We’ve reached the point of the fantasy football season where it’s do-or-die time for managers. After a few weeks of good injury fortune, Week 16 brought several key injuries and playoff scenarios that gave NFL teams the chance to rest their stars. The timing couldn’t be worse, considering what’s on the line this week.
One star who could be sidelined is Philadelphia Eagles running back Miles Sanders. We have the latest injury update on Sanders and a breakdown of whether you should put him into your lineup if he’s active in Week 17.
Update: Sanders participated in practice on Thursday, meaning he should be good to go this week.
Miles Sanders Injury Update
Despite skepticism about how effective Sanders would be for fantasy managers this season, the fourth-year RB has been awesome. Currently RB13 in PPR leagues thanks to his 1,175 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, Sanders has been a massive value, as he overtook the red-zone role for the Eagles’ offense. He has no upside as a receiver, but he’s finished as an RB1 in five weeks this season.
Unfortunately for the managers who reaped the benefits of his increased role throughout the season, Sanders suffered a knee injury in Week 16. He didn’t practice Wednesday, making a surprise visit to the Eagles’ injury report. There wasn’t a notable moment against the Cowboys where Sanders seemed hurt, and he logged 22 touches for 71 yards.
With Philadelphia already possibly missing Jalen Hurts this week, they could be playing it safe with Sanders as the postseason nears. All the Eagles need to do is win one of their two remaining games in order to clinch a bye week with the NFC’s No. 1 seed. They may be able to beat the Saints in Week 17 without both Hurts and Sanders.
Sanders remains a must-start if he’s active and not limited for Sunday. Even as his production has dipped over the last two games, he’s still a massive red-zone threat, and the Eagles will rely on their backs if Gardner Minshew is at quarterback. There’s little drop-off effect for Sanders with Hurts out as Philadelphia looks to grind out games.
MORE: RB Injury Report Week 17
The Saints’ defense isn’t the best matchup for Sanders to break out with an RB1 game, especially if Hurts is out. They’re vulnerable on the ground, giving up an average of 104.5 yards per game but are effective at stopping receiving backs. I usually can’t say this, but this is preferred for Sanders since he’s not used as a receiver often enough to matter.
If I were the Eagles, I’d sit both Hurts and Sanders and look to clinch the top seed next week if this bout doesn’t go their way. It’s a tough break for fantasy managers if it plays out that way because both stars were big reasons why managers were able to get this far.
Make sure you check back here daily, and we’ll have the latest news and updates on Sanders’ status for Week 17.
How does Sanders’ knee injury impact his higher/lower projection this week on Underdog Fantasy? Join Underdog Fantasy today to see, and get a $100 deposit bonus upon your first deposit.