Week 16 is in the books, and for fantasy football managers that means one thing: Championship Week. Some big-time wide receivers are battling injuries, and you need to know the status — and residual impacts — of all these players.
Let’s take a look at the status of Ja’Marr Chase, Jaylen Waddle, and Keenan Allen as we enter Week 17.
Latest News and Injury Updates Impacting Fantasy
Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals have had to deal with several injuries, with Chase being the most recent player to be struck by the injury bug.
Two weeks ago, Chase had four catches for 64 yards in the win against the Minnesota Vikings when he injured his shoulder. He missed the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the offense struggled to generate points without him, falling 34-11. Now, there is potential that it might not be just a one-week injury.
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NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said after the game that Chase could be out for Week 17 against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Right now, the Bengals are on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoffs, so they will have to decide if they will rush him back. The Chiefs are vulnerable right now, so if Chase can go, expect him to play. He’s going to be a player to monitor throughout the week.
Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins got a close win against the Dallas Cowboys on Christmas Eve, as they picked up a 22-20 last-second victory. In the game, Waddle got off to a fast start, hauling in a 50-yard catch early in the game.
However, that was all he would get. Waddle left the game with an injury, and it was later learned that he had a high ankle sprain. Right now, his status is unknown.
When asked about it, Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel told reporters that a high ankle sprain can be tough to deal with, saying, “Those can be tricky.”
Some are fortunate enough to miss minimal if any time. The majority see the ailment linger for at least a few weeks, especially before one regains their explosiveness.
Miami clinched a playoff spot with the win over Dallas, but there’s still a ton to play for. The Dolphins travel to Baltimore next week with an opportunity to inch themselves closer to the No. 1 seed in the AFC. If they lose, however, they could be in a division championship game in Week 18 against the Buffalo Bills.
While the Dolphins would love to have Waddle in those games, they’ll want him more for the playoffs. I would expect Miami to be cautious with him, as he’s had to deal with injuries throughout the year.
Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers
Allen has had an absolutely fantastic season for the Los Angeles Chargers, but he hasn’t been able to play recently due to a heel injury.
You could make the case that Allen being out has been the most impactful late-season injury in fantasy this year. The timing was brutal, with him leading the league with 108 catches.
Allen wasn’t able to play in the last two games, and his status for the game against the Denver Broncos is questionable.
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The Chargers have been eliminated from the playoffs, so they’re not playing for much. Also, Justin Herbert is out for the year, and the team has Easton Stick under center.
Even if Allen is healthy, fantasy-wise he won’t be the same player with Stick at quarterback. Second, should the team even try and rush him back?
Allen has had to deal with injuries over the years, and with the season all but over, it may make more sense for Los Angeles to sit him for these last two games.
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