Eagles' Matthews leads fantasy training camp injury report

While the events that forced cancellation of Sunday's Hall of Fame Game were nonsensical, the decision to not play on the unsafe field was sound. If the painted areas of the field were indeed as hard as concrete, then attempting to play on or around the area could have been ugly. In addition to being a fall hazard, an unforgiving surface can lead to traumatic injuries. If a player steps onto a surface that has no give they are more likely to create a closed kinetic chain. Doing so alters the dynamics of muscle action, particularly during acceleration and deceleration, and can lead to lower extremity strains and sprains. It would have been disastrous for the NFL had Andrew Luck or Aaron Rodgers suffered a season-ending injury due to a bad field conditions caused by logo paint. Fortunately, the start of the 2016 season was postponed and catastrophe was avoided.

Jordan Matthews

The Philadelphia receiver will be out weeks, not days, with a left knee strain. The term strain indicates the injury is muscular in nature, though the Eagles did not specify if the damaged occurred to connective tissue like a tendon or in the muscle tissue itself. The fact that coach Doug Pederson said the MRI did not reveal structural damage simply suggests the stabilizing ligaments and the menisci remain intact. For now, the associated pain and soreness seems to be Matthews' biggest issues and he will work with the Philadelphia medical team to resolve these symptoms. I wouldn't significantly downgrade Matthews at the moment but would reconsider his value if he fails to return by the team's third preseason game Aug. 27.

Ezekiel Elliott

Lingering soreness and tightness in his hamstring has kept the rookie running back out of practice the last week. The team is downplaying the severity of the situation, and it's likely Dallas is playing things conservatively given the other injuries in its backfield. Lance Dunbar is working his way back from ACL surgery and Darren McFadden is out with a broken elbow. That leaves Alfred Morris atop the depth chart, though Elliott remains the favorite to start Week 1. Elliott doesn't have a lengthy history of lower extremity problems, which plays in his favor, and fantasy owners shouldn't press the panic button just yet.

Alshon Jeffery

2016 is starting off a lot like 2015 for Jeffery. The Bears wideout made it through five practices before suffering a hamstring injury that kept him out three consecutive days. He's back at practice, but let this be reminder of the risk of drafting those with chronic hamstring problems. These issues are particularly troublesome for players like Jeffery who are dependent on their speed. Consider all your options before making him the focal point of your receiving corp.

Jordy Nelson

There was positive news out of Canton as Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers revealed one of his top targets should be back on the field soon. On the Physically Unable to Perform list with tendinitis in his left knee, Nelson has made progress in his rehab and hopes to be back at practice within the next week. The injury isn't overly concerning but given that the former Pro Bowler hasn't performed at game speed in nearly a year, I would be more comfortable investing in Nelson if I could see him play.

Eddie Lacy

Green Bay's ground attack is also nursing an injury, as Lacy seemed unlikely to play in Sunday's game even if it had not been canceled. The running back is nursing an ankle injury, though it's been several days since the team provided an update. Keep a close eye on this situation as an ankle injury contributed to Lacy's subpar 2015 season.

Dallas Cowboys Quarterbacks

The Cowboys' disappointing 2015 season was directly linked to injuries to wide receiver Dez Bryant and quarterback Tony Romo. When Romo broke his collarbone on two separate occasions, Dallas was forced to rely on Brandon Weeden, Matt Cassel and rookie Kellen Moore. The trio failed to impress, though Moore managed to gain enough support to enter the season as Romo's primary backup. Unfortunately he suffered a fractured fibula last week and underwent surgery to stabilize the area. He's expected to miss three to four months.

The Cowboys will continue to evaluate the backup position even as Romo receives his normally scheduled days off. Fantasy owners shouldn't overreact to the news as the Dallas has provided Romo with mandatory rest days the last few training camps to allow him to remain fresh. He isn't expected to play Saturday in the team's preseason opener against the Rams. In the meantime, the signal-calling duties will fall to rookie Dak Prescott and second-year pro Jameill Shower.

Turf Burns

Gary Barnidge: Robert Griffin III has been named the Browns' starting quarterback and it appears he will have one of his biggest targets available Week 1. Barnidge, who required surgery to repair a sports hernia in the offseason, is slated to be ready for the start of the regular season. He's already taking part in various parts of practice and the overall success rate for his surgery is high. Look for Barnidge to build on last year's Pro Bowl season.

Eric Decker: The Jets' receiver did not practice Monday with what the team is calling leg soreness. The move is likely precautionary, and we should get a better idea of his overall status in the days leading up to Friday's preseason matchup against the Jaguars.

Julian Edelman: Edelman made an early exit Tuesday from practice after reportedly aggravating his surgically repaired left foot. The Patriots' receiver is working his way back from a fractured fifth metatarsal that has required multiple surgeries. New England is notoriously tight-lipped regarding injury information but look for further details on the situation to trickle out the next few days.

Stotts works as a Certified Athletic Trainer (MAT, ATC, PES, CES) and is a former winner of the Best Fantasy Football Article from the Fantasy Sports Trade Association.

Follow @RotowireATC on Twitter.

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