Checking in on key fantasy football injuries as teams attend OTAs.
Keeping up with injuries entering the fantasy football draft season is tremendously important. While it may be early yet, gamers should follow along to avoid any potential mishaps. At a minimum, it never hurts to stay in the know, even if you don’t typically draft until August or September.
The most notable names from the traditional pool of skill players are in focus below. We’ll monitor their statuses throughout the summer and advise accordingly.
Latest status of fantasy football weapons who are on the mend entering Super Bowl LVII.
This is a team-by-team review of any key fantasy football player injury news after this week’s practice activity and team statements. Only those players listed on the team’s official injury report will be addressed, unless the situation warrants further attention.
PLEASE NOTE: The NFL releases their final official injury report late on Friday (after 5:00 p.m. ET). Teams on the West Coast often report their injuries late and may not be included in the initial publication.
Super Bowl LVII fantasy football injury report
This week’s key game-time decisions:
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS WR Mecole Hardman(pelvis) was placed on IR, and RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire (ankle) was activated from said list. WR Kadarius Toney (ankle, hamstring), QB Patrick Mahomes (ankle), RB Jerick McKinnon (ankle), RB Isiah Pacheco (wrist) and WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee) fully practiced Friday and avoided injury designations.
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PHILADELPHIA EAGLES RT Lane Johnson (groin, rest) and OG Landon Dickerson (elbow, rest) fully practiced Friday and are not on the injury report.
Latest status of fantasy football weapons who are on the mend entering the Conference Championships.
This is a team-by-team review of any key fantasy football player injury news after this week’s practice activity and team statements. Only those players listed on the team’s official injury report will be addressed, unless the situation warrants further attention.
PLEASE NOTE: The NFL releases their final official injury report late on Friday (after 5:00 p.m. ET). Teams on the West Coast often report their injuries late and may not be included in the initial publication.
Conference Championships fantasy football injury report
CINCINNATI BENGALS OG Alex Cappa(ankle) and LT Jonah Williams (knee) have been ruled out again. TE Hayden Hurst (calf) was a full-go in Friday’s session and avoided an injury tag.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS WR Mecole Hardman (pelvis) was limited all week and is questionable. QB Patrick Mahomes (ankle) and RB Jerick McKinnon (ankle) escaped being slapped with injury tags after three straight full showings. TE Travis Kelce (back) was added Friday as a full participant but still drew a questionable designation. WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee) avoided an injury label.
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PHILADELPHIA EAGLES RT Lane Johnson (groin, rest) received some rest time this week and was fully available in Friday’s session to avoid an injury label.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS QB Jimmy Garoppolo (foot) didn’t practice all week and is out. WR Deebo Samuel (ankle) and RB Christian McCaffrey (calf) are not on the injury report after fully practicing Friday. RB Elijah Mitchell (groin) will be a game-time decision and is questionable after failing to practice all week.
Latest status of fantasy football weapons who are on the mend entering the Divisional Round.
This is a team-by-team review of any key fantasy football player injury news after this week’s practice activity and team statements. Only those players listed on the team’s official injury report will be addressed, unless the situation warrants further attention.
PLEASE NOTE: The NFL releases their final official injury report late on Friday (after 5:00 p.m. ET). Teams on the West Coast often report their injuries late and may not be included in the initial publication.
Divisional Round fantasy football injury report
This week’s key game-time decisions:
BUFFALO BILLS QB Josh Allen (elbow, ankle) and WR Isaiah McKenzie (hamstring) fully participated all week and are not on the final report.
CINCINNATI BENGALS OG Alex Cappa(ankle) has been ruled out again, and starting LT Jonah Williams (knee) will join him on the shelf.
DALLAS COWBOYS No injuries of fantasy relevance.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS – Saturday QB Trevor Lawrence (toe) is questionable again, but he’ll be on the field. OG Brandon Scherff (abdomen), C Luke Fortner (back) and WR Jamal Agnew (shoulder) are questionable after limited sessions Thursday.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS – Saturday WR Mecole Hardman (pelvis) will not play after sitting out all week. DE Frank Clark (groin) escaped being slapped with an injury tag after three straight limited showings.
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NEW YORK GIANTS – Saturday WR Isaiah Hodgins (ankle) was limited all week long but avoided an injury designation.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES – Saturday RT Lane Johnson (groin) received some rest time this week and was fully available in Thursday’s session, helping him avoid an injury label.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS QB Jimmy Garoppolo (foot) didn’t practice all week and is out. WR Jauan Jennings (ankle) is not on the injury report after fully practicing Friday.
Latest status of fantasy football weapons who are on the mend entering Wild Card Weekend.
This is a team-by-team review of any key fantasy football player injury news after this week’s practice activity and team statements. Only those players listed on the team’s official injury report will be addressed, unless the situation warrants further attention.
PLEASE NOTE: The NFL releases their final official injury report late on Friday (after 5:00 p.m. ET). Teams on the West Coast often report their injuries late and may not be included in the initial publication.
Wild Card Weekend fantasy football injury report
This week’s key game-time decisions: QB Tyler Huntley
BALTIMORE RAVENS QB Lamar Jackson(knee) is out once again. QB Tyler Huntley (shoulder, wrist) is questionable after being upgraded to a full participant Friday.
BUFFALO BILLS QB Josh Allen (elbow, ankle) continues to play through lingering injuries but doesn’t carry an injury label. WR Isaiah McKenzie (hamstring) is questionable following back-to-back DNPs to round out the week of practice.
