The Training Room: Week 13 Injury Report
Week 13 is upon us and for the majority of leagues, fantasy playoffs are just one week away (if your league allows 6 teams into playoffs). COVID continues to impact fantasy rosters and fantasy owners are having to adjust on the fly and stretch their roster at times just to even get enough players to field a full team. While there continue to be positive cases across the league, ensuring that you are on top of the news is a critical component to figure out if you need to adjust or stay put. Here are the top injuries that occurred in Week 12 and be sure to check back before your waivers run to see our On The Mend section!
D.J. Moore, WR Panthers
Injury: Sprained Ankle
Timetable For Recovery: 2-4 Weeks
Potential Replacements: Curtis Samuel, Robby Anderson
Initial Thoughts: Moore suffered a non-contact ankle injury and had to be helped off the field. It is unclear as to what he is dealing with, but regardless it sounds like a multi-week injury which is not ideal at this point of the season. Prepare to be without Moore over the next few weeks heading into the fantasy playoffs.
Ben Roethlisberger, QB Steelers
Injury: Sprained Knee
Timetable For Recovery: Day To Day. DNP All Week.
Potential Replacements: Mason Rudolph
Initial Thoughts: There hasn't been much information as to what is going on with Big Ben's knee nor when the potential issue occurred. With the Steelers playing Monday night, that also makes this situation tough to gauge but Big Ben has always played through issues, especially with the Steelers still undefeated and trying to hold off the Chiefs for the #1 seed. I would expect Ben to play on Monday, but how effective he'll be is the real question.
Daniel Jones, QB Giants
Injury: Strained Hamstring
Timetable For Recovery: 2-4 Weeks. Doubtful For Week 13.
Potential Replacement: Colt McCoy
Initial Thoughts: Jones was always likely to miss this game as hamstring injuries are tough to have a quick turnaround in terms of recovery time. He'll be highly questionable at best for Week 14.
Dalvin Cook, RB Vikings
Injury: Sprained Ankle
Timetable For Recovery: Day To Day. Expected To Play Week 13.
Potential Replacements: Alexander Mattison
Initial Thoughts: Cook will be just fine against the Jaguars on Sunday. With Mattison out, Cook could look to continue his strong fantasy season with some big numbers against a weaker Jaguars defense.
Phillip Lindsay, RB Broncos
Injury: Sprained Knee
Timetable For Recovery: Game Time Decision For Week 13
Potential Replacements: Melvin Gordon, Royce Freeman
Initial Thoughts: Lindsay practiced in limited fashion late in the week and is expected to suit up barring any setbacks heading into Week 13 against the Chiefs. It'll be tough to trust Lindsay as the Chiefs might force the Broncos to throw more as they'll likelly be playing from behind so check our rankings before kickoff to see who is best for your starting roster!
On The Mend
Julio Jones, WR Falcons
Injury: Strained Hamstring. Questionable For Week 13.
Initial Thoughts: Jones said he's been feeling better as the week has gone on and it sounds like he is likely going to suit up and see how he feels. There is always a high risk of re-aggravation when dealing with hamstring related dominant but with a potential fantasy playoff spot up for grabs tomorrow, it will be hard to sit him just for the potential you know he can give teams.
Todd Gurley, RB Falcons
Injury: Sprained Knee. Questionable For Week 13.
Initial Thoughts: Gurley was able to practice this week but he will be a game time decision against the Saints. New Orleans run defense has been tough this year so even if Gurley does return, he'll come back to a tough matchup so keep an eye on his status heading into the games on Sunday.
Zach Ertz, TE Eagles
Injury: High Ankle Sprain. Expected To Play Week 13.
Initial Thoughts: WIth Ertz returning to the lineup, it'll be interesting to see how much they utilize him right off the bat. My guess is that they are going to ease him back into his normal role so I would still play Dallas Goedert if you have him rostered until we see Ertz show some tangible production.
Salvon Ahmed, RB Dolphins
Injury: Strained Shoulder. Ruled OUT For Week 13.
Initial Thoughts: Ahmed will miss his 2nd straight game due to the shoulder issue and with Myles Gaskins back in the fold, it'll be interested to see what role Ahmed will play moving forward for the Dolphins. His window may have closed for consistent touches if Gaskins shows well.
Tua Tagovailoa, QB Dolphins
Injury: Sprained Thumb. Questionable For Week 13.
Initial Thoughts: Tua was able to practice in limited fashion all week and will be a game time call depending on how he feels and looks. He may be trending in the right direction, but the Dolphins may look to play it safe and give FItzpatrick one more shot at the job before putting Tua back under center.
David Johnson, RB Texans
Injury: Concussion. Activated Off IR.
Initial Thoughts: Johnson has practiced this week and is set to make his return to the starting role against the Colts. It is hard to trust Johnson as he hasn't run particularly well this season, but he could see his normal workload in hopes that he can get into the endzone and help fantasy owners any way possible.
D'Andre Swift, RB Lions
Injury: Concussion. Doubtful For Week 13.
Initial Thoughts: Although Swift has cleared through the concussion protocol, he is under the weather which is going to force him to miss Week 13. It's a tough blow for fantasy owners expecting him back this week but he should be available for the fantasy playoffs.
Kenny Golladay, WR Lions
Injury: Strained Hip. Ruled OUT For Week 13.
Initial Thoughts: Another week another missed game for Golladay who has now missed 5 games due to this hip issue. The Lions should've put him on IR initially to take the guesswork out of it but now it is truly a concern whether or not Golladay is close to returning at all again this season.
Myles Gaskins, RB Dolphins
Injury: Sprained Knee. Activated Off IR.
Initial Thoughts: Gaskins returns after a multi-week absence and could be in line for a strong day as the Dolphins backfield is banged up. With the Dolphins in the playoff hunt, expect them to utilize Gaskins often and early to help them get another W against the Bengals.
