What This Is:
*A no-nonsense quick-hitting analysis of fantasy-relevant player injuries that could impact performance on game day.
*A preview of the current week’s fantasy-relevant players with an injury through Thursday night.
What This Is Not:
*A comprehensive analysis of players who are on bye or currently on the I.R.
For any questions related to this article such as “should I drop [player A] for [player B]?” please refer to the staff’s weekly projections. This is not the final version and will be continually updated through Sunday morning, so definitely bookmark this article.
General Guidelines:
The following general rules apply for big shake-ups on the weekend:
*Players who are downgraded from full or even partial practice to “Did Not Practice” on Friday or Saturday, for any medical reason, are a long shot to play. Typically you’ll see teams say these players are a “game time decision” which is code for “they ain’t playing”.
*Players who have a concussion have up until Saturday night/Sunday morning to clear the protocol.
*If no “final update” is available, the player has either been officially ruled out or no news is good news.
The following players have already been ruled out for Week 17 as of Friday evening or they’ve logged three DNP’s in a row - so get them out of your lineup!
Keenan Allen - COVID
Alvin Kamara - COVID
Terry McLaurin - Three DNP’s in a row.
Christian McCaffrey - Doubtful
Mike Davis - DOUBTFUL
The following players were FP on Friday and/or carry no designation. They’re good to
go unless otherwise stated.
Running Back
Antonio Gibson - Toe
He didn’t practice all week and even though the reports are that he’s “fine” it’s extremely odd he wouldn’t even be limited. The factors working in his favor are that Washington released another practice squat running back, but that could also be a smoke screen. If he’s active this week, he’s moderately volatile due to re-injury risk and playing through pain.
Cam Akers - Ankle
After being limited in practice on Friday it’s possible Akers makes a return on Sunday, but I wouldn’t hold my breath on production. He’s extremely volatile if active.
Chase Edmonds - Hip
He’s reportedly a game-time call this week. If he plays he’ll be volatile. After playing through an ankle, knee, and now hip issue, Edmonds is at an all-time high in terms of volatility. The flip side is he’s seen the same amount of volume. Playing him is your decision.
Le”Veon Bell - Knee
He saw just 28% of the Chiefs’ offensive snaps last week and is a weak option after being limited all week with a knee issue.
Wide Receiver
A.J. Brown - Ankle
Brown went DNP-FP-DNP which would be concerning if he were anybody else. Brown’s practice participation has been up and down all year.
DeVante Parker - Hamstring
His last game wasa 12/13 and he continues to be limited in practice. If he plays, rinse and repeat - he’s volatile.
Diontae Johnson - Illness
He was sick on Friday and missed practice, but in general this shouldn’t be a problem moving forward.
Allen Robinson - Hamstring
A-Rob has been battling this hammy for a couple of weeks now. This week he went FP-DNP-LP making him moderately volatile for cash games this week.
Tight Ends
Evan Engram - Calf
This calf issue is something he’s been fighting for a few weeks now. The smart move for the Giants would be to give him a break before this gets worse, but it’s unlikely he sits. He’s moderately volatile if active.
Quarterbacks
Alex Smith - Calf
If Smith goes he’s a highly volatile option missing it’s top wide out and potentially best running back. Look elsewhere for a higher percentage play.
Matthew Stafford - Ribs/Thumb/Ankle
Limited twice in a row this week, it’s the same song and dance with Stafford. If he plays, he’s highly volatile and a low percentage play.