CINCINNATI BENGALS OG Alex Cappa (ankle) has been ruled out, though WR Tee Higgins (illness) escaped an injury tag after consecutive full practices Thursday and Friday.
DALLAS COWBOYS – Monday Night Football No injuries of fantasy relevance.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS – Saturday QB Trevor Lawrence (toe) is questionable again, but there’s no question he’ll be on the field. OG Brandon Scherff (abdomen) is questionable, and WR Jamal Agnew (shoulder) joins him.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS– bye week
No injuries of fantasy relevance.
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS – Saturday LB Joey Bosa (groin) fully practiced all week and is good to go. WR Mike Williams (back) initially is listed as questionable but will not play after being downgraded to out.
MIAMI DOLPHINS QB Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) is out. QB Teddy Bridgewater (knee, finger) is questionable, but Skylar Thompson is getting the start. RB Raheem Mostert(thumb) will not play. WR Jaylen Waddle (ankle) was a full participant Friday and will play. LB Bradley Chubb (ankle, hand) and LT Terron Armstead (toe, pec, knee, hip) were limited Friday and are questionable.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS C Garrett Bradbury (back) was a full practice participant Friday and has been removed from the injury report. FS Harrison Smith (knee) is questionable after a week of limited sessions.
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NEW YORK GIANTS No injuries of fantasy relevance.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES – bye week
No injuries of fantasy relevance.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS – Saturday QB Jimmy Garoppolo (foot) didn’t practice all week and is out. WR Deebo Samuel (quadriceps) is not on the injury report after fully practicing all week. RB Christian McCaffrey (knee) was limited early in the week but fully practiced Thursday and avoided an injury tag.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS – Saturday WR Tyler Lockett (shin) was limited Thursday after being a full participant the prior to practices, but he wasn’t given an injury designation. RB DeeJay Dallas (ankle, quad) was upgraded to being a limited participant Thursday after consecutive DNPs. He’s questionable to play. RB Kenneth Walker III (ankle) interestingly went full-DNP-limited over the week of practice, but he didn’t earn himself an injury label. TE Noah Fant (knee) sat out Tuesday and then ramped up with a pair of limited sessions to close out the week.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS – Monday Night Football WR Julio Jones (knee), LT Donovan Smith (foot) and WR Mike Evans (illness) fully practiced so far this week and are on track to play. NT Vita Vea (calf) was limited so far in practice.
Trey Lance
Jimmy Garoppolo
Dak Prescott
Carson Wentz
Matthew Stafford
RUNNING BACK
Elijah Mitchell
Javonte Williams
Rashaad Penny
Mark Ingram
Gus Edwards
J.D. McKissic
J.K. Dobbins
Damien Harris
Melvin Gordon
Clyde Edwards-Helaire
Khalil Herbert
Breece Hall
Cordarrelle Patterson
TIGHT END
Dallas Goedert
Zach Ertz
Hayden Hurst
Greg Dulcich
Darren Waller
Kyle Pitts
Donald Parham
WIDE RECEIVER
Michael Thomas
Jarvis Landry
Hunter Renfrow
Van Jefferson
Julio Jones
Allen Robinson
Rondale Moore
Treylon Burks
Mecole Hardman
DJ Chark
Corey Davis
Nico Collins
Darnell Mooney
Chase Claypool
Michael Gallup
Jahan Dotson
Keenan Allen
DeAndre Hopkins
Marquise Brown
Deebo Samuel
Mike Williams
Cooper Kupp
Ja’Marr Chase
The Huddle Awards
Draft slots were taken from the Average Draft at MyFantasyLeague. Standard performance scoring with reception points were considered.
QUARTERBACK
Best Player – Patrick Mahomes
The Chiefs franchise player was the only quarterback that passed 5,000 yards when he threw for 5,250 yards and a league-best 41 touchdowns. He added 358 rushing yards and four more scores.
Runner-up: Josh Allen
Best Fantasy Draft Pick – Trevor Lawrence (ADP No. 18)
The second-year quarterback was a 1.01 NFL draft pick that flopped with the rest of the imploding Jaguars last season, but he pulled up and became the No. 7 fantasy quarterback with most of his stats in the second half of the season. Lawrence threw for 4,113 yards and 25 touchdowns, plus ran for 291 yards and five more scores.
Runner-up: Justin Fields
Best Rookie – Kenny Pickett
This wasn’t a great year for fantasy rookie quarterbacks and they’ll no doubt improve next year. Pickett was only the No. 28 fantasy quarterback with 2,404 pass yards and seven touchdowns and 237 yards and three more scores as a rusher. He never quite offered any fantasy starts.
Runner-up: Brock Purdy
Worst Fantasy Draft Pick – Lamar Jackson (ADP No. 4)
He was drafted in the fourth to fifth rounds in most drafts by players looking for a top quarterback that didn’t cost them too much. Ends up he cost a lot since he not only ended as the No. 17 quarterback, but he missed the final five games when you needed him most.
Runner-up: Kyler Murray
Best Free Agent – Geno Smith
No one expected the 32-year-old itinerant quarterback on his fourth NFL to offer the Seahawks more than a “bridge quarterback” to whatever happens in 2023. What is going to happen is that the Seahawks will resign Smith who ended as the No. 5 fantasy quarterback with 4,681 passing yards and 32 touchdowns and 366 rushing yards.
