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Fantasy football WR injury updates and reports for Week 16 (2024), as of 12/18. Includes updates on George Pickens, Jaylen Waddle, Xavier Legette, Marquise Brown.
As we approach the second week of the fantasy football postseason, health is of the utmost importance. Managers need a full-strength roster to compete for a championship.
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Let's look at the updates for some wide receivers and see whether they may play in Week 16.
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Marquise Brown (KC) Injury Update
Marquise "Hollywood" Brown is back on the practice field. One of Kansas City's offseason additions underwent surgery to repair his shoulder following a preseason injury. He has yet to play in the regular season.
#Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes was listed as a full participant today, and so was WR Hollywood Brown.
A sign both could at least, potentially, play on Saturday.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 17, 2024
ESPN's Adam Schefter also noted it was a light practice for Kansas City and will be the same on Wednesday. The Chiefs play three games in 11 days. Head coach Andy Reid is managing injuries and fatigue in the regular season homestretch.
Brown will be difficult to trust in a starting lineup should he be active on Saturday. The Chiefs have a handful of capable pass-catchers and Brown likely won't play a full allotment of snaps.
Xavier Legette (CAR) Injury Update
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette is expected to be inactive for Sunday's contest against the Arizona Cardinals due to a groin injury. Head coach Dave Canales noted the rookie will be week to week for the remainder of the regular season.
Panthers WR Xavier Legette will be week to week the rest of the season with a groin injury. Coach Dave Canales said Legette likely to be out this week. pic.twitter.com/SwFck6jJAF
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) December 16, 2024
Legette is reportedly undergoing surgery to repair wrist ligaments following the season, in addition to the groin issue. The Panthers have nothing to play for. It wouldn't be a shock if Legette's debut campaign is over.
George Pickens (PIT) Injury Update
The Pittsburgh Steelers play the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday, pushing the team's first practice from Wednesday to Tuesday. Wide receiver George Pickens officially did not practice in the team's walkthrough, but he moved well in video snippets on social media.
George Pickens at #Steelers practice pic.twitter.com/tuxV5YMdt4
— 93.7 The Fan (@937theFan) December 17, 2024
His practice participation is a must-watch for fantasy managers who rely on the Steelers' top receiver for their starting lineups. If they beat Baltimore, Pittsburgh will win the AFC North. If he's even close to being cleared, Pickens could be on the football field on Saturday.
Alec Pierce (IND) Injury Update
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce is in the league's concussion protocol after leaving Sunday's loss to Denver in the first half.
Per Coach Steichen, Alec Pierce has entered the concussion protocol. pic.twitter.com/vv7ITLcd76
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) December 16, 2024
Every concussion is different. We've seen some receivers (Marvin Harrison Jr.) miss no time after a concussion. Others (Chris Olave and Cedric Tillman) sit for multiple weeks.
Pierce hasn't been a fantasy asset since Indianapolis went back to starting Anthony Richardson. Ashton Dulin would replace Pierce as the deep-ball threat. Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs will be the primary targets.
Jaylen Waddle (MIA) Injury Update
If a fantasy manager survived starting Jaylen Waddle in Week 15, they should thank their lucky stars. The 2021 first-round pick caught no passes on two targets before leaving with a knee injury.
Mike McDaniel says on Jaylen Waddle: Not major. Not surgery. But in question for this week. Day to day.
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) December 16, 2024
It's a positive development that Waddle has a chance to play against the San Francisco 49ers. Given his season-long production and injury history, fantasy managers shouldn't rely on Waddle this weekend.
Depending on the outcomes of this weekend's slate, the Miami Dolphins could be eliminated from playoff contention. That could cause Miami to shut down Waddle.
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