The 2020 injury report has been upgraded to include some new features. In addition to covering all of the fantasy-relevant injuries, I will update you on the previous weeks’ injuries. Also, I’ll explain the nature of the injury (if known), provide information on the expected length of each player’s absence, and offer an assessment of the impact on the injured player’s teammates.
With that, I welcome you to the revamped injury report. Football is a violent game, and, unfortunately, players are going to miss time due to injuries. I promise you I don’t want to be here just as much as you don’t, but this is a necessary evil in this game that we love. As always, I hope this list is as short as possible.
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New Injuries
Frank Gore (RB – NYJ)
Very early in what should’ve been the Jets’ first win of the season, Frank Gore sustained a concussion and was quickly ruled out. Ty Johnson and Josh Adams split the touches following Gore’s departure and, unsurprisingly, vastly outplayed anything Gore’s put on film for the past five years. Gore should never play another NFL snap (unrelated to the concussion), but if he has to miss any time, both Johnson and Adams are worth speculative adds. If you’re needing to start a Jets’ running back in the first week of the playoffs though, I wish you the best of luck.
Fantasy Value Impact: Ty Johnson ⬆️, Josh Adams ⬆️
A.J. Brown (WR – TEN)
It was a scary moment when A.J. Brown went down with a non-contact injury in the first half and grabbed the back of his foot. I feared an Achilles tear for a moment. Fortunately, Brown just turned his ankle and was in a bit of initial pain. He quickly returned to action. He will be limited in practice this week but will play.
Fantasy Value Impact: N/A
Brandin Cooks (WR – HOU)
One of the scariest injuries of Week 13 was Brandin Cooks’ concussion. Cooks has had several concussions already and is in Jordan Reed territory in terms of his career being in jeopardy. For his own sake, I hope he steps away. However, the reality is Cooks will go through the protocol and return when he is cleared. Keke Coutee was the biggest beneficiary of Will Fuller’s absence and will be relied on even more if Cooks is out.
Fantasy Value Impact: Keke Coutee ⬆️
Tyler Lockett (WR – SEA)
It was both a concussion and ankle scare for Tyler Lockett in the first quarter on Sunday. Lockett spent some time in the blue tent, but returned to action and looked fine.
Fantasy Value Impact: N/A
Injury Updates
Daniel Jones (QB – NYG)
The Giants upset the Seahawks on the road without Daniel Jones last week. Colt McCoy threw for just 105 yards. Despite there likely not being much of a difference between McCoy and Jones, this will be Jones’ job as soon as he is ready. It may very well be another week or two, though.
Estimated Return Time: 1-2 weeks
Course of Action: Leave on waivers
D.J. Moore (WR – CAR)
The ankle injury D.J. Moore sustained in Week 12 turned out to be far less serious than it looked, but he’s no guarantee to return following the bye. If I had to guess, I don’t think Moore plays, but monitor practice reports throughout the week. Curtis Samuel and Robby Anderson will consolidate most of Moore’s targets in his absence.
Estimated Return Time: 1-3 weeks
Course of Action: Hold
Josh Jacobs (RB – LV)
It was reported after Week 12 that Josh Jacobs’ ankle injury wasn’t as bad as it looked. That’s false. It is every bit as bad as it looked. He was not close to playing in Week 13 despite whatever the team wants to say and he’s not going to play in Week 14 either. At this point, I wouldn’t be surprised if he missed two or three weeks. Monitor reports throughout the week to get a better idea of Jacobs’ status. Devontae Booker will remain a volume-based option in Jacobs’ absence.
Estimated Return Time: 1-3 weeks
Course of Action: Hold
Kenny Golladay (WR – DET)
Despite the long rest between Thanksgiving and Week 13, Kenny Golladay was once again not particularly close to playing. That doesn’t mean he can’t return to practice this week and suit up, but I wouldn’t count on it. T.J. Hockenson was the primary beneficiary last week and will continue to get a boost in targets with Golladay out.
Estimated Return Time: 1-3 weeks
Course of Action: Hold
D’Andre Swift (RB – DET)
The good news is D’Andre Swift cleared the concussion protocol. The bad news is he missed Week 13 with a mysterious illness and that, combined with Adrian Peterson’s report that Swift hasn’t been himself is very disconcerting. It feels like Swift is not going to play again this season. I just hope he’s okay. Adrian Peterson and Kerryon Johnson will continue to split the backfield. Neither is a fantasy option.
Estimated Return Time: 2021
Course of Action: Hold for now
Jonnu Smith (TE – TEN)
A knee injury kept Jonnu Smith out of the Titans’ loss to the Browns. He hadn’t been particularly useful for a while. Anthony Firkser is a fringe fantasy option for as long as Jonnu is out. Check practice reports this week to see Jonnu’s status.
Estimated Return Time: 1-3 weeks
Course of Action: Drop
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Jason Katz is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Jason, check out his archive or follow him @jasonkatz13.