Runner-up: Daniel Jones
Best Game – Tua Tagovailoa, Week 2 at BAL
47.55 FF Pts. – Rush: 1-19, Pass: 36-50-469, 6 TD
Runner-up: 45.8 FF Pts. – Lamar Jackson, Week 2 vs. MIA
RUNNING BACK
Best Player – Austin Ekeler
He was the No. 2 back last year. Ekeler maintained the top spot most all year, and ended with 915 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, plus 107 catches for 722 yards and five more scores.
Runner-up: Christian McCaffrey
Best Fantasy Draft Pick – Tony Pollard No. 35 RB Drafted
The Cowboys backfield was the top fantasy scorer between Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard, but this was the year that Pollard took a clear lead on fantasy teams by ending as the No. 9 fantasy running backs with 1,007 rushing yards and nine scores, plus 39 catches for 371 yards and three more scores.
Runner-up: D’Onta Foreman, No. 62 RB Drafted
Best Rookie – Kenneth Walker
He was the 2.09 pick by the Seahawks who had to wait five weeks for the annual injury to Rashaad Penny to clear the way for Walker to become a workhorse. He finished as the No. 18 fantasy back but had an ADP as the No. 40 running back taken. He wasn’t a starter until Week 6 but still ended with 1,050 rushing yards and nine touchdowns with 27 catches for 165 yards added.
Runner-up: Breece Hall
Worst Fantasy Draft Pick – Jonathan Taylor, No. 1 RB Drafted
He finished as the No. 31 fantasy back but the first pick in about 99% of all fantasy drafts went from the King of 2021 to shockingly bad, then he got a little better, and then he was gone after Week 11. Catastrophic top fantasy owners who often waited a long time on running backs thinking they already had the equivalent of two.
Runner-up: Javonte Williams
Best Free Agent – Jerick McKinnon
He not only was undrafted in many leagues, he might have changed hands a few times before he started scoring touchdowns every week as of Week 13. He is still scoring and has nine scores over the final six games right when fantasy leaguers were making and winning playoff games. McKinnon ended with 803 total yards, 56 catches and ten touchdowns as the No. 20 running back – but more like Top-5 for the last six weeks.
He had the rare down game, but Jefferson ended with 128 catches for 1,809 yards and eight touchdowns. That included ten 100-yard games and even a 223-yard effort.
Runner-up: Tyreek Hill
Best Fantasy Draft Pick – DeVonta Smith, No. 43 WR Drafted
He was the No. 29 fantasy wideout as a rookie and the assumption was that add Tyreek Hill would redirect a lot of passes from Smith to Hill. Didn’t happen – it only gave Smith single coverage. He ended as the No. 9 fantasy wideout with 95 catches for 1,196 yards and seven touchdowns.
Runner-up: Jaylen Waddle, No. 30 WR Drafted
Best Rookie – Garrett Wilson
The Jets quarterback situation scared off most drafters, but the rookie still managed to post 83 catches for 1,103 yards and four touchdowns as the No. 21 fantasy wideout.
Runner-up: Chris Olave
Worst Fantasy Draft Pick – Cooper Kupp, No. 1 WR Drafted
He was great right up until he wasn’t. The Rams imploded around him and yet he remained a fantasy gold mine. But then he was gone by Week 10 as he succumbed to the injury whirlpool that sucked down all starting Rams skill players.
Runner-up: Deebo Samuel
Best Free Agent – Zay Jones
It is hard to find a starter at wideout when most leagues scrape off 50 to 70 players from the position. Jones was a surprise free agent though that benefitted from landing with the Jaguars and the improve Trevor Lawrence. Jones ended as the No. 26 fantasy wideout with 82 catches for 823 yards and five touchdowns.
Runner-up: Donovan Peoples-Jones
Best Game – Mike Evans, Week 17, vs. CAR 48.7 FF Pts. – 10-207, 3 TD
Runner-up: 44.8 FF Pts., Stefon Digs, Week 2, vs. TEN
TIGHT END
Best Player – Travis Kelce
He’s getting older. He became the sole weapon once Tyreek Hill left. And Kelce has never been better, catching 110 passes for 1,338 yards and 12 touchdowns. He had 33% more fantasy points than No. 2 T.J. Hockenson. He had his second best yardage but it was his career-high touchdowns.
Runner-up: T.J. Hockenson
Best Fantasy Draft Pick – Evan Engram, No. 18 TE drafted
He spent five years at the Giants and then signed a one-year contract with the Jaguars this year. He ends as the No. 5 fantasy tight end with 73 catches for 766 yards and four touchdowns. He turned it up in the final month with two 100-yard games.
Runner Up: Pat Freiermuth
Best Rookie – Chigoziem Okonkwo
The Broncos fourth-round pick was just the No. 25 fantasy tight end which means he’s not worth owning, but he came around later in the year and finished with 32 catches for 450 yards and three scores. It’s something to remember since most tight ends improve in their second season.
Runner-up: Cade Otton
Worst Fantasy Draft Pick – Kyle Pitts , No. 2 TE drafted
The highest-drafted tight end in NFL history had a promising rookie year and the expectation that he would improve in HC Arthur Smith’s second season with Marcus Mariota proved very flawed. Pitts became unplayable as he was ignored by Mariota and then was lost for the season after Week 10 which just made it easier for fantasy owners to not start him and get killed every week.
Runner-up: Darren Waller
Best Free Agent – Taysom Hill
The Saints quarterback, or tight end, or running back, wasn’t drafted in most leagues but eventually was picked up and even started if only occasionally. How he was tabbed as a tight end is still a mystery, because he ended up with 96 runs for 575 yards and seven touchdowns, and caught just two scores on his nine catches for 77 yards.
