Inside the Tent - Week 17 NFL Injury Insight

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, the readers! I'm Aaron Burger, a Doctor of Physical Therapy in Pittsburgh, PA. About two years ago, I decided to combine my love, fantasy football, with what I've been learning for 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 NFL news and updates.

Inside the Tent Updates

Derrick Henry, RB - Tennessee Titans

• The back-to-back playoff "Ace Up the Sleeve" wasn't able to play in Week 16 due to his hamstring strain. Henry is not listed on the Titans' Week 17 injury report as they try to write their ticket to the playoffs against the Texans.

Dalvin Cook, RB - Minnesota Vikings / Alexander Mattison, RB - Minnesota Vikings

• Cook has been ruled OUT for Week 17 against the Bears and Mattison is questionable. Cook is rehabbing from a shoulder injury and will be back for the playoffs while Mattison is dealing with a high ankle sprain. As we saw with Alvin Kamara and Saquon Barkley this season, these high ankle sprains are no joke and although a player is active they will likely not be 100%.

Week 17 Injury Updates

Chris Carson, RB - Seattle Seahawks

• Injury: Carson will be out for the remainder of the 2019 season with what is being called a hip fracture. This is very concerning for a running back and there's a scenario where Carson misses some if not the majority of the 2020 season as well.
• News: Carson has unfortunately been ruled out for Week 17 and the 2019 playoffs.
• Outlook: With Carson and Rashaad Penny both out for 2019, the Seahawks brought back a familiar face, Marshawn Lynch. Although this is exciting for the fantasy football community, there are reports that Travis Homer will receive the bulk of the workload against the 49ers in Week 17.

James Conner, RB - Pittsburgh Steelers

• • Injury: Conner sustained a quadriceps strain in Week 16. The quadriceps muscle is on top of the thigh and acts to extend the knee and is a major power generator in the lower extremity. Depending on the grade (Grade I, Grade II, or Grade III), Conner will rehab for anywhere from 2-12 weeks.
  • News: Conner has been ruled out for Week 17 against the Ravens.

• Outlook: This is essentially a lost season for Conner and I wouldn't be surprised if the Steelers drafted a running back in the 2020 NFL draft. Conner unfortunately can't seem to stay healthy and it doesn't seem like he can withstand being a bell-cow back. I hope I'm proved wrong as I'm a big fan. Benny Snell Jr. and Jaylen Samuels will handle the majority of the work for the Steelers as they fight for a playoff spot in Week 17.

D.J. Moore, WR - Carolina Panthers

• Injury: Moore sustained a concussion in Week 16 and is OUT for Week 17. A concussion is obviously the result of blunt force trauma to the head and the resultant chemical cascade that occurs within the brain. Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, headaches, confusion, drowsiness, and difficulty remembering things.
• News: Moore, a second-year breakout, has been ruled OUT for Week 17.
• Outlook: Please don't pick up any Panthers wide receivers to play in your championship matchup if you're still playing. Just don't. Moore will be 100% within a few weeks and will look to build on a successful 2019 season.

Will Fuller, WR - Houston Texans

• Injury: Fuller suffered a groin strain in Week 16 against the Buccaneers. When referring to the groin area, we're likely looking at the hip adductor group which helps to bring the legs closer together and can be injured during explosive movements.
• News: The time Fuller will be sidelined will be depend on the severity of the strain. If it's a Grade I strain then he could be back for the playoffs but if it's a Grade II or III, he's done for 2019.
• Outlook: As far as fantasy is concerned, Fuller is done for the year but if he can make it back for the playoffs then he could give Deshaun Watson a great downfield threat.

Zach Ertz, TE - Philadelphia Eagles

• Injury: Ertz is dealing with a fractured rib and is OUT for Week 17 against the Giants. Rib fractures are extremely painful and Ertz was actually able to play through it in Week 16.
• News: Ertz has been ruled OUT for Week 17.
• Outlook: If the Eagles are able to make it into the playoffs, which seems likely at this point, he should be able to give it a go as long as he wears extra protection for his ribs.

As always, good luck this weekend RotoBallers!

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