This edition of the injury report is heavily focused on concussions as several key players are in the league’s protocol which jeopardizes their status for upcoming games. The fantasy playoffs are right around the corner so every injury matters now as GMs jockey for position in the standings. The waiver wire still has some viable options available for you to acquire depth and short-term replacements so make sure you are being diligent with your acquisitions.So, without further ado, let’s delve into the nextedition of the fantasy football emergency room.
Devonta Freeman (RB-ATL) – It’s been a frustrating few weeks for Freeman who has seen his touches and scoring take a nosedive. Now he will likely miss some time with a concussion that he sustained early in the game against Dallas this past weekend. This is the second concussion he has suffered this year so Atlanta is going to be cautious and conservative with him. Freeman should be able to return for Week 12 so there does not appear to be any concerns about him long-term. Tevin Coleman would get the start and see most of the touches against a tough Seattle defense this week.
Philip Rivers (QB-LAC) – Rivers has been healthy and consistent throughout his career but could be in jeopardy of missing this week’s game against Buffalo due to a concussion. He is in the league’s protocol now so we will have to wait for further updates later in the week. Kellen Clemens is the Chargers’ backup and he is not a good streaming option if he does end up playing. Rivers has thrown for 2,263 yards along with 15 touchdowns and seven interceptions making him a QB2 option in most standard leagues even when healthy.
Will Fuller (WR-HOU) – Fuller has been a touchdown machine in the five games he has played this year as he has 17 catches for 326 yards and seven scores. However, he suffered cracked ribs this past weekend against the Rams and he is likely going to miss this week’s game. Fuller is not expected to miss much more time than that which is good news. Bruce Ellington appears to be the next man up in Fuller’s place but you should temper your expectations for him since the Texans’ quarterback situation is dreadful with either Tom Savage or T.J. Yates.
Jacoby Brissett (QB-IND) – Brissett was hit in the head while sliding last week and is now in the concussion protocol. The good news is that he will have an extended amount of time to recover since Indianapolis has a bye for Week 11 so he should be able to return in Week 12 assuming he does not suffer any setbacks. Brissett has thrown for 2,172 yards along with nine touchdowns and five interceptions making him a QB2 at best in two-QB leagues. If Brissett is not ready to go against Tennessee in Week 12 then Scott Tolzien would get the start which is not good for anyone from a fantasy perspective.
Ty Montgomery (RB-GB) – Montgomery aggravated his rib injury this past week and will be going through tests this week to help determine whether he will be able to play against Baltimore in Week 11. He would be in line for most of the playing time if he can suit up since Aaron Jones suffered a knee injury shutting him down for several weeks. Montgomery hasn’t been overly productive this season with just 273 rushing yards and only three touchdowns including one this past week. Check his status over the next few days before making any final decisions about starting him.
Aaron Jones (RB-GB) – Jones is expected to miss three to six weeks due to an MCL injury he sustained last week. This is a critical injury for fantasy GMs because the timetable for his absence is right in the heart of the fantasy playoffs. Jones has rushed for 370 yards and three touchdowns and was going to be a major part of Green Bay’s offense without Aaron Rodgers. Jamaal Williams should see a lot of playing time, especially with Ty Montgomery’s health also in doubt.
C.J. Prosise (RB-SEA) – The Seahawks placed C.J. Prosise on injured reserve meaning he is done for the regular season due to an ankle injury. He has not played much this season and has not been a factor even when he has been on the field. Seattle’s crowded backfield has thinned mightily and no one has emerged as a viable or reliable fantasy option. Prosise can be dropped in all redraft leagues at this point.
Rob Kelley (RB-WAS) – The Redskins have placed Kelley on season-ending injured reserve with sprains of his ankle and MCL. He has been dealing with injuries for most of the season including a rib injury so he never really got going at all. Kelley will finish the season with an underwhelming 194 rushing yards and three touchdowns. This means that Chris Thompson will take over as the lead running back for Washington which is good news for fantasy GMs as Thompson is a great option in PPR leagues thanks to his pass-catching capabilities. SamajePerine will also get a chance to play but he has not been as effective from a fantasy standpoint.
Allen Hurns (WR-JAX) – Hurns suffered an ankle injury in the Jaguars win over the Chargers last week and will not play this week against Cleveland. It is reported that Dede Westbrook will replace Hurns for Week 11 and could be a streaming option in deep leagues or if you are desperate to fill a spot due to a bye week. Hurns has 36 catches for 446 yards and two touchdowns for the season and is nothing more than a WR4 option as Jacksonville is primarily a running offense.
Curtis Samuel (WR-CAR) – Panthers wide receiver Curtis Samuel has been placed on injured reserve and will miss the rest of the season due to ligament damage in his ankle. This is a big loss for Carolina as Samuel was just emerging into a bigger role after the team traded away Kelvin Benjamin. He finishes the season with just 15 catches for 115 yards and no touchdowns but was clearly headed towards a bigger role. He can be dropped in all redraft leagues.
Drew Stanton (QB-ARZ) – Stanton suffered a sprained knee last Thursday night against Seattle and appears to be making some progress in practice early this week. His status for Week 11 is still unknown so we will have to wait a couple days to see where he is at. If Stanton cannot play on Sunday, Blaine Gabbert would start and is not a viable fantasy option except in deep two-QB leagues.
Tyron Smith (T-DAL) – Not having Ezekiel Elliott had an effect on the Cowboys last weekend against Atlanta, but one could argue that Tyron Smith’s absence was an even bigger factor. Dallas was unable to protect Dak Prescott from serious pressure and it led to a blowout loss against the Falcons. The Cowboys have a big matchup against the NFC East-leading Eagles this week and it is unclear whether Smith will be able to play due to his groin injury. The Eagles special teams/defense would be an even better option if he is unable to play.
Sean Lee (LB-DAL) – Lee is the heart and soul of Dallas’s defense and he is expected to miss the next few games due to a hamstring injury. This is nothing new for the star linebacker as injuries have cost Lee several games throughout his career. These games he will miss are critical due to the schedule as Dallas plays key divisional games in a short time frame so running backs going against the Cowboys will have an increase in value over the next few weeks,
Michael A. Stein, Esq. is the Chief Justice of Fantasy Judgment, the industry's premier dispute resolution service, and co-host of the Fantasy Alarm Podcast. You can contact him at michael.stein@fantasyjudgment.com or on Facebook and Twitter (@FantasyJudgment).