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With the fantasy football playoff semifinals underway in most leagues for Week 16 of the NFL season, injuries continue to impact the upcoming schedule. These play a huge factor in start/sit decisions for fantasy managers. Our injury updates and reports for Week 16 as of Sunday, December 24, 2023, will give you the latest updates on key fantasy football assets and help you to make informed roster decisions.
The injury news for Week 16 of the NFL season has featured many notable fantasy football players such as Tyreek Hill, Michael Pittman Jr., Nico Collins, Josh Jacobs, and more.
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 key fantasy options and see whether they may play in Week 16.
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Tyreek Hill Injury Update
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Dolphins are "optimistic" that wide receiver Tyreek Hill (ankle) will suit up for Sunday's game versus the Dallas Cowboys. The wideout has battled an ankle injury, keeping him off the field for the Week 15 AFC East clash with the New York Jets. Fortunately, he logged a few limited practice sessions during the week, so there's a good chance he'll shed his questionable tag and be back in the lineup for a must-win matchup.
Dolphins are optimistic that WR Tyreek Hill, who is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game due to an ankle injury, will play vs. the Cowboys, per source. They are said to just want to make sure how he is feeling Sunday before making a final decision on his status.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 24, 2023
Without question, Hill has been one of the most dominant producers all season, meaning he needs to be included in all fantasy lineups, at least once he gets the green light. Assuming that's the case, Hill's availability could mean fewer targets for Jaylen Waddle, who caught eight passes for 142 yards and a score versus the Jets.
De'Von Achane Injury Update
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (toe) is expected to play in Week 16 versus Dallas. The rookie missed practice on Wednesday because of a toe injury. However, he logged limited sessions on Thursday and Friday, so there's a good chance he'll be on the field on Sunday for the must-win matchup.
De’Von Achane has no injury designation for the first time in weeks. #FinsUp
Merry Christmas! 🎁 pic.twitter.com/wluy6xnzLQ
— David Olivarez (@DavidO_DFS) December 24, 2023
Of course, Achane's looming availability will likely mean fewer touches for Raheem Mostert (knee, ankle). But Miami's high-powered offensive approach should allow Achane and Mostert to remain involved in a high-capacity, meaning there's room for both players to be featured in fantasy lineups.
Michael Pittman Jr. Injury Update
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (concussion, shoulder) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 16 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. As expected, Pittman will sit this game out after suffering a concussion last week. The Colts aren't going to push anything especially with Pittman dealing with multiple injuries.
Colts WR Michael Pittman Jr has been ruled OUT vs Falcons. pic.twitter.com/B9lgiVkM8g
— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) December 23, 2023
It's going to be tough for the Colts to fill the void left behind from Pittman. The expectation is that Josh Downs, Alec Pierce, and D.J. Montgomery will see more action in the receiving game. Between the three, Downs has the most fantasy value heading into this matchup.
Nico Collins Injury Update
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (calf) is expected to play on Sunday versus the Browns. The 24-year-old wasn't available in Week 15 against the Tennessee Titans. However, he practiced in a limited capacity during the week, so he's been trending in a favorable direction. At any rate, Collins has played well this season, amassing 60 catches for 1,004 yards and six touchdowns.
Texans’ WR Nico Collins, listed as questionable for Sunday due to his calf injury, is expected to play vs. the Browns, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 24, 2023
Unfortunately, he won't have C.J. Stroud (concussion), which isn't ideal. The Texans offense could also struggle against a challenging Browns defense. But Collins is a must-start even with Case Keenum under center, although fantasy managers may not receive his usual production.
Jonathan Taylor Injury Update
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (thumb) has been removed from the injury report and will play against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 16. He was a full participant in practice all week long and should be 100 percent on Sunday. The star playmaker ranks as a low-end RB1 in fantasy football, especially against an Atlanta defense surrendering 115.3 scrimmage yards per game to opposing backfields.
Key Starters and Tough Calls - Week 16 Lineup Spotlights for Fantasy Football Include Jonathan Taylor, Rashee Rice, Trey McBride https://t.co/vmrJkbtRIp pic.twitter.com/G4D9rtwF2B
— RotoBaller NFL (@RotoBallerNFL) December 23, 2023
Kenneth Walker III Injury Update
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (shoulder) is expected to play against the Tennessee Titans in Week 16 despite being listed as questionable, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The 23-year-old will look to build on last week's productive outing in which he amassed 86 rushing yards, 26 receiving yards, and one touchdown. Although the Titans have a strong run defense, they are missing several starters and Walker possesses undeniable talent. He remains a high-end RB2 option as the fantasy playoffs roll on.
#Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III (shoulder) is expected to play today, source said. He's listed as questionable.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 24, 2023
Zay Jones Injury Update
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Zay Jones (knee, hamstring) was listed as questionable and is not expected to play in Week 16 versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. He had missed back-to-back practices before returning in a limited capacity on Friday.
