This is why we do what we do. The fantasy football playoff finals are here. It's been a long season. You have scoured the wavier wire, sweat over those start/sit decisions and hopefully avoided injuries for the most part. Here are the major injuries from Week 16.
Key:
(Position) Player | Injury | My Projection for Return to Play
QB Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars | Shoulder Injury | Timeline TBD
Trevor Lawrence exited Sunday's game with a shoulder injury. Earlier in the game, Lawrence was hit and took a blow to his right (throwing) shoulder, but he was able to continue. It was this throw (seen below) that eventually caused Lawrence to leave the game early.
This doesn't look good for Trevor Lawrence and the @Jaguars 😔 pic.twitter.com/PInc6fZt1z
— NFL UK (@NFLUK) December 24, 2023
I am speculating, but since the actual throwing motion is what appeared to cause Lawrence some discomfort, it's possible that the earlier hit caused some type of rotator cuff injury (the muscle group that maintains shoulder stability and is involved with throwing). Lawrence could be dealing with a rotator cuff contusion. A painful injury but one that could result in 0-1 weeks missed. A rotator cuff/labrum tear is more serious and could result in surgery.
TE Cole Kmet, Chicago Bears | Knee Injury | Projecting Week 18 Return
Cole Kmet was dealing with a groin injury coming into Sunday's game vs. the Arizona Cardinals but was forced to exit the game with a knee injury. It is unclear if the two injuries are related, but it's possible given the anatomy.
After the game, Bears' head coach Matt Eberflus told reporters that Kmet's knee injury "looks positive." This leaves the door open for Kmet to return next week and also suggests the injury is not a long-term concern.
WR Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins | High Ankle Sprain | Likely Done for Fantasy Football Playoffs
The Dolphins reported Monday that Jaylen Waddle is dealing with a high ankle sprain. Merry Christmas Fantasy Football Managers. I have discussed high ankle sprains a lot this season and their impact on player performance upon return. Waddle's teammate Tyreek Hill sustained this injury 2 weeks ago and has not looked quite right since.
High ankle sprains typically net a 3 week absence. It's likely we don't see Waddle again this fantasy season.
RB Raheem Mostert, Miami Dolphins | Knee Injury | Timeline TBD
Raheem Mostert has managed to stay healthy this season, but the Dolphins' RB injured his knee Sunday, exiting briefly. Unfortunately, Mostert is not a stranger to knee injuries as they have derailed most of his career.
Mostert did return to the game but it will be interesting to see if he experiences any swelling afterwards. Should Mostert sit out practice to start the week or if the Dolphins have him listed as "limited", it could be an insight into something more serious going on with his knee. This will be a situation to monitor as this week progresses.
WR Jordan Addison, Minnesota Vikings | Ankle Injury | Projecting Week 18 Return
Jordan Addison injured his ankle trying to run down a Lion defender after an interception. Addison did not return following the injury. Assuming that Addison has an inversion (low) ankle sprain, it's a 50/50 split whether or not he is able to return in Week 17. Since 2017, 53% of NFL WRs have missed at least one game with an inversion ankle sprain. Upon return post-injury, they have a moderate decline in fantasy production. Addison might not be a solid option for your fantasy football playoff finals.
Tuesday Update: Jordan Addison's ankle injury is considered "week-to-week" by the team. It does not seem like Addison will be playing in Week 17.
TE T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings | Knee Injury | Projecting Week 18+ Return
T.J. Hockenson sustained a hit to his right knee Sunday and was unable to finish the game. Hockenson was lucky that his right foot was not planted, as he would have sustained a hit that commonly results in an ACL rupture.
Despite not having his foot planted, Hockenson did hyperextend his knee. These types of injuries can result in a PCL sprain, bone bruise, or even and MCL sprain. For fantasy football purposes, I am not sure we see Hockenson again this season.
Tuesday Update: Hockenson has a torn MCL and ACL that will require surgery according to the Vikings. His season is over.
WR Dontayvion Wicks, Green Bay Packers | Chest Injury | Projecting Week 17 Return
Before Dontayvion Wicks was removed from Sunday's game with a chest injury, he was able to score a TD and put up a decent fantasy performance. Wicks' mechanism of injury fit that of a rib injury, although Green Bay labeled it a "chest injury."
Assuming Wicks does not have fractured ribs, he could return next week. The presence of fracture typically results in 2-3 weeks missed.
WR Courtland Sutton, Denver Broncos | Concussion | Projecting Week 18 Return
Courtland Sutton was forced out of Sunday Night's game due to a concussion. We have seen players end up not missing any time following a concussion, but for the most part, players have missed at least one game. Concussions are highly variable. It's all about how the player responds to the post-concussion symptoms. And like we recently saw with Michael Pittman Jr, if even you pass the protocol, you can re-enter it if symptoms return.
I would not expect Sutton to play in Week 17.
RB Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs | Likely Concussion | Projecting Week 18 Return
Isiah Pacheco was pulled from Monday's game with a concussion. He will be in the concussion protocol this week and need to be cleared before he can return.
QB Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers | Stinger | Projecting Week 17 Return
Brock Purdy obviously did not have his best performance Monday night but some of his poor production could due to injury. Brock Purdy is reportedly dealing with a stinger and has been since Week 15.
A stinger is when the nerve bundle along the shoulder and neck are overstretched. It can result in temporary numbness/tingling in the arm and some muscle weakness. Every stinger is different but on average symptoms tend to resolve in ~1 week. I still expect Purdy to be under center next week, with a slightly high injury risk if he does start.
Sam Darnold is a nice speculative add for insurance of Purdy if he is your QB in the fantasy playoffs.
