked, and then almost cried because I have the No. 1 tight end on my fantasy roster.

Gronkowski did not travel with the Patriots to Arizona for the season opener. That could only mean one thing; he’s out!

Some still are hopeful that Gronkowski will show up. But, it’s not likely, he has been limited in practice all week with a hamstring injury.

If you need a quick replacement, tight end Martellus Bennett should see some more action. He was listed as a player to sit this week, but with Gronkowski being injured I take that back!

Next: 1. This receiver missed practice Friday

Jan 9, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Markus Wheaton (11) against the Cincinnati Bengals during a AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

1. Markus Wheaton, WR Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steeler’s released their first injury report Friday, and Markus Wheaton was listed as questionable for Week 1. Wheaton didn’t take part in Friday’s practice.

By the end of the day, Wheaton’s status hadn’t changed. After missing most of the preseason with a shoulder injury, this isn’t very shocking.

It was speculated that the Steelers are just being overcautious to prepare Wheaton for the entire season. With that said, he shouldn’t be a season bust.

must read: Fantasy Football: Studs and Duds for Week 1

There is still a chance Wheaton could suit up with their season opener not being until Monday night. However, it is not likely Wheaton will start in Monday night’s game.