The fantasy football playoffs bring on many hurdles – one of which is injuries. If you're in the middle of your playoffs or just starting the final leg to landing a championship, hopefully, you are doing so unscathed. If not, the breakdowns below will help you navigate the waiver wire and adjust as needed.
Key: Position Player, Team | Injury | Projected Return to Play
QB Justin Herbert, LA Chargers | Leg | Projecting Active in Week 15
Justin Herbert was hobbled a couple of times during the Sunday night matchup in Kansas City. Before halftime, Herbert injured his leg and was seen limping into the locker room.
Justin Herbert with a noticeable limp leaving the field for halftime, but we already know that dude is tough as nails. https://t.co/IXirlhJZGy pic.twitter.com/PusN78l4xZ
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) December 9, 2024
Herbert finished the game because he is a tough player who typically plays through injury, but this will be something Herbert's managers will want to follow. Once we have an official injury (if any) I will be able to provide more clarity.
RB De'Von Achane, Miami | Possible Concussion | Projecting Active in Week 15
De'Von Achane is another player who was injured Sunday but ended up returning to finish the game. Achane was briefly in the concussion protocol but was cleared to return. Managers should be aware of this situation as players have popped up with symptoms the next day even when being cleared. Unless there is an update, Achane should be ready come Week 15.
TE Will Dissly, LA Chargers | Shoulder | Projecting Week 17 Return
Will Dissly injured his shoulder in the first quarter of Sunday Night's game. Dissly's shoulder injury looked like a possible AC joint sprain which would likely mean at minimum a 2 week absence. It's possible that the veteran TE will miss some time.
QB Aidan O'Connell, Las Vegas | Knee | Projecting Week 16 Return
Aidan O'Connell needed to be put in an air cast after he suffered a low leg injury during Sunday's contest in Tampa Bay. The Raiders post-game report labeled O'Connell with a "knee injury", but since he was put in an air cast it sounds like there might be some concern of a fracture. A leg fracture would effectively end his season.
It is a brutal blow for O'Connell, who missed most of the season with a broken finger.
Update: In a turn of events O'Connell is reportedly dealing with a bone bruise in his knee. The air cast was a precautionary measure. It sounds like O'Connell is going to try and play next week. Although a bone bruise injury is rarely season-ending, it is unlikely that O'Connell does miss anytime. Week 15 seems like a long-shot.
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