Another NFL week, another stable of injuries. There is nothing worse (among fantasy football enthusiasts) than making it to the championship game and then being without some of your key players because of injury. I have no doubt many of you reading this are in that exact situation. Still, the game must go on, and finding suitable replacements is the difference between winning and losing. But before that, you need to make sure finding a replacement is necessary. Very few players are irreplaceable in your lineup, but that doesn’t mean backups aren’t needed. Let’s look at some of the major injuries from Week 16, their current status, and how they may impact your Week 17 matchup.
Jalen Hurts, QB, Philadelphia Eagles (Concussion)
Jalen Hurts left his Week 16 matchup against the division-rival Washington Commanders early with a concussion. While Hurts may be good to go by Sunday, concussions are hard to predict, and with him currently in the concussion protocol I have a difficult time believing that Hurts will be fully recovered by game time. This is devastating news to the Eagles organization and any fantasy managers who may be without his services in their championship matchup. Be sure to keep an eye on his status leading up to this week’s game. If he’s out, hopefully, you have someone like Bo Nix, Anthony Richardson, or Tua Tagovailoa to put in his place.
Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills (Elbow)
Josh Allen has been battling a hand injury for some time and to this point has been able to play through it. It hasn’t seemed to slow him down much either. This past week he had a disappointing outing of 11.16 fantasy points, but before that, Allen had four weeks of at least 23 points and even put together a two-game stretch of 51.88 and 41.28 points. Allen has said his hand is fine and that he should be good to go. This is great news for anyone who has him. Just be sure to continue to keep up to date on the latest news and whether or not there are any setbacks. If there aren’t then continue to fire him up with confidence.
James Conner, RB, Arizona Cardinals (Knee)
James Conner was bound to get hurt at some point. Conner has yet to miss a single game this season but has a long history of injuries that have kept him sidelined in previous years. Conner was limited in practice on Tuesday which is often a good sign to start the week. But with nothing left to play for (having been eliminated from the playoffs) the Cardinals staff may decide to limit Conner’s touches and give rookie Trey Benson an extended look. If Conner is good to go then you have to play him. This week is too important to get cute with your lineup. But be sure you have options in case he is ruled out. Players like Jerome Ford, Tyjae Spears, and Kendre Miller are all good backup plans.
Kenneth Walker, RB, Seattle Seahawks (Ankle)
Kenneth Walker has missed consecutive practices this week due to an ankle injury he suffered in a Week 16 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. This puts his status for a Thursday Night matchup against the Chicago Bears in real danger. Even if he does play, he might be limited or ineffective, which is a shame since the matchup is so good. The Bears have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to running backs and a fully healthy Walker should be able to pick them apart. But even if he can suit up, there is very little chance of him being fully healthy. Walker has only managed to play two of his last four games and in those two games, he has a combined total of 17.9 fantasy points. Look elsewhere this week.
Drake London, WR, Atlanta Falcons (Hamstring)
Drake London’s hamstring injury doesn’t appear to be serious, with coach Raheem Morris even saying that London could have re-entered the game against the Giants if necessary. But by the time the injury occurred, the Falcons had the game well in hand on their way to a 34-7 rout. This should bode well for London’s Week 17 status. London is WR8 this season and has eight or more targets in four of his last six games. That usage hasn’t always led to production but as long as he’s out there, he should be in your lineup.
Tank Dell, WR, Houston Texans (Knee)
Tank Dell was already having an underwhelming season, and now he will miss the rest of it with a major knee injury. Dell suffered a dislocated knee as well as tears of the ACL, LCL, and MCL, and damage to the meniscus. With Dell on IR, you will have to find other options if you were counting on him as a flex this week. Of course, if that is the case then your outlook was pretty bleak anyway. It might all be moot anyway depending when you’re reading this since, having a Christmas Day matchup, Dell may have already played.
Jaylen Waddle, WR, Miami Dolphins (Knee)
Jaylen Waddle is still nursing a knee injury and his Week 17 status is unclear. If he is out again, expect Tyreek Hill, Jonnu Smith, and De’Von Achane to soak up his targets and be major contributors to your fantasy squad once again. All three have league-winning upside with or without Waddle and are automatic starts in Week 17.
Alvin Kamara, RB, New Orleans Saints (Groin)
Alvin Kamara says he is hopeful to play in Week 17. But after missing Week 16 because of a groin injury, it is no guarantee that he will be out there against the Raiders, no matter how much he may want to be. If he’s out, then Kendre Miller will likely handle the bulk of the work. Miller was unplayable in Week 16 but could be worth flex consideration on volume alone. If Kamara is active, he is a must-start option.
Tony Pollard, RB, Tennessee Titans (Ankle)
Tony Pollard’s ankle injury appears to be behind him (at least in theory.) Pollard played in Week 16 against Indianapolis but only managed 10 touches for 40 combined yards. Tyjae Spears was by far the better runner and got more of the work (13 touches.) Even more telling is that Spears saw 61% of the snaps compared to 39% for Pollard. This would seem to indicate that Pollard’s ankle may still be an issue. If Pollard suits up you may have to play him, but keep expectations tempered.
