RADIO
Well, the regular season for fantasy football is just about over. We have one game left to determine any remaining playoff spots. Hopefully, you’re reading this column after a sound night of sleep knowing your team has a spot in the dance. If your fate will be decided later tonight, I wish you the best of luck.
We have a few injuries to report this week. There wasn’t too much yesterday in terms of serious injuries, but we did have one running back get hurt early in a game and really crush fantasy managers' playoff chances.
Make sure you follow RotoBaller on X and check out RotoBaller.com for all your fantasy football needs. Let’s dive into all the major injuries from Week 14.
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De’Von Achane - RB, Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins' RB1 briefly left yesterday’s game to be evaluated by trainers following an awkward-looking hit.
De’Von Achane -
We’ll have to keep an eye on this one. He had his right leg bent awkwardly underneath the defender after landing.
Think it’s more knee/hip than anything. He’s headed into the medical tent now. pic.twitter.com/9GV8ou91i2— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) December 8, 2024
Fortunately, De’Von Achane returned to the field and finished the game. That should mean he is okay going forward, but don’t be surprised if he pops up on Miami’s injury report later this week.
Jonathon Brooks - RB, Carolina Panthers
Jonathon Brooks suffered a non-contact knee injury in yesterday’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Jonathan Brooks #panthers
Right knee gives out as he cuts with what appears to be a slight valgus. Hoping for the best, they will be checking for ligament integrity. This is the same knee he tore his ACL last year, let’s hope he didn’t re-tear it pic.twitter.com/R5GeCnGoJK
— Tom Christ, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT (@FantasyInjuryT) December 8, 2024
Brooks had worked hard to work his way back on the field after tearing his ACL last year in college. Carolina coach Dave Canales said the team is still gathering information on Brooks’ knee, but non-contact injuries are usually bad news.
You absolutely hate to see this for the Panthers’ rookie. Hopefully, this is nothing too serious and just a bump in the road toward becoming a great player. Should Brooks’ injury be serious, it will solidify Chuba Hubbard as the Panthers' clear RB1. Carolina has a nice schedule during the fantasy playoffs and Hubbard could be a league winner in the coming weeks if Brooks is out of the picture.
Will Levis - QB, Tennessee Titans
Titans quarterback Will Levis appeared to injure his throwing shoulder in Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Will Levis #titans
Injured his right shoulder on this play. Gets slammed directly on the shoulder which is a common mechanism for an AC joint injury, which we know he’s been dealing with pic.twitter.com/2OfZLS9H8X
— Tom Christ, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT (@FantasyInjuryT) December 8, 2024
He was deemed questionable to return but would start the second half and finish the game. Levis flopped in a plus matchup in this game, but it was good to see him return as he has several plus matchups in the fantasy playoffs and could be a viable streaming candidate.
Bucky Irving - RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Bucky Irving was coming off of two big games entering Week 14. He was poised for another strong outing yesterday but suffered a back injury early in the game.
RB Bucky Irving is doubtful to return with a back injury.
— Brianna Dix (@briannadixNFL) December 8, 2024
Irving never returned. We don’t know the severity of this injury at this time, but it’s obviously not good he couldn’t re-enter the game.
Boy, what an absolutely brutal break for managers depending on Irving. He had two huge performances in Weeks 12 and 13 but got injured when gamers needed him the most. Sometimes fantasy football is not fair.
We should know more later today or tomorrow on Irving’s injury and his status for Week 15 will be more clear later in the week. Rachaad White would take over as the Buccaneers' lead back with Sean Tucker sure to be sprinkled in as well.
Derek Carr - QB, New Orleans Saints
Derek Carr was evaluated for head and hand injuries following a big hit later in Sunday’s victory over the New York Giants.
Derek Carr with the classic “FOOSH” mechanism and fractured his wrist
Saints are cursed pic.twitter.com/axytj9EP1l
— Edwin Porras, DPT (@FBInjuryDoc) December 8, 2024
Carr was evaluated for a concussion and reportedly suffered a broken left hand on the play in question. His status is currently unknown at this time, but gamers should prepare for Carr to miss time. He hasn’t really been on the streaming radar, but his absence could negatively impact the value of running back Alvin Kamara and likely takes any Saints pass-catchers off the streaming radar for however long Carr is sidelined.
Adian O’Connell - QB, Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders QB1 suffered a knee injury in yesterday’s loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Aidan O’Connell #raiders
Directly lands on his knee, similar to CMC’s PCL injury (which needs to be ruled out) but air cast is usually for a fracture.
This mechanism is common for a patella fracture or tibia fracture. We’ll see what the final report is. Tough one for him pic.twitter.com/HvKdin90pX
— Tom Christ, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT (@FantasyInjuryT) December 8, 2024
Las Vegas coach Antonio Pierce was quoted saying the injury “doesn’t look good.” We will get an official update on his status soon, but it sounds like Aidan O’Connell’s season is over. He wasn’t on the fantasy radar outside of two-quarterback and superflex leagues, so this injury is not a backbreaker for fantasy gamers.
However, seeing as Desmond Ridder took over following O’Connell’s injury and is next in line on the depth chart, it could mean bad news for Jakobi Meyers and Brock Bowers. Ridder notoriously struggled during his time as a starter in Atlanta, and his presence could negatively impact the fantasy upside of both Meyers and Bowers.
Isaac Guerendo - RB, San Francisco 49ers
Isaac Guerendo was the hot add off waivers this week. He met expectations as he totaled 128 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns.
Isaac Guerendo shows off the speed for a 30-yard run!
📺: #CHIvsSF on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/hT4HkCtt3K— NFL (@NFL) December 8, 2024
Unfortunately, he also suffered a foot injury and was forced to leave the game.
On it goes: 49ers RB Isaac Guerendo is questionable to return today due to a foot injury.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 9, 2024
The 49ers believe Guerendo suffered a sprain but have said X-rays taken after the game were inconclusive. He is set to undergo an MRI later today. It’s too soon to know how this injury might impact his status for Week 15, but gamers should monitor the RotoBaller newsfeed throughout the week to get a better gauge of his status.
Should Guerendo miss time, Patrick Taylor Jr. is next on the depth chart and would be a top add off waivers. Second-year back Israel Abanikanda, who was signed just last week, might also have a role. He is worth an add in deeper leagues if Guerendo is forced out of action.
Puka Nacua - WR, Los Angeles Rams
Puka Nacua briefly left last night’s victory over the Buffalo Bills with a calf injury. Fortunately for the Rams and his fantasy owners, Nacua would return and have a monster game. He went off for 12-162-1 on 14 targets and scored a rushing touchdown as well.
It was an awesome performance at a time when fantasy gamers needed him the most. He shook off his calf injury and delivered in a big way. Nacua clearly wasn’t bothered by the injury and should be fine for Week 15. Gamers should still monitor the Rams' practice reports throughout the week just to make sure.
Justin Herbert - QB, Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert briefly left last night's game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Justin Herbert either has a bad contusion and/or PCL sprain.
Given he didn’t land *directly* on the knee at that angle the hope is this is just a pain tolerance issue.
Even if he returns, his mobility could be limited pic.twitter.com/kNCsaGxJWS
— Edwin Porras, DPT (@FBInjuryDoc) December 9, 2024
Herbert was able to re-enter the game, but he did appear limited by his leg injury. While it's good news Herbert returned, managers will need to monitor his practice status during the upcoming week.
Chargers' coach Jim Harbaugh is notoriously tight-lipped with injuries and just this past week receiver Ladd McConkey did not play after practicing on a limited basis all week. Keep an eye on Herbert's status and be ready to pivot if you've been relying on him.
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