Runner-up: Tyler Higbee
Best Game – Evan Engram, Week 14, at TEN 39.2 FF Pts, 11-162, 2 TD
Runner-up: T.J. Hockenson, Week 4 vs. SEA 37.9 FF Pts.
Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Huddle player of the year
Travis Kelce – There were plenty of great players in every position – except tight end. Kelce ended with 110 catches and 1,338 yards with 12 scores in a position that was otherwise in decline all year. Every position has a three or four player knot at the top but not in tight end. Kelce offered an advantage that you could not hope to match with any other tight end. He’s 33-years-old and has to decline at some point, but he’ll be a first rounder next summer after his dominating performance.
Salute!
2022-2023 NFL PLAYOFFS
On bye: Chiefs and Eagles
Saturday, January 14
Seahawks at 49ers, 3:30 PM
Chargers at Jaguars, 7:15 PM
Sunday, January 15
Dolphins at Bills, 12:00 PM
Giants at Vikings, 3:30 PM
Ravens at Bengals, 7:15 PM
Monday, January 16
Cowboys at Buccaneers, 7:15 PM
Drama 101 – Somebody has to laugh, somebody has to cry
Latest status of fantasy football weapons who are on the mend entering Week 18.
This is a team-by-team review of any key fantasy football player injury news after this week’s practice activity and team statements. Only those players listed on the team’s official injury report will be addressed, unless the situation warrants further attention.
PLEASE NOTE: The NFL releases their final official injury report late on Friday (after 5:00 p.m. ET). Teams on the West Coast often report their injuries late and may not be included in the initial publication.
Week 18 fantasy football injury report
This week’s key game-time decisions: WR Mecole Hardman, WR Treylon Burks, RB D’Onta Foreman, TE Taysom Hill, TE Juwan Johnson, WR Tyler Lockett, WR Jakobi Meyers, QB Jalen Hurts
ARIZONA CARDINALS WR DeAndre Hopkins (knee), QB Colt McCoy (concussion), RB James Conner (knee, shin) and WR Robby Anderson (back) are all out. WR Marquise Brown (wrist) will play.
ATLANTA FALCONS
No injuries of fantasy relevance.
BALTIMORE RAVENS QB Lamar Jackson (knee) is out once again. QB Tyler Huntley (shoulder, wrist) is questionable. Huntley was limited Friday.
BUFFALO BILLS QB Josh Allen (elbow, ankle) continues to play through multiple ailments.
CAROLINA PANTHERS RB D’Onta Foreman (knee) was limited Friday and draws the questionable tag.
CHICAGO BEARS QB Justin Fields (hip) has been ruled out.
CINCINNATI BENGALS No injuries of fantasy relevance.
CLEVELAND BROWNS No injuries of fantasy relevance.
DALLAS COWBOYS RB Tony Pollard (thigh) will return this week.
DENVER BRONCOS WR Jerry Jeudy (ankle) was a full-go Friday and will play.
DETROIT LIONS
No injuries of fantasy relevance.
GREEN BAY PACKERS QB Aaron Rodgers (thumb, knee) will continue playing through multiple injuries.
HOUSTON TEXANS No injuries of fantasy relevance.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS QB Nick Foles(ribs) is out, so Sam Ehlinger will start.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS – Saturday game QB Trevor Lawrence (toe) is questionable again, but there’s no question he’ll be under center in this divisional title game.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS – Saturday game WR Skyy Moore (hand) has been ruled out. PK Harrison Butker (back) and WR Mecole Hardman (pelvis) are questionable after limited work Thursday.
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS – Saturday game WR Davante Adams (illness) and QB Jarrett Stidham (elbow) missed some work this week, but both are fit to play.
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS S Derwin James (concussion) is on the mend and will play.
LOS ANGELES RAMS DT Aaron Donald (ankle) and WR Ben Skowronek (calf) remain out.
MIAMI DOLPHINS QB Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) is out. QB Teddy Bridgewater (knee, finger) is questionable, but Skylar Thompson is getting the start. WR Jaylen Waddle (shoulder) continues to play through the shoulder injury.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
No injuries of fantasy relevance.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS WR Jakobi Meyers (shoulder) and TE Jonnu Smith (concussion) retain their usual questionable status. Both were limited Friday. WR DeVante Parker (concussion) is good to go.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS TEsTaysom Hill (back) and Juwan Johnson (quadriceps) are questionable. Both were limited all week.
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NEW YORK GIANTS No injuries of fantasy relevance.
NEW YORK JETS QB Mike White (rib) is questionable, but he’s not going to play. QB Joe Flacco is making the start.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES QB Jalen Hurts (shoulder) is listed as questionable, but all signs point to his return. RB Miles Sanders (knee) managed a full session in Friday and will play.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS WR Diontae Johnson (hip) is good to go.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS QB Jimmy Garoppolo(foot) didn’t practice all week and is out. On the bright side, WR Deebo Samuel (quadriceps) mustered a full session in Friday and looks poised to return. DE Nick Bosa (hamstring) didn’t practice all week and is questionable. RB Christian McCaffrey (knee) completed a full session in Friday and will play. QB Brock Purdy (oblique, rib) practiced all week and is fine.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS WR Tyler Lockett (shin) is questionable again with a shin injury. He was upgraded to limited in Friday’s practice. RB Travis Homer (ankle) is doubtful. RB DeeJay Dallas (ankle), RB Kenneth Walker III (ankle, illness) and TE Noah Fant (knee) will play.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS WR Julio Jones (knee, illness) is questionable but upgraded to limited Friday.
