Welcome to December as we head down the stretch run of the NFL season. Many fantasy leagues have started their playoffs or will be starting them this week. Injuries can and will play a major factor in deciding the fate of fantasy GM’s so it is vital that you stay on top of all the updates being provided on a daily basis. So without further adieu, let’s get rolling with the Week 14 edition of the walking wounded.
Marshawn Lynch (RB-SEA)
Marshawn Lynch is on the Seahawks’ injury report after being held out of practice on Wednesday to rest his back. Seattle is simply giving Lynch some rest so you can be assured he will be on the field this Sunday. Lynch has been an elite running back all season with 956 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. He may not talk to the media, but he sure can help your fantasy team in the playoffs.
Andre Ellington (RB-ARZ)
Andre Ellington is dealing with a severe hip pointer and is, at best, a game-time decision for this Sunday against Kansas City. Ellington has been relatively disappointing this season with only 660 yards rushing and three touchdowns, but his absence could be a devastating blow to your fantasy team’s chances in the playoffs. Compounding the problem is the fact that Arizona plays in the following week’s Thursday night game so he could potentially miss the next two weeks. None of the other Arizona running backs are great options, so hope for the best but expect the worst.
Alshon Jeffery (WR-CHI)
Alshon Jeffery has been banged up all season and on the Bears’ injury report practically every week, yet he has not missed a game. He is dealing with a hamstring injury and was limited in practice on Wednesday, but you can expect him to play on Thursday night against Dallas. He should certainly be in your lineup as this could be a high scoring game between the Cowboys and Bears.
Julius Thomas (TE-DEN)
Julius Thomas was limited in practice on Wednesday and should be back on the field this week against Buffalo. He will be a huge addition to your fantasy lineup if he is active after missing the past two games with an ankle injury. Thomas is an elite tight end and could be a difference-maker in your fantasy matchup if he is able to go. Check back in later in the week for an update on his status.
Roddy White (WR-ATL)
Roddy White ended up sitting out of last week’s game against the Cardinals but hopes to be back on the field for Monday night against Green Bay. In his absence, Harry Douglas stepped up with nine catches and over 100 yards. The Falcons are right in the middle of the playoff hunt in the awful NFC South, so they need their veteran receiver to play against the red hot Packers. Check back in later in the week for an update on White’s status.
DeSean Jackson (WR-WAS)
DeSean Jackson sustained an ugly-looking leg injury last week against the Colts and was still limping at practice on Wednesday. Washington is hopeful he will be able to play this week against St. Louis, but Jackson clearly is still in pain and has not been able to fully test his leg. It has been an awful season for the Redskins, but Jackson has certainly been a bright spot with 942 yards receiving and five touchdowns. He is a must-start WR2 if he is able to play, especially with Colt McCoy playing quarterback now.
Torrey Smith (WR-BAL)
Torrey Smith suffered an ankle injury in last week’s loss to San Diego and has not practiced this week through Wednesday. However, the Ravens are optimistic that he will be on the field this Sunday against Miami. Smith has caught eight touchdowns this year on only 38 receptions, so he clearly has more value in standard leagues at this point. Assuming he plays, you should slot him in as a WR3 or Flex.
Rashad Jennings (RB-NYG)
Rashad Jennings returns to the injury report after only being active for a couple weeks. Jennings is dealing with an ankle injury and did not practice on Wednesday. The Giants also signed journeyman running back Chris Ogbonnaya which is a strong indicator that Jennings’ status is in jeopardy for this Sunday against Tennessee. If Jennings cannot play, then Andre Williams would get the start and could be a viable fantasy option against an awful Tennessee defense.
Dwayne Allen (TE-IND)
Dwayne Allen is back at practice and is on track to return this week against Cleveland. This means that Coby Fleener is relegated to your bench after putting up great TE1 numbers last week as a streaming option (which I suggested). Allen won’t light up your stat sheet so look for better tight end options. Cleveland’s defense is respectable so the Colts may not light up the scoreboard this week.
Justin Hunter (WR-TEN)
Justin Hunter suffered a lacerated spleen last week which has ended his disappointing season. Hunter was highly regarded coming into the 2014 draft season, but he only rewarded fantasy GM’s with 28 catches for 498 yards and three touchdowns. Granted, the Titans have had issues with their quarterbacks and have been terrible overall. But there is no denying Hunter’s failure to meet expectations. He can be dropped in all redraft leagues but is still worth holding into in dynasty leagues.
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),