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It's Week 17, and while most teams are eliminated from playoff contention in fantasy football by now, winning consolation bracket games still matters in many leagues, and lots of managers have multiple teams, some of which have made it to the end.
The season is almost over, and while we'll likely miss having so much NFL action in the offseason, we definitely won't miss injury updates. It's never fun to read about one of your players being hurt, but it's still good to know what's going on with them.
Unfortunately, this piece will be loaded because a ton of players are hurt. We'll give you a run-down on each one.
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James Conner Injury Update
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner suffered a knee injury in Week 16. As he was being tackled by a defender, he took an awkward step with his right leg, which appeared to bend his knee backward slightly more than normal. You can see a video of the play below.
James Conner #cardinals
Brief hyperextension moment of the right knee here, not likely enough to put major stress on any key ligaments. We’ll see if he can return pic.twitter.com/CFmsdEpCSB
— Tom Christ, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT (@FantasyInjuryT) December 22, 2024
He wasn't able to return to the contest, as he was ruled out due to his injury. Still, in just 44% of the team's offensive snaps, he was able to rack up 117 rushing yards and one rush TD on 15 carries, and he caught all four of his targets for 49 yards.
James Conner reportedly wants to play.
It’ll likely come down to swelling and pain, assuming he has a bone bruise from the hyperextension. https://t.co/lhwETK8Xd8— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) December 24, 2024
NFL Insider summed it up pretty well -- we'll just have to wait and see. But he has a chance of playing in Week 17 right now.
Jalen Hurts Injury Update
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (concussion, finger) is dealing with a concussion he picked up in last week's game against the Washington Commanders. He was hit in the back of the head by a Commanders defender as he was falling to the ground.
Jalen Hurts #eagles
Being evaluated for a concussion after this hit pic.twitter.com/CS0gRQD5hp
— Tom Christ, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT (@FantasyInjuryT) December 22, 2024
After a 13-yard rushing play, he was pulled from the game, diagnosed with a concussion, and placed into the league's concussion protocol. Typically, it takes players longer than a week to recover from traumatic brain injuries, so his Week 17 availability is in serious doubt.
He wouldn't have practiced Wednesday, as he was labeled a "Did Not Participate" on Philly's estimated practice report. It seems unlikely he'll take the field this weekend, but then again, the NFL's protocol has been easy to game for some time now.
We'll just have to wait and see what happens.
Terry McLaurin Injury Update
Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin is dealing with an ankle injury right now. We had another glorious estimated practice report in his case (you'll start to see a lot of those coming up), and was technically not a participant in that.
The Commanders did not practice today (worked Tuesday). This is an estimation of the injury report had they practiced (trending well for Jon Allen): pic.twitter.com/8xDKzAEIKS
— John Keim (@john_keim) December 25, 2024
He didn't miss any playing time in Week 16. This seems likely to be a veteran's rest more than anything, and he deserves it. He's caught 73 passes on 98 targets for 1,029 yards and 12 touchdowns, having a breakout season that's coincided with the arrival of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.
It doesn't seem like he'll miss Week 17. His team still hasn't technically locked in a playoff spot.
Kenneth Walker III Injury Update
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III is dealing with an ankle injury. He ended up playing in Week 16 despite dealing with a calf issue the week before and an ankle issue previously, and it's not known whether he reinjured the same ankle in that game.
Kenneth Walker has been ruled out for Thursday. Zach Charbonnet 🚀🚀🚀
— Adam Ronis (@AdamRonis) December 25, 2024
However, he's been ruled out of Week 17's game, which falls on Thursday Night Football, so fantasy managers need to roll with their backup plans. This makes backup RB Zach Charbonnet a much better option to start in fantasy football, as he'll be the starter now.
CeeDee Lamb Injury Update
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) is still dealing with the shoulder injury that he picked up weeks ago. It's not obvious yet whether he'll have to have surgery on it during the offseason, but it seems that it's something that will linger until the year is over.
CeeDee Lamb -
In a lot of pain as he aggravates his right AC sprain. Basically one that’s going to hurt every time he lands on that side.
We’ll see if he’s able to keep going or not. Guy is tough. pic.twitter.com/RwnsYDChro— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) December 23, 2024
We've seen him land on his injured shoulder and appear to be in serious physical pain plenty of times now. Unsurprisingly, he wouldn't have practiced on Wednesday if the team had held a session, according to the estimated injury report.
He continues to play through his injury, so it seems unlikely that he'll miss Week 17 unless the team intentionally shuts him down for the year.
