There are some notable injuries ahead of the NFL's Wild Card Weekend. While the vast majority of fantasy leagues have ended, many football fans are participating in playoff leagues or NFL DFS contests, which means we must monitor these situations closely. These are the latest notable injury updates as of Sunday morning, January 15th, 2023.
Fantasy football stalwarts such as Tua Tagovailoa, Lamar Jackson, Raheem Mostert, and many more have been dealing with injuries ahead of Sunday's Wild Card playoff slate. We have plenty of must-starts on this week's injury list, so fantasy managers should be ready to pivot should things go south.
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Lamar Jackson Injury Update
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (knee) has officially been ruled out for the Wild Card game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Jackson missed each of the Ravens' final five games and despite speculation that he'd return in the playoffs, he won't suit up in the opening round.
Tyler Huntley (shoulder/wrist) was a full participant in practice Friday but was listed as questionable. It's not safe to assume Huntley will definitely play, but there is a good chance. If Huntley can't go, Anthony Brown will make his second straight start. With Jackson out, continue to downgrade the outlooks of all Ravens running backs and pass-catchers.
Raheem Mostert Injury Update
Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert (thumb) will not play in the Wild Card game against the Buffalo Bills. Mostert suffered a broken thumb in the playoff-clinching win over the Jets, so it remains to be seen whether he could return next week should the Dolphins survive and advance.
With Mostert out of the picture, Jeff Wilson Jr. should see a healthy workload. That said, Buffalo should score with ease and force rookie Skylar Thompson into obvious passing situations. It's tough to project Wilson to have much volume or touchdown upside, so he's generally a weak DFS play in this game.
Gus Edwards Injury Update
Baltimore Ravens running back Gus Edwards has cleared the concussion protocol, so he will play in Sunday night's Wild Card game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Edwards has rushed 87 times for 433 yards and three touchdowns this season in nine games played but has not caught a pass on two total targets.
The Bengals have allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points to running backs this season, so Edwards' role in a split backfield with J.K. Dobbins doesn't present much upside in this spot. Edwards will likely have to score multiple touchdowns to be a DFS-viable option, and it's tough to see Baltimore's offense performing well with backup quarterback Tyler Huntley likely under center once again.
Kyle Rudolph Injury Update
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Kyle Rudolph (knee) is considered doubtful for Monday's Wild Card game against the Dallas Cowboys. The veteran tight end suffered a knee injury during the regular season finale.
He has been sitting out of practice, which isn't a good sign heading into Wild Card weekend. His absence would mean a bigger workload for Cade Otton and Cameron Brate in the offense. Rudolph hasn't been a great option even when healthy. Fantasy managers should stay away from Rudolph for this weekend's slate.
Julio Jones Injury Update
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Julio Jones (knee) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Monday's Wild Card game against the Dallas Cowboys. The veteran wideout sat out of Week 18 and has missed seven games this season due to injuries.
It appears Jones is doing better and should suit up for this weekend's matchup versus Dallas. Jones struggled during his first season in Tampa Bay, but injuries played a big part in that. Fellow wideout Russell Gage will likely have less of a role with Jones back in action this weekend.
Teddy Bridgewater Injury Update
Miami Dolphins quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (finger, knee) was limited in practice all week and is officially questionable to suit up in Sunday's Wild Card game against the division-rival Buffalo Bills. The Dolphins have already announced that seventh-round rookie Skylar Thompson will make the start this weekend, so if Bridgewater is active, he'll be the backup.
The 30-year-old fractured the pinkie finger on his throwing hand in Week 17 and served as Thompson's backup in the Week 18 regular-season finale. Starter Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) hasn't played since Christmas Day after suffering his second concussion of the year. Fantasy managers should stay far away from Thompson in playoff leagues.
Isaiah McKenzie Injury Update
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie (hamstring) missed practice on Thursday and Friday and is listed as questionable to play in the Wild Card game on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. It's not a good sign that the 27-year-old missed the last two practices of the week after being limited on Wednesday, so he could be a game-time decision for the first of three playoff games on Sunday.
McKenzie didn't do as much as some fantasy managers were projecting during training camp, as he finished the regular season with 42 catches (65 targets) for 423 yards and four touchdowns in 15 games. If he does suit up, he'll be a low-ceiling, touchdown-dependent DFS play. Rookie Khalil Shakir and veteran Cole Beasley figure to share slot duties if McKenzie is ruled out.
Tyler Huntley Injury Update
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley has been dealing with shoulder inflammation in recent weeks. The issue kept him out of last week's regular-season finale against the Cincinnati Bengals and has limited him in the Ravens' practices this week.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport is reporting that Huntley will see action in Sunday's Wild Card rematch versus the Bengals and will split time with Baltimore QB Anthony Brown.
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