PLAYOFFS? PLAYOFFS?!? Yes Coach Mora, it is finally that time! Chances are if you’re reading this week’s injury report, you have made into your fantasy football league’s postseason. Or you may just be looking to score some cash for the Holidays through DFS. Either way, congratulations and let’s keep stacking those wins. The Week 15 fantasy football injury report is a bit of a rollercoaster. We are riding high as there are no more bye weeks to deal with. However, we are slumping low due to the COVID rampage that is hitting the NFL right now. Between COVID-19 cases and injury updates, make sure you are checking back regularly for your player’s availability this week.
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Week 15 1PM Inactives:
DeAndre Hopkins (WR) Arizona Cardinals
Emmanuel Sanders (WR) Buffalo Bills
D’Andre Swift (RB) Detroit Lions
T.J. Hockenson (TE) Detroit Lions
Carlos Hyde (RB) Jacksonville Jaguars
Jaylen Waddle (WR) Miami Dolphins
Daniel Jones (QB) New York Giants
Kadarius Toney (WR) New York Giants
John Ross (WR) New York Giants
Week 15 Late Inactives:
Sammy Watkins (WR) Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson (QB) Baltimore Ravens
Equanimeous St. Brown (WR) Green Bay Packers
Elijah Mitchell (RB) San Francisco 49ers
Calvin Ridley (WR) Atlanta Falcons
Breshad Perriman (WR) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
12/17/21 Update
Josh Allen (QB) Buffalo Bills
Foot Sprain/Turf Toe, Initial Injury: 12/12/21
The Buffalo Bills go as their QB Josh Allen goes. Meaning his presence on the Week 15 injury report, isn’t the greatest sign for them. Allen injured his foot in last week’s thrilling game against Tampa Bay. Although it was in a losing effort, Allen was able to play through the injury and perform very well in the second half. After the game, he was spotted wearing a boot. Although, this appears to have been a precautionary step. Currently, Allen is reportedly dealing with a left foot sprain and mild turf toe.
The nature of the foot sprain has not been specified but turf toe refers to damage to the main joint in the big toe. Due to the toe being bent and forced into extension, ligaments in the joint are damaged. Depending on the severity, this can be a lingering injury but in mild cases only a couple of days are needed to heal. Allen participated in practice all week, including a full practice on Friday. He currently has no injury designation and is expected to start on Sunday. His mobility may be hindered some but he’s a start in a Bills must win game.
Allen is dealing with minor foot injuries but is expected to play this week. – START
Lamar Jackson (QB) Baltimore Ravens
Ankle Injury, Initial Injury: 12/12/21
Injuries may be finally catching up to the Baltimore Ravens this year. Heading into Week 15, their star QB Lamar Jackson is on the injury report. Last week, he injured his ankle early in the game and was unable to return. Not being able to play through the injury is a worrisome sign but reports state that the injury is not believed to be a high ankle sprain. This is positive news for the Ravens and fantasy managers as high ankle sprains cause more damage and take longer to rehab.
A low ankle sprain refers to the ankle sprain we commonly think of. It is caused by the foot rolling inwards and damaging the ligaments on the outside part of the ankle. This is a very common injury which can take between one to three weeks to heal in minor cases. Lamar is not practicing as of Wednesday (12/15) but optimism was provided by head coach John Harbaugh as he is preparing with Lamar as the starter.
Jackson’s mobility will likely be hindered to a degree but it would be difficult not to start him if he is able to play. He was unable to practice at all this week but head coach Harbaugh still states he has a “chance to play” on Sunday. The Ravens QB is officially questionable and a decision will be made based on how he is feeling during pregame warmups. Backup QB Tyler Huntley filled in admirably for Lamar last Sunday and may be a viable option if Lamar is unable to play.
Lamar is dealing with a low ankle sprain and his status is uncertain for Sunday. – MONITOR
Damien Harris (RB) New England Patriots
Hamstring Strain, Initial Injury: 12/6/21
New England’s backfield will be missing its lead man this Saturday. RB1 Damien Harris is officially ruled out for the Week 15 game against the Colts. Harris injured his hamstring against Buffalo in Week 13 and was in and out of the game. Despite being able to rest over the bye week, this was not enough time for the hamstring to heal enough for him to play. There was some hope he may be ready after limited practices all week but ultimately this is not the case. Hamstring injuries are very difficult injuries to manage due to their high re-injury rate. These injuries will severely hinder a player’s lower body power and ability to accelerate through a hole. Resting their top RB is a smart long term move by the Patriots here.