Joe Burrow, Tee Higgins Injury Update
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (wrist, knee) continues to deal with a wrist issue related to the surgery he had on the wrist of his throwing arm last season. He's also dealing with a knee ailment. But he's played through both problems during games now.
What Joe Burrow is doing to avoid pass rushers in the pocket this year is nothing short of amazing
It’s even more amazing when you remember he’s coming off of a terrible wrist injury and completely blowing up his knee a few years agopic.twitter.com/Z5ZsNeNpRG
— Bengals Graphics (@BengalsGraphic5) December 23, 2024
Neither of them is reportedly serious, and he can play well despite both of them. It's probably more of a pain tolerance thing for him, and we doubt he misses any time. He practiced in a limited fashion on Wednesday. He'll likely play in Week 17.
His teammate, wide receiver Tee Higgins (ankle, knee), also logged a limited practice yesterday.
Tee Higgins #bengals
Injured his left ankle on this play pic.twitter.com/OKYkKBwu86
— Tom Christ, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT (@FantasyInjuryT) December 22, 2024
He was able to finish last week's game after briefly exiting due to the injury or injuries caused by the play above. That and his practice participation bodes well for his chances to play in Saturday's game against the Denver Broncos.
J.K. Dobbins Injury Update
Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins (knee) isn't eligible to return from injured reserve until Week 18. However, he had his 21-day practice window opened ahead of this week and was (estimated as!) having a limited practice on Wednesday.
#Chargers will be opening J.K. Dobbins' 21-day window today, Jim Harbaugh tells reporters. Dobbins has been on IR for the past four games with a knee injury.
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) December 23, 2024
He's now listed as "Questionable" for his Week 17 game. It's still unknown if he'll play yet. This is another injury that could come down to the wire -- we may not know if he'll play until the final list of inactive players is released. That's due 90 minutes before kickoff.
Tyrone Tracy Jr. Injury Update
New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (ankle) has been dealing with an ankle injury for multiple weeks now. However, he has yet to miss a game to this point. It seems like he has a good chance of playing. He was a non-participant on the Giants' estimated practice report Wednesday.
Tyrone Tracy Sidelined Wednesday
Giants RB Tyrone Tracy (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday. He aggravated an ankle injury in the Week 16 loss to the Falcons and seems iffy for Sunday's game vs. the Colts. We'll update Tracy's status again tomorrow. His absence would l... pic.twitter.com/6zEyihtVu0
— Draft Sharks (@DraftSharks) December 26, 2024
This situation will also require patience from fantasy managers. We'll have to see if he can return to practice before the game, and it's certainly possible he heads into Sunday's contest with an injury designation.
Drake London Injury Update
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London suffered a hamstring malady in Week 16 against the New York Giants. After playing 73% of the team's offensive snaps, he was forced out of the game with his issue and wasn't able to return.
#Cardinals James Conner - Video suggests PCL sprain +/- bone bruise. Doesn't look severe on video. Lean towards short-term absence (if any)#Falcons Drake London - Hamstring. Avg = 2 wks. Comments suggest he could've returned. Lean towards Wk 17 return
2/4
— Deepak Chona, MD. SportsMedAnalytics (@SportMDAnalysis) December 23, 2024
The injury was alluded to as minor, though, and he practiced in a limited manner on Wednesday. The Falcons are in must-win mode now, as they're fighting for the NFC South division crown and could be one loss away from missing the postseason. That should provide extra motivation for London to not miss time.
It seems like he has a good chance of playing on Sunday.
Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle Injury Updates
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (wrist, rest) was estimated to have had a limited practice Wednesday, but that's largely irrelevant. He has a torn ligament in his wrist but hasn't missed any playing time because of it. He'll most likely play through the injury in Week 17. There's almost no concern about him missing playing time here.
Good stuff from our @stclaudeii , who spent time with Tyreek Hill today in Aventura. He disclosed the precise injury he's dealing with. https://t.co/PVAyFe0LRS
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) December 23, 2024
His teammate, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (knee), has a less optimistic outlook. He continues to deal with the knee issue that had him listed as "Doubtful" ahead of Week 16's game, and he was estimated to be a non-participant yesterday.
First Dolphins-Browns injury report, which is an estimation as Miami did not go through drills on Christmas Day. pic.twitter.com/XPaBRyDnMn
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) December 25, 2024
Hill will probably play, but Waddle's status is much more up in the air. The team could opt to shut him down, as it has a minuscule chance of making the playoffs at this point. There's still a chance, though, so if JDubs is healthy enough to go, he should at least get a chance.