TENNESSEE TITANS – Saturday game WR Treylon Burks (groin) didn’t practice at all Thursday and is questionable. RB Derrick Henry (hip) is good to go.
WASHINGTON COMMANDERS RB Antonio Gibson(knee, ankle) went on IR and will miss the rest of the season. RB Brian Robinson Jr.(knee) is also out.
Tunnel Vision – a look back at Sunday for fantasy free agents, injuries and notable performances.
SUNDAY SALUTES
Quarterbacks
Pass-Rush
TD
Tom Brady
432-4
4
Daniel Jones
177-91
4
Jarrett Stidham
365-34
3
Sam Darnold
341-20
3
Russell Wilson
222-27
3
Running Backs
Rush
Receive
TD
Austin Ekeler
10-122
4-39
2
Christian McCaffrey
19-121
6-72
1
D’Andre Swift
11-78
4-39
2
Raheem Mostert
9-29
8-62
1
Travis Etienne
9-108
3-32
1
Wide Receivers
Yards
TD
Mike Evans
10-207
3
Davante Adams
7-153
2
Brandon Aiyuk
9-101
1-16
1
Amari Cooper
3-105
2
D.J. Moore
6-117
1
Tight Ends
Yards
TD
Dalton Schultz
7-56
2
Trey McBride
7-78
1
Brock Wright
3-13
2
Darren Waller
3-72
1
Colby Parkinson
5-36
1
Placekickers
XP
FG
Robbie Gould
4
3
Matt Prater
1
4
Mason Crosby
5
2
Jason Myers
2
3
Mike Badgley
2
3
Defense
Sack – TO
TD
Packers
2-4
2
Jaguars
2-1
1
Seahawks
4-3
0
Saints
5-1
1
Patriots
2-2
1
Bumps, Bruises and Bowouts
QB Teddy Bridgewater (MIA) – Finger
QB Nick Foles (IND) – Ribs
RB James Conner (ARI) – Shin
WR Skyy Moore (KC) – Hand
WR Dante Pettis (CHI) – Concussion
WR Robbie Anderson (ARI) – Back
WR Jakobi Meyers (NE) – Shoulder
Chasing Ambulances
QB Teddy Bridgewater – It is believed that he broke a finger in his throwing hand when it hit a helmet. He’ll receive X-rays but it is likely to keep him out for the final regular season game. Tua Tagovailoa remains out with his second concussion of the year and Skylar Thompson is in line to start.
QB Nick Foles – Received a hard hit to the midsection and started convulsing on the field, which was made surreal when the tackler, Kayvon Thibodeaux, lay beside him making invisible snow angels. He walked to the sideline but was then brought by cart to the locker room. Sam Ehlinger replaced him and would finish out the final game against the Texans if needed.
RB James Conner – Left for the fourth quarter with a shin injury and did not return. HC Kliff Kingsbury has no updates after the game other than saying, “it didn’t seem to be too bad, but we’ll check him out and see how it goes.” Corey Clement replaced him in the loss to the Falcons.
WR Jakobi Meyers – He aggravated his shoulder injury when he caught a touchdown against the Dolphins. He said that he was fine and barring any surprising news this week, he is expected to play against the Bills this week.
Free Agents, Flops and Other Notables
RB Travis Etienne (JAC) – The Jacksonville running back hadn’t scored since Week 9 but produced over 100 total yards for the last two weeks. Versus the Texans, Etienne ran for 108 yards and a score on just nine carries, and caught three passes for 32 yards. It was a 28-point blowout but Etienne got in his fantasy points early and has been a consistent contributor in the fantasy playoffs.
WR Kadarius Toney (KC) – The mid-season acquisition led the Chiefs with four catches for 71 yards in the win over the Broncos. He was only used for one catch in each of the last two games, but came through in Week 17 against one of the better secondaries.
RB Jerick McKinnon (KC) – He caught five passes for 56 yards versus Denver and scored two more touchdowns. That gives him eight touchdowns over the last five games. The 30-year-old running back is playing on a one-year contract and has become the best weapon of the Chiefs for the last month.
QB Carousel – Here’s an interesting tidbit for those who like to stream quarterbacks or wait late to grab one. Of the 32 NFL quarterbacks that started the Week 1 game for their team, only 18 of them are starting in Week 17 for the same team. And that doesn’t count Carson Wentz who just now returned.
RB Raheem Mostert (MIA) – The Miami running back has been good for around 40 yards in most games, and had a freakish 17-136 stat-line against the Bills in Week 15 while Jeff Wilson was out. Wilson was back and led the backfield with 15 carries for 45 yards in the loss to the Pats, while Mostert ran for 29 yards on nine carries. But – both backs usually catch one or two passes per game. Mostert led the Fins with eight catches for 62 yards and a touchdown. And five of those catches came from Skylar Thompson in the fourth quarter. He’ll likely need to catch more this week with the Jets looking to shut down the wideouts and Thompson potentially starting.
Patriots backfield – Disappointing to fantasy owners to see that Damien Harris returned from his four-week absence with a hip injury and Rhamondre Stevenson was limited to only eight runs for 42 yards while Harris gained 32 yards on nine carries. And Harris caught three passes to only two for Stevenson. Granted, Stevenson is questionable to play every week, wink-wink, and ran for 172 yards two weeks ago.
