The unfortunate reality of the NFL is that when players are allowed to go full speed, injuries are bound to happen. Week 16 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 17 up in the air.
Fantasy Football Injury Report | RB Update
How is the injury bug affecting RB committees heading into Week 17? Will fantasy managers need to make backup plans just in case?
James Robinson | Jacksonville Jaguars
Unfortunately, one of the best stories of the last two seasons just had his season end on Sunday as James Robinson suffered a torn Achilles in the first quarter.
The injury occurred when Robinson pushed off as he came out of his stance and crumbled to the ground. He was then carted off with a towel over his head, which is a dead giveaway that a player knows something potentially catastrophic took place.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport stated that Robinson would undergo an MRI on Monday to determine the extent of the tear. In all likelihood, Robinson will not play again in 2021, ending his season with 979 total yards and 8 touchdowns.
With Carlos Hyde on the IR (concussion), Dare Ogunbowale and Nathan Cottrell are the only other backs on the active roster. The team signed Ryquell Armstead earlier this week, but he was inactive for Week 16.
Darrell Henderson Jr. | Los Angeles Rams
Per the Rams’ official site, Darrell Henderson Jr. was ruled out for the remainder of Week 16 due to a knee injury. Henderson injured his knee on a 17-yard carry in the fourth quarter. It was his only touch of the game. Sony Michel will continue to be the Rams’ top running back as they take on the Baltimore Ravens in Week 17.
Miles Sanders | Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles’ official Twitter account announced that Miles Sanders was ruled out for the remainder of the game due to a hand injury. Sanders injured his hand in the first half of Sunday’s 34-10 victory over the Giants. He had 7 rushed for 45 yards and caught 1 of his 3 targets for 3 yards.
On Monday, Ian Rapoport reported Sanders broke a bone in his hand and would undergo an MRI to determine the extent of the damage to see if he can still play. Apparently, the Eagles got their answer as head coach Nick Sirrani confirmed to reporters the injury but also stated Sanders will not play in Week 17. However, they will not place him on the IR and hope to get him back this season. This does mean Sanders’ fantasy season for 2021 is over.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire | Kansas City Chiefs
Clyde Edwards-Helaire suffered a collarbone injury on the Chiefs’ first drive of the second half against the Steelers, per Field Yates of ESPN. The team initially labeled Edwards-Helaire questionable to return after going back into the locker room for further evaluation. However, the team ruled him out late in the third quarter. After the game, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported X-Rays of Edwards-Helaire’s shoulder came back negative and would undergo an MRI on Monday.
Edwards-Helaire had 9 carries for 27 yards and a touchdown and caught 1 pass for 4 yards. Darrel Williams would serve as the team’s RB1 if the injury forces Edwards-Helaire to the sideline, with Derrick Gore also seeing reps.
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 17 injury report.
Adam Thielen | Minnesota Vikings
After missing the last three games due to a high ankle sprain, Adam Thielen appeared to have aggravated the injury on his second catch of the game. Thielen recorded a 9-yard reception, but after being tackled, he grabbed his ankle, removed his helmet, and was clearly frustrated and in discomfort.
He came back into the game, but the injury hampered his effectiveness. Thielen recorded 3 receptions for 40 yards while playing on 23 of the Vikings’ 63 offensive snaps.
Phillip Dorsett | Houston Texans
Per the Texans’ official site, Phillip Dorsett was ruled out of the game on Sunday. He suffered a foot injury in the second half. Dorsett caught 3 of 6 targets for 55 yards in their win over the Chargers.