The 2024 NFL season is heating up, and the fantasy playoffs are just around the corner. With the Thanksgiving games behind us, fantasy managers are thankful for the players who have recovered quickly or played through injury to thrive in their lineups.
Unfortunately, despite the decreasing number of nagging injuries currently, there are still some 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 make a playoff push.
Without further ado, let's look at some injuries to watch and consider heading into Week 13. 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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Key Players Ruled Out
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs, Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid, Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins
Brock Purdy Injury Update
San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy (right shoulder) practiced fully Friday, but is still listed as questionable for Sunday against the Buffalo Bills. After not playing last week and earlier injury situations for the 49ers this season, it is hard to trust Purdy this week, but if he does play, he's a decent fantasy option despite the throwing shoulder injury and tough matchup.
The main thing to focus on is more the 49ers weapons. With Purdy playing, Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, and Jauan Jennings are all much better options. All of those options should be downgraded if Purdy doesn't play.
Trent Williams also remains out, who has a case for most important player for the offense. There are better options than Purdy this week, but if he plays, he is startable.
Bills vs 49ers injury updates 11/29:
◻️QB Brock Purdy full in practice, questionable for Sunday
◻️LT Trent Williams out Sunday
◻️DE Nick Bosa out Sunday
◻️LB Dre Greenlaw out Sunday #BillsMafia | #GoBills
pic.twitter.com/8q2KQVr3mD— Daniel Adams (@danie1adams) November 29, 2024
Trevor Lawrence Injury Update
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (left shoulder) is questionable but trending to return for Sunday against the Houston Texans. His return would be a big boost for the Jaguars offense who, while it is too late to salvage the season, is at least getting healthy at the same time.
The main benefactor of Lawrence's return should be Brian Thomas Jr., who has had a stellar rookie season due to his deep-threat ability. Mac Jones struggled to find Thomas Jr. deep, so the the young receiver should be back to his WR2/WR1 fantasy ways as long as Lawrence plays.
Lawrence, unlike Purdy, is dealing with a non-throwing shoulder injury, so he is easier to trust from that perspective. The Texans serve as a decent matchup for QBs, so Lawrence is certainly a viable option this week.
DeVonta Smith Injury Update
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring) is officially questionable for Friday's matchup with the Baltimore Ravens. Smith has practiced in a limited fashion for two straight practices now after Friday's practice.
The Ravens have been a great matchup for receivers in fantasy all season, so if Smith were to miss out, that would be tough for his fantasy managers. If Smith does play, he is a clear start, but if he doesn't, A.J. Brown and Dallas Goedert could be in line for big games. Smith has underperformed the last two games which should raise some concerns, but given the top matchup, he should be viewed as a WR2 as long as he plays.
WR DeVonta Smith is practicing again, the second time he has done so this week. Smith has been dealing with a hamstring injury, and he was limited yesterday. #Eagles pic.twitter.com/QMAlNH8o67
— Chris Franklin (@cfranklinnews) November 29, 2024
Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler Injury Update
Washington Commanders running backs Brian Robinson Jr. (ankle) and Austin Ekeler (concussion) are trending in opposite directions for Sunday's matchup with the Tennessee Titans. Robinson Jr. has been limited at practice all week until Friday where he practiced in full, while Ekeler has not practiced all week and has been ruled out. If both were to miss out, Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. would be the next men up.
Ekeler being out and Robinson Jr. now trending towards playing means Robinson Jr. should get a huge workload as long as his ankle injury doesn't hold him back. In a decent matchup, Robinson Jr. seems like a good RB2 option with some risk.
Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr, who has been dealing with an ankle injury this week is ready to play against the Tennessee Titans this week.
BRJ was able to practice in full on Friday and will likely get the lion's share of work. #brianrobinsonjr #playernews pic.twitter.com/khZDLPjvqz
— The Fantasy's Phinest Podcast (@FantasysPhinest) November 29, 2024
DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett Injury Update
Seattle Seahawks wide receivers DK Metcalf (shoulder) and Tyler Lockett (knee) are good to go for Sunday against the New York Jets. After each didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday, they practiced fully on Friday, meaning the missed practices were likely more out of precaution than actual injury concern.
While the veteran Lockett has been overshadowed by Jaxon Smith-Njigba this season, Metcalf playing is the real story for fantasy managers. He returned last week, and seems fully recovered heading into this week. Given his big play ability, Metcalf is a high upside fantasy option despite facing a good Jets defense.
Breece Hall Injury Update
New York Jets running back Breece Hall (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks despite a full practice on Friday. Hall started the week off with a missed practice, so fantasy managers who have Braelon Allen were salivating over a possible workhorse role. However, they will have to continue wait for the rookie to get the opportunity to shine.
While Hall has been hit or miss and a bit underwhelming for a top pick, fantasy managers should still feel fine firing him as long as he plays up despite the questionable tag coming off a bye week. The full participation in practice is fantastic news and should mean no limitations to his work load. The Seahawks are middle of the pack against running backs in fantasy, so as long as Hall finds the endzone and/or is involved in the passing game, he should have a fine fantasy day.
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