QB Daniel Jones (NYG) – The Giants’ quarterback started the year with ample rushing stats but scaled that back since midseason. After Week 7, he only scored twice via the run and bounced between 14 and around 40 yards in almost every game. Against the Colts, Jones suddenly ran for as season-high 11 times and gained 91 yards and two touchdowns. He was effective and didn’t let up just because they were crushing the Colts. His two scores came in the third and fourth quarters.
TE Taysom Hill (NO) – Hill has seen an uptick in usage with nine carries for 56 yards and a score in Week 16 at the Browns. On Sunday at the Eagles, Hill had his busiest game of the year with two passes, one catch for nine yards, and a season-high 14 rushes for 46 yards and a touchdown.
QB Jarrett Stidham (LV) – Maybe the 49ers underestimated the Raiders’ new starting quarterback? Everyone I know did, including me. Then again, Stidham’s only playing time was in Week 8 when he threw 13 passes at the Saints. Going against one of the top defenses in the NFL of the 49ers, Stidham passed for 365 yards and three touchdowns, with two interceptions and sent the game into overtime. He threw the interception which set-up the 49ers eventual winning field goal. But the fair question is if his first ever NFL start results in 365 passing yards, how come Derek Carr hasn’t reached that yardage this year? It cannot be because Stidham had a cakewalk matchup.
RB Kenneth Walker (SEA) – The rookie just ran for 133 yards on 23 carries versus the Jets’ defense. That’s his third 100-yard effort of the season and he already logged nine touchdowns. He’s making a case for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
WR Justin Jefferson (MIN) – He’s still the top fantasy receiver, but an illustration of how things change and evolve came on Sunday. Jefferson recorded nine catches for 184 yards and two scores in Week 1 against the Packers. On Sunday, he was held to one catch for 15 yards on his five targets.
RB Najee Harris (PIT) – After a painfully unproductive first eight games, Harris picked up the pace with five scores and mostly 80+ yard games since midseason. Against the Ravens, he broke the century mark for the first time this season when he ran 22 times for 111 yards and tacked on two catches for 12 yards that included the 10-yard game-winner with 56 seconds left to play.
Huddle player of the week
Mike Evans – Talk about trying to make up for lost time. Evans had been only marginally fantasy relevant for the last seven games when he failed to score and averaged under 50 yards per game. Against the Panthers, he rolled up ten catches for 207 yards and three touchdowns. That was the highest-scoring fantasy player of the week, and it doubled his scores which are still down from last year. Last week, he only caught three passes for 29 yard at the Cardinals.
Salute!
Drama 101 – Somebody has to laugh, somebody has to cry
Latest status of fantasy football weapons who are on the mend entering Week 17.
This is a team-by-team review of any key fantasy football player injury news after this week’s practice activity and team statements. Only those players listed on the team’s official injury report will be addressed, unless the situation warrants further attention.
PLEASE NOTE: The NFL releases their final official injury report late on Friday (after 5:00 p.m. ET). Teams on the West Coast often report their injuries late and may not be included in the initial publication.
Week 17 fantasy football injury report
This week’s key game-time decisions: WR Chase Claypool, WR Jerry Jeudy, TE Tyler Higbee, RB Rhamondre Stevenson, WR Christian Watson, WR Chris Olave, WR Tyler Lockett
ARIZONA CARDINALS QB Kyler Murray (knee) and WR Rondale Moore (groin) will end the season on IR. QB Colt McCoy (concussion) is out again as well. QB David Blough will start. RB James Conner (illness) and WR A.J. Green (illness) practiced Friday and are good to go.
ATLANTA FALCONS
No injuries of fantasy relevance.
BALTIMORE RAVENS WR Devin Duvernay(foot) is out for the season. QB Lamar Jackson (knee) is out as well.
BUFFALO BILLS – Monday night QB Josh Allen (elbow) continues to play through an elbow injury. WR Stefon Diggs (illness) popped up on the report but will play.
CAROLINA PANTHERS No injuries of fantasy relevance.
CHICAGO BEARS WR Chase Claypool (knee) was limited Thursday and Friday and is questionable.
CINCINNATI BENGALS – Monday night
TE Hayden Hurst (calf) has practiced thus far and should be good to go.
CLEVELAND BROWNS RB Kareem Hunt (shoulder) practiced all week and will be available.
DALLAS COWBOYS – Played Thursday RB Tony Pollard(thigh) sat out Thursday night, but it’s not expected to be a long-term issue. QB Dak Prescott (knee) suffered a minor hyperextension but should be fine.
DENVER BRONCOS TE Greg Dulcich(hamstring) went on IR and is done. WR Kendall Hinton (hamstring) and WR Jerry Jeudy (ankle) were limited Friday and draw questionable tags. WR Courtland Sutton (hamstring) is good to go.
DETROIT LIONS
No injuries of fantasy relevance.
GREEN BAY PACKERS WR Christian Watson (hip) is questionable after limited work Friday. QB Aaron Rodgers (thumb, knee) will continue playing through his maladies.
HOUSTON TEXANS RB Dameon Pierce(ankle) andWR Nico Collins(foot) are out for the season. RB Dare Ogunbowale (knee) was limited Friday and is questionable.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS No injuries of fantasy relevance.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS QB Trevor Lawrence (toe) is questionable after being limited all week. But this has been going on for a while, and he has played lights out through it.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
No injuries of fantasy relevance.
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS No injuries of fantasy relevance.
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS S Derwin James (concussion) has been ruled out. RB Austin Ekeler (knee) was limited early in the week but managed a full session Friday and is good to go.