Tony Pollard Injury Update
Once again, Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (ankle) missed practices last week and was listed as "Questionable" entering the contest before ultimately playing anyway. He's dealt with a slew of injury issues this season, previously dealing with a foot ailment for multiple weeks and more recently an ankle injury that's lingered.
Final @Titans vs @Colts Injury Report. pic.twitter.com/UDLhWoz0GD
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) December 20, 2024
You can see last week's injury report above. TP had a "DNP" designation for yesterday's estimated practice. Considering that he's played despite multiple weeks with those non-participant labels, it's too early to assume anything yet.
Whether due to the game script, his health, or both, he's seen a substantial dip in offensive snaps in his last three games.
David Njoku Injury Update
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku is dealing with a knee issue. His team's estimated practice report on Wednesday had him in the Did Not Participate category. He picked up the issue in last week's game and was forced out of the contest.
Two more injuries to monitor for the #Browns with an eye toward this weekend: DTR has a calf injury and TE David Njoku has a knee injury.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 23, 2024
He hasn't yet been ruled out for Week 17, so there's a chance he could play. We will see.
Alvin Kamara Injury Update
Another player, another estimated non-participant in practice. New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (groin) wasn't able to play in Week 16 due to an injury to the adductor muscles in his upper leg. He wants to play in Week 17.
Alvin Kamara Still Listed As DNP With Groin Injuryhttps://t.co/o8TfNmKHP6
— RotoBaller NFL (@RotoBallerNFL) December 26, 2024
Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi should update us on his probable status for Week 17 later this week. It's unknown right now, and it's not possible to make an informed decision without more data yet.
Malik Nabers Injury Update
To this point, New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (toe) has battled through toe, ankle, head, groin, and likely other issues this year. He "didn't practice" on Wednesday, though it was yet another estimated report. But there haven't been reports if the issues are serious.
Malik Nabers Out Wednesday
Giants WR Malik Nabers (toe) did not practice on Wednesday. It's a new injury for the rookie, who's battled groin and hip injuries recently. We'll see if Nabers gets back on the field tomorrow, ahead of Sunday's game vs. the Colts. pic.twitter.com/jc62PzXOKj
— Draft Sharks (@DraftSharks) December 26, 2024
He could just be getting rest days at this point, as he quickly became the team's most important offensive player. And the Giants are eliminated from playoff contention, so it doesn't make sense to put him through more practice if he's dealing with any pain.
Right now, we doubt he misses time.
Brenton Strange Injury Update
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange (shoulder) practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday. He's dealing with the same shoulder issue he fought through in Week 16, and probably will be until after the end of the season.
Brenton Strange was the TE4 on TE2 overall usage in Week 15. Then fumbles headed into halftime and runs 3 more catchless routes the rest of the game while working as the Jaguars third-string TE. Fun fun fun.
— Hayden Winks (@HaydenWinks) December 23, 2024
His usage disappointed in Week 16, likely due partially to the injury and partially due to the fumble he coughed up in the second quarter. Perhaps his usage won't improve, as the ailment doesn't seem to be going anywhere, but it seems unlikely that he'll miss next week's game.
Isaac Guerendo Injury Update
San Francisco 49ers running back Isaac Guerendo (hamstring) is dealing with a hamstring injury currently. He wasn't able to play in Week 16. San Fran doesn't play until Monday in Week 17, so the team hasn't held any practices yet.
INJURY UPDATE: Isaac Guerendo (hamstring) expected to practice later this week per Kyle Shanahan
— The Fantasy Source (@FantasySource_) December 24, 2024
They also haven't held a walkthrough, so we won't need to speculate over DNP designations on estimated (i.e. somewhat real!) practice reports, but on Christmas Eve, at least we got the above optimistic update from 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan.
Not that he can be trusted at all regarding injuries, but at least this one will be easy to verify. Wait and see time!
Anthony Richardson Injury Update
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is dealing with back and foot issues and was "estimated" as a "DNP" on Wednesday's estimated practice report. This doesn't tell us much, and it could just have been a rest day for him.
Anthony Richardson was estimated to miss practice today (it was a walkthrough) with foot and back injuries.
I asked him yesterday how he felt coming out of such a run-heavy game late in the season: pic.twitter.com/KpLbcMBckR
— Nate Atkins (@NateAtkins_) December 25, 2024
ARich spoke about how he was feeling in an interview after the game, as you can see from the above post. But we have little insight into his actual status heading into Sunday's game. More practice reports will be more revealing about his future status.
Currently, though, we'd say he'll log a few limited sessions and play anyway.
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