Harris is ruled out for this week with a hamstring strain. – SIT
12/16/21 Update
DeAndre Hopkins (WR) Arizona Cardinals
MCL Tear, Initial Injury: 12/13/21
The Arizona Cardinals are one of the surprisingly best teams of this 2021 NFL season. However, after being knocked out of first place in the NFC on Monday, they may be trending in the wrong direction. Cardinals star WR DeAndre Hopkins injured his leg late in the game and had to be removed for a couple plays. His injury got lost in the craziness that was the end of the game, but it should be Arizona’s top concern right now. Hopkins is reportedly expected to miss the rest of the regular season after having an MRI on his knee.
Reports have surfaced that Hopkins tore his MCL in his knee and will require surgery. This confirms his regular season being over and he has a possibility to return later in the NFL postseason. The MCL is a ligament in your knee that allows for stability, especially with side to side movements. Surgery is typically only recommended for severely damaged ligaments, which is reportedly the case here. Unfortunately, Hopkins will not be able to carry you to a fantasy football championship this year.
Hopkins is dealing with an MCL tear and will be out for the rest of the fantasy season. – DROP
Darren Waller (TE) Las Vegas Raiders
IT Band Syndrome, Initial Injury: 11/25/21
The Las Vegas Raiders have been an absolute mess these past few weeks. Between the distractions, poor play, and their best offensive player on the Week 15 injury report, it has been tough to watch. The Raiders TE Darren Waller has missed the past two games with what is being called an IT band strain or syndrome. An IT band refers to connective tissue that connects muscles of your outer hip to your outer knee. The IT band can become inflamed, which causes pain with repetitive motions such as running. Unfortunately, this injury can take four to eight weeks to fully heal based on severity. Additionally, Waller has been unable to practice in any capacity as of Wednesday (12/15). After not being able to practice this week, Waller is officially out for his third straight game.
Waller is dealing with a hip injury and is out for his third straight game. – SIT
Austin Ekeler (RB) Los Angeles Chargers
Ankle Injury, Initial Injury: 12/12/21
Chargers RB Austin Ekeler has been a fantasy stud this year and a player many will hope to rely on this week. Unfortunately, this situation comes with a bit of drama as Ekeler is a member of this Week 15 injury report. The Los Angeles RB re-injured his ankle last week, an injury he has been dealing with previously. Charger head coach Brandon Staley is optimistic regarding his ankle as he states Ekeler could have came back into the game last week if it was closer.
Ekeler has logged two consecutive limited practices and is officially questionable for Thursday’s game. There would be more confidence in him being able to perform if the game was on Sunday but I think Ekeler is still a must start if active. Make sure to monitor the injury all the way up to pregame warm ups as this is when the final decision will be made for his availability. This Week 15 matchup is a pivotal games for both teams so I would expect Ekeler to do everything he can to produce. Barring any pregame setback, the current expectation is for Ekler to play tonight.
Ekeler is dealing with a minor ankle injury and is expected to play Thursday. – START
Kareem Hunt (RB) Cleveland Browns
Ankle Injury, Initial Injury: 12/12/21
Unfortunately for fantasy managers, Browns RB Kareem Hunt is a frequent flyer and back on the Week 15 injury report. After already missing time due to injury earlier this year, Hunt was forced out of last week’s game. He is dealing with an ankle injury that likely cost some fantasy teams a win last week. Hunt left the game with only two carries for five yards and was unable to return. The specifics of his ankle injury are currently undisclosed but after an MRI the expectation is he will miss some time. There was likely significant damage found on the MRI for him to be not expected to play so soon. Additionally, Hunt was unable to practice this week and is officially out for Saturday’s game. Week 15 is setting up nicely for a full on Nick Chubb showing to get the bulk of the carries for Cleveland.
Hunt is expected to miss this week with an ankle injury. – SIT
TJ Hockenson (TE) Detroit Lions
Hand Injury, Initial Injury: 12/5/21
Detroit fans should just not read the Week 15 injury report at this point. Already down their two starting RBs, they will likely be missing their star TE T.J. Hockenson this week as well. Hockenson didn’t appear on the injury report until the middle of last week, after reportedly hurting his hand in last week’s game. Specifics or the nature of the injury has not been released yet but the Lions TE is currently doubtful to play this week. He was able to participate in a limited practice Wednesday, but unable to practice at all to end the week. After missing the Week 14 game, Hockenson has still been unable to return to practice. His status should be monitored but things are not looking good for his Week 15 availability at this point.
The Lions TE underwent thumb surgery this morning, which will end his 2021 season. This is a blow for fantasy managers everywhere, but Lions fans just hope for a healthy return after another lost season.
Hockenson is recovering from thumb surgery and his season is over. – DROP
Jalen Hurts (QB) Philadelphia Eagles
Ankle Injury, Initial Injury: 11/28/21
The city of Philadelphia is no longer flying high after a brutal loss to THE New York Football Giants last week. To make matters worse, their starting QB Jalen Hurts, coming off a three INT game, may not be able to suit up this week. Hurts may not be the best QB in terms of winning games but he has been a top fantasy QB this year. There have not been many specifics regarding the injury other than he has a “sore ankle”. Head coach Sirianni is expected to provide an update on Wednesday regarding Hurts Week 13 availability. With a bye in Week 14 the eagles may choose to rest Hurts and let backup QB Gardner Minshew give it a go.