LOS ANGELES RAMS WR Cooper Kupp (ankle) and QB Matthew Stafford (neck) remain on IR. DT Aaron Donald (ankle), WR Ben Skowronek (calf) and QB John Wolford (neck) are all out again. TE Tyler Higbee (elbow) was limited all week and has drawn the questionable tag.
MIAMI DOLPHINS QB Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) is out with another concussion, and his season could be over with the short period of time between the injuries. QB Teddy Bridgewater (knee) practiced all week and is good to go.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
No injuries of fantasy relevance.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS WR DeVante Parker (concussion) and TE Jonnu Smith (concussion) are both out. RB Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle) and TE Hunter Henry (knee) are questionable after they were limited this week. RB Damien Harris (thigh) is good to go.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS RB Mark Ingram (knee) and WR Jarvis Landry (ankle) are out for the season. RB Dwayne Washington (illness) is out. WR Chris Olave (hamstring) is questionable after limited work this week. RB Alvin Kamara (personal, quadriceps) practiced Friday and carries no injury designation.
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NEW YORK GIANTS No injuries of fantasy relevance.
NEW YORK JETS QB Mike White (ribs) is ready to go after a full session Friday.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES QB Jalen Hurts (shoulder) is doubtful, but there’s probably an even smaller chance he plays than the 25 percent his designation represents. WR A.J. Brown (knee) and RB Miles Sanders (knee) will play.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS WR Diontae Johnson (hip) had full practices this week and will go.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS RB Elijah Mitchell (knee) is on IR. QB Jimmy Garoppolo(foot) and WR Deebo Samuel (ankle, knee) are out again. RB Christian McCaffrey (knee) and QB Brock Purdy (oblique) practiced Friday and will go.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS TE Will Dissly (knee) went on IR and is out for the year. WR Marquise Goodwin (shoulder, wrist) is doubtful. WR Tyler Lockett (hand) and RB Kenneth Walker (ankle) are questionable and expected to play. RB DeeJay Dallas (ankle), TE Noah Fant (knee) and WR DK Metcalf (knee) had full sessions Friday and will play.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS WR Julio Jones (knee) is questionable, as usual, after he was limited all week.
TENNESSEE TITANS – Played Thursday RB Derrick Henry (hip) sat out Thursday, but it was more to rest up for the divisional championship matchup next week. RB Dontrell Hilliard(neck) and QB Ryan Tannehill (ankle) are out for the season.
WASHINGTON COMMANDERS RB Antonio Gibson (knee, foot) has been ruled out. RBBrian Robinson Jr. (quadriceps) practiced all week and is good to go.
Tunnel Vision – a look back at Sunday for fantasy free agents, injuries and notable performances.
SUNDAY SALUTES
Quarterbacks
Pass-Rush
TD
Dak Prescott
347-41
3
Gardner Minshew
355-5
3
Jared Goff
355-15
3
Joe Burrow
375-5
3
Josh Allen
172-41
3
Running Backs
Rush
Receive
TD
Saquon Barkley
14-84
8-49
1
D’Onta Foreman
21-165
1
Derrick Henry
23-126
2-0
1
Devin Singletary
12-106
2-19
1
Alvin Kamara
20-76
2-34
1
Wide Receivers
Yards
TD
CeeDee Lamb
10-120
2
DeVonta Smith
8-113
2
Justin Jefferson
12-133
1
Tee Higgins
8-128
1
Jaylen Waddle
5-143
1
Tight Ends
Yards
TD
T.J. Hockenson
13-109
2
George Kittle
6-120
2
Tyler Higbee
Shane Zlystra
5-26
1
Evan Engram
7-113
0
Placekickers
XP
FG
Brett Maher
4
4
Mason Crosby
2
4
Eddy Pineiro
4
3
Robbie Gould
4
3
Riley Patterson
1
4
Defense
Sack – TO
TD
Packers
2-4
0
Rams
6-3
1
Patriots
2-3
1
Eagles
6-1
1
Steelers
3-3
0
Bumps, Bruises and Bowouts
QB Taylor Heinicke (WAS) – Benched
RB Travis Homer (SEA) – Ankle
RB Jordan Mason (SF) – Hamstring
WR Christian Watson (GB) – Hip
TE Hunter Henry (NE) – Knee
TE Greg Dulcich (DEN) – Hamstring
Chasing Ambulances
This week was extraordinarily light for injuries. Yes, many players may have disappeared right when you needed them and ended up with a choke job.
But injuries were not your problem this week and that makes losing a playoff game hurt just a bit more.
WR Christian Watson (GB) – The Packers’ top rookie receiver was held out of the second half with a hip injury. He said himself that he’ll be “all right,” so the injury may not play into this week when they face the visiting Vikings.
TE Greg Dulcich (DEN) – He caught his second touchdown of the season and then was ruled out with a hamstring injury during the fourth quarter in the loss to the Rams. There was no prognosis after the game and he will be examined on Monday to determine the severity and see if he can participate in the loss game in Kansas City.
Free Agents, Flops and Other Notables
QB Gardner Minshew (PHI) The Eagles may have lost to the Cowboys, but don’t blame Minshew in his first start this season. He passed for 355 yards and two touchdowns, plus ran in a third score. Granted, Minshew threw two interceptions and fumbled twice and lost one. But his first start was on the road against the Cowboys and he produced two 100-yard receivers.
The Eagles suddenly are weighing Jalen Hurts playing to get that one more win that ensures the No. 1 seed, but will they need to when the 6-9 Saints show up next week?
