The following will be a quick-hitting recall of last week’s previous injuries with any tidbits of news or assessment that can be gleaned during the early stages of the week. This article exists to cover only new injuries to fantasy-relevant players as most weeks some player injuries end up slipping through the cracks or are just relevant enough to crop up in a meaningful way down the road. Later this week the Injury Report will be published that will include all player injuries new and old. And remember- don’t over-react to the Wednesday practice report.
Updates
Christian McCaffery - Quad
Rinse and repeat. Simply search this guy’s name in the news tab and you’ll get the same “we’re hopeful he comes back” article that’s been circulating all season. With the Panthers firing their GM, it’s not crazy to imagine they pack it in and start planning for 2021 at this point.
Joe Mixon - Foot
With no change in his status since October, it’s hard to imagine he’s back for the fantasy championship.
George Kittle - Foot
He wasn’t really close last week and now that the 49ers are officially eliminated from the playoffs…why?
Early week chances he plays: 33%
Antonio Gibson - Toe
The video says maybe but the numbers say no. This was on the day when reports were Gibson was practicing, but this was actually rehab and he was a DNP. Weirdly, strangely, The Team can win the NFC East so long as they win at least one of their final two games and the Giants lose one of their final two. In which case, I can see Gibson maybe returning in Week 17 but as of today, it’s unlikely he’s ready by Sunday.
Early week chances he plays: 20%
Ezekiel Elliott - Calf
I discussed the obscurity of Zeke’s situation in the Week 15 Injury Report. The bottom line is despite the 41 point explosion on Sunday, the Cowboys need to win their final two games and need Washington to lose their final two to have a chance. On top of that, Zeke said today that he felt “a tug” which implies a calf strain. An exacerbation to a muscular strain doesn’t position him to be active on Sunday. Tony Pollard has another shot to blow up.
Early week chances he plays: 25%
Mike Gesicki - Shoulder
Gesicki was LP all week and the data indicates he’s got about a 50% chance to return this week after the dislocation. He’s highly volatile if back next week.
Early week chances he plays: 49%
Running Backs
Clyde Edwards-Helaire - High Ankle/Hip
The reports are this is a hip and high ankle sprain. It didn’t look good on video and you’ll be without him next week. Le’Veon Bell might have his chance to shine.
Cam Akers - High Ankle
The reports are this is a high ankle sprain, so Akers will be out in Week 16. Deciding between his two backfield mates is a headache I’m not even willing to get into. You probably have better options.
Raheem Mostert - High Ankle
Another rinse and repeat situation. I’m not one to dictate to other medical staff about how to treat their patients, but considering the overall optics as an outsider, it’s hard seeing Mostert being given the green light after continuous pounding on this sprain.
Early week chances he plays: 49%
Jamaal Williams - Thigh
This is important to monitor because Aaron Jones ended the game on Saturday with 20 carries and 3 receptions on 4 targets. That’s 23 touches compared to the 17 over the previous four games. For a gamebreaker like Jones, it’s enough to vault him firmly into the top tier of upside plays. If Williams doesn’t go, Jones is an absolute lock next week.
Wide Receivers
Stefon Diggs - Foot
The reports are that Diggs’ injury is not serious and that he’ll play next week. There’s no reason to disbelieve the reports; however, it does raise the question of what the Bills have to gain by playing any of their starters on Monday. At this point in championship mode, don’t be afraid to dump that second tight end or fringe wideout to insulate yourself with more realistic options if Diggs sits or sees limited action.
Tyler Boyd - Concussion
Every concussion is different. However, historical data tells us that Boyd will not be back by Sunday. However, monitor his practice status and know that he has up until Sunday morning to clear protocol. If Boyd is active, understand his volatility is through the roof.
Early week chances he plays: 30%
Jalen Reagor - Ankle
It’s difficult to make out, but this looked high ankle-ish on film so it’s possible the rookie won’t be ready by Week 16. Watch his practice reports and be ready to swap him if you’ve been using him.
Early week chances he plays: 49%
This is it. This is what you trained your thumbs for all year. Set those lineups and #ScoreMore #FantasyPoints.
