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It's an exciting time for fantasy managers who reached the semifinals of their fantasy football league. Injuries could put a damper on things. There are quite a few names on the injury report this week.
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Let's look at the updates for some wide receivers and see whether they may play in Week 16.
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Rashod Bateman (BAL) Injury Update
Game Status: Questionable
Rashod Bateman wasn't on the injury report when the week began. Now, he's in a walking boot and questionable to play Saturday. Bateman was limited on Wednesday and did not practice on Thursday.
Not at the media viewing portion of Ravens practice today:
CB Jalyn Armour-Davis
WR Rashod Bateman
WR Diontae JohnsonIn the meantime, the o-line all attendance ahead of the week 16 matchup vs. Steelers on Saturday. #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/6lEapd3ufG
— Melissa Y. Kim (@melissaykim) December 19, 2024
The Ravens host the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday. Nelson Agholor (concussion) and Diontae Johnson (released) won't play. Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely could be called upon to do more in the receiving game, especially if Bateman sits.
Marquise Brown (KC) Injury Update
Game Status: Expected to play
Marquise "Hollywood" Brown is making his Kansas City debut this weekend. The offseason addition underwent surgery to repair his shoulder following a preseason injury and has yet to suit up in the regular season. That changes on Saturday.
Sources: The #Chiefs are activating WR Marquise "Hollywood" Brown and he will officially make his season-debut on Saturday vs the #Texans. pic.twitter.com/7T9FCuEy53
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) December 20, 2024
Fantasy managers shouldn't expect much from Brown in his first action of the season. However, his presence is an overall positive for the Chiefs' passing game.
Jalen Coker, David Moore, Xavier Legette (CAR) Injury Update
Game Status: Questionable, Questionable, OUT
The Carolina wide receiver room is in flux. Jalen Coker (quad) and David Moore (concussion) are questionable. Xavier Legette (hip) is out.
#Panthers injury status report for Week 16:
WR Xavier Leggette (hip) - OUT
OT Ikem Ekwonu (illness) - Questionable
G Robert Hunt (illness) - Questionable
DE A'Shawn Robinson (knee) - Questionable
WR Jalen Coker (quad) - Questionable
OLB Jadeveon Clowney (knee) - Questionable
WR…— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) December 20, 2024
Moore is trending toward clearing the league's protocol in time for kickoff. However, concussions are tricky and we may not know for sure until Sunday morning. Coker's managed a quad injury for several weeks. He missed three games and returned last weekend.
Both receivers are due for increased looks because of an inactive Legette. If Moore and Coker are also out, Adam Thielen will lead a group of himself, Deven Thompkins, and Dan Chisena.
Tyreek Hill (MIA) Injury Update
Game Status: Questionable
It's a late-week downgrade for Miami wide receiver Tyreek Hill. The Dolphins' top receiver didn't practice on Wednesday with wrist/personal listed as the reason. He returned to a full practice on Thursday but went down to limited participation on Friday, landing him with a designation entering the weekend.
#Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill (wrist/personal) was limited in practice today and is now questionable for Sunday vs. San Francisco.
WR Jaylen Waddle (knee) didn't practice all week and is doubtful.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 20, 2024
Fellow wideout Jaylen Waddle (more below) is doubtful. Expect Hill to be active on Sunday but fantasy managers should double-check his status in the morning.
Chris Olave (NO) Injury Update
Game Status: TBD
Earlier this week, the Saints opened Chris Olave's 21-day practice window to return from injured reserve. He was cleared by a specialist to practice. The former first-round pick has missed five games due to a concussion. He's been practicing in a limited capacity.
Chris Olave was still out there today. Again not overly involved, but stringing days together is great to see for the #Saints WR.
— Ross Jackson (@RossJacksonNOLA) December 20, 2024
Interim head coach Darren Rizzi noted Olave is "probably doubtful" to play on Monday in Green Bay. He won't receive an official designation until Saturday, New Orleans' final practice of the week.
While he probably won't play this week, Olave should return at some point this season. His quarterback, Derek Carr, may not.
George Pickens (PIT) Injury Update
Game Status: OUT
George Pickens' absence extends to three games. Pittsburgh's top receiver was ruled out of Saturday's game with a Grade 2 hamstring strain.
For the #Steelers: WR George Pickens and QB Justin Fields have both been ruled out against the #Ravens. But… TJ Watt has no injury designation and is good to go.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 19, 2024
Now, there's concern about his availability for a Christmas Day matchup with Kansas City. An early Wednesday kickoff time is a short turnaround.
Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin III, Mike Williams, and tight end Pat Freiermuth will be among the target leaders for Russell Wilson against Baltimore. Wilson hasn't thrown for more than 160 yards with Pickens sidelined.
Alec Pierce (IND) Injury Update
Game Status: OUT
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce is in the league's concussion protocol after leaving Sunday's loss to Denver in the first half. He won't play against the Titans.
Colts ruled out WR Alec Pierce for Sunday’s game vs. the Titans.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 20, 2024
Pierce hasn't been a fantasy asset since Indianapolis went back to starting Anthony Richardson. Ashton Dulin will replace Pierce as the deep-ball threat. Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs will be the primary targets.
Cedric Tillman (CLE) Injury Update
Game Status: Questionable
Cedric Tillman has been in the NFL's concussion protocol since November 21st. He's missed three consecutive games and is in danger of missing a fourth.
Kevin Stefanski says Cedric Tillman and M.J. Emerson are still in concussion protocol, but "We're hopeful on both guys."
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) December 20, 2024
As Kevin Stefanski said, there's a chance Tillman is cleared before kickoff. He was limited in practice all week, just like last week.
A lot has changed since Tillman was last active. Dorian Thompson-Robinson will start in place of Jameis Winston, downgrading every receiver on Cleveland's roster.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling (NO) Injury Update
Game Status: TBD
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling missed Thursday's practice with a chest injury. Reporters that cover that team believed he'd return to the practice field on Friday. That didn't happen, but an illness may be to blame more than the chest issue.
Saints injury report. Marquez Valdes-Scantling has an illness that has been added pic.twitter.com/0ja7gQUyFm
— John Hendrix (@JohnJHendrix) December 20, 2024
Two straight DNPs to open the week isn't ideal but the Saints play on Monday night, meaning MVS has another chance to practice before the matchup with the Packers. His official injury status will be determined then.
Jaylen Waddle (MIA) Injury Update
Game Status: Doubtful
If a fantasy manager survived starting Jaylen Waddle in Week 15, they should thank their lucky stars. The 2021 first-round pick caught no passes on two targets before leaving with a knee injury.
This week, he's missed all three Miami practices and is doubtful to suit up against the San Francisco 49ers.
Dolphins WR Jaylen Waddle is doubtful to play in Sunday’s game vs. 49ers with knee injury.
Starting OTs Terron Armstead (knee) and Kendall Lamm (back) are questionable after both missed last week’s game.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) December 20, 2024
Miami's playoff hopes could be at zero percent depending on the outcome of their game. We may not see Waddle again this season if they are eliminated.
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