Week 8 was one of the most disastrous weeks in recent memory for fantasy football players. There was a rash of serious injuries which changed the landscape of fantasy football for the remainder of the season. This is now crunch time so you need to make your move before the trade deadline and position yourself for the stretch run. So without further ado, here is the next edition of the fantasy football walking wounded.
T.Y. Hilton (WR-IND)
Hilton has not practiced this week and was still in a walking boot. The Colts say he will be a game-time decision but all signs are pointing to him missing this week’s game against Denver. It would be a tough matchup anyway against the Broncos’ great defense. Check back for any last minute updates over the weekend but plan on being without Hilton in Week 9.
Matt Forte (RB – CHI)
Despite the vague comments by John Fox, it is a safe bet that Matt Forte will miss this Monday night’s game against San Diego and quite possibly next week as well. Forte is dealing with a knee injury and is reportedly going to be out at least a couple weeks. Jeremy Langford will get the start and is one of the few viable options on the waiver wire if he is still available.
Keenan Allen (WR – SD)
It was unclear exactly what happened to Keenan Allen last week as the initial reports were back spasms. However, it turned out to be much more serious than that as Allen suffered a lacerated kidney and will miss the remainder of the season. This is a huge loss for fantasy owners as Allen was a solid WR1 and the primary target in Philip Rivers’ prolific aerial attack. Look for Malcom Floyd to receive a bulk of those targets now with Stevie Johnson also seeing an uptick in action.
Ladarius Green (TE – SD)
With Keenan Allen out for the year, it was plausible to think the Chargers may go with a two-tight end formation and utilize both Antonio Gates and Ladarius Green to help offset the loss. However, Green was still wearing a protective boot at practice on Thursday as he is dealing with an ankle injury. His status for Monday night’s game is in serious jeopardy so follow closely over the weekend for additional updates.
Stefon Diggs (WR – MIN)
Rookie wide receiver Stefon Diggs has broken out the past couple weeks with huge games against the Lions and Bears. He missed some practice this week with a hamstring injury but returned on Thursday which is a positive sign regarding his status for Week 9. Diggs has become a viable WR2/WR3 and should absolutely be in your lineup this week against St. Louis.
Reggie Bush (RB – SF)
Bush has been placed on injured reserve with a knee injury and will miss the rest of the season. It was a fluke injury for him when he slipped near the wall but the fact remains he is done for the year further depleting the 49ers’ woeful offense. With Carlos Hyde also dealing with a stress fracture in his foot and a change at quarterback, you should avoid all San Francisco offensive players.
Austin Seferian-Jenkins (TE – TB)
Seferian-Jenkins was still limited in practice this week and it appears he will not play this weekend against the Giants. This is extremely disappointing for fantasy owners because it would have been a very favorable matchup against one of the league’s worst defenses. If things change quickly then Seferian-Jenkins is a great fantasy option to light up the scoreboard. Check back on Saturday for a status update.
DeSean Jackson (WR – WAS)
Jackson is expecting to return this week after missing seven games with a hamstring injury. He is still not practicing in full yet, but the veteran should be able to get on the field without doing so. Jackson will be low-end WR3 or Flex option if he does play against the Patriots because Washington has no running game and will have to throw the ball all day to try and keep up with New England’s high-powered offense.
Ryan Mathews (RB – PHI)
Mathews is dealing with a groin injury which has limited him in practice this week. His status is uncertain for Sunday against Dallas so you will need to look for additional updates before kickoff. Mathews has been very effective this year when he gets opportunities. In fact, he is the Eagles’ leading rusher despite DeMarco Murray having more attempts. Mathews would be a decent Flex option against a Cowboys defense that is going to have to play its best football in order to stay competitive in this NFC East showdown.
Nick Mangold (C – NYJ)
Good news this week for Nick Mangold as he returned to practice and is in line to play this week against Jacksonville. This is a major development because Ryan Fitzpatrick will be starting despite a left thumb injury so the Jets are going to have to run the ball effectively to protect him from unnecessary hits and contact. Mangold is the key to the Jets' offensive line, so look for Chris Ivory to have a big game against a young, but suspect, Jaguars defense.
Michael A. Stein, Esq. is the Chief Justice of Fantasy Judgment, the industry's premier dispute resolution service, and is also the co-host of the Fantasy Alarm podcast. You can contact him at michael.stein@fantasyjudgment.com or on Facebook and Twitter (@FantasyJudgment).