Key Late-game Inactives

Unfortunately (for you, the readers) I have been pretty busy this weekend and was unable to give an official preview of the early (1 p.m. ET) games today. This could have put a damper on your fantasy lineup this weekend because well, lets face it, I'm sure you were looking for some advice on who to start and who to sit. In addition to injury updates, of course.

I will obviously be looking back at today's games with more depth in the near future, but for now I must say that there are quite a few key injuries for today's late-game. This could have a heavy impact on your favorite team, or your fantasy team. So read on, and pay close attention.

There are only four games that kick-off shortly, yet somehow there are at least five star players that have already been ruled inactive for their respective games. Here's a brief rundown.

Pierre Garcon, Redskins (foot)

Robert Griffin III's favorite target injured his foot last week in the Skins' upset of the Saints. He was limited in practice on Thursday and Friday, not having practiced fully since Wednesday, and was listed as questionable on the team's official injury report. Aldrick Robinson will start in place of Garcon.

James Harrison, Steelers (knee)

Harrison, recovering from knee surgery about a month ago, will sit out in this afternoon's match-up with the New York Jets. The surgery wasn't anything serious, but it'd be a good idea to be safe and make sure he's 100% recovered before throwing him back in there. Chris Carter is expected to start at LB for James.

Troy Polamalu, Steelers (calf)

Polamalu has had trouble staying healthy and on the field the past couple of seasons and it appears as though 2012 may be no different. In a Week 1 loss at Denver, Polamalu strained his right calf and had not participated in practice. Ryan Mundy will make the start in his place. It will be interesting to see how Pittsburgh's defense fares against New York without two of its biggest playmakers on the field.

Darrelle Revis, Jets (concussion)

Revis, founder and President of Revis Island, suffered a mild concussion in New York's beat down of Buffalo last week. Kyle Wilson will start for Revis today, though I don't think this is anything for Jets' fans to be too concerned about. It was a "mild" concussion and sitting out this week is likely due to the new(ish) rules about concussions. Better safe than sorry.

Dustin Keller, Jets

Revis isn't the only Jet starter to be inactive today. Much like the opponents in today's match-up (Pittsburgh), the Jets will sit two key starters due to injury. Keller, 1 catch for 7 yards last week, injured his hamstring and sat out Thursday's practice after suffering soreness. With Stephen Hill's breakout game last week, I'm not so sure Mark Sanchez will miss Keller too much.

Antonio Gates, Chargers (rib)

Having not played a full season since 2009, and only four games last season, this year was supposed to be Gates' comeback season. Uhh, maybe not? Gates hurt his ribs in last Monday's Week 1 finale against the Raiders. He and the San Diego coaching staff were hopeful that he'd play after he was limited in practice on Friday, but it was recently announced he'll be inactive for the game.

Ryan Mathews, Chargers (broken collarbone)

Mathews is another guy who was expected to experience a breakout season in 2012. Mathews, however, broke his collarbone on his very first carry of the preseason on August 9. Still recovering, I wouldn't expect Mathews to miss too much additional time after today's game.

All seven injuries will surely impact outcomes today. Crazy to think this many injuries have been sustained before Week 2 even got underway.

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