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Here it is folks, the moment we've all been waiting for. Fantasy championship week is finally here (in most leagues), and I'm here to congratulate you if you've made it this far! Week 16 was a solid week, and the number of fantasy-relevant injuries went down significantly compared to Week 15.
But of course, there were still a bunch of important injuries you should watch and consider before your biggest game of the fantasy football season. You can't afford to make any mistakes right now!
Without further ado, let's look at some injuries to watch and consider heading into Week 17. 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.
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Jalen Hurts, QB, Philadelphia Eagles
Jalen Hurts and the Eagles were looking to win the NFC East for the second time in three years heading into Week 16, but everything went wrong in their 36-33 loss against the Washington Commanders.
Jalen Hurts is the perfect example of taking someone for granted
Jalen is a Top 5 QB there is really no debate after watching this game
— Mochila Jones (@BackPackJones) December 22, 2024
The Eagles will still win their 16th division title if they win one of their last two games, but doing so is easier said than done without their franchise quarterback. Hurts got concussed early on and never returned, and Kenny Pickett finished the game in his place.
Eagles HC Nick Sirianni later confirmed that Hurts was diagnosed with a concussion, and will spend the week trying to clear the league's concussion protocol.
Most players usually miss a game due to this before they can return, but Hurts' former teammate Zach Ertz managed to successfully clear the protocol without missing a game last week.
Even if he plays, he won't get many practice reps, so the Eagles will likely feed Saquon Barkley in his quest for a 2,000-yard season.
Jalen Tolbert, WR, Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are missing Dak Prescott and have been eliminated from playoff contention, but they're still fighting like a playoff team. They unexpectedly beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 16, and Jalen Tolbert's first-quarter touchdown was a big reason why.
That was Tolbert's third touchdown in five weeks, but his Grinch-inspired celebrations were short-lived due to a finger injury. Tolbert didn't play another snap, but eventually returned to the Cowboys' bench and looked fine when talking to CeeDee Lamb once the game ended.
CeeDee Lamb and Jalen Tolbert head toward a victorious #Cowboys locker room. pic.twitter.com/8EUlgryKQD
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdNFL) December 23, 2024
James Conner, RB, Arizona Cardinals
Entering Week 16's game against Carolina, James Conner had 973 rushing yards, 67 less than his career-high in a season. He surpassed that quite easily, rushing for 117 yards, making this the second season of his career with over 1,000 yards on the ground.
Unfortunately, Conner probably won't have the chance to add to his new career high as he hurt his knee in the third quarter.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport claimed the Cardinals will probably shut him down for the rest of the season because they have been eliminated from playoff contention. Trey Benson (if he recovers from his own injury) and Michael Carter will lead the Cardinals' rushing attack if Conner is shut down.
Drake London, WR, Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons took a huge step toward winning the NFC South in Michael Penix Jr.'s first start, and they now control their destiny after beating the Giants. Their standout WR Drake London hurt his hamstring in the game, but it doesn't look like a serious injury.
After the game, Falcons head coach Raheem Morris told reporters that London could have returned to the game following the injury if the game's score was closer. London will look to play in Week 17, but Darnell Mooney and Ray-Ray McCloud III will be there if he misses time.
Tank Dell, WR, Houston Texans
On paper, the 2024 Houston Texans have one of the most talented WR rooms of all time. But the sad reality is that football isn't played on paper.
Texans HC DeMeco Ryans says WR Tank Dell suffered dislocated kneecap, torn ACL and other damage; will undergo season-ending surgery. pic.twitter.com/wuvFdKhIAf
— NFL (@NFL) December 23, 2024
Nico Collins has missed multiple games due to injury, Stefon Diggs tore his ACL in Week 8, and Tank Dell suffered a gruesome injury against the Chiefs in Week 16.
Texans HC DeMeco Ryans confirmed Dell dislocated his knee, tore his ACL, and suffered additional damage. Dell will most likely be out for most of the 2025 season, which is a brutal blow to C.J. Stroud's young and talented Texans team.
Kenneth Walker III, RB, Seattle Seahawks
After a great rookie season, many had high hopes for Kenneth Walker to become a perennial Pro Bowler. Sadly, injuries have hampered him in the last two seasons. After missing the previous two games, Walker returned to the field in Week 16.
Walker got hurt again after just eight carries against the Vikings, and Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald claimed he was "unsure" about the extent of Walker's injury. Zach Charbonnet had a putrid performance in Week 16 but will get an increased role if Walker misses time.
George Pickens, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
Despite missing the last three games, George Pickens still leads the Steelers in receiving by over 300 yards. Pickens has been out due to a hamstring injury but is working to make his return very soon.
Adam Schefter told The Pat McAfee Show that George Pickens has a real chance to play against the Chiefs. Tomlin really said same thing on Sunday. #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/7wbwjT45DF
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) December 23, 2024
The star WR returned to practice on Monday and worked on individual drills. "I hope so," Pickens said when asked if he could play in Week 17. "It will depend on how I feel."
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and ESPN's Adam Schefter both said Pickens has "a real chance" to play against the Chiefs.
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