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.Â
Fantasy owners will be biting their fingernails throughout this week. Fantasy’s overall scoring leader this season is in serious danger of not suiting up for his game.
Jalen Hurts
Hurts played after he sprained his shoulder suggesting this was a mild sprain. Nonetheless, it is being reported he is likely to miss at least the Cowboys game. If you are looking for a reason to be optimistic here is a tweet about his miraculous healing powers.
Fantasy Impact: Hurts is the top overall scorer for fantasy so far this season. His production is irreplaceable. Gardner Minshew is one of the league’s best backup quarterbacks. Minshew has averaged over 20 fantasy points per game over his career with a lot weaker weapons than he has now. If you do not have a better option Minshew is a viable quarterback streamer this week. He should have all three top weapons with Goedert joining A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.
Tyler Lockett
Unfortunately, a broken finger is going to be very hard to suit up with for a wide receiver. This appears to be the end of the season for Tyler Lockett.
Fantasy impact: Lockett has had an outstanding year and has been one of the biggest values vs average draft position this season. Expect the Seahawks to go with a heavy diet of D.K. Metcalf for this game. He should approach a 30% target share.
Jonathan Taylor
Taylor exited his Week 15 matchup in the first quarter with an ankle sprain. With his absence, the Colts’ run game could not salt away a 33-point lead. The Vikings mounted the largest comeback in NFL history. Updates later showed this was a high ankle sprain which means Taylor is done for the season.
Fantasy Impact: With Taylor being such a bust this year it is unlikely many of his teams made the playoffs anyways. You will need to look to your bench or free agency to help your team. Zack Moss commanded the volume but was largely ineffective as he has been his whole career. Deon Jackson is my preferred option as he has already an 18-point fantasy game this season when Taylor was sidelined.
Ryan Tannehill
Tannehill went down with a painful ankle injury. Malik Willis came on in relief only attempting four passes.
Fantasy impact: Tannehill should not be starting in too many fantasy playoff games anyways. Willis is not a recommended pivot if you do need a starter.
A.J. Dillon
Dillon left Monday night’s game but he appears good to go.
Other notable players in the prior week’s estimated return to action:
Dallas Goedert – Shoulder – Week 16
Lamar Jackson – PCL – Week 16
Russell Wilson – Concussion – Week 16
Treylon Burks – Week 16
Mike White – Ribs – Week 16-17
Dameon Pierce – Week 16-17
Courtland Sutton – Week 16-17
Deebo Samuel – Week 18
Javonte Williams – ACL – Out for the season
Breece Hall – ACL – Out for the season
Kyle Pitts – MCL – Out for the season
Matthew Stafford – Out for the season
Jimmy Garoppolo – 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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