Heading into the final week of the season, there are still many fantasy football leagues having their championships.
Week 18 is extremely difficult to plan for in fantasy, and that’s a big reason why the majority of the leagues have their championships the week prior. Several teams have clinched playoff spots and are resting players before the postseason begins. On the other hand, some teams have been eliminated and want to see other guys.
The tight end position has been tricky all season, but Cole Kmet, Luke Musgrave, and Juwan Johnson have all had big games this year. However, they’re currently dealing with injuries, so what should fantasy football managers expect of them this weekend?
Latest News and Injury Updates Impacting Fantasy
Cole Kmet, Chicago Bears
Two weeks ago, Kmet had four catches for 107 yards in a win against the Arizona Cardinals. That is the most yards he has ever had in an NFL game. Kmet’s had a solid year playing alongside Justin Fields, as he has 70 catches for 678 yards and six touchdowns.
If he can play, Kmet could have a big game against a very suspect Green Bay Packers defense. However, he’s dealing with a knee injury and is currently questionable. His injury feels like it could come down to a game-time decision.
The Bears, however, were eliminated last week from playoff contention after the Packers defeated the Minnesota Vikings. With that in mind, Chicago may not want to bring Kmet back for this game. Be sure to check on him over the weekend.
Luke Musgrave, Green Bay Packers
Musgrave was drafted in the second round of this past draft, and the Packers have high expectations for him. He has 33 catches for 341 yards and one touchdown but hasn’t played in a game since the Packers’ win against the Los Angeles Chargers on Nov. 19.
Unfortunately, Musgrave has been out because he suffered a lacerated kidney. He hasn’t played since then, but he’s getting closer to being able to get back on the field.
MORE: PFN’s FREE NFL Playoff Predictor
Musgrave is currently listed as questionable, but he told reporters he hopes to be back.
“It would be awesome,” Musgrave said when asked about playing this week. “I want to play as soon as I can. We’ll see. We’re going to take it day by day and see what holds.”
Packers coach Matt LaFleur also told reporters that there’s a realistic chance that Musgrave could be able to go this week. Like Kmet, you’re going to want to check on Musgrave throughout the weekend. One thing to keep in mind is that Tucker Kraft has been very good in his place, so there isn’t a need to bring Musgrave back early.
Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints
Johnson has started to play some pretty good football recently, as he has scored a touchdown in each of his last three games. He has only four on the season, so he’s been playing his best football to end the year.
Against the Buccaneers last week, Johnson had eight catches for 90 yards and one touchdown. However, he suffered a chest injury in the game, which is keeping him as questionable as the Saints prepare for the Atlanta Falcons.
Johnson has been a limited participant in practice the past two days, but the fact that he’s practicing is a good sign he should be able to give it a go.
Stay tuned to Pro Football Network throughout the weekend for injury updates to these three players, as well as the rest of the league as we near the start of Week 18.
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