Hurts did in fact miss Week 13 and despite having a bye last week, his Week 15 status is still uncertain. Reports are out that he is in fact dealing with a high ankle sprain which helps to explain the delay in recovery. A high ankle sprain refers to damage to the ligaments above your ankle which help hold your two lower leg bones together. These injuries typically have a longer recovery period than common ankle sprains as more force is needed to cause the injury. Due to more damage being done to this area above the ankle, even in mild cases it takes four to six weeks to fully heal. Hurts has been splitting first team reps with backup QB Gardner Minshew in practice this week. His participation in practice is a good sign but a full practice would boost confidence for his Week 15 availability.
Hurts is dealing with an ankle injury and his game status is currently up in the air. – MONITOR
Terry McLaurin (WR) Washington Football Team
Concussion, Initial Injury: 12/12/21
The no name football team in Washington has been up and down all year. Despite their inconsistent play, star WR Terry McLaurin has been a consistent bright spot for the offense. This does exclude last week however, when he was injured by hitting his head on the ground coming down from a catch attempt. McLaurin officially entered the NFL’s concussion protocol on Monday. A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that causes a disruption in the function of the brain. Concussions are still largely a mystery with symptoms affecting people in different severity and for different lengths of time. However, in the NFL the majority of players have been found to return in about a week. McLaurin reportedly worked on the side with team trainers on Wednesday but will need to practice this week to have a chance to play.
McLaurin is in the concussion protocol and needs to be monitored. – MONITOR
D.J. Moore (WR) Carolina Panthers
Hamstring strain, Initial Injury: 12/12/21
The Panthers offense this year has been anything but consistent and steady. However, those words are great adjectives to describe the next member of the Week 15 injury report. Carolina WR D.J. Moore is dealing with a hamstring strain that he suffered in last weeks game. He was removed from the game for a short period but was ultimately able to return to the game. Hamstring injuries are very difficult to manage as they are easily re-injured and can be very limiting.
Head coach Matt Rhule describes Moore’s status as day to day and he was able to record a limited practice Wednesday. Even in mild cases, playing with a hamstring injury puts Moore at an elevated risk for re-injury if he does play next week. Between the injury, terrible QB play, and facing a stout Buffalo secondary, Moore is a risky play in my books this week. He has been able to find ways to produce most of the year but he will be fighting an uphill battle in Week 15.
Moore’s hamstring injury will likely hinder him despite being expected to play this week. – MONITOR
Tony Pollard (RB) Dallas Cowboys
Plantar Fascia Tear, Initial Injury: 12/2/21
The Dallas Cowboys have enjoyed a dynamic 1-2 punch in their backfield for most of the year. However, this was disrupted when RB Tony Pollard injured his foot two weeks ago against the Saints. Recently, reports surfaced that Pollard tore the plantar fascia of his one foot and he was unable to play last week. Your plantar fascia refers to a thick band of tissue that runs from the heel of your foot to the base of your toes. This band works to support the arch of your foot and aids in running and jumping activities. This injury typically will take around two months to fully heal but Pollard is trying to play through the injury. Unfortunately, he has been unable to return to practice at this point and it will be a difficult task to perform at a high level with this injury.
Pollard tore his plantar fascia but is trying to play without allowing the injury to heal. – MONITOR/SIT
Melvin Gordon (RB) Denver Broncos
Sprained Thumb, Initial Injury: 12/12/21
If you looked at RB Melvin Gordon‘s stat line last week, the last thing you would expect is that he was injured last week. Gordon was able to rack up 111 yards and 2 TDs, despite spraining his thumb early in the game. After missing only a short period of time, Gordon returned to the game and was very productive with the injury. Also, the Denver RB logged a limited practice Wednesday (12/15) and is currently not expected to miss any time. Specifics and severity of the thumb sprain has not been given but based on his play and practice participation he should be good to go.
Gordon is dealing with a minor thumb injury that is not expected to hinder his play. – START/MONITOR
Logan Thomas (TE) Washington Football Team
Knee Injury, Initial Injury: 12/5/21
Washington TE Logan Thomas can’t seem to escape the injury report and finds himself back in Week 14. The talented TE took a hit to his knee during last week’s game and immediately went down in pain. Initially, the fears after on field testing were that he tore his ACL and would be done for the season. However, an MRI on Monday shows no ACL tear but reportedly there is “some damage” to the knee. Further testing is still needed at this time but this is a relief considering the initial fear. I would expect Thomas will still miss some time due to this damage but how long will be impossible to know until more information is given. Hopefully, the Washington Football Team can continue to receive good news and Thomas’ knee injury is minor.
