There were more big injuries in Week 14. As always, injuries play a crucial role when it comes to constructing our fantasy lineups, especially during playoff time. Here’s the status of players with the most interest to the fantasy community:
Aaron Rodgers, QB Packers – Rodgers suffered a calf injury in Sunday’s win over the Seahawks. He didn’t miss a snap and Rodgers is expected to be fine for this week’s game versus the Bears. Rodgers played through a calf injury in 2014. This injury isn’t believed to be as bad.
Matthew Stafford, QB Lions – Stafford suffered torn ligaments to the middle finger on his throwing hand Sunday. He ended up playing with a glove on his hand. Lions coach Jim Caldwell said Stafford won’t miss any time and that he’ll wear something over his finger for the rest of the season. Stafford has a tough matchup against the Giants defense this week.
Ryan Tannehill, QB Dolphins – Tannehill left Sunday’s game against the Cardinals with a sprained ACL and MCL. The initial diagnosis is Tannehill doesn’t need surgery but he’s seeking a second opinion on Tuesday. Either way, his fantasy season is over. Mat Moore will take over as Miami’s starting quarterback. Moore is a fine backup but Tannehill’s absence hurts the fantasy value of all the Dolphins skill position players.
Matt Forte, RB Jets – Forte suffered a knee injury in Sunday’s game against the 49ers. He was scheduled for an MRI on Monday. Forte said he heard some popping in his knee. Bilal Powell replaced Forte on Sunday. He rushed for 145 yards and two touchdowns on 29 carries (5.0 YPC). Powell will be in line for a heavy workload once again against the Dolphins if Forte misses time.
Melvin Gordon, RB Chargers – Gordon left early in Sunday’s game against the Panthers with a hip injury. He also has a sprained knee. Early reports have him as week to week but Chargers coach Mike McCoy said he’s day to day. If Gordon can’t go against the Raiders, Kenneth Farrow will get most of the touches with Ronnie Hillman spelling him.
Chris Ivory, RB Jaguars – Ivory missed Sunday’s game against the Vikings with a hamstring injury. He should be considered questionable this week versus Houston. T.J. Yeldon will continue to dominate touches if Ivory is out. Regardless, no Jaguars running back is worth starting in fantasy playoffs.
Theo Riddick, RB Lions – Riddick was a surprise inactive with a wrist injury at the worst possible time for fantasy owners. The Lions need Riddick back now that Stafford is dealing with a finger injury. He should be considered questionable for this week’s game versus the Giants.
Wendell Smallwood, RB Eagles – Smallwood suffered an MCL sprain against the Redskins. He was placed on injured reserve and will miss the rest of the season. Ryan Mathews will be the Eagles lead back the rest of the way.
Darren Sproles, RB Eagles – Sproles suffered a concussion in Sunday’s game against the Redskins. He’s in the league’s concussion protocol. If he’s out this week, Mathews will see even more touches with Kenjon Barner taking over Sproles role on passing downs.
A.J. Green, WR Bengals – Green missed Sunday’s game against the Browns while he recovers from his knee injury but he’s expected to return to practice on Wednesday. Depending on how he practices, Green could return this week against the Steelers.
Julio Jones, WR Falcons – Jones missed Sunday’s game against the Rams with turf toe. Atlanta obviously didn’t need him as they crushed the Rams 42-7. Falcons coach Dan Quinn said Jones could be limited in Wednesday’s practice. Atlanta has another easy game on paper this week against the 49ers. Unfortunately for fantasy owners, Jones is probably 50/50 to be active.
Donte Moncrief, WR Colts – Moncrief suffered a hamstring injury late in the fourth quarter against the Texans. He didn’t return to the game. If Moncrief can’t play against the Vikings, T.Y. Hilton will see even more targets in a tough matchup.
Mohamed Sanu, WR Falcons – Sanu missed Sunday’s game against the Rams with a groin injury. Quinn said Sanu could also be limited in Wednesday’s practice. If Sanu can’t play this week against the 49ers, Taylor Gabriel’s fantasy value gets a bump in a juicy matchup.
Michael Thomas, WR Saints – Thomas was a late inactive Sunday with a foot injury. He should be back this week against the Cardinals. If Thomas can’t play, Brandon Coleman will get more snaps again in the Saints three-receiver sets.
Vance McDonald, TE 49ers – McDonald was placed on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. He’ll miss the rest of the season. His fantasy value has been hindered by the 49ers inconsistent quarterback play. Unless drastic changes are made, that will likely be the case again next year.
