If you are reading this article, you are likely a game or two away from advancing to your fantasy football championship game, which means there is no room for error.
Unfortunately, injuries to De’Von Achane, Zack Moss, and Keenan Allen could be casting some doubt in the minds of fantasy managers who were planning on relying on these players in their fantasy lineup.
Here is the latest fantasy injury update we have on some big-name fantasy contributors heading into Week 16.
Latest News and Injury Updates Impacting Fantasy
De’Von Achane, RB, Miami Dolphins
After Achane appeared to be on a league-winning trajectory during a three-game stretch earlier this season, he has come crashing back to earth on a per-touch basis over the last three games while dealing with a nagging knee and toe injury.
Through the first five weeks of the 2023 season, Achane averaged an absurd 12.1 yards per carry (YPC) while totaling 460 rushing yards and five scores on just 38 carries. Since he returned from injured reserve back in Week 11, Achane has averaged a modest — but still effective — 4.5 YPC with 153 yards and two scores on 34 carries.
Achane missed the first two practices of the week heading into their matchup against the New York Jets but did manage to log a limited participation session on the final practice of the week before ultimately being active for Sunday’s game.
Achane had his least efficient game on the ground of his rookie season, totaling just 32 yards on nine carries (3.56 YPC) while battling through a toe injury. One could make the argument that his toe injury certainly played a factor in his lack of efficiency, but his involvement in the offense means he has a chance to play against the Dallas Cowboys.
Fantasy managers will want to monitor his participation in practice throughout the week, but he would be in the RB2 conversation if he manages to take the field in Week 16.
Zack Moss, RB, Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts have leaned heavily on Moss while RB Jonathan Taylor has dealt with injuries both coming into the season and currently as he is nursing a thumb injury. Unfortunately, Moss exited the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers last week just seven touches into his Week 15 performance.
Moss played well in the first half before his exit, totaling 33 yards and a receiving score to help the Colts pick up their eighth win of the season, but he picked up a shoulder injury in the process. According to a recent report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Moss plans on trying to play against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday after X-rays on his shoulder came back negative.
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Colts head coach Shane Steichen addressed Moss’ injury when speaking to the media on Monday. “He’s doing alright,” Steichen said. “Obviously, he’s got the arm, but we will see how the week goes as well.”
Moss has cooled off considerably after his red-hot start to the 2023 season, averaging 2.6 yards per carry over the last three games, but he is still the preferred option in the Colts’ backfield if Taylor is unable to go in Week 16.
If Moss is active for Sunday, then he will still be a viable RB2 option if Taylor misses a third straight game. If Moss plays against the Falcons but Taylor is active, then Moss plummets to an RB3/Flex option for Week 16.
Keenan Allen, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
Fantasy managers were likely dealt a huge blow with Allen missing his first game of the 2023 season while dealing with a heel injury. Unfortunately, managers may want to start developing a backup plan once again for Allen heading into their Saturday matchup against the Buffalo Bills.
According to a recent report from Daniel Popper, Allen was not participating in practice on Tuesday. For some context, Allen did not participate in practice the entire week leading up to their game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday Night Football.
Allen has been fantastic this season with 1,243 yards and seven scores on 108 receptions in 2023, which has him as the WR3 in PPR formats. His absence for a second straight game would leave a gaping hole in plenty of fantasy rosters.
If Allen is unable to go against the Bills, Joshua Palmer would be in line for an expanded role. If Allen can return to the field this Saturday, then he would likely be a low-end WR1/high-end WR2 option for Week 16.
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