So here we are on the brink of fantasy championships for one person in every league. But next year should already be in your head. The changes from season to the next can be dramatic, even if we draft like the previous season is going to repeat.
Like every year, plenty of fantasy starters were left behind during the season. Here are my top six injured players and what to think about them entering next season. I have excluded quarterbacks who all appear likely to return healthy for next year. Those include Justin Herbert, Kirk Cousins, Joe Burrow, and Deshaun Watson.
- TE Mark Andrews (BAL) 2023 ADP = No. 2 TE, Pick 4.03
Suffered a cracked fibula and ankle ligament injury in Week 11 thanks to a hip-drop tackle. He is expected to be healed early enough to potentially join the Ravens in the playoffs. He is not returning for the regular season but will be assessed later for a potential return in late January. That’s great news for a tight end that’s become Top-2 when healthy. - RB Nick Chubb (CLE) 2023 ADP = No. 5 TE , Pick 1.11
The star running back suffered a gruesome knee injury in Week 2. He tore his ACL , MCL, and meniscus. He needed surgery for the MCL and meniscus and a separate procedure to repair the ACL. He is expected to return “during the 2024 season.” Doctors say that he has extensive rehab to go through, but so far, the surgeries are over, and he’s progressing according to play. He was injured so early in the season, that he’ll have plenty of rehab by the opening of the 2024 NFL season. He’ll likely open the year on IR and be a high risk/high reward draft pick. - TE T.J. Hockenson (MIN) 2023 ADP = No. 3 TE, Pick 4.12
He just tore his MCL and ACL last week when he was hit low by a defender. The injury is fresh enough that his prognosis and recovery are still in progress but the injury was severe enough that it’s reasonable to assume he will not be ready for the start of the 2024 season with only about eight months to heal. He’ll be another elite player who won’t show up until later in the season and present a risky pick that can win – or lose – your league. - Christian Kirk (JAC) 2023 ADP = No. 28 WR, Pick 4.09
The Jaguars wideout was lost in Week 13 when he suffered a core muscle injury in Week 13. He was placed on injured reserve and required surgery, which will keep him out even if the Jaguars made a deep run in the playoffs. Kirk’s situation becomes further complicated because he’s owed $24 million next year, but the Jags have an out they can take in the offseason. He may end up re-signing on a restructured deal or could be released. - WR Mike Williams (LAC) 2023 ADP= No. 26 WR, Pick 5.03
The Chargers wideout tore his ACL in Week 3 after rolling up 110 yards and a score on the Vikings. He was placed on injured reserve and underwent surgery to repair the knee. He is expected back next season, but he, too, has his situation complicated by his contract. He’ll turn 30 next year and has been often dinged up in his seven-year career. He is due $20 million next year, but the Chargers have an out they can use in the offseason. He is another player that will either restructure his contract or be released. - WR Tank Dell (HOU) 2023 ADP = NA, Free Agent
The Texan’s third-round pick was just a 5-10, 165-pound wideout who carried minimal expectations as a rookie, but he was on a pace to end with a stat line of 80-1205-12 but broke his fibula while blocking in Week 12. He underwent surgery but is expected to return sometime during the Texans’ offseason program. He should rebound 100% from the injury and merit drafting as a fantasy starter.
About Last Night…
New York Jets 20, Cleveland 37
As we all know, Thursday night games are sloppy and low-scoring. Two of the best defenses were meeting and both teams were on their third quarterback of the year. So naturally, they throw down 57 total points.
Trevor Siemian passed for 261 yards and one touchdown to Breece Hall who caught nine passes for 42 yards. Garrett Wilson (5-50) and Tyler Conklin (5-45) were the top receivers. Hall rushed for 84 yards on 13 rushes but the Jets had to abandon the run when they trailed 34-17 at halftime.
Joe Flacco was without Amari Cooper, so expectations were even lower going against the No. 2 defense versus quarterbacks. And so he threw for 309 yards and three touchdowns. David Njoku (6-134) had a monster performance and Elijah Moore (5-61, TD) scored before leaving with a concussion. Jerome Ford blew up with 12 runs for 64 yards and two catches for 57 yards – both touchdowns. Kareem Hunt (10-31, TD) took the rushing score.
Both teams returned an interception for a touchdown. But this game only furthers the question – why was Joe Flacco sitting at home until Week 13?