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There are some notable injuries ahead of Week 17 of the NFL season. The vast majority of leagues are holding their championship finals this week, which means we must monitor these situations closely. These are the latest notable injury updates as of Sunday morning, January 1st, 2023.
Fantasy football stalwarts such as Rhamondre Stevenson, Austin Ekeler, DeAndre Hopkins, and many more have been dealing with injuries ahead of Week 17. We have plenty of must-starts on this week's injury list, so fantasy managers should be ready to pivot should things go south.
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Rhamondre Stevenson Injury Update
New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle) is expected to play on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. He has been dealing with an ankle injury for the last few weeks. While the 24-year-old hasn't missed any time, he amassed only 30 yards off 13 attempts during the Christmas Eve loss to Cincinnati.
Although it's likely Stevenson wasn't as involved on the ground due to the Pats playing from behind, the subpar showing was still a cause for concern for fantasy managers. Nevertheless, Stevenson should be viewed as a risky flex option in Week 17, especially with Damien Harris (thigh) returning from a four-game absence.
Christian Watson Injury Update
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (hip) remains questionable ahead of Sunday's NFC North meeting with the Vikings. However, he will test things out pre-game before a decision is made concerning his availability. The rookie has emerged as one of Aaron Rodgers' favorite targets, accumulating seven touchdowns in the last six games.
With the Packers in desperate need of a win, Watson will do all he can to be out there. But if he can't suit up, Allen Lazard and Romeo Doubs should receive most of Rodgers' attention versus a Vikings defense that has struggled against opposing wideouts all year.
Chris Olave Injury Update
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (hamstring) is expected to suit up against the Eagles, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The rookie didn't play in the Week 16 meeting with the Cleveland Browns.
However, he practiced during the week, so the latest update isn't surprising. Olave has played well throughout his inaugural campaign, catching 63 of his 102 targets for 940 yards and three touchdowns. Nevertheless, despite the tough matchup on the horizon, the 22-year-old at least deserves flex consideration in Week 17.
DeAndre Hopkins Injury Update
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (knee) has been ruled out for a Week 17 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. Hopkins did not participate in practice on Friday, and with Arizona already eliminated from playoff contention, it's no surprise that the team has elected to play it safe with its star wideout.
With David Blough starting at quarterback, it will be difficult to trust any Cardinals receiving option, but Marquise Brown, Greg Dortch, A.J. Green, and Trey McBride could all see additional target volume.
Austin Ekeler Injury Update
Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (knee) was a full participant in Friday's practice and was removed from the final Week 17 injury report. He has been cleared to play on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams.
There should be no questions about whether to start Ekeler in what is the championship in most fantasy leagues. The 27-year-old has been the No. 1 overall fantasy RB in half-point PPR leagues in 2022 and remains a must-start. He's done it by amassing 759 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on 183 carries, adding a league-high 99 receptions on 120 targets for an additional 647 yards and five more touchdowns.
Jalen Hurts Injury Update
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts will not play against the New Orleans Saints in Week 17. Hurts suffered a separated shoulder against the Chicago Bears in Week 15 and missed last week's clash with the Dallas Cowboys due to the issue.
The MVP candidate did return to Philly practices in limited fashion on Thursday and Friday, but the team ultimately decided to play it safe with their franchise QB. Hurts is expected to be available against the New York Giants in next week's regular-season finale.
Trevor Lawrence Injury Update
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (toe) is expected to play on Sunday against the Texans. The signal-caller practiced in a limited capacity on Thursday and Friday after sitting out Wednesday's session.
However, he should be good to go, barring a setback. Although there's a chance Lawrence could be restricted in some ways because of the injury, he remains a viable option for those in deep fantasy formats and Superflex setups.
Tyler Higbee Injury Update
Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee (elbow) is anticipated to suit up for the Week 17 matchup with the Chargers.
The 29-year-old is coming off a nine-catch, two-score performance against the Broncos, bringing his total to three touchdowns in the last two games. It appears Baker Mayfield has taken a liking to Higbee, so he remains in play as a streaming option in all formats.
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