In the most recent change of events, it turns out TE Logan Thomas did in fact tear his ACL. After an initial MRI showed no ACL tear, recent testing and imaging shows there is indeed an ACL tear. Thomas is already on his second IR stint this year, meaning his season is over, but this will cause him to miss time next year. He is expected to have the surgery this week. This is an unfortunate blow to Washington’s offense and backup Ricky Seales-Jones will look to step up again as the starter.
Thomas is being placed on the IR for the second time due to this knee injury and his season is over. – DROP
Daniel Jones (QB) New York Giants
Neck Strain, Initial Injury: 11/28/21
Coming off a big divisional win in Week 12, Giants fans of course are immediately hit with negative news. It is being reported that QB Daniel Jones injured his neck on the second play of the game. Additionally, initially there were some reports that he could miss an extended period of time due to the injury. Right away this didn’t sound right as Jones was able to play the entire rest of the game, including multiple designed QB runs. Jones has now practiced both Wednesday and Thursday at least in limited fashion and the expectation is much more optimistic. New York’s new offensive coordinator even went as far as to say he expects Jones to start at QB this week. The situation will need to be monitored further but it seems more positive news is being received throughout the week.
After being sidelined the last two weeks due to his injury, it appears that the Giants QB is likely to miss this week’s game as well. Furthermore, Jones has still not been cleared for contact yet with his neck injury after being further evaluated by team doctors. He is practicing currently, but only in a limited non-contact capacity and will be unavailable until he is cleared. Back up QB Mike Glennon will likely be starting this week with newly acquired QB Jake Fromm next in line.
Jones injured his neck early in last weeks game and is out for this week. – SIT
D’Andre Swift (RB) Detroit Lions
AC Sprain, Initial Injury: 11/25/21
The Lions have not had much to be happy this year about per usual. Unfortunately, one of the few players they have been happy about, finds himself on the Week 15 injury report. RB D’Andre Swift has been having a career year to start but injured his shoulder last week. He was taken down hard on his shoulder and is currently dealing with an AC joint sprain. The AC joint connects your shoulder to your clavicle and the ligament connecting the two is commonly injured. There are numerous levels of the injury based on the amount of damage caused. Based on reports, this injury is not expected to be season-ending, but it will have Swift out at least this week and possible more.
After missing last week’s game, Swift is still absent from practice as of Wednesday (12/15). Lions head coach Dan Campbell stated that Swift’s shoulder is improving but this the RB is still missing practices. This is definitely a situation to monitor to see if he is able to practice at all this week. At this point, if Swift can’t practice on Friday, I would expect him to not be available this week.
Swift is still not practicing with his shoulder injury and will need to be monitored. – MONITOR/SIT
Current COVID-19 List:
The NFL is currently dealing with a COVID-19 outbreak amongst numerous teams. With so many players affected, it will be easier to simply keep an updated list of all the Fantasy Football relevant names. The list will be updated daily to remain current. Here is a reminder of the NFL’s COVID-19 rules:
– Vaccinated players who test positive can return to play after producing 2 negative tests, at least 24 hours apart
– Vaccinated players don’t have to quarantine as a “high-risk” close contact to an infected person
– Unvaccinated players who test positive will miss a minimum of 10 days before return to play
– Unvaccinated players have a 5 day quarantine if they are a “high-risk” close contact to an infected person
Taylor Heinicke (QB) Washington Football Team
Tyler Higbee (TE) Los Angeles Rams
Andy Dalton (QB) Chicago Bears
Kareem Hunt (RB) Cleveland Browns
Allen Robinson (WR) Chicago Bears
Jesse James (TE) Chicago Bears
Case Keenum (QB) Cleveland Browns
Elijah Moore (WR) New York Jets
Tyler Lockett (WR) Seattle Seahawks
Alex Collins (RB) Seattle Seahawks
Jaylen Waddle (WR) Miami Dolphins
Odell Beckham Jr (WR) Los Angeles Rams
Alexander Mattison (RB) Minnesota Vikings
Kadarius Toney (WR) New York Giants
Quez Watkins (WR) Philadelphia Eagles
Jarvis Landry (WR) Cleveland Browns
Austin Hooper (TE) Cleveland Browns
Darrel Henderson (RB) Los Angeles Rams
Jamaal Williams (RB) Detroit Lions
Cam Sims (WR) Washington Football Team
Cedrick Wilson (WR) Dallas Cowboys
Baker Mayfield (QB) Cleveland Browns
This injury report updates until Week 15 ends. Make sure to stay up to date on all the latest injuries this season over on Twitter @SGPNFootballDoc!
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