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The fantasy football playoffs are set to begin and late-season injuries can change to outlooks of first-round matchups. Obviously, it's an important time to keep track of the top injuries in the NFL. We have the latest news on banged-up players with fantasy significance and their early status heading into Week 15 as of Monday, December 12, 2022. This article focuses only on players who suffered injuries on Sunday of Week 13 games.
Deebo Samuel, Russell Wilson, Dameon Pierce, Kenny Pickett, DJ Moore, and Tyler Boyd picked up bumps and bruises in Week 14. We can't know for sure how these injuries will progress before game time in Week 15, but it's never too early to at least take a look at the group of key guys to prepare for waiver wire Wednesday or Thursday.
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Deebo Samuel Injury Update
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (ankle) didn't return to Sunday's win over the Buccaneers. Fantasy managers remain on edge, and several updates have poured in since he was carted off the field. Although multiple reports continue to suggest the issue isn't serious, considering how bad things appeared, many are hoping for a more definitive answer on his condition. However, according to ESPN's Jeff Darlington, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan reported that Samuel "most likely" suffered a high-ankle sprain.
While it's positive news that it's not broken, this type of ailment can take time to heal, so there's a good chance he may not suit up in Week 15 in Seattle, possibly longer. If so, everyone already expects George Kittle, Christian McCaffrey, and Brandon Aiyuk to get extra targets from Brock Purdy. Yet, guys like Ray-Ray McCloud III, Danny Gray, and Jordan Mason, who had 11 touches for 56 yards versus Tampa, could see additional snaps. Nonetheless, Samuel should continue to undergo further testing, so more news should be coming soon.
Russell Wilson Injury Update
Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (head) didn't return to Sunday's loss to Kansas City in Week 14. During a fourth quarter scramble, the veteran landed on his head, which was amplified by a few Chiefs defenders falling on top of him. Wilson struggled to get back to his feet, looking obviously rattled, before being observed with a bump on his forehead on the way to the medical tent for a concussion evaluation.
He finished the day by throwing for an adequate 247 yards, three touchdowns, and one pick off 63% passing and adding four carries for 57 yards. With the Broncos now sitting at a miserable 3-10 record, it's possible the team will play it safe by keeping him out in Week 15, possibly longer. If that's the case, Brett Rypien, who had 16 yards, a touchdown, and interception while completing four of his eight throws after coming in for relief, would presumably be under center moving forward.
Tyler Huntley Injury Update
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley (concussion) was ruled out early of the Week 14 game versus the Pittsburgh Steelers. Huntley totaled eight completions, 88 passing yards, 38 rushing yards, and one sack before departing.
He had been playing in place of Lamar Jackson (knee), so both quarterbacks could be out next week against the Cleveland Browns. Anthony Brown would start for Baltimore if Jackson and Huntley miss further time.
Kenny Pickett Injury Update
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (concussion protocol) was ruled out early from Sunday's game versus the Baltimore Ravens. Mitch Trubisky entered in his place. It's an interesting development out of Pittsburgh considering Pickett initially exited, cleared concussion protocol, returned to the game, and then quickly exited again and was ruled out. He finished 0-for-1 passing with 16 rushing yards and one sack.
If he's forced to miss next week, Trubisky would start for the Steelers in Week 15.
Dameon Pierce Injury Update
Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce left Sunday's loss to the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth quarter with an ankle injury, which kept him from returning to the contest. Pierce finished with 78 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries.
Pierce has clear control of this backfield if healthy and is a weekly RB2 play, even with a couple of bad recent weeks. But if he misses time, Houston will probably rely on three players—Rex Burkhead, Eno Benjamin and Dare Ogunbowale. All three would be risky plays if Pierce misses next week's contest.
DJ Moore Injury Update
Carolina Panthers wide receiver DJ Moore (ankle) is set to undergo imaging testing to determine the severity of the injury. The 25-year-old exited Sunday's game with an ankle injury, but the seriousness will be determined after the testing is done. Moore finished without a catch on three targets during the Week 14 matchup with the Seattle Seahawks. He has been boom-or-bust this season, which makes him a tough fantasy option to trust even if he avoids serious injury here.
The Panthers have been going run-heavy lately, but Terrace Marshall Jr. Laviska Shenault Jr. and Rashard Higgins would benefit if Moore is forced to miss time. Fantasy managers will have to check back later in the day for more information.
Tyler Boyd Injury Update
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd (finger) is set to miss time after suffering an injury during Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns. The 28-year-old suffered a dislocated finger in his right hand, which could force him to miss a week or two of action. It sounds like it'll depend on the healing and pain tolerance, so his return date is to be determined.
Fellow wideout Tee Higgins (hamstring) is dealing with an injury already, but would see increased value if he can suit up next week. Ja'Marr Chase and Joe Mixon are likely to benefit the most, assuming Boyd and Higgins miss time. Also, Trent Taylor, Trenton Irwin, and Mitchell Wilcox could benefit, but probably wouldn't have streaming value.
Jeff Wilson Jr. Injury Update
Miami Dolphins running back Jeff Wilson Jr. (hip) didn't return to Sunday night's meeting with the Los Angeles Chargers after the 26-year-old walked off the field during the team's fifth possession and was transported to the locker room on a cart.
Wilson's evening would end with four carries for 26 yards, a stat line amplified courtesy of a 20-yard carry in the second quarter. Raheem Mostert, who had been involved even before Wilson's injury, became Miami's undisputed primary option out of the backfield.
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