It is now officially fantasy championship week as most leagues have their finals during Week 16. Nothing is ever easy as several more players sustained injuries or have their statuses up in the air heading into the finals. So without further ado, here is the next edition of the fantasy football walking wounded.
Adrian Peterson (RB] – MIN)
Peterson sprained his ankle on Sunday and seemed to be concerned about the injury. However, he was seen walking without a limp on Monday which is good news for fantasy owners. Peterson has been one of the few upper echelon running backs who have stayed healthy and productive almost the entire season. He will have a great matchup against a poor Giants defense on Sunday night so look for big numbers.
A.J. Green (WR – CIN)
Green came into this week’s game with a potential back issue but he was in the starting lineup against the 49ers. He exited the game in the second half and never returned. We don’t know yet whether he re-aggravated anything or was simply being rested with Cincinnati comfortably ahead of San Francisco. Monitor this situation closely during the week because losing Green for championship week could be devastating for fantasy owners.
LeSean McCoy (RB – BUF)
McCoy has been diagnosed with a torn MCL so his season is likely done even though Buffalo has not placed him on injured reserve. It is highly unlikely he is going to play either of the final two games, especially with Buffalo out of playoff contention. McCoy slipped in many drafts and his results were commensurate with the lowered expectations. He finished the year with 895 yards and three touchdowns in just 12 games.
Peyton Manning (QB – DEN)
Manning could be on track to return this week as Brock Osweiler has been ineffective the past couple games and is banged up as well. Manning did intensify his practices last week before being shut down, so he seems to be on the path towards returning. Denver has indicated it will make its decision by the middle of the week so check back in for updates.
Alshon Jeffery (WR – CHI)
Jeffery has already missed nine games this year and then left this past week’s game with a hamstring injury. He seemed to minimize the severity, but there is cause for concern for a player like Jeffery who has been so fragile all season long. He has not delivered on the expectations placed on him assuming the No. 1 receiver role in Chicago. Monitor his status throughout the week for updates.
Julian Edelman (WR – NE)
The Patriots believe Edelman will be back on the field for Week 17 to prepare for the playoffs. However, this does not help fantasy owners who are vying for league championships this week. If your league extends to Week 17 then stash Edelman on your bench and get him in your lineup at that point.
Carson Palmer (QB – ARZ)
Palmer suffered a dislocated right index finger against the Eagles on Sunday night. He came out and had the finger popped back in and then he returned to the game. This could have been disastrous as an injury like that could end a season in a flash. Palmer has been an elite quarterback all season and should absolutely be in your lineup for Week 16 even though the Cardinals have already clinched the NFC West.
Denard Robinson (RB – JAX)
Despite playing the entire game on Sunday, Robinson suffered a sprained left foot and his status for next week is questionable. He was already replacing the injured T.J. Yeldon, so the Jaguars' depth could be severely tested. Robinson will have a great matchup against a terrible New Orleans defense next week so fantasy owners should hope he is able to get on the field for the finals.
Melvin Gordon (RB – SD)
Gordon’s season is over as he was diagnosed with cartilage damage in his knee. The good news is that you will not miss a beat on your fantasy team because Gordon had an extremely underwhelming rookie year rushing for only 641 yards and did not score a single touchdown.
Marcus Mariota (QB – TEN)
Mariota’s rookie season is officially over as he will miss the final two games of the year with a sprained right MCL. There is no need to take any chances with the second overall pick of the 2015 draft, so the Titans have shut him down. Mariota showed flashes of brilliance at times and enough promise to be a viable backup quarterback in most standard leagues in 2016.
Michael A. Stein, Esq. is the Chief Justice of Fantasy Judgment, the industry's premier dispute resolution service, and is also the co-host of the Fantasy Alarm podcast. You can contact him at michael.stein@fantasyjudgment.com or on Facebook and Twitter (@FantasyJudgment).