Week 15 means the start of the fantasy football playoffs. Unfortunately, we saw a couple of quarterbacks get injured on Sunday which could have some lasting playoff implications.
Justin Herbert and C.J. Stroud are two quarterbacks who are capable of having a big game, but they both suffered injuries in Week 14. Additionally, Kenny Pickett is another quarterback who has been recently injured, and his status is in doubt for a fringe playoff team desperate to get a win. What’s the latest news on those passers?
Latest News and Injury Updates Impacting Fantasy
Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
Herbert suffered an injury against the Denver Broncos, where he fractured his finger on his throwing hand. It was later announced he wouldn’t return to the game.
#Chargers QB Justin Herbert injured his finger on this play and is questionable to return.
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) December 10, 2023
When talking to the media on Monday, Herbert said if there is any way for him to play against the Las Vegas Raiders, he will do whatever it takes. It is going to be very difficult for him to be ready though, as the matchup with the Raiders is on Thursday night.
Not only would it be tough for fantasy managers who have Herbert on their team if he isn’t able to go, but that is also going to affect the other Los Angeles Chargers. Players like Keenan Allen and Austin Ekeler will see their fantasy value drop significantly if Herbert is unable to suit up.
The No. 2 quarterback on the Chargers is Easton Stick, who was 13 of 24 for 179 yards in the game against the Broncos. Before that game, he was 1 of 1 in his career for four yards. Keep an eye on Herbert’s status in the next 24 hours or so, but right now, he is currently doubtful to play.
C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans
No player in the NFL has been more of a pleasant surprise this year than the rookie from Ohio State, as Stroud has helped guide the Houston Texans right into playoff contention. However, in the loss to the New York Jets on Sunday, Stroud had to leave the game because of a concussion.
He is currently in the concussion protocol, and it’s unknown if he will be able to play against the Tennessee Titans in Week 15. When talking to the media on Monday, Texans coach DeMeco Ryans spoke about how the team was going to be cautious moving forward.
MORE: PFN’s FREE NFL Playoff Predictor
“It’s more about their long-term health, as opposed to, just everybody gets excited about the next game and the next opportunity,” Ryans told the media. “We care about these guys as men off the field and making sure that their health is the utmost importance to us.”
🔴 LIVE with Head Coach DeMeco Ryans https://t.co/zA4UXPASqc
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) December 11, 2023
While the Texans would love to make the playoffs this season, there is no question the team is going to be very cautious with Stroud.
Factor in that he is without Tank Dell and Nico Collins is now dealing with an injury and the offense doesn’t have the firepower the team did two weeks ago.
If Stroud is unable to go, then Davis Mills will get the start for the Texans. He has plenty of experience, as he started the majority of the games the past two seasons.
Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh Steelers
It has been an up-and-down year for Pickett, but he has helped put the Pittsburgh Steelers into playoff contention as Week 15 arrives. While he didn’t play in the 21-18 loss to the New England Patriots, the team has already come out and said that he won’t play against the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday.
That is big news as the matchup between the two teams has major playoff implications. Both teams enter this game at 7-6 and are currently on the right side of the playoff bracket in a crowded AFC field.
MORE: Fantasy News Tracker
With Pickett out, the Steelers are going back to Mitch Trubisky, who wasn’t great in the game against the Patriots. He finished with 190 yards while throwing for one touchdown and one interception. He had some plays that drove the Steelers fans crazy, as he threw the ball short of the first down marker on some pivotal third downs and threw an overzealous fourth-down pass.
With Trubisky in, guys like George Pickens, Diontae Johnson, and Pat Friermuth are more likely to have some tough games. They’re risky starts in fantasy football as we head into the playoffs.
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