Quarterbacks
Will keep an eye on Carson Wentz’s practice participation this week but expect to see Nick Foles back under center for the Eagles.
Running Backs
Todd Gurley, Los Angeles Rams (Knee)
Gurley has been a bit banged up the last few weeks but hasn’t missed much action during the game. That change in Week 15 when Gurley was spotted with some sort of wrap and ice contraption on his knee. He missed about two series of action but did come back in the game. He was healthy enough to find the end-zone for a second time and contribute in the passing game during their final drive.
Fantasy Impact: Certainly a positive to see Gurley play through the injury but it was clear he was not 100%. Now that the Rams are still fighting for a 1st Round Bye we don’t expect to see the team shut him down in Week 16 (though that may be the case for Week 17). Look for John Kelly and Justin Davis to split time as the backups behind Gurley.
Leonard Fournette, Jacksonville Jaguars (Foot)
Fantasy managers were wondering why Fournette only saw one carry in the second half vs. the Redskins and it was apparently part of the Jaguars plan all along to limit Fournette’s touches. At least that is what Coach Doug Marrone said after the game. But then a report came out indicating Fournette will be limited in practice all week because of a foot injury.
Fantasy Impact: It doesn’t sound like Fournette suffered an injury but rather the team is just resting him because they are out of contention and their Number 4 overall pick from 2017 has a history of foot injuries. Carlos Hyde, TJ Yeldon, and newcomer David Williams could form a major headache in Week 16.
Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers (Knee)
Departing from the game in the 1st Quarter, Jones was eventually ruled out at Halftime, dealing fantasy managers a major blow in the semi-finals. Jones told the media he believes he suffered an MCL sprain (similar injury in 2017-cost him four games).
Fantasy Impact: If Jones is unable to go and we don’t think he will in Week 16, Jamaal Williams would be in line for a BIG workload.
Lamar Miller, Houston Texans (Ankle)
Injured in the 1st Quarter on his only carry, Miller’s ankle injury didn’t appear to be of the high ankle variety but he never returned to action and will be Questionable for Week 16.
Fantasy Impact: If Miller can’t play in Week 16, Look for Alfred Blue to carry the workload for the Texans in Week 16 with D’Onta Foreman perhaps making a return to the field for the first time in over a year.
Matt Breida, San Francisco 49ers (Ankle)
One of the most injury riddled backs of the year, Breida surprisingly only missed one game (Week 14) thus far. But he’ll be back to Questionable in Week 16 after he aggravated the same ankle late in the 4th Quarter of Week 15 that kept him out two weeks ago.
Fantasy Impact: The 49ers back is productive when on the field and certainly a viable RB2 option in PPR formats, but his injury problems are a major concern as the 49ers may turn back to Jeff Wilson if Breida can’t play in Week 16.
Frank Gore, Miami Dolphins (Foot)
The ageless wonder may have seen his last bit of NFL action. Although Gore’s foot X-Rays came back negative, the sprained foot injury is expected to keep him out the rest of the year. Gore (35) played in 126 straight games, dating back to his 2011 season with the 49ers.
Fantasy Impact: Sad to say it’s possible the last time we see Gore on the field as he turns 36 before next season. With Gore getting shut down look for Miami to turn to rookie Kallan Ballage as it’s pretty clear they just don’t want to feature Kenyan Drake.
Ito Smith, Atlanta Falcons (Knee)
The Falcons rookie rusher was questionable with a knee injury heading into Week 15 and it appears he aggravated it in the 4th Quarter against the Cardinals. It was announced on Monday that Smith will undergo knee surgery and will miss the remainder of the 2017 season.
Fantasy Impact: Tevin Coleman, who finally had a big game, will see a HUGE workload going forward with Devonta Freeman and now Ito Smith heading to IR.
Wide Receiver
Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers (Hip)
A juicy match-up against the Chiefs was cut WAY short in Week 15 when Allen fell hard to the ground in the 1st Quarter, headed to the sidelines, came back in for one play, and then headed back to the sidelines only the be ruled out for the rest of the game. Fantasy Managers saw teammate Mike Williams have a monster game with Allen out of the lineup, which surely threw some salt in the wound.
Fantasy Impact: The Chargers are being very optimistic regarding Allen’s status for Week 16 as they are reporting he has a “good chance” to play against the Ravens.
Tyler Boyd, Cincinnati Bengals (MCL Sprain)
A fantastic season for the Bengals wide receiver may now be over after Boyd sprained his MCL vs. the Raiders. He’s the first Bengals receiver to reach 1,000 yards NOT named AJ Green since 2009. His very productive season will likely come to an end with 76 catches for 1,028 yards and 7 TDs.
Fantasy Impact: Don’t expect to see Boyd back on the field in 2018, which means John Ross will take over as the Bengals Number 1 wide receiver.
Randall Cobb, Green Bay Packers (Concussion)
The Packers wide receiver is in the concussion protocol after taking a hit to the head in Week 15 against the Bears.
Fantasy Impact: Cobb has already missed a handful of games in 2018 with various injuries and since they are out of contention, they may decide to leave him on the shelf for the remainder of the season.
