With the fantasy football playoffs kicking off for many, questions surrounding Derrick Henry, Calvin Ridley, and Michael Carter are running rampant. Will any of them be available to help you win a fantasy championship? Here are the most recent injury news and fantasy updates regarding some of the players currently on IR.
Fantasy Injury IR Updates Week 15: Latest news on Titans RB Derrick Henry
Titans RB Derrick Henry was put on IR in early November. At that time, there were fears that the All-Pro back could miss the remainder of the season. On the other hand, there are now reports saying that Henry’s rehab has gone so well that he could return for the end of the season if necessary.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, if the Titans are playing in a must-win situation in Week 18, Henry could be activated and join the team. If they have already clinched a playoff spot, he would likely wait and play in the playoffs.
Unfortunately, that means that we are unlikely to see Henry for the fantasy playoffs. Before his injury, Henry was on pace for another possible MVP season.
Even though he has been out since the beginning of November, Henry is still the ninth-ranked RB in total fantasy points ahead of guys like D’Andre Swift and Aaron Jones.
Will Calvin Ridley play again this year?
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley has been eligible to return from the reserve/NFI list for more than a month now. However, we have yet to receive any update on whether or not he will return this season. The longer he is away, the more likely he will not return in 2021.
Instead, the Falcons have relied on rookie tight end Kyle Pitts and Russell Gage. Pitts was coveted heading into the 2021 NFL Draft, and the Falcons drafted him with the fourth overall pick.
It was a costly selection, but Pitts has shown signs of generational talent. He currently ranks as the eighth-best fantasy TE behind Mike Gesicki and Dalton Schultz.
Atlanta has the 28th-easiest strength of schedule in the NFL. Nonetheless, three of their remaining games are against top-10 defenses vs. TEs. Two are against top-five units in the 49ers and Bills. Pitts will be a risky play for the fantasy playoffs.
Fantasy Injury IR Updates: Michael Carter to play in Week 15?
Update 12/15/21: The Jets have officially designated Michael Carter to return from IR.
The New York Jets are in shambles and have lost their last two games by double-digits. Even though rookie QB Zach Wilson has looked better, the run game has struggled significantly. However, there might be some good news this week as rookie RB Michael Carter is eligible to return from IR.
On Monday [December 13], first-year head coach Robert Saleh said he expects Carter to suit up this week. The running back leads the team with 143 touches and 738 yards from scrimmage. With Ty Johnson suffering an injury this week, Carter’s return is likely music to fantasy managers’ ears.
Unfortunately for Carter, he will be returning to play against the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins’ defense has really come around as of late. They are currently the sixth-best unit against running backs in the NFL, allowing only an average of 14.3 fantasy points to the position in standard leagues.
In addition to Carter, the Jets will see the return of tight end Tyler Kroft, veteran running back Tevin Coleman, defensive back Michael Carter II, and defensive end Bryce Huff this week. It will be the healthiest the team has been since the beginning of the year.