With Week 14 in the books and fantasy playoffs starting next week, injuries and waivers are more important than ever. As always, this early in the week, statuses are mostly going to be educated guesses.
Monitor practice reports throughout the week, as that gives the biggest indication of a player’s status.
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Top 7 Injuries to Know: Week 15 Waiver Wire
Tyreek Hill (WR – MIA)
Hill suffered what appeared to be a high ankle sprain, based on the video. Hill sat out the rest of the first half before returning for some plays in the second half. Hill is reportedly going for scans on Tuesday, so more will be known after that is made public. Since he was able to return, there’s a small chance the sprain was minor, and he returned without missing the game. However, the more likely scenario is a situation where Hill misses two to four games, and if he returns, it’s with a moderate decrease in performance.
Waiver considerations: If you were to take a chance on anyone, the best option is probably Cedrick Wilson, although I project the fantasy points will condense around Waddle, Mostert and Achane.
Justin Jefferson (WR – MIN)
Jefferson took a big hit to the ribs on Sunday. He was ruled out and went to the hospital to assess for internal damage, which appeared to be negative. Because of this, he is likely going to be dealing with a pain tolerance issue more than a structural issue, so I’m guessing he will play next week. If he does not play, there is a slight boost to Hockenson, Addison, and Osborn.
Waiver considerations: Osborn if Jefferson sits next week.
Justin Herbert (QB – LAC)
Herbert suffered a fracture in his right (throwing hand) index finger. As expected, Herbert will undergo surgery and miss the remainder of the NFL season.
Waiver considerations: None
Nico Collins (WR – HOU)
Collins suffered a strained calf in Sunday’s game against the Jets and is likely the same calf he injured earlier this season. Because of this, it’s doubtful that he will be able to play this week. Depending on the severity of the injury, I’d say he’s probably 50/50 to play in Week 16, too. Monitor his status in practice throughout the week, hopefully he can get at least a limited practice toward the end of the week.
Waiver considerations: Noah Brown is my favorite waiver add this week if available, although Xavier Hutchinson played a lot of snaps once Collins went down, he could be interesting in deeper leagues or dynasty leagues.
C.J. Stroud (QB – HOU)
A rough week for the Texans, as Stroud and Collins both suffered injuries. Stroud took a big hit where his head hit the turf, and Stroud is in concussion protocol. As we know, approximately 60% of players are in protocol for seven days, so I expect Stroud to miss next week, but there is a chance he can pass through quickly.
Waiver considerations: Davis Mills in 2QB leagues
Josh Jacobs (RB – LV)
Jacobs appeared to hyperextend his knee in Sunday’s game. With a quick turnaround for a Thursday night game and did not practice (DNP) in Monday’s estimated practice session, he will likely miss this week’s game. With the mini bye, I expect Jacobs will suit up for Week 16’s game without a significant performance deficit. For this week, Zamir White is a good pick-up for RB-needy teams, although his upside is limited due to the Raiders’ bad offense.
Waiver considerations: Zamir White
Alexander Mattison (RB – MIN)
Mattison suffered what appeared to be a high ankle sprain based on mechanism. If this is the case, I would not be confident in him returning for the fantasy playoffs, and if he does, it will be with a significant performance deficit.
Waiver considerations: Ty Chandler
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