The unfortunate reality of the NFL is that when players are allowed to go full speed, injuries are bound to happen. Week 14 of the NFL season was no exception. Now that fantasy football managers are updating their lineups for the coming week, several players have found themselves on the injury report, leaving their status for Week 15 up in the air.
Fantasy Football Injury Report | QB Update
Two starting quarterbacks sustained injuries in Week 14, with one of them leaving early. Which signal-callers are in jeopardy to miss Week 15?
Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
On the first play of the second quarter, Lamar Jackson scrambled to the right and was brought down from behind by Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah as he dove at his legs. Jackson appeared to be in instant pain while grabbing his ankle.
Jackson eventually made it to the sidelines but could not put weight on his right foot. He went into the blue medical tent on the sidelines before finally being carted into the locker room, where he was eventually ruled out for the remainder of the game.
According to ESPN’s Dianna Russini, Jackson came out of the locker room wearing a protective boot, and the team believes Jackson suffered a low ankle sprain. After the game, Ravens coach John Harbaugh said Jackson would undergo more testing on Monday and see how he responds. It was the same ankle Jackson rolled in Week 13 when he stepped on a yard marker.
QB Tyler Huntley filled in for Jackson and nearly pulled off the comeback, completing 27-of-38 for 270 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 45 yards on 6 carries.
Taylor Heinicke, Washington Football Team
Taylor Heinicke left Sunday’s loss to the Cowboys in the fourth quarter with a knee injury after being sacked for the fourth time of the game. Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post reported Heinicke told reporters he should be fine for next week’s contest against the Philadelphia Eagles.
“The knee is fine,” Heinicke said, “It was a little scary at first, but it was really my throwing elbow that got me in the first half on a throw. I didn’t feel right ever since, I think the knee should be fine. I should be ready this week.”
RB Update
How is the injury bug affecting RB committees heading into Week 15? Will fantasy managers need to make backup plans just in case?
Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers
Austin Ekeler injured his right ankle on a 3-yard rush with 8:01 left in the third quarter. He slowly walked off the field before going into the tent. TV cameras later showed Ekeler having his ankle heavily taped by medical staff. He tested his ankle on the sidelines but did not return to the game despite never being officially ruled out.
At the time of his injury, the Chargers were up 37-10 over the Giants, which might have also played into why Ekeler did not return. Before exiting, Ekeler had 12 carries for 67 yards and a touchdown, with 2 receptions for 17 yards.
Head coach Brandon Staley sounded optimistic about Ekeler’s ankle, telling reporters the RB looked “fine.”
Kareem Hunt, Cleveland Browns
Late in the first quarter, Kareem Hunt recorded a 5-yard pass from Baker Mayfield and suffered an ankle injury. Hunt limped off the field immediately and went into the medical tent. Not long after, Hunt exited the tent and went back into the locker room. He ended the day rushing 2 times for 5 yards while adding 13 yards on 2 receptions
On Monday, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters that Hunt is “unlikely” to play Saturday against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Melvin Gordon, Denver Broncos
Per Rapoport, Melvin Gordon suffered a sprained thumb during Sunday’s victory over the Detroit Lions 38-10. It is not expected to keep him out for Week 15. Gordon was efficient in his return to the field, rushing for 111 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Rex Burkhead, Houston Texans
Rex Burkhead sustained a groin injury in the third quarter of Sunday’s game. He was the Texans’ top rusher, carrying the ball 11 times for 40 yards with 26 yards on 4 receptions.
Austin Walter, New York Jets
Rich Cimini of ESPN reports Austin Walter was ruled out of Week 14 due to an illness. Walter did not play a single snap before being ruled out.
Giovani Bernard, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Giovani Bernard was injured on an incomplete target with 50 seconds left in the second quarter. He was later ruled out with a hip injury and did not return for the second half.
Fantasy Football Injury Report | WR Update
News for pass catchers is essential in PPR leagues. These are the fantasy-relevant WRs currently on the NFL’s early Week 15 injury report.
Emmanuel Sanders, Buffalo Bills
After recording a catch for 25 yards, Emmanuel Sanders was ruled out for the remainder of the game against Tampa Bay with a knee injury.
Terry McLaurin, Washington Football Team
Terry McLaurin sustained a concussion when he was targeted on a deep pass on Sunday. McLaurin attempted to high-point a target and had his legs taken out from underneath him, causing him to land on his back, with his head hitting the ground.
He stayed down on the field for a minute before slowly getting up and walking to the bench. McLaurin was later ruled out and did not record a catch in the game.
TE Injury Update
Which tight end injuries should we be mindful of when setting our Week 15 fantasy lineups? Who is in danger of missing their next game?
Sammis Reyes, Washington Football Team
Per the Washington Football Team Twitter account, Sammis Reyes was ruled out of Week 14 with a concussion.