Injury Status: Week 16

Thu Dec 19 9:08am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

We had some more key players get hurt last week, coming at a really bad time for fantasy owners. Hopefully, the injuries don’t hurt you too badly for the Week 16 games. There are some positives this week, though, as a few players are set to return to the lineup this week. This could provide a boost for some fantasy teams.

Here is the latest. . . . .

David Njoku, TE, Browns. Njoku missed the game last week and is out of practice to start the week because of his hamstring injury. He was close to playing last week, so don’t rule him out yet for this week. He has a chance to practice some before the week is out. Keep an eye on the notes for the latest.

Drew Lock, QB, Giants. Lock is back at practice this week and ready to return to the starting lineup. He sat out last week because of elbow and heel injuries. Lock is fully expected to start Week 16, barring a late-week setback.

Younghoe Koo, K, Falcons. Koo has been placed on Injured Reserve because of an undisclosed injury. He apparently hurt himself during last week’s game and now will miss the rest of the regular season.

Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs. Mahomes suffered an ankle injury near the end of last week’s game. He was feared to have suffered a pretty serious injury but he got in a full practice Wednesday. He seems to have avoided the worst and has a good chance to start the game this weekend. If the Chiefs play it cautious with Mahomes, Carson Wentz gets the start but it sure looks like Mahomes doesn’t want to sit.

Jaylen Waddle, WR, Dolphins. Waddle was knocked from last week’s game because of a knee injury. He is out of practice to start this week and is being called day-to-day. We consider him pretty iffy to play right now, leaving the Dolphins thin at receiver with Odell Beckham getting released last week.

Sincere McCormick, RB, Raiders. McCormick got knocked from the game last week because of an ankle injury. He has already been placed on Injured Reserve, ending his season. Alexander Mattison and Ameer Abdullah should split the work at running back going forward for the Raiders.

Roschon Johnson, RB, Bears. Johnson had to miss the game last week because of a concussion but opened this week with a full practice. He should be ready to go this weekend, serving as the top backup for D’Andre Swift.

Tony Pollard, RB, Titans. Pollard played last week on his ankle injury but split more of the work with Tyjae Spears. Pollard did not practice last week and played, and is sitting out practice to start this week. Nothing is certain with Pollard’s status right now. We would consider him a little up in the air. He could end up being a game-time decision.

Aidan O’Connell, QB, Raiders. O’Connell sat out the game last week because of a knee injury. He is practicing this week and looking good to return from his injury. As long as he keeps practicing, look for O’Connell to return to the starting lineup Week 16.

Isaac Guerendo, RB, 49ers. Guerendo was able to play with his foot injury last week but apparently suffered a hamstring injury during the game. He is out of practice right now, so consider him questionable to play. We wouldn’t rule him out, but make sure he practices some before the week is over. If not, look for Guerendo to sit out Week 16.

George Pickens, WR, Steelers. Pickens has missed the last two games because of a hamstring injury. He is still not practicing just yet but is doing some work on the side. This is a positive development for Pickens. He still could play this week. We should know more before the week is out, so keep an eye on the player notes for the latest.

Kenneth Walker, RB, Seahawks. Walker is another player that has missed the last two weeks because of injury. He is dealing with a calf strain but the Seahawks are holding out hope for a return this week. He could return to practice before the week is out. If that happens, Walker should at least split the work with Zach Charbonnet in Week 16.

Jaleel McLaughlin, RB, Broncos. McLaughlin was knocked from last week’s game with a quad injury and has already been ruled out for Thursday’s game. He will miss, giving Javonte Williams most of the work at running back for the Broncos this week.

Zach Ertz, TE, Commanders. Ertz took a big hit last week and suffered a concussion. He is out of practice and will need to be cleared before their game this week. He is looking pretty iffy to play right now. We would get other options ready for Week 16.

Marquise Brown, WR, Chiefs. Brown seems set to finally make his season debut this week for the Chiefs. He has been out all season because of shoulder surgery. He is practicing in full and apparently looking really good. He should play Week 16 and could be a part of the Chiefs game plan.

Zach Charbonnet, RB, Seahawks. Charbonnet apparently was banged up during last week’s game, suffering some type of oblique injury. He did not practice Wednesday, which is a little concerning. We wouldn’t hit the panic button just yet, but make sure he gets in some sort of practice before the week is out. As long as that happens, he should play.

Xavier Legette, WR, Panthers. Legette got knocked out of the Week 15 game because of a hip injury. He is out of practice right now and not looking great to play this week. We would expect to miss the game, barring some big turnaround before the week is out.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

Injury Status: Week 16

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