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While the vast majority of fantasy leagues have ended, many football fans are participating in playoff leagues, challenges, or NFL DFS contests, which means we must continue to monitor all injury situations closely for the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs. These are the latest notable injury updates as of Sunday morning, January 22nd, 2023.
While the teams in action today have had relatively light injuries as of late, some key players such as Isaiah McKenzie, Jauan Jennings, and more have been dealing with injuries ahead of Sunday's Divisional Round playoff slate. We have plenty of must-starts on this week's injury list, so fantasy managers should be ready to pivot should things go south.
To keep close tabs on all of the news across the NFL, make sure to favorite or bookmark the fantasy football player news page, or download the free RotoBaller fantasy football mobile app with push notification alerts on all the latest news. Let's look at the updates for fantasy football players and see whether they may play in the Divisional Round.
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Isaiah McKenzie Injury Update
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie (hamstring) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Sunday's Divisional Round matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.
This is good news after McKenzie was forced to sit out the Wild Card round due to a hamstring issue. It appears McKenzie is healthy enough to play and should start in the slot for Buffalo.
His return should mean a decreased role for both Cole Beasley and Khalil Shakir on Sunday. Neither of them were reliable fantasy options, and probably won't be worth a dart throw in DFS contests now. McKenzie should be considered a boom-or-bust flex option for Sunday's slate.
Jauan Jennings Injury Update
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (ankle) was removed from Friday's final injury report and will play in the Divisional Round against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. With Deebo Samuel looking like his old self in the Wild Card win over the Seattle Seahawks last weekend, the 25-year-old Jennings will have fewer chances to deliver as a deep DFS sleeper.
He had just one touchdown during the regular season to go along with 35 receptions and 416 yards on 56 targets in 16 games played. In the last two games with Samuel back in the fold, Jennings has delivered three catches on seven targets for 51 yards. There are probably better sleeper targets to consider in playoff lineups this weekend.
Jonah Williams and Alex Cappa Injury Updates
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor has ruled out left tackle Jonah Williams (knee) and offensive guard Alex Cappa (ankle) for the Divisional Round game against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Williams dislocated his kneecap in the Wild Card win over the Baltimore Ravens, but there's a chance he could return next weekend if the Bengals advance to the AFC Championship for the second straight year.
Cappa injured his ankle in Week 18 and missed Wild Card weekend. He, too, could return to the Bengals if they advance to the next round. With both Williams and Cappa sidelined, Cincy's offensive line will be vulnerable to a strong Bills defensive front, which could spell trouble for quarterback Joe Burrow and the offense.
Jamison Crowder Injury Update
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said that wide receiver Jamison Crowder (ankle) will not play in the Divisional Round against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, but he is moving in the right direction.
Crowder remains on Injured Reserve and his 21-day practice window is open, so he could return to the field if the Bills advance to the AFC Championship next weekend. The 29-year-old wideout fractured his ankle in Week 4 and hasn't played since, but he's getting close to a return.
Even if the Bills advance and Crowder returns, he'll be a long shot to return any fantasy value in playoff leagues. Isaiah McKenzie (hamstring) is returning this weekend after missing the Wild Card round, and he should share slot duties with rookie Khalil Shakir and veteran Cole Beasley.
Damar Hamlin Injury Update
Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin has started making great strides in his recovery from a cardiac arrest earlier this month, but he still has a long way to go in his recovery, according to his family spokesman Jordon Rooney.
"Despite being out of the hospital, Damar still has a lengthy recovery. Damar still requires oxygen and is having his heart monitored regularly. He has visited with the team a few times but he still gets winded very easily. He's upbeat and positive and ready to continue to overcome this," Rooney said in a statement.
Hamlin didn't attend the Wild Card win over the Miami Dolphins but was watching remotely. The 24-year-old first visited the team last Saturday at their walkthrough practice. It's still unknown if Hamlin will be able to continue his playing career.
Jimmy Garoppolo Injury Update
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (foot) has not seen the field since Week 13 but would have an "outside chance" to be active in a potential NFC Championship appearance, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan.
Of course, the team will first have to take care of business at home against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday to advance to the conference finals. With Brock Purdy leading San Francisco to seven consecutive victories, it's unlikely that Garoppolo would get the start if healthy. The 49ers' quarterback room will be an important one to monitor this offseason.
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