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Some fantasy managers are still battling it out in their league championship games this week, which makes staying on top of injuries especially important. As we head into Week 18 of the NFL season, it's been a week with significant injury news and constantly changing situations. These are the latest notable injury updates as of Thursday, January 5.
Fantasy football stalwarts such as James Conner, Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, and many more have been dealing with injuries ahead of Week 18. 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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Derrick Henry Injury Update
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (hip) was listed on the injury report this week, despite practicing in full on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. However, he's now off the final injury report, so he'll be a full go against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 18.
Henry is an easy must-start in fantasy leagues that extend to Week 18, but he's also a solid player to build a DFS lineup around. The Titans are in a must-win situation with a playoff berth on the line, so there's no cap on his workload.
Diontae Johnson Injury Update
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (hip) was a full participant in practice on Thursday after he was held out of Wednesday's session. In a must-win game in the Week 18 regular season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Cleveland Browns, Johnson should be on the field and available to fantasy managers still playing for a championship.
The 26-year-old has had a disappointing campaign with a combination of rookie Kenny Pickett and Mitch Trubisky playing quarterback, as he still is without a touchdown catch through 17 weeks. He has also failed to crack 100 yards receiving in a single game, making him more of a WR3/flex this year.
Jerry Jeudy Injury Update
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (ankle) was limited in practice on Thursday for the second day in a row. Jeudy should be just fine to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, barring a setback in Friday's practice.
Jeudy has been quarterback Russell Wilson's favorite target down the stretch, but the return of Courtland Sutton from his own hamstring injury lowers Jeudy's fantasy floor and ceiling for the final game of the year in the lowest-scoring offense in the NFL.
Treylon Burks Injury Update
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Treylon Burks (groin) is officially questionable to face the Jacksonville Jaguars, but head coach Mike Vrabel said he thinks Burks will be able to play.
This is a must-win situation for Tennessee in a win-or-go-home scenario, so if he's on the fence about playing, he'll likely give it a shot. If active, Burks has a low floor in an offense led by quarterback Joshua Dobbs, but he's a solid bargain at wide receiver for DFS purposes.
Lamar Jackson Injury Update
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (knee) was absent for his 14th straight practice on Thursday. Meanwhile, Tyler Huntley (shoulder, wrist) didn't throw during the portion of practice open to the media. Huntley is likely to be listed as limited for the second straight day.
Because the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals aren't going to finish their Week 17 game against the Buffalo Bills, it would mean that the Ravens have no shot at winning the AFC North division by beating Cincy in the Week 18 regular-season finale. Therefore, it's highly unlikely that we'll see Jackson return this weekend, and his availability for the playoffs at this point is also in question.
James Conner Injury Update
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (knee, shin) was on the field for the portion of practice open to the media on Thursday. Conner was held out of practice on Wednesday, but the fact that he's back out there means that he should be available to play in the Week 18 regular season finale against the San Francisco 49ers.
He has been a strong RB2 for fantasy managers this year and should remain the team's unquestioned lead back this weekend if he's active. However, there's the caveat that he'll also be facing a 49ers defense that has allowed the fewest fantasy points to RBs per game (14.0) in half-point PPR scoring.
Jalen Hurts and Miles Sanders Injury Updates
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (shoulder) and running back Miles Sanders (knee) were both limited in Wednesday's walkthrough practice. After missing the last two games due to a right shoulder sprain, Hurts is trending towards returning in Week 18 against the New York Giants.
The Eagles must win in order to secure the No. 1 seed in the NFC and a first-round bye in the playoffs. The 24-year-old has been the most valuable fantasy QB this year, but he could be rusty and/or face restrictions if he's active this weekend. Continue to keep a close eye on his practice status this week.
Sanders played a season-low 40 percent of the offensive snaps last Sunday, but he should continue to serve as Philly's lead back against the Giants and will be in play as a strong RB2 choice in Week 18.
Jarrett Stidham Injury Update
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (elbow) was a full practice participant Wednesday. He was limited in Tuesday's session but returned to full capacity on Wednesday. The 26-year-old is coming off an impressive performance in the Week 17 loss to the 49ers, throwing for 365 yards and three touchdowns.
Stidham has a plus matchup against the Chiefs on Saturday and will look to build on last Sunday's terrific outing. The former New England Patriot is in the QB2 conversation against Kansas City, who ranks 21st in Pass DVOA this season.
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