Kristina Bravo covers all the injuries for Week 16 that may affect your fantasy team
There may not be a game Thursday night, but that’s no reason not to stay up to date on the latest injury reports coming from the league so far this week. Here is an update on the biggest injuries around the league.
Aaron Rodgers has still not been cleared to play from medical staff and his doctors. He has been practicing but, like last week, will be a late decision in the week. With the playoffs still within reach, Rodgers is claiming this will have no impact on their decision to let him play, but it is likely in the back of Coach Mike McCarthy’s mind as they move forward. One of Rodger’s favorite targets Randall Cobb returned to practice for the first time since fracturing his leg against the Ravens, but he is not expected to play this week or next. Eddie Lacy was also walking with a boot on his injured ankle, but states that he will be good to go come game day.
Ray Rice did not participate in practice today with a thigh injury. There is speculation this however is just a rest day with a short week heading into Sunday after a Monday night game and he is currently expected to play this Sunday against New England. In additional Ravens news Joe Flacco was limited in practice this week with a knee injury and Dallas Clark was out due to illness.
Jordan Cameron, tight end for the Cleveland Browns, has not practiced this week. He suffered a concussion in last week’s game. He completed the game against the Chicago Bears last week but symptoms of concussion began to flare up after the game and have forced the Browns to call his status for the New York Jets game uncertain. The Browns other tight end Andre Smith also missed practice as well. Team mate and running back Willis Mcgahee however has been cleared to play against the Jets this week after missing last week to a concussion.
In Dallas, if you are unfortunate enough to own the Cowboys defense, Sean Lee and Demarcus Ware both did not practice today, though likely just as a precaution to keep them healthy. Cowboys Receiver Terrance Williams also missed practice.
With their opponents Jordan Reed has missed practice yet again with this concussion issues and is visiting with specialists to resolve his medical issues. Despite this, the Redskins are remaining optimistic that he will return before the end of the season and have not yet ruled him out for Sunday’s game.
Owners of Pittsburgh Steelers receivers can breathe a sigh of relief; Jericho Cotchery, Emmanuel Sanders, and Heath Miller are all expected to play Sunday despite varying degrees of practice participation. Cotchery was taken out as a precation only, Sanders was in full participation, and Miller has a maintenance day. Defense owners may be excited to also learn Bret Keisel is expected to play Sunday against the Packers as well.
Darren McFadden practiced Wednesday for the first time since injuring himself back in November against the Cowboys. His contract with the Raiders expires after this year, so he may very well be pushing to play out the final two games. He has been vocal about his desire to stay in Oakland next year despite the injuries plaguing his career.
Ryan Mathews was limited in practice with a foot injury but, like fellow team mate Eddie Royal, is still expected to play Sunday. Royal has been characteristically missing practice but playing games with a toe injury. Mathews will likely be doing the same this week.
The Patriots are incredibly banged up this week, but only rookie wide receiver Josh Boyce completely missed practice today. Kenbrell Tompkins who, before injury, was Brady’s favorite new target and Aaron Dobson were both limited in practice and uncertain for Sunday. Even Tom Brady himself was limited in practice with his knee injury but will be playing Sunday.
Adrian Peterson returned to field some limited practice today. His foot and groin injury apparently still a concern, Coah Leslie Frazier is cautiously optimistic that he will play Sunday against the Bengals along with back up Toby Gerhart. Both missed last week’s game. Peterson continues to be listed as questionable.
Bengals Tight End Jermaine Gresham was fully involved in practice despite his injury to the abdomen in last week’s game. He will be expected to play. The same is being assured of BenJarvis Green-Ellis who missed practice with illness. For defense owners Vontaze Burfict has the same bug and missed practice with James Harrison and Carlos Dunlap, both exhibiting concussion symptoms. And, for anyone that might care, after that monster hit Sunday punter Kevin Huber is on IR with a broken jaw.
Arizona will desperately need star receiver Larry Fitzgerald to compete against the Seattle Seahawks come Sunday, but so far Fitzgerald is following NFL protocols with concussion testing and has not practiced. His mandatory exam will be later this week. He must pass to be able to play but has also sought a second opinion from an independent doctor. He remains questionable, but look for his status to clear up after his exam.
Both Tight End Anthony Fasano and Reciver Dexter McCluster missed last week’s game against the Raiders, but both look probable for the Chiefs match against fellow playoff contenders the Colts this Sunday. Both were in limited capacity for practice but look like strong possibilities for this Sunday.
Their opponents the Colts gained running back Donald Brown and receiver LaVon Brazill from injury this week too. Brown left last week’s game at the half and Brazill missed it entirely, but both were practicing in full today and are expected to play.
Maurice Jones-Drew was not available in practice today. He is listed as questionable and will not change status until Friday at the earliest.
Wes Welker has still not been cleared to play Sunday. He and Lions WR Brandon Pettigrew will likely be game time decisions for their teams. Their opponents have slightly larger worries though. Ben Tate is officially joining Arian Foster on IR and Case Keenum will be sitting out with a thumb injury with Matt Schaub starting instead for the Texans against the Broncos. Victor Cruz is done for the year.
Finally, Buffalo Bills QB EJ Manuel and WR Stevie Johnson have both been ruled out for this week’s games.
Those are the most up to date injury updates for the entire league. Keep an eye open on your players as they continue to try to get healthy for the next week.
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