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Heading into the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs, there are still a handful of key players dealing with injuries that could affect DFS contests and postseason leagues. Some guys on this week's injury report have been dealing with bumps and bruises all season long, but there are a few new players in this week's fantasy football injury updates as of January 20th for the Divisional Round.
Jalen Hurts, Trevor Lawrence, Isaiah Hodgins, Mecole Hardman, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and more are at risk of missing the second round of the NFL playoffs. We have some must-starts on this week's injury list, so fantasy managers should be ready to pivot should things go south.
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Trevor Lawrence Injury Update
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (toe) is listed as questionable for the upcoming Divisional Round matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. Fantasy managers shouldn't be too concerned as Lawrence continues to pick up a questionable tag.
Despite that, Lawrence has been playing well through this toe injury the last few weeks. He would need to suffer a legitimate setback for him to sit out this weekend's game. The Jaguars are likely just limiting his reps in practice to avoid him suffering a setback. Although, fantasy managers should check back later this week for another update.
Jalen Hurts Injury Update
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (shoulder), who has been dealing with a sprained right shoulder for around a month, is not listed on this week's injury report and was a full participant in practice heading into the weekend. Hurts was a bit rusty in the Week 18 regular season finale against the New York Giants, but the good news is his shoulder is improving and he will play in the Divisional Round this Saturday against the same Giants.
The 24-year-old dual-threat QB was the most valuable fantasy signal-caller in 2022 before injuring his right shoulder in Week 15. Hurts finished with a career-high 66.5% completion percentage, 3,701 passing yards, 22 touchdowns and six interceptions while also gaining 760 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on 165 carries. He still has more upside than most QBs available this weekend, but he'll also carry more risk.
Isaiah Hodgins Injury Update
New York Giants wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins (ankle) has been removed from the injury report ahead of the Divisional Round matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Hodgins has been limited in practice this week, but appears ready to go for this weekend's matchup. He hauled in four receptions for 38 yards and a touchdown during the last meeting between these teams.
The 26-year-old has hauled in a touchdown in five of his last six games. That being said, Hodgins will be an interesting DFS option for this weekend. It's nice to see him off the injury report, so fantasy managers won't have to wonder about his status heading into this weekend.
Mecole Hardman Injury Update
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman (pelvis) has officially been ruled out for the Divisional Round game against the Jacksonville Jaguars this Saturday after he missed practice all week. Hardman hasn't played since Week 9, but he could be ready to return next weekend if the Chiefs win on Saturday and advance to the AFC Championship.
Even if the Chiefs stay alive and the 24-year-old returns next weekend, fantasy managers would be wise not to expect much production after the long layoff. Without Hardman this Saturday, the Chiefs will continue to roll with JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling as their top wideouts, with Kadarius Toney, rookie Skyy Moore and Justin Watson also chipping in.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire Injury Update
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said that running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (ankle) and tight end Jody Fortson (elbow) are "probably not" going to be activated from Injured Reserve in order to play in Saturday's Divisional Round game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Both Edwards-Helaire and Fortson were designated to return to practice this week, but they won't be playing for the team this weekend.
The 23-year-old Edwards-Helaire has been out since suffering a high-ankle sprain in Week 11, so even if the Chiefs advance in the playoffs and he returns, he'll likely be working behind both Jerick McKinnon, rookie Isaiah Pacheco and possibly even Ronald Jones.
Isaiah McKenzie Injury Update
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie (hamstring), who missed the wild-card win over the Miami Dolphins, took part in a full practice on Wednesday and is on track to play in this Sunday's Divisional Round matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. The 27-year-old should return to the majority of the team's slot-receiver duties this weekend, which will make it tougher for rookie Khalil Shakir and veteran Cole Beasley to make an impact as deep DFS sleepers.
Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis will remain the Bills' top two wideouts. McKenzie will be a boom-or-bust option for fantasy managers competing in playoff leagues in what could be a high-scoring game against the Bengals. He caught 42 of his 65 targets for 423 yards and four touchdowns in 15 regular season contests (eight starts).
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