Several high-level fantasy-producing players are coming off of the injured reserve (IR) soon, and they could slide right into your lineups. With some fantasy managers dealing with a must-win week to snag a playoff spot, which players should we be monitoring on our fantasy football IR spots?
Which Players Are on IR in Week 14?
Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings
One of the biggest names on the IR report is WR Justin Jefferson. The Minnesota Vikings’ superstar had four extraordinary weeks, winning fantasy managers their matchups, but it all came crashing down in Week 5 when he sustained a hamstring injury against the Kansas City Chiefs. He was placed on IR shortly after and was required to miss a minimum of four games.
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Those four games came and went, and we saw no return of Jefferson to the lineup. It was up in the air when, if at all, he would return, and the loss of QB Kirk Cousins made the situation even muddier. Jefferson missed three more games but was activated following that. Minnesota had a bye week in Week 13, giving Jefferson an extra week to recover.
He has been added to the active roster and is expected to play this week against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Aaron Rodgers, QB, New York Jets
Aaron Rodgers might not be human. Four offensive snaps into the season, the star QB went down with an Achilles tear. Everyone assumed he was done for the season, but if anyone can prove us wrong, it is Rodgers.
He underwent successful surgery and began the rehab process, rehabbing up to five hours a day and making an appearance in the middle of October on the football field with no crutches. On Nov. 29, the New York Jets officially opened Rodgers’ practice window, giving the team three weeks to activate him. He was a limited participant during his first practice back with the team.
“I think he’s fueled by doubt — I don’t think, I know — he’s fueled by doubt,” head coach Robert Saleh said. “The more you doubt him, the more fuel he has. He’s on a mission.”
Rodgers has said previously that he would play again this year if he were medically cleared to do so. Fantasy managers, sit and wait.
Dawson Knox, TE, Buffalo Bills
Fantasy managers wanting to buy into part of the Buffalo Bills’ passing game went after TE Dawson Knox this season. Knox was TE14 last year and was looking to be incorporated into the offense further in 2023.
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Unfortunately, Knox went down with a wrist injury in Week 7 and was placed on IR shortly after. He had to miss a minimum of four games but has now missed five. When considering that and the Bills’ bye week, he has had six weeks available to rehab his injury.
Bills head coach Sean McDermott said they are “hopeful but not certain” that Knox will be able to return after their bye week and ahead of the Week 14 Chiefs game, so we could see him back on the field soon. Knox averaged four targets a game before he was injured, which is a decent number for a TE in your fantasy lineup.
Luke Musgrave, TE, Green Bay Packers
Another TE hopefully eyeing a return is Green Bay Packers TE Luke Musgrave. Musgrave is TE23 on the season and has shown some bursts of talent on a young Green Bay team. He had four finishes in the top 12.
Musgrave sustained a kidney injury, which was later revealed to be a lacerated kidney, in the Week 11 game against the Los Angeles Chargers. He played through the game and visited the hospital after the win. He thankfully avoided surgery, but the injury landed him on the IR, causing him to miss the requisite four games.
Musgrave would be eligible to return in Week 16 against the Carolina Panthers, and for a Packers team that seems to be peaking at exactly the right time, he would be welcomed in with open arms. Head coach Mike LaFleur spoke about Musgrave after his hospital visit.
“He’s got a pretty significant injury,” LaFleur said. “I think it speaks to his toughness. He’s been in the hospital. It’s been pretty significant. This kid is as tough as they come.”
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