Fantasy football injury round-up: May edition

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.

Fantasy football injury report: Super Bowl LVII

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.

Fantasy football injury report: Conference Championships

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

This week’s key game-time decisions: WR Mecole Hardman, RB Elijah Mitchell

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.

[lawrence-related id=474288]

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.

Fantasy football injury report: Divisional Round

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.

[lawrence-related id=474158]

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. 

Fantasy football injury report: Wild Card Weekend

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.

[lawrence-related id=474037]

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.

Tunnel Vision Finale with Huddle Awards

The Huddle Awards 2022 !

SUNDAY SALUTES
Quarterbacks Pass-Rush TD
 Davis Mills 298-6 3
 Russell Wilson 283-18 3
 Josh Allen 254-16 3
 Deshaun Watson 230-44 2
 Mac Jones 243-5 3
Running Backs Rush
Receive
TD
Nick Chubb 12-77
5-45
1
Zack Moss 18-114
3-7
1
Jamaal Williams 16-72 2
Alexander Mattison 10-54
1-6
2
Latavius Murray  15-103
1-15
1
Wide Receivers Yards TD
Keenan Allen 8-102 2
DeVante Parker 6-79 2
Jerry Jeudy 5-157
3-39
0
Stefon Diggs 7-104 1
Ja’Marr Chase 8-86 1
Tight Ends Yards TD
Jordan Akins 4-70 2
George Kittle 4-29 2
Isaiah Likely 8-103 0
Cole Kmet 4-57 1
Lawrence Cager 8-69 0
Placekickers XP FG
Jake Elliott 1 5
Jason Meyers 1 4
Younghoe Koo 3 3
Greg Joseph 2 3
Mason Crosby 1 3
Defense Sack – TO TD
Bills 0 0
Bengals 0 0
Commanders 0 0
Texans 0 0
Jaguars 0 0

2022 IR/Major injuries

5+ games missed

QUARTERBACK

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.

Runner-up:  Jeff Wilson

Best Game – Joe Mixon, Week 9 vs. CAR

55.1 FF Pts. – Rush 22-153 4 TD, Receive 4-58 TD

Runner-up: 48.3 FF Pts.  – Josh Jacobs, Week 12 at SEA

WIDE RECEIVER

Best Player – Justin Jefferson

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

Comedy Yards TDs Tragedy Yards TDs
QB Davis Mills 298 3 QB Jalen Hurts 242 0
RB Zack Moss 121 1 RB Austin Ekeler 70 0
RB A. Mattison 60 2 RB Josh Jacobs 50 0
WR DeVante Parker 79 2 WR Tee Higgins 7 0
WR A.J. Green 91 1 WR Tyreek Hill 23 0
WR Velus Jones 70 1 WR Justin Jefferson 38 0
TE Jordan Akins 70 2 TE T.J. Hockerson 16 0
PK Jake Elliott   1 XP   5 FG PK Brett Maher   0
Huddle Fantasy Points = 148 Huddle Fantasy Points = 30

Thanks for being a part of The Huddle!

And for the 444th time since Week 1 of 1997…

Get back to work!

Fantasy football injury report: Week 18

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 
TEs Taysom Hill (back) and Juwan Johnson (quadriceps) are questionable. Both were limited all week.

[lawrence-related id=473832]

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

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

Comedy Yards TDs Tragedy Yards TDs
QB Jarrett Stidham 399 3 QB Trevor Lawrence 152 0
RB JaMycal Hasty 56 1 RB Dalvin Cook 44 0
RB Raheem Mostert 91 1 RB David Montgomery 36 0
WR Jalen Nailor 89 1 WR Justin Jefferson 15 0
WR Shi Smith 70 1 WR Tyler Lockett 15 0
WR Tyquan Thornton 60 1 WR Garrett Wilson 18 0
TE Brock Wright 13 2 TE Evan Engram 29 0
PK Matt Prater 1  XP  4  FG PK Harrison Butker 3 XP
Huddle Fantasy Points =  110 Huddle Fantasy Points = 22

Now get back to work…

Fantasy football injury report: Week 17

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) and WR 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.

[lawrence-related id=473579]

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. RB Brian Robinson Jr. (quadriceps) practiced all week and is good to go.

Tunnel Vision

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

Comedy Yards TDs Tragedy Yards TDs
QB Gardner Minshew 360 3 QB Deshaun Watson 154 1
RB D’onta Foreman 165 1 RB R. Stevenson 33 0
RB James Cook 108 1 RB Jamaal Williams 14 0
WR Kendrick Bourne 129 1 WR Christian Kirk 26 0
WR Isaiah Hodgins 89 1 WR Davante Adams 15 0
WR Trenton Irwin 45 2 WR Stefon Diggs 26 0
TE Shane Zylstra 26 3 TE Mark Andrews 45 0
PK Brett Maher 4  XP   4 FG PK Nick Folk   zippo
Huddle Fantasy Points = 163 Huddle Fantasy Points = 25

Now get back to work…