There were more big injuries in Week 11. As always, injuries play a crucial role when it comes to constructing our fantasy lineups. Here’s the status of players with the most interest to the fantasy community:
Jay Cutler, Bears – Cutler suffered a shoulder injury in Sunday’s loss to the Giants. The Bears are looking into whether or not the injury will end Cutler’s season – and most likely his career –in Chicago. With Alshon Jeffery suspended and Zach Miller out for the season, running back Jordan Howard is the only Bear with a shred of fantasy value for the rest of the season.
Cody Kessler, QB Browns – Kessler suffered a concussion in Sunday’s loss to the Steelers. He’s already been ruled out for Week 12. Josh McCown will get the start against the Giants. McCown will be lucky to make it through the game playing behind the Browns offensive line. The Giants defense is a strong streaming option this week.
Andrew Luck, QB Colts – Luck didn’t miss a snap during Sunday’s game against the Titans but it was announced on Monday that he’s in the league’s concussion protocol. The Colts play the Steelers on Thanksgiving night, so Luck will have to get cleared by Thursday. Scott Tolzien will draw the start in a pivotal game for the Colts if Luck can’t go.
Trevor Siemian, QB Broncos – Siemian is practicing Monday and is expected to start this week against the Chiefs. Siemian is dealing with a shoulder injury but had the Broncos bye week to rest it. If he suffers a setback, rookie Paxton Lynch would get his second career start versus Kansas City.
Giovani Bernard, RB Bengals – Bernard tore his ACL against the Bills and will miss the rest of the season. Jeremy Hill will now see a bigger workload in the Bengals backfield with Rex Burkhead taking over Bernard’s role on passing downs.
Tevin Coleman, RB Falcons – Coleman returned to practice on Monday. Coleman has missed the last three games with a hamstring injury. The Falcons running game hasn’t been as productive without him in the lineup. Coleman is expected back this week against the Cardinals. He’ll go back to splitting touches with Devontae Freeman.
Mark Ingram, RB Saints – Ingram suffered a concussion in last Thursday night’s game against the Panthers. He’s in the league’s concussion protocol. Ingram will need to get cleared by Sunday or Tim Hightower will get the bulk of the carries against a tough Rams defense.
LeSean McCoy, RB Bills – McCoy left Sunday’s game against the Bengals with a dislocated thumb and didn’t return. He had surgery on Monday. McCoy is still expected to play on Sunday but his availability isn’t a given yet. Mike Gillislee will likely see a bigger workload either way against the Jaguars and get the start if McCoy can’t play.
Ryan Mathews, RB Eagles – Mathews suffered an MCL sprain against the Seahawks. The Eagles are listing Mathews as day-to-day. Philadelphia plays on Monday night but there’s a good chance Mathews will miss at least one game with the injury. Wendell Smallwood will start against the Packers and likely still see plenty of work even if Mathews is active.
C.J. Prosise, RB Seahawks – Prosise suffered a fractured scapula against the Eagles. He’s expected to miss at least eight weeks. It’s a huge blow to both Prosise owners and the Seahawks offense. The rookie was coming off a big game against the Patriots and he was off to another fast start Sunday. Thomas Rawls is now the unquestioned lead back in Seattle for the remainder of the season.
Darren Sproles, RB Eagles – Sproles left Sunday’s game against the Seahawks with a fractured rib. The injury is apparently in an area where Sproles can play through it, so he’s expected to be ready to go Monday night versus the Packers.
T.J. Yeldon, RB Jaguars – Yeldon left Sunday’s game against the Lions with an ankle injury and didn’t return. He should be considered questionable for this week’s game versus the Bills. If Yeldon can’t play, Chris Ivory will handle most of the touches with Denard Robinson seeing some time on passing downs.
A.J. Green, WR Bengals – Green suffered a hamstring injury on Sunday. It was first believed to be torn and season-ending. However, Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said Monday that Green is dealing with a strain and the hope is he can return at some point this season. Green has been ruled out for Week 12. He’s being listed as week-to-week. Rookie Tyler Boyd and Brandon LaFell will now have bigger roles in the offense with Green out.
Jeremy Maclin, WR Chiefs – Maclin missed his second straight game with a hamstring injury. He didn’t practice at all last week, so it’s not a given that Maclin will return Sunday against the Broncos. If he can’t play, Tyreek Hill and Chris Conley will draw a tough assignment going up versus Denver’s secondary.
Sammy Watkins, WR Bills – Watkins (foot) is eligible to come off injured reserve this week. Bills coach Rex Ryan said he’s hopeful Watkins will be able to play some on Sunday against the Jaguars. Watkins will need to get medically cleared first. Last week he still wasn’t ready to practice. The Bills could certainly use him. Robert Woods suffered a knee injury and is doubtful for Week 12. Buffalo is down to recently signed Percy Harvin as its No. 1 receiver.
Zach Miller, TE Bears – Miller broke his foot Sunday against the Giants. He’ll miss the rest of the season. The Bears are extremely thin at tight end behind Miller. Look for Eddie Royal to pick up some of the slack in the slot. Chicago’s offense is sinking fast.
Rob Gronkowski, TE Patriots – Gronk missed Sunday’s game against the 49ers with a perforated lung. He’s expected back this week versus the Jets but if Gronkowski still isn’t ready to go, Martellus Bennett will draw another start. Bennett bombed for fantasy owners on Sunday catching just one pass for 14 yards.