QB Brock Purdy (SF) – The rookie is hardly irrelevant after winning all three starts and setting a franchise record by throwing for two touchdowns in back-to-back games to the tight end George Kittle. He’s logged three straight 100+ point QB ratings to start his career. He’s a game manager so far, and that’s all the 49ers needed him to be. He threw for 234 yards and two scores against the Commanders.
QB Baker Mayfield (LAR) – He’s 2-1 as the Rams starter while taking over a rudderless ship that had almost no crew from when the season started. Mayfield had his best effort yet with 230 yards and two scores in the win over the Broncos. His final two games are on the road where he’s yet to win, but at least he’s getting positive game film out there to help next year when he signs on with yet another team and new set of coaches.
TE Evan Engram (JAC) – A number of Jaguars have helped their fantasy stock for next year, but perhaps none has rekindled his career like Engram who only signed a one-year contract with the Jaguars. Engram scored four times this year and his 113-yard, seven-catch performance at the Jets was his second 100-yard game in the last three weeks.
QB Zach Wilson (NYJ) – The former first-round pick struggled this year but he threw for only 77 yards in Week 11 at the Patriots and was benched for Mike White. Wilson was called back while White nursed broken ribs. The once-impressive Jets lost their last four games and at 7-8 are in real jeopardy of missing the playoffs. Wilson did it again in Week 16 when he only completed 9-of-18 for 92 yards in the loss against the visiting Jaguars. He missed passes so badly that it’s fair to question if Wilson has the ability to play in the NFL. HC Robert Saleh wouldn’t talk about Wilson afterward, but he has to figure out what his Plan C is.
QB Desmond Ridder (ATL) – His first start was when he only passed for 97 yards at the Saints, but Ridder showed better talent on Saturday when he threw for 218 yards at the Ravens. He hasn’t shown much as a runner yet, but he has a home game against the Steelers this week and then the final week at the Bengals.
WR DJ Chark (DET) – He only caught one pass for 18 yards in Week 15 to remind you why he was thrown onto the waiver wire back in Week 4 when he went onto injured reserve. But Chark logged 90+ yards in three of the last four games, including a season-best four catches for 108 yards at the Panthers on Saturday.
WR Velus Jones (CHI) – It is minor, but the 3.07 pick this year who ran a 4.31 40-time at the Combine finally had more than one short catch. He’s been active for the last seven games and scored on his first NFL catch, but then hasn’t been any better than one short catch in any game. Against the Bills this week, he caught the typical eight-yard pass but also turned in a 44-yard catch at the end of the third quarter. He’s blazingly fast and has been the kick returner this year. But 2023 should see him do more – if Justin Fields can improve as a passer.
QB Deshaun Watson (CLE) – The Browns’ new quarterback only threw for 135 yards and no score, with one interception in the loss to the Saints. Over his four starts, he’s only thrown for two touchdowns against three interceptions and ran around 20 yards per game with one score ran in just last Saturday. It’s all part of shaking off the rust from nearly two years, but he hasn’t looked as Jacoby Brissett, so the hope is this is just the necessary work to get back in shape. But he’s brought the fantasy fortunes of the receivers down. Donovan Peoples-Jones only caught one pass for two yards in the loss this week.
TE T.J. Hockenson (MIN) – The Vikings midseason acquisition has been a valuable cog in the machine but no difference-maker. That changed in Week 16 against the Giants when he led the team with 13 catches for 109 yards and two touchdowns in the three-point win. Justin Jefferson (12-133, TD) still excelled but the other wideouts combined for only four catches and 23 yards. Hockenson should see better days in the playoffs when top secondaries do a better job against the starting wideouts.
QB Malik Willis (TEN) – The Titans choose the ex-Liberty quarterback with their 3.22 pick this year but three starts have failed to offer anything promising about the future. He took his third start of the year in Week 16 and only completed 14-of-23 for 99 yards and two interceptions. And that was better than his first two starts. The Titans just lost to the visiting Texans, 19-14, which alone indicates the alarm.
QB Kenny Pickett (PIT) – The rookie only passed for 244 yards and one score but he led the Steelers on a two-minute drive at the end of the game to throw a 14-yard touchdown to George Pickett with only 50 seconds left. The Steelers held on to win the game and Pickett has his first game-winning drive under his belt.
NFL Tight ends – In Week 14, tight ends accounted for only six touchdowns and two went to Evan Engram. The previous week only saw four scores by the position. But Week 15 suddenly contained 17 touchdowns for tight ends and three turned in double scores. There were 14 in Week 16, excluding what may happen in tonight’s Monday night game against the Chargers and Colts.
There were four tight ends with multiple scores – George Kittle (6-120, 2 TD), T.J. Hockenson (13-109, 2 TD), Tyler Higbee (9-94, 2 TD), and Shane Zylstra (5-26, 3 TD). There were only three wideouts with double scores and that included Trenton Irwin (3-45, 2 TD) of the Bengals. Typically, tight ends score the most in the first month or so of the season, and then settled down. Week 16 was an aberration that helped fantasy leaguers in their playoffs – if they made it that far.
Huddle player of the week
Cam Akers – The Rams historically mediocre running back turned up his production for the last month with three scores and a couple of 60-yard performances. On Sunday against the Broncos, Akers ravaged their defense. He picked up chunks of yardage and ended with a career-best 23 carries for 118 yards and three touchdowns, plus two catches for 29 yards. Cam Akers was the highest-scoring fantasy play of Week 16 for quite the Christmas present for those fantasy owners that were playing in their league playoffs.
Salute!
Drama 101 – Somebody has to laugh, somebody has to cry