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It's time for the fantasy football championship matchup in most leagues, so staying up to date on the latest injury news is paramount to capturing a fantasy title. Managers have already had to suffer through the loss of Derrick Henry (hip) and Tony Pollard (tight) from Thursday night and there are more players who could be out, creating tough start-or-sit decisions. Our injury updates and reports for Week 17 as of Friday, December, 30th will give you the latest scoop on key guys. As always, some players have more "real" risk to miss Week 17 than others, but things change quickly, so it's important to stay up to date.
Jalen Hurts, Lamar Jackson, Tua Tagovailoa, Tyler Lockett, Deebo Samuel, and more are all in real danger of missing Week 17. We have plenty of must-starts on this week's injury list, so fantasy managers should be ready to pivot should things go south.
To keep close tabs on all of the news across the NFL, make sure to favorite or bookmark the fantasy football player news page, or download the free RotoBaller fantasy football mobile app with push notification alerts on all the latest news. Let's look at the updates for some wide receivers and see whether they may play in Week 17.
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Jalen Hurts Injury Update
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (shoulder) was limited in practice on Thursday and Friday, but he'll head into the Week 17 game on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints with a doubtful tag. It shouldn't come as much of a surprise to fantasy managers after Hurts sprained his right shoulder in Week 15. This will be his second straight game on the sidelines.
However, there's a chance he could play in Week 18 in the regular season finale if the Eagles have yet to clinch the NFC East division and a first-round bye in the playoffs. Backup Gardner Minshew is in line to make his second straight start in place of Hurts, and he'll be on the QB1/2 borderline after throwing for 355 yards and accounting for three TDs in last week's loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
Lamar Jackson Injury Update
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (knee) missed his 12th straight practice on Friday. It looks like backup Tyler Huntley will start under center for the fourth straight game in Week 17 against the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday Night Football. At this point, Jackson is unlikely to play until the postseason after spraining his knee in Week 13 against the Denver Broncos.
With limited weapons in the passing game (that's putting it nicely), Huntley has predictably struggled to do much in Jackson's absence in the last three games. The 24-year-old has completed just 57.6 percent of his 59 pass attempts for 341 yards, one touchdown and an interception while carrying the ball 26 times for 72 yards. Huntley will be a low-upside, low-end QB2 in superflex leagues on Sunday night.
Tua Tagovailoa Injury Update
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) has officially been ruled out for Week 17 against the New England Patriots, according to head coach Mike McDaniel. Tagovailoa suffered his second concussion of the year in the Christmas Day loss to the Green Bay Packers and has been away from the team this week, so backup Teddy Bridgewater will get the nod on Sunday against the Pats.
The question now becomes, does the 24-year-old Tagovailoa clear the concussion protocols in time to play in Week 18? He's being evaluated on a day-to-day basis, but there's no guarantee we see Tua again this season if the Dolphins don't make the playoffs. With Bridgewater under center, Miami's offensive skill players should receive a downgrade in fantasy. However, receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle remain must-starts.
Tyler Lockett Injury Update
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (hand) returned to practice on Thursday. He practiced in a limited capacity, which was an improvement considering he was unable to practice at all on Wednesday.
The 30-year-old missed last week's game but has otherwise been an impact player this season, catching 78 passes for 964 yards and eight touchdowns. He will rank as a mid-to-low WR2 upon his return to action.
Trevor Lawrence Injury Update
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (toe) was a limited participant in practice on Thursday and Friday after not practicing at all on Wednesday, and is officially questionable to face the Houston Texans in Week 17. No matter what happens on Sunday, the Jaguars will face the Tennessee Titans for the AFC South championship and the right to host a playoff game in the Wild Card round.
That said, Jacksonville could give Lawrence the day off. If he doesn't play, CJ Beathard would start. It would be a tough break for fantasy managers of Lawrence, Christian Kirk, Evan Engram, and Zay Jones, but it's a real possibility.
Deebo Samuel Injury Update
UPDATE: Deebo Samuel has officially been ruled out for Week 17.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (ankle, knee) was indeed practicing on Thursday. Samuel was seen doing a little dancing and also ran some routes. It doesn't mean he will return this Sunday to face the Las Vegas Raiders, but it's a great sign for his availability in the playoffs. Thursday is Samuel's first day practicing since he suffered knee and ankle injuries in Week 14.
The 26-year-old will likely be listed as a limited practice participant on Thursday, but fantasy managers playing for a championship either this week or next shouldn't be holding out any hope that he'll suit up, let alone be productive. Even if Samuel were to play this weekend, the Niners would likely cap his snaps in order to make sure he doesn't suffer a setback.
DeAndre Hopkins Injury Update
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (knee) could miss the Week 17 game against the Atlanta Falcons. Head coach Kliff Kingsbury said the team will see how Hopkins feels on Saturday before making a decision. Colt McCoy (concussion) protocol has already been ruled out and David Blough has been named the starter.
It seems like the Cardinals are waving the white flag this week, so it'll be no shock if Hopkins doesn't take the risk of playing in a "meaningless" game. If he does play, it's hard to bench him since he's produced will several bottom-of-the-barrel quarterback in his career, but his touchdown upside will be capped.
Antonio Gibson Injury Update
Washington Commanders running back Antonio Gibson (foot, knee) missed practice all week and was officially ruled out on Friday for the Week 17 contest against the Cleveland Browns on New Year's Day. The Commanders said earlier in the week that Gibson's injury wasn't considered serious, so perhaps he'll be able to make it back for the regular season finale in Week 18.
With the 24-year-old sidelined this weekend, it will raise the ceiling and floor of rookie lead back Brian Robinson in an excellent matchup against Cleveland's suspect run defense. Jonathan Williams will also have an expanded role behind Robinson and could have some deep-league appeal in PPR scoring formats.
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