While rankings and projections are beneficial, few things are more important in fantasy football than following injury updates. Injuries not only impact the player in question but the teammates and the offenses around them. Here’s an update on some critical injury reports to watch and their fantasy football impact.
Fantasy Football Injury Report: QB Update
Let’s go through the injuries currently impacting quarterbacks. Monitor these situations throughout the week and have contingency plans, if necessary.
Teddy Bridgewater, Denver Broncos
Teddy Bridgewater suffered a scary-looking concussion on Sunday. He was taken to a local hospital, where he stayed overnight. Fortunately, Bridgewater is doing well and will progress through the concussion protocol prior to returning. Drew Lock will start for as long as necessary.
Jared Goff, Detroit Lions
On Monday, Jared Goff tested positive for COVID-19. With the new protocols, he will have a shot to return Sunday. If he can’t go, I sure hope it won’t be Tim Boyle starting again.
Taylor Heinicke and Kyle Allen, Washington Football Team
Taylor Heinicke and Kyle Allen remain on the COVID-19 list. They still have a shot to test out before Tuesday night’s game.
Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
The extra two days benefited Jalen Hurts’ ankle as he carries no injury designation and will start on Tuesday.
Baker Mayfield and Case Keenum, Cleveland Browns
Baker Mayfield and Case Keenum were unable to test negative on Monday and remain on the COVID-19 list. They will likely test out over the next few days and be able to return for Week 16, though.
Fantasy Football Injury Report: RB Update
Which running backs are dealing with injuries that may affect their game status? Let’s see which RB committees are hobbled heading into Week 16.
Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers
On Monday, there were reports the Chargers placed Austin Ekeler on the COVID-19 list. But when the NFL released the official list, his name was not on there. It remains unclear as to whether Ekeler tested positive. If he cannot go, Justin Jackson would be a must-start.
D’Onta Foreman, Tennessee Titans
The Titans listed D’Onta Foreman as limited on Monday’s estimated practice report. He is dealing with an ankle issue but should be fine.
Leonard Fournette, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Leonard Fournette strained his hamstring Sunday night. He had to be helped to the locker room, but it’s not considered a major injury. Fournette is expected to miss a game or two, but he will be good to go by the NFL playoffs.
Unfortunately, if Fournette misses two games, that’s the remainder of the fantasy season. Ronald Jones will be startable as long as Fournette is out.
Phillip Lindsay, Miami Dolphins
On Monday, Phillip Lindsay cleared COVID protocols and returned to the Dolphins. He will be eligible to play this week if the team decides to activate him. Given Duke Johnson’s recent performance, I doubt they will.
J.D. McKissic, Washington Football Team
The Football Team ruled out J.D. McKissic for Tuesday night’s game against the Eagles. He’s no longer in the concussion protocol, but he has a very concerning neck injury.
Elijah Mitchell, San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers did not practice Monday, but Elijah Mitchell was listed as DNP on the estimated practice report. That’s not good. He is over his concussion, but the knee remains an issue. It does not sound as if Mitchell will play Thursday.
Joe Mixon, Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Mixon tweaked his left ankle multiple times on Sunday. Mixon was on the field for the Bengals’ final kneel down, which suggests his injury isn’t overly serious, and he could play this week. Samaje Perine would be the primary back if Mixon can’t go.
Miles Sanders and Jordan Howard, Philadelphia Eagles
Miles Sanders and Jordan Howard practiced in full Sunday. They carry no injury designation and will play Tuesday.
Jamaal Williams, Detroit Lions
On Monday, the Lions activated Jamaal Williams from the COVID-19 list. He will return to action Sunday, but it remains to be seen how the team will handle this backfield after Craig Reynolds’ impressive play.
WR Injury Update
How are the fantasy-relevant wide receivers dealing with injuries? Let’s see which pass catchers may require a Plan B for Week 16’s action.
A.J. Brown, Tennessee Titans
On Monday, the Titans designated A.J. Brown to return from the injured reserve. The Titans have to activate him by Wednesday afternoon if he is to play Thursday night.
Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Mike Evans strained his hamstring on Sunday night. It’s considered minor, and it’s possible he doesn’t miss any time.
Unfortunately, Chris Godwin’s outlook is a worst-case scenario. Godwin tore his ACL. Hopefully, he is able to make a full recovery and be ready for the start of the 2022 season.
Jarvis Landry, Cleveland Browns
Much like his quarterbacks, Jarvis Landry did not clear COVID protocols on Monday and did not play. He will return to the team at some point this week and be able to play in Week 16, though.
Tyler Lockett, Seattle Seahawks
Tyler Lockett remains on the COVID-19 list. He can still test out on Tuesday, but it’s not looking good for his chances of playing this week.
Julio Jones, Tennessee Titans
If I pick a week at random and pull up the Julio Jones injury report, odds are it’ll be about his hamstring. Jones strained his hamstring … again. The sad reality is Jones can no longer play professional football. It’s not that his skills have diminished to the point where he’s not good. Rather, his body can no longer hold up against the rigors of an NFL season. I would be surprised if we saw Jones again before the playoffs.
Curtis Samuel, Washington Football Team
Curtis Samuel is out Tuesday due to a hamstring strain.
Sterling Shepard, New York Giants
Sterling Shepard sustained several different injuries this season. Unfortunately, the worst of it came last week when e went down with a non-contact injury. Shepard tore his Achilles, which puts the start of his 2022 season in jeopardy. Hopefully, Shepard can make a full recovery.
Adam Thielen, Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings took it all the way to game time with Adam Thielen’s ankle. Thielen did not play Monday night, but the fact that he went through pregame warmups is an encouraging sign for next week.
Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins
On Monday, Jaylen Waddle cleared COVID protocols and returned to the team. He will play this week.
Fantasy Football Injury Report: TE Injury Update
Are there any tight end injuries we need to be concerned about? The TE market is already thin, so if you have a TE on this injury report, your alternatives will be grim in all likelihood.
Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers
Pat Freiermuth appeared to be knocked unconscious after a short reception last week. It marked his second concussion in less than a month, which is quite scary. It seems unlikely Freiermuth will be able to play this week, but that will be up to how he moves through the concussion protocol.
Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs
On Monday, the Chiefs placed Travis Kelce on the COVID-19 list. Under the new protocols, he will have a chance to return by Sunday’s game.
Darren Waller, Las Vegas Raiders
Darren Waller remained out on Monday with his IT Band/back injury. Waller has not appeared particularly close to returning. Foster Moreau will continue to start in his stead.