Jaguars WR Zay Jones (knee/hamstring) not expected to play Sunday at Buccaneers, per @RapSheet https://t.co/LJ9IRMVq13 pic.twitter.com/mURUy1Qi6Z
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) December 24, 2023
The 28-year-old had been operating as the Jaguars' de facto No. 2 receiver, commanding 30 targets over his last three games. Parker Washington and Jamal Agnew should earn more opportunities alongside Calvin Ridley this week.
Josh Jacobs Injury Update
UPDATE Monday 12/25: Fantasy managers now how official confirmation that Josh Jacobs will be out again this week against the Kansas City Chiefs - Las Vegas has a Christmas Day matchup with the AFC West division rivals. Since the team is without the superstar running back, White is a borderline must-start RB2 with upside because of the projected volume:
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs missed the historic Week 15 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers with a quadriceps injury. Zamir White and Ameer Abdullah carried the backfield in Jacobs' absence, which would be the case if he misses again. Jacobs missed practice on Thursday before logging a limited practice on Friday.
Antonio Pierce believes Josh Jacobs will play against the Chiefs on Christmas
— Raiders Report Mitchell Renz (@MitchellRenz365) December 20, 2023
The Raiders injury report listed Jacobs as a DNP for Saturday on their official injury report. Despite not practicing on Saturday, the Raiders starting running back is listed as questionable for the team's Week 16 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs' defense has been tougher against the pass than the run so Jacobs could be in for a big game. Raiders interim head coach Antonio Pierce stated that he expects all his guys to play, so it appears Jacobs is trending in the right direction. Fantasy managers should start Jacobs in Week 16 if he proves available.
Will Levis Injury Update
Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill will draw the start in Week 16 versus the Seattle Seahawks, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. This comes in the wake of an injury to Will Levis (ankle), who practiced on Friday but is expected to be inactive this week.
#Titans QB Will Levis, dealing with a high-ankle sprain, is not expected to be able to play today, source said. He pushed to be on the field, practicing on Friday. But couldn't quite get there.
Ryan Tannehill will start.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 24, 2023
Tannehill, of course, started the Titans' first six games of the season before a combination of injury and poor performance led to his benching during the bye week. He had struggled drastically as the starter, completing just 62 percent of his passes for 1,128 yards, two touchdowns, and six interceptions.
Hunter Henry Injury Update
New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (knee) has been downgraded to out for Sunday's Week 16 game against the Denver Broncos. Henry suffered a knee injury during the Patriots Week 15 loss to the Chiefs and ended up missing Wednesday's practice as a result. He got in a limited session on Thursday and was listed as questionable on Friday but it appears he may have suffered a setback. Expect Mike Gesicki to soak up some of the targets vacated by Henry on Sunday against Denver.
Patriots TE Hunter Henry downgraded to out vs. Broncos #HunterHenry #ConorMcDermott #NFL
#Patriots #GoPats https://t.co/nBp1aqLIDC— FieldLevelMedia (@FieldLevelMedia) December 23, 2023
D'Onta Foreman Injury Updates
Chicago Bears running back D'Onta Foreman (personal) has been listed as questionable and is not expected to play versus the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. There had been some optimism about the veteran's status after he practiced on Friday, but he ultimately won't suit up.
The #Bears are expected to have TE Cole Kmet, who is questionable with a quad injury, for today's game, source said.
Meanwhile, RB D'Onta Foreman (personal matter) is expected to be out.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 24, 2023
Chicago will rely on Justin Fields, Khalil Herbert, Roschon Johnson, and Travis Homer (hamstring) to run the football. Of that group, Fields and Johnson have the most fantasy appeal, but even Johnson is nothing more than a low-end RB3/FLEX play.
Jerick McKinnon and Kadarius Toney Injury Updates
Kansas City Chiefs running back Jerick McKinnon (groin) has been ruled out for the Week 16 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. As expected, McKinnon will sit this game out after not practicing all week. Isiah Pacheco figures to have a bigger workload with McKinnon unable to play. Pacheco saw a 70-plus snap percentage when McKinnon was sidelined earlier in the season.
The Chiefs ruled out Kadarius Toney and Jerick McKinnon for the Christmas Day game against the Raiders. Neither one practiced this week because of injuries
— Adam Teicher (@adamteicher) December 23, 2023
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney (hip) has been ruled out for the Week 16 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. This was expected after Toney was unable to practice all week. Toney will miss his second game of the season as he works his way back from a hip issue.
Trevor Lawrence Injury Update
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (head) is expected to play on Sunday versus Tampa Bay. The 24-year-old has gotten banged up in the last month, suffering an ankle injury in the Monday night overtime loss to the Bengals in Week 13. He continues to deal with the ankle issue.
Source: #Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence has cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol and will travel to Tampa with his team. A significant development. pic.twitter.com/mBGySEllmy
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 23, 2023
However, Lawrence was placed in concussion protocol after the Week 15 loss to Baltimore. But after it appeared Lawrence was a lock to sit in Week 16, he cleared concussion protocol on Friday and traveled with the team. Nevertheless, the Bucs defense has struggled against opposing quarterbacks this season, meaning Lawrence's outlook is promising. But he likely won't be 100% if he suits up, which isn't an ideal scenario.
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