As we get into the finals of many fantasy leagues, the weather has taken a turn for the worse and the offensive lines become more important. Let’s get to the updates:
SEA – LT Russell Okung will be out this week with a bruised lung.
After an interception last week, Okung was the victim of a crack back block by 49ers lineman Ray McDonald. Seen on the sidelines spitting blood and shoving a member of the Seahawks’ training staff, Okung was clearly in pain and was sent to the hospital. Okung’s diagnosis turned out to be a “bruised lung” and according to coaches he will be out “a week or so.” Alvin Bailey filled in for Okung, and this is far from the first time he has been called upon to take his place. Bailey is a decent player but this is a small downgrade to the Seahawks line. In related news, center Max Unger, who has missed the last four games, is reportedly “not all the way back yet,” and could miss Week 16’s contest against the Cardinals. Unger’s injury was under-reported at the time and his status is probably a coin flip at this point .
DET – RT LaAdrian Waddle is out for the season (knee).
Right tackle LaAdrian Waddle was rolled up on last weekend against Minnesota and the cart had to take him off the field. Waddle reportedly suffered a partially torn ACL in his left knee and will miss the rest of the season. Waddle has not been fully healthy this season, suffering two concussions and foot and ankle injuries at various points. His replacement, Cornelius Lucas, is actually an interesting prospect. Blessed with size (6’9”), the undrafted Lucas comported himself well in several games this season, including a spot start for left tackle Riley Reiff. Because Waddle had an up and down season, and because Lucas actually could be a starter in this league, there’s no downgrade to the Lions’ line at this time. It should be noted that Larry Warford is still not healthy, and that is shaping up to be a much bigger problem. Overall the Lions' offensive line is a situation that bears observation, as problems along the line have a history of affecting fantasy points from the skill positions.
Other News:
WAS – LT Trent Williams was forced out of game last week with a shoulder. During the game, Tom Compton flipped to LT and Tyler Polumbus entered the game at RT. However Williams did not require an MRI and the team sounds confident he will play through the final two regular season games. In other news C Kory LIchtensteiger sprained his MCL, but will likely play through the injury.
GB – RT Bryan Bulaga was forced from the contest attempting to make a tackle during an interception return. J.C. Tretter entered the game and was promptly abused by Mario Williams. Bulaga was diagnosed with a concussion, and is currently undergoing the league’s protocol. The Packers believe Bulaga will be available this weekend.
DEN – LT Ryan Clady left the game last week against the Chargers with a thigh injury. Clady was replaced by Chris Clark. Clady is reportedly day-to-day with the injury and should play this Monday night at Cincinnati.
NYJ – C Nick Mangold (who is playing at a high level this season), left the game against Tennessee with a right ring finger injury. X-rays were negative and Mangold re-entered the game. Backup Dalton Freeman had a decent showing on five plays.
TEN – LT Taylor Lewan is reportedly on track to play this weekend. That would put Will Svitek at right tackle (Michael Oher was added to the injured reserve list) and Jamon Meredith would be on the bench as the swing tackle.
BUF - RT Sentrel Henderson has been the highlight of the Bills' offensive line this year.
IND - Xavier Nixon is likely to start at right tackle in place of the injured Gosder Cherlius (groin).
OAK - Left guard Gabe Jackson has really impressed his teammates and coaches during his rookie season.
AZ - Jonathan Cooper is listed as out with a wrist injury. It has been a spotty couple of seasons for Cooper, who can't seem to stay healthy.
MIA - Dallas Thomas is considered doubtful for this Sunday's contest against Minnesota. If he can't go, Jason Fox would get the start.
SF - Right tackle Anthony Davis is still trying to recover from a concussion and might not make the start this week against the Chargers. Jonathan Martin would take his place.
As usual, if you have a question about a team not specifically talked about in this article, please feel free to contact me via twitter or in the Shark Pool.
