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All told the Week 16 injury report was fairly light. This was good to see as you never want a playoff matchup to be decided because of injuries.
We did have several players leave games early, but luckily for fantasy owners, most posted respectable games before leaving. Unfortunately, one star quarterback was injured and let fantasy managers down in a big way.
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 16.
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Tank Dell - WR, Houston Texans
This was the lone major injury to report from Saturday’s games. Tank Dell suffered a serious knee injury in a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Texans WR Tank Dell is going to be carted to the locker room with a knee injury after scoring on this play:
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 21, 2024
It’s been reported that Dell suffered a dislocated knee cap, and it’s possible he tore several ligaments as well. We are still awaiting official word, but it sounds like Dell is done for the year. His status for 2025 could be in doubt as well.
The lone good news for fantasy gamers is that Dell posted a 6-98-1 line on 7 targets before exiting. Nico Collins will now face little competition for targets in a Week 17 showdown against the Baltimore Ravens. The biggest winner from Dell’s injury is probably tight end Dalton Schultz. He will be a viable streaming option for managers in their title game.
Jalen Hurts - QB, Philadelphia Eagles
Jalen Hurts suffered a concussion early in yesterday’s game against the Washington Commanders.
Jalen Hurts -
Getting screened for a concussion after this play. Head slammed into the ground.
pic.twitter.com/cYXU9700gU— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) December 22, 2024
He would later be ruled out for the game. Man, this was a brutal break for managers depending on Hurts. He got hurt so early in the game and only scored single-digit points. This injury undoubtedly cost a lot of players a spot in their league’s title game.
Kenny Pickett took over for Hurts and played okay in relief. Since Hurts is coming off a concussion, gamers should consider it extremely unlikely that he will play in Week 17. Pickett should only be added in superflex and two quarterback leagues. While Pickett had some success Sunday, his presence is a downgrade for the Philadelphia skill players.
Malik Nabers - WR, New York Giants
Malik Nabers briefly left yesterday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons to be evaluated for a possible stinger. Fortunately, Nabers would only miss a few plays and soon re-entered the game.
It sounds like the star rookie avoided a major injury and should be okay for Week 17. Gamers should still monitor the Giants' practice reports just to be safe.
Tee Higgins - WR, Cincinnati Bengals
Tee Higgins left Sunday’s victory over the Cleveland Browns with an ankle injury.
Tee Higgins went down with an injury after catching a pass in the third quarter. He was down on the field for over a minute, but walked off the field under his own power. Great sign for the star receiver. pic.twitter.com/M6002Bvpe1
— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) December 22, 2024
He didn’t miss much time and would eventually re-enter the game. The fact that Higgins returned bodes well for his Week 17 status. Still, given his injury history, managers would be wise to monitor Higgins’ practice status over the week and be ready to pivot if needed.
James Conner - RB, Arizona Cardinals
Arizona’s RB1 was in the middle of a huge game before departing with a knee injury.
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
Unfortunately for Arizona and James Conner’s fantasy owners, he would not return to the game. It's too bad as he was having a banner day. Conner amassed 166 scrimmage yards and a touchdown before being injured. Despite getting hurt, Conner did his part to help gamers reach their championship game.
The severity of this injury is currently unknown, but it’s not a good sign that Conner couldn’t return in a game where Arizona’s season was on the line. Rookie Trey Benson missed yesterday’s game with an ankle injury. He has been the primary backup for most of the season and if Conner can’t suit up in Week 17, then Benson would be in line for RB1 duties assuming he returns next week.
Michael Carter took over for Conner after the latter was injured. If Conner and Benson can’t suit up, then Carter appears next in line for touches. That will make Carter a very popular add off waivers this week.
Drake London - WR, Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons WR1 left Sunday’s victory over the New York Giants with a hamstring injury.
Drake London Likely Avoids Serious Injury On Sundayhttps://t.co/YJUN9Qh678
— RotoBaller NFL (@RotoBallerNFL) December 22, 2024
Luckily, it doesn’t sound like this injury is too serious, and head coach Raheem Morris even said after the game that London probably could have returned if the score was closer. It looks like he should be fine for next week.
Still, gamers should monitor the RotoBaller news feed for updates on London’s status. While Morris indicated London will be fine, hamstring injuries are notoriously tricky. Don’t be surprised if he misses some practice time this week, and just keep an eye on his status to make sure he’s good to go.
Kenneth Walker III - RB, Seattle Seahawks
Kenneth Walker III suffered an ankle injury in last night’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
Kenneth Walker III Exits Week 16 With Injury https://t.co/UigMUWOpf7
— RotoBaller NFL (@RotoBallerNFL) December 23, 2024
The third-year back was ultimately unable to return to the game. Walker was finally active after missing two games due to a calf injury, but he now finds himself hurt again. Outside of PPR leagues, Walker was a bit of a letdown in the fantasy football semi-finals.
We currently don’t know much about the severity of this injury, but it’s obviously not good he couldn’t return to the game. Expect to hear an update on Walker’s status either today or tomorrow. It would probably be wise for gamers to make replacement plans for their championship match.
Zach Charbonnet filled in nicely for Walker the previous two weeks and would take over RB1 duties if Walker does miss time. Gamers should closely monitor Seattle’s practice reports throughout the week to get a better grasp of Walker’s Week 17 status.
CeeDee Lamb - WR, Dallas Cowboys
Ceedee Lamb has been battling a shoulder injury all season. It looked like he aggravated the injury when he landed on it hard in last night's game.
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
Lamb wouldn't miss much time and quickly re-entered the game. His fantasy owners certainly appreciate the effort as he caught seven passes for 105 yards on eight targets. The Cowboys' WR1 should be fine for a Week 17 showdown with the Philadelphia Eagles, but don't be surprised if he misses some practice time this week.
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