It is that time of year...no, I don't mean Thanksgiving and Chanukah falling on the same day for the last time in 80,000 years. I am talking about fantasy football playoff time. Week 14 is right around the corner which means the postseason is upon us for many leagues. Of course, the health of your players is of the utmost importance which makes this week's edition of the Walking Wound critical for you to read. So, without further adieu, let's get right into this week's Injury Report as you begin your second season in the quest for fantasy immortality.
Aaron Rodgers (QB-GB)
All signs were pointing towards Aaron Rodgers making his return in Week 14 as he recovers from his broken collarbone. However, the Packers have rescheduled their press conference until Tuesday which creates an air of uncertainty. Green Bay has been a disaster since Rodgers went down a few weeks ago. To put it in perspective, the Packers had three starting quarterbacks since 1992 until November 2013 when they had four. Fantasy GM’s are hopeful that Rodgers gets the green light. The decision on whether he plays or not will likely have a major impact on several fantasy leagues’ playoffs.
C.J. Spiller (RB-BUF)
It has been a boom or bust year for Bills’ running back C.J. Spiller. Those of you who spent an early pick on him finally got some production this past week with over 100 yards and a touchdown. But the fragile runner came away with an ankle injury that does not seem serious at this point. All signs indicate that he will play next week, but do so at your own risk because the only thing consistent about Spiller is his inconsistency.
Le’Veon Bell (RB-PIT)
If you haven’t seen the video of Le’veon Bell getting knocked unconscious, then do yourself a favor and watch it. It is a solemn reminder of how fragile your fantasy football team’s fate really is when you are relying on players like Bell. Fortunately Bell seems ok and even returned to practice on Monday. The fact that he has several extra days to recuperate bodes well for his return to action next week. That decision has not been made yet so monitor his progress closely. And the next time you make fun of Peyton Manning for having that giant red mark on his forehead, just remember that is because he wears his helmet properly…something Bell may want to consider doing in the future.
Julius Thomas (TE-DEN)
During Peyton Manning’s historic season, ten of his touchdown passes have gone to tight end Julius Thomas. However, Thomas missed this past week’s game with a knee injury. With the Broncos now in control of the AFC West and their own destiny, you have to wonder whether they will take their foot off the pedal. On the other hand, Manning is well within reach of the NFL record for touchdown passes and yards so he should still be lighting up the scoreboard for the next couple weeks at least. Keep tabs on Thomas’s progress this week because if he is active then he is obviously a must-start.
Rashad Jennings (RB-OAK)
Fantasy GM’s were not giving thanks when Rashad Jennings sustained a concussion near the end of the Cowboys vs. Raiders game last week. Jennings has the benefit of having extra days to recover before Oakland’s next game, so there is still a chance he will play if he can pass all of the concussion tests this week. Jennings has emerged as a solid RB2 or Flex option, but if he is not cleared then that paves the way for Darren McFadden to get the start. I just threw up in my mouth typing that last sentence.
Jordan Reed (TE-WAS)
Thanks to a last-minute headache, Redskins’ tight end Jordan Reed was scratched from Sunday night’s game against the Giants. Reed has missed the past two games with a concussion which is unfortunate because he was emerging as a viable fantasy option. Assuming he has no setbacks this week, he should be back in time for the fantasy playoffs. That is a good thing because Robert Griffin III could use him instead of that waste of space Fred Davis. However, you know who caught a touchdown thanks to my recommendation…his name is Logan Paulsen.
Anthony Fasano (TE-KC)
If Anthony Fasano is starting for your fantasy team, then something probably went very wrong for you. But he has caught a touchdown pass in each of the past three weeks. However, Fasano sustained a concussion along with a knee injury and was forced out of Sunday’s loss against Denver. Fasano will have to pass all of the concussion tests to be able to play next week, so he is a risky option at this point. But if he does play, the Chiefs’ offense has been formidable of late to make him at least a possible choice.
If you have any questions or comments, please reach out to me at michael.stein@fantasyjudgment.com or on Twitter (@FantasyJudgment).