Injuries are inevitable in fantasy football. How you prepare and react to them is what can make or break your fantasy team. Did you build a bench with sufficient depth to withstand the running back carousel? How do you pivot if a key player goes on injured reserve? Each week we will look at the most impactful injuries in the fantasy world and what players will step up their fantasy production as a result.
This week’s fantasy round-up column features one of the biggest fantasy turnaround stories of the year. Unfortunately, that turnaround story is taking a detour with an injury that could put him on the shelf for a while.
Justin Fields
A description of day-to-day seems optimistic for a quarterback with a shoulder dislocation. Of course the advantage the Bears get from the opposing defense’s game planning for such a unique talent as Justin Fields would be significant. Fields is the top overall quarterback in fantasy points over the last four weeks, so this would be a gigantic loss for fantasy owners. This may be a pain tolerance issue more than anything. With the Bears floundering a Fields shutdown is certainly possible.
Fantasy Impact: Expect a heavy dose of David Montgomery if Justin Fields misses games. Other than that I would stay away from the Bear’s offense.
Wan’Dale Robinson
Personally, today is a solemn day. If you have followed my work for a while you know how big of a Wan’Dale Robinson truther I have been. He was my pick for the best value in dynasty rookie drafts with an early third-round average draft position. This led me to have 100% dynasty ownership. The injury came during his breakout week where he accumulated 9 receptions, 13 targets, and 100 yards receiving. Robinson was my rookie wide receiver six overall in this class as you can read about in my WR1 rating analytical breakdown. He was only behind Drake London, Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Jameson Williams, and Treylon Burks.
Fantasy Impact: Robinson is out for the year. Using Michael Gallup (January ACL tear) and Chris Godwin (December ACL tear) as recent comps, I would expect Robinson to be ready close to week 1 next year.
Kyle Pitts
Kyle Pitts may be the biggest fantasy bust of the season. While this injury news may seem major it can relieve you of the feeling that you need to start him weekly due to your investment. Pitts should make a full recovery and be ready for week one next year, hopefully with a new quarterback.
Fantasy Impact: I do firmly believe Kyle Pitts is a stud and his lack of production is due to the QB and coach holding him back. Pitts still ranks second among all tight ends in target share and first in air yards. Hopefully, this means the few crumbs available in the Falcon pass attack will go toward Drake London.
Matthew Stafford
The Ram’s playoff hopes are dwindling. Players coming off a concussion have tended to miss the following week. I would expect the same for Stafford.
Fantasy Impact: Looks like John Wolford may be getting another start. Hopefully, you can find better streaming options on your waiver wire.
Other notable players in the prior week’s estimated return to action:
Jameson Williams – ACL – Week 12-13
Gus Edwards – Week 12
Carson Wentz – Week 12-13
Marquise Brown – Week 12
Leonard Fournette – Week 12
Ja’Marr Chase – Week 12-13
JuJu Smith-Schuster – Concussion – Week 13
Matthew Stafford – Concussion – Week 13
PJ Walker – High Ankle – Week 13-14
J.K. Dobbins – Knee – Week 13-14
Jerry Jeudy – Week 13-14
Dallas Goedert – Shoulder – Week 14-15
Darren Waller – Hamstring – Week 14-Season
Daniel Bellinger – Broken eye socket – Week 14-15
Hunter Renfrow– Week 15
Javonte Williams – ACL – Out for the season
Breece Hall – ACL – Out for the season
Rashaad Penny – Broken fibula – Out for the season
Wan’Dale Robinson – ACL – Out for the season
Michael Thomas – Turf Toe – Out for the season
Sterling Shepard – Out for the season
Cooper Kupp – Ankle – Out for the season
Trey Lance – Out for the season
I hope you enjoyed reading my article. My goal is to provide actionable advice you can utilize to improve your dynasty team. You can follow me on Twitter @force_fantasy. #DFFArmy #FantasyFootball #AlwaysBeBuilding #NFL #NFLDraft #NFLTransactions #NFLTrades #AlwaysBeScouting
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