RADIO
The 2024 NFL season is nearing its end, and the fantasy playoffs are about to start. Many teams are fighting for final playoff spots and can't afford to miss injury news for key players on their team.
In what is the final week of the regular season in most fantasy leagues, there are many impactful injuries to keep an eye on heading into Sunday and Monday. Seeing which players are dealing with injuries and which ones aren't quite at 100% yet will go a long way if you're looking to win your fantasy matchup this week and cement your place in the fantasy playoffs.
Without further ado, let's look at some injuries to watch and consider heading into Week 14. Don't forget to bookmark our fantasy football player news page, or download the free RotoBaller fantasy football mobile app with push notification alerts to stay notified.
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2024:- Quarterback fantasy football rankings
- Running back fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
- Tight end fantasy football rankings
- Kicker fantasy football rankings
- FLEX fantasy football rankings
- Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
- Superflex fantasy football rankings
- IDP fantasy football rankings
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
Key Players Ruled Out
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman, Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White
Bucky Irving, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (hip/back) is officially questionable for Sunday's matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders. He didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday, but was limited on practice on Friday. The fact he is on the upswing heading into Sunday should leave fantasy managers optimistic about his status.
If Irving were to miss out, Rachaad White and Sean Tucker would get more touches out of the backfield and in the passing game, making both worthy of starting consideration.
Ladd McConkey, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (knee/shoulder) is officially questionable for Sunday night against the Kansas City Chiefs. McConkey was limited in practice all week, which makes his status up in the air. Given how crucial he is to the Chargers offense, it's hard to imagine the rookie missing an important game if he is anywhere close to 100%.
Will Ladd McConkey suit up for the Chargers vs. the Chiefs this week? @profootballdoc does not see any significant injury that will prevent him from playing. #boltup pic.twitter.com/ae1iC7txTb
— Sports Injury Central (@SICscore) December 6, 2024
In case Ladd misses the game, fantasy owners would be smart to have guys like Quentin Johnston, Josh Palmer, and Will Dissly (if just in need of a flex) all could thrive in Ladd's absence.
D.J. Moore, WR, and D'Andre Swift, RB, Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears wide receiver D.J. Moore and running back D'Andre Swift (quad) are both officially questionable with quad injuries after limited practices Friday.
If Moore misses Sunday's matchup with the San Francisco 49ers, Rome Odunze, Keenan Allen, and Cole Kmet all would likely get increased opportunities in the Bears offense and what has been an usually vulnerable 49ers defense this season. With Roschon Johnson out, Swift's potential replacements that could be fantasy relevant are Travis Homer and Darrynton Evans.
George Pickens, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (hamstring) was fine all week until Friday's practice, where he suffered a hamstring injury, making him questionable for Sunday against division rival the Cleveland Browns.
The unfortunate nature of an injury in practice just before Sunday should have fantasy managers feeling concerned, but that doesn't mean Pickens won't play. He is definitely someone worth keeping a close eye on, as there is limited information about his injury currently.
The Pittsburgh #Steelers had a fully healthy team at practice on Thursday. That good injury news lasted all of 24 hours, as star wide receiver George Pickens unexpectedly landed on the injured report on Friday with a hamstring injury. #NFLhttps://t.co/5dLH50rfJJ
— NFL Spy (@NFL_Spy) December 6, 2024
If Pickens were to miss Sunday's game, Pat Freiermuth would likely be the main benefactor, along with running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren in what would likely turn into a run-heavy approach.
Kenneth Walker III, RB, Seattle Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (ankle/calf) looks unlikely to play despite a questionable tag against the Arizona Cardinals after not practicing the last two days.
Walker III has been somewhat banged up all season since missing Weeks 2 and 3, so it is unfortunate for fantasy managers the injuries are finally catching up to him at a significant point in the fantasy season. However, Zach Charbonnet in the past has served as a formidable handcuff, and that should once again be the case this week, whether Walker III is ruled out or limited.
Malik Nabers, WR, New York Giants
New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (groin/hip) looks uncertain to play with his questionable tag against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. Nabers was already playing through a groin injury, but now has suffered a new hip flexor injury, which held him out of practice Friday.
#Giants WR Malik Nabers has a hip flexor injury that happened in practice yesterday and he had to get an MRI. He will not practice today.
A final determination on his game status will be made later today. pic.twitter.com/KVNGh4Gy7a
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) December 6, 2024
With Nabers already questionable, it seems unlikely Nabers will play given he didn't practice and the Giants have nothing to play for. In Nabers's absence, Wan'Dale Robinson and Darious Slayton would become the top receiver options with Theo Johnson, Tyrone Tracy Jr., and Devin Singletary also potentially helping out Drew Lock in the passing game.
Breece Hall, RB, New York Jets
New York Jets running back Breece Hall (knee) is officially listed as doubtful for Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. After missing practice all week, he looks unlikely to play in what is an important week for many fantasy managers.
Smart fantasy managers would have Braelon Allen stashed and ready to go, who should be a huge asset this week in relief of Hall. Allen earlier in the season has shown flashes of talent despite being a rookie backup, so it is intriguing to see what he will do with this sudden starting opportunity.
CeeDee Lamb, WR, Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) seems likely to play Monday against Cincinnati Bengals after a limited practice Friday. In what should be a great matchup, fantasy managers should feel optimistic about Lamb's potential to earn targets and thrive in fantasy especially in PPR leagues.
It would be worth having backup options just in case, such as Brandin Cooks and Jake Ferguson, who could both become vital parts of the Cowboys passing attack without Lamb in the mix.
Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App
Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!
