With the fantasy semifinals in full swing, we’re forced to make some important decisions to help replace some key names that have landed on the injury report, and a few players that we won’t see again until next year. It’s a short adjustment to make with only two weeks left in the season, but a necessary one.
So let’s dive right into it.
Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore (Quad)
After popping up as a limited participant on Monday’s practice, Jackson has since been a full participant during Wednesday’s practice, and is questionable for tonight’s clash against the Jets. He should be all set and ready to go.
Calvin Ridley, WR, Atlanta (Abdomen)
After being carted to the locker room last week against the Panthers, Ridley announced on his personal Instagram that he is done for the rest of the season. It’s a real shame, but he’ll be back in 2020 and should be a Top-30 receiving option.
Mark Andrews, TE, Baltimore (Knee)
Andrews was forced from Sunday’s game against Buffalo with a knee injury, but almost immediately after the game, the injury was considered very minor. And while the young TE didn’t practice on Monday, he did resume practicing on Tuesday and Wednesday. He’s not 100% ready to go, but it would shock me if Andrews wouldn’t be able to go.
A.J. Green, WR, Cincinnati (Ankle)
Both Green and Auden Tate are trending towards not playing in Week 15. It’s been a frustrating year-long process, and it hasn’t really been worth it past the first few weeks of the season. We’ll see if he can go again next week in our final try.
Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas (Hand)
Against the Bears last week, Prescott suffered a sprained left hand and injured his index finger. Jason Garrett said that Prescott should be “fine”. He’s currently listed as questionable for this Sunday’s matchup against the Rams.
Will Fuller, WR, Houston (Hamstring)
Fuller wasn’t able to go last week, and speaking on Monday, coach Bill O’Brien was noncommittal about Fuller’s Week 15 status against the Titans. He’s remained limited at practice for the entire week, so we need to keep our eye on his status for Sunday.
Mike Evans, WR, Tampa Bay (Hamstring)
After suffering a hamstring injury, Evans exited last Sunday against the Colts, and unfortunately, has been shut down for the rest of the year with concerns over re-aggravating a soft-tissue injury. Chis Godwin now steps into the main WR1 role in Tampa Bay.
T.Y. Hilton, WR, Indianapolis (Calf)
After missing the past few weeks, Frank Reich said that Hilton is still considered “week-to-week”. We may not see Hilton again until 2020, so it’s best to let him go now with only two weeks left in the season.
Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City (Hand)
Mahomes injured his throwing hand against the Patriots last week, but is going to be okay, as he avoided a break, according to Andy Reid. Mahomes and his fantasy owners got real lucky after this one, as he should be at full health this Sunday.
DeVante Parker, WR, Miami (Concussion)
After being forced from last week’s game due to a concussion, Parker returned to practice on Wednesday in a no-contact jersey. It’s a good sign for his availability for Sunday, but we’ll have to keep our eye on his status for the rest of the week.
Adam Thielen, WR, Minnesota (Hamstring)
Thielen finally returned to practice on Wednesday from his lingering hamstring injury, and barring a setback later this week, Thielen should be able return to action.
N’Keal Harry, WR, New England (Hip)
Harry left last week’s matchup against the Chiefs with a hip injury, and is currently questionable for Week 15. He should be able to go, but he probably won’t have a great impact in this offense just yet. He’s not very fantasy relevant with the playoffs already in full swing.
Evan Engram, TE, New York (Foot)
Engram wasn’t able to go on Monday night against the Eagles with a foot injury, and hasn’t played in the last three weeks, but after being limited in practice on Wednesday, he’s got a shot to go this Sunday against the Dolphins. If he’s able to go, he’s immediately back as a TE1.
Josh Jacobs, RB, Oakland (Shoulder)
After suffering a shoulder injury, Jacobs missed last week’s action against the Titans. And while it doesn’t guarantee he’ll be able to play in Week 15, Jacobs’ MRI came back clean, which is a great sign for his availability. It’s looking good for him, but we need to keep our eye on him during the week in case there is any setback.
Rashaad Penny, RB, Seahawks (Knee)
Penny suffered a torn ACL against the Rams last week, and is done for the season. It’s a big blow to the Seahawks, and Chris Carson will take over the backfield duties in the meantime.
James Conner, RB, Pittsburgh (Shoulder)
Both Conner and JuJu Smith-Schuster have returned to practice for the first time since #HelmetGate, and both are expected to play this Sunday.
Derrius Guice, RB, Washington (Knee)
Guice has been diagnosed with an MCL sprain after exiting last week’s game, ending his season. Hopefully we’ll get to see what a full-strength Guice looks like next season, and hopefully the Washington offense will make some improvements by then.
I’ll be back on Saturday for “Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em”!
You Can Follow Me on Twitter @zachrob2k
