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At RotoBaller, we can't stress enough the importance of keeping up with injuries and playing your best lineup week after week. Players are going to get injured, that's an unavoidable fact. What's avoidable though is making the wrong roster decisions based on the injuries surrounding your fantasy squad. If you want to dominate your leagues and win some dough in daily contests, you have to be proactive with injury research.
That's where I come in to serve you guys, the readers! I'm Aaron Burger, a third-year Doctor of Physical Therapy student, graduating in May. About a year ago, I decided to combine my love, fantasy football, with what I've been learning for three years now, injuries and the human body.
Each week, I'll be checking in on fantasy's biggest injuries to keep you informed. Be sure you also have RotoBaller bookmarked and follow us on social media to catch all the latest breaking NFL news and updates.
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Inside the Tent Updates
Mitch Trubisky, QB - Chicago Bears
Trubisky is dealing with a right shoulder injury, but the exact structure involved has not been reported. His labrum, rotator cuff, or shoulder ligaments could be involved. The good news is that Trubisky was cleared to throw during Friday's practice and he indeed did throw. The bad news is that he is doubtful for Week 13 and Chase Daniel will start once again.
Sony Michel, RB - New England Patriots
A healthy Sony Michel totaled 145 yards, rushing for 133 and catching two passes for 12 yards. Michel looked good overall but had his back hyperextended and sat out a series. He should be all systems go against the Vikings as he is not on the injury report, although the workload split with Rex Burkhead back for the Patriots will be something to monitor.
Chris Thompson, RB - Washington Redskins
Thompson is off the Redskins' injury report for Week 13 and is eyeing a matchup against the Eagles. He has missed four games with a rib injury and with Alex Smith obviously out for the year, Colt McCoy will appreciate the presence of Thompson for check downs and big-play potential.
Kerryon Johnson, RB - Detroit Lions
Johnson, the rookie out of Auburn, will once again be sidelined this week as the Lions get ready for the high flying offense of the Rams. He is currently dealing with a sprain of a ligament in his knee and his status for Week 14 is still up in the air depending on the severity of the sprain.
A.J. Green, WR - Cincinnati Bengals
It looks like Green should be active for the Bengals' Week 13 matchup against the Broncos. He has been out with a foot injury since Week 8 but backup QB Jeff Driskel.
Keke Coutee, WR - Houston Texans
Coutee is a game-time decision for the Texans against the Browns on Sunday. He reaggravated his hamstring strain against the Titans in Week 12. If you have other options, they will be much safer than Coutee this week.
Marvin Jones, WR - Detroit Lions
Jones was placed on the IR on Monday, November 26th as a result of his knee bruise. With Jones out, Kenny Golladay will continue to be a target monster with Bruce Ellington seeing some looks as well.
Week 12 Injury Updates
Andy Dalton, QB - Cincinnati Bengals
- Injury: Dalton had his right thumb bent awkwardly against the Browns in Week 12 and left the game as a result. He injured ligaments in his right thumb, likely the UCL.
- News: Dalton was placed on the IR on Monday, November 26th as a result of his thumb injury.
- Outlook: With Dalton out, the Bengals will now look to backup Jeff Driskel to lead their offense. A.J. Green is back from his foot injury, and Joe Mixon is healthy, so there is not a lack of weapons in Cincinnati. With Dalton out, Driskel completed 17 of 29 passes for 155 yards and a touchdown while the Bengals played catchup against the Browns last week.
Melvin Gordon, RB - Los Angeles Chargers
- Injury: After convincing the Chargers to let him play in Week 12, Melvin Gordon sprained his right medial collateral ligament, or MCL, after he was tackled awkwardly. His left knee was the one giving him troubles previously, so this is a new injury. This has been diagnosed as a Grade II MCL sprain which typically keeps players out anywhere from two to four weeks.
- News: Gordon obviously didn't practice this week, and he is out for Week 13 against the Steelers.
- Outlook: It is Austin Ekeler time in Los Angeles. With Gordon sidelined for at least two, maybe three weeks, Ekeler along with rookie Justin Jackson will lead the LA backfield. Look for more red zone looks to go Mike Williams' way and for Keenan Allen to see more work on third downs.
Marlon Mack, RB - Indianapolis Colts
- Injury: Mack left Week 12 with a concussion. A concussion is the result of a blow to the head. Chemical changes in the brain cause the typical signs and symptoms of a concussion including headaches, nausea, sensitivity to light, dizziness, and confusion.
- News: Mack didn't practice on Wednesday but practiced in full on Thursday and Friday. At this point, he still hasn't cleared concussion protocol via an independent neurologist, but considering he has practiced in full, he is well on his way to being cleared.
- Outlook: He has been a solid RB2 since coming back this year, Aand the Colts have a matchup with a struggling Jacksonville team this week. The Jaguars are without Leonard Fournette so they likely will not be able to control possession, leaving the Colts to score with their much-improved offense.
Jack Doyle, TE - Indianapolis Colts
- Injury: Doyle suffered a lacerated kidney in Week 12 when he sustained a hit to his back and left the game as a result.
- News: Doyle was placed on the IR on Monday, November 26th.
- Outlook: With Doyle on the IR, Eric Ebron will likely see more work between the 20s and continue his red zone dominance. Ebron is easily a TE1 with huge upside for the rest of the season as Andrew Luck has been red hot as of late.
Evan Engram, TE - New York Giants
- Injury: Engram injured his hamstring during pre-game warmups and wasn't able to play a snap against the Eagles. It has been reported that he could have played if an emergency arose but he was sidelined for the entire game. Hamstring strains can be tricky and obviously can be re-aggravated.
- News: Engram was not able to practice at all this week but remains optimistic he will be able to play in Week 13 against the Bears.
- Outlook: Engram will likely be a game-time decision on Sunday so his status is definitely worth monitoring. You should definitely have a backup plan like Chris Herndon or Vernon Davis if Engram is not able to go.
Give me a follow on Twitter at @FFAchesAilments - Check back next week and all season for insight regarding fantasy's biggest injuries!
