Week 15 was fairly calm on the injury front, with only a few key players sidelined this week. This is good news for Fantasy Football managers and anyone looking to make a safe bet this week. Let’s jump into the NFL Injury Report Week 16.
We have a unique situation this week, with the majority of games being held on Christmas Eve. There are also three games on Christmas day. There are a handful of key players who will remain inactive this week, and some new names to add to the watch list.
Jalen Hurts Injury Update
The Philadelphia Eagles quarterback apparently suffered a shoulder injury in Sunday’s win over the Bears. Some reports indicate that the Eagles are going to want to rest Hurts for the Week 16 matchup against the Cowboys. If Jalen indeed can not play this week, it will be up to Gardner Minshew to help the Eagles clinch the NFC East.
Jonathan Taylor Injury Update
Let’s be honest. Jonathan Taylor was projected as the number one fantasy draft pick this year and definitely didn’t live up to the hype. Sure, in his first game he put up 27.5 fantasy points, but just about every game to follow was a little lackluster considering his skill in the backfield.
On Saturday afternoon Taylor managed two snaps and one touch before having to leave the game due to injury. Ian Rapoport reported on Monday that Taylor has a high ankle sprain.
What do we know about high ankle sprains? Well, for one, they can take weeks to months the heal, depending on the severity. There is a good chance that Jonathan Taylor will be out until at least week 18, essentially benching him for the remainder of the fantasy season.
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Will he return to help the Colts in the Playoffs? Only time will tell.
Travis Etienne Jr. Injury Update
Jaguars running back Travis Etienne left the game Sunday against the Ravens with a left foot injury, but was able to return to play in overtime. What makes this injury interesting is that the same foot required surgery in 2021 due to a lisfranc injury.
Since he has a history of season-ending injury on that same foot, there is a possibility that he will be used less on Sunday’s game against Detroit to prevent further harm. His backup, JaMycal Hasty, would again play a big role in the Jaguar’s offense, and Snoop Conner might get more touches.
Cameron Wolfe reported that head coach Doug Pederson has confirmed that Etienne was held out of last week’s game as a precaution and that he will be eased back into practice this week.
Colt McCoy Injury Update
The Cardinal’s backup quarterback Colt McCoy suffered a concussion just one week after the Cardinals lost starting quarterback Kyler Murray to a torn ACL. He was down on the field for several minutes after taking a head-first dive, and the cart was brought out for him. Luckily, he was able to walk off the field under his own will.
With the NFL cracking down on concussion protocol and medical staff erring on the side of caution after fellow doctors were fired after allowing Tua Tagovailoa to play after an evident concussion, there is probably a slim chance that Colt will be cleared to play this weekend.
Arizona is on the verge of elimination, and Sunday’s game is against the Buccaneers who have a tough defense. If McCoy doesn’t pass the NFL concussion protocol, his backup will be Trace McSorley who has already played in four games this season.
Cardinals right tackle Kelvin Beachum was injured in the same play and was replaced by Cody Ford.
Mike White Injury Update
Mike White was limited in practice but isn’t expected to play for Thursday night’s matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He is dealing with a rib injury that he sustained a few weeks ago during their loss to the Bills.
With White likely sidelined, the reigns will go back to the team’s original starter, Zach Wilson.
Lamar Jackson Injury Update
Lamar Jackson’s absence has certainly been felt, as Baltimore lost to the Cleveland Browns this past weekend. The former MVP sustained a PCL injury in Week 13 and the Raven’s medical staff has been keeping a close eye on him to determine when he will be ready to suit up again.
It is reported that he did not practice on Tuesday, meaning that the Raven’s race to the playoffs is likely going to fall into the hands of backup quarterback Tyler Huntley. If this is the case, you can expect a heavy run game, with J.K. Dobbins taking a lot of the workload in the backfield.
Other Notable Players on NFL Week 16 Injury Report:
Russell Wilson was cleared by medical staff to play in Week 15, but coaches made the decision to bench him, likely due to the recent uproar over playing players who recently had concussions. But after a week of rest, he will get the start against the Los Angeles Rams on Christmas Day.
Chicago Bears running back Khalil Herbert is also likely to come off of IR this week after missing the past four games with a hip injury. Prior to his injury, he posted 705 yards and five scores in only 10 games, so his addition to the lineup will be huge for the Bears who are 3-11 and looking like they will get a pretty good draft pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Miami Dolphins running back Jeff Wilson Jr. will be up in the air this week after sitting out Week 15 with a hip injury that required him to get carted off of the field in Week 14. He may or may not play on Christmas Day against the Green Bay Packers. If not, Raheem Mostert will get the bulk of touches for Miami.
All-Pro Deebo Samuel was also carted off of the field and is dealing with an MCL and ankle sprain. He will likely miss at least the next two games.
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