NFL Injuries & News You Should Know for Week 13

As you prepare for Week 13 of the fantasy football season, injuries are an integral part of your lineup research.  RotoBaller has you covered with injury reports from around the league after last Sunday's action.  If you've got some questionable players heading into Week 12 and the playoffs, be sure to stay on top of their most recent health updates.

NFL Injuries & News for Week 13

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Baltimore Ravens:

• TE: Dennis Pitta (hip) took part in the Ravens' Monday walkthrough.
  • Analysis: He has been increasing practice reps; however, he will not be active for the Week 13 Thanksgiving game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.  Pitta has potential to play in Week 14 for some fantasy owners' playoffs; however, he'll likely be limited in the number of snaps he takes when he comes back, so consider him an injured TE2 with upside.

Buffalo Bills:

• WR: Stevie Johnson (groin) and Robert Woods (ankle) practiced during their Week 13 bye.
  • Analysis: Johnson mentioned he'll be ready to suit up after the Week 13 bye and said he's been feeling much better.  Woods also practiced and the assumption he's been doing better.  Both Marquise Goodwin and T.J. Graham are expected to eat into Woods' playing time going forward, unless Woods distinguishes himself enough to be the second wide receiver in Buffalo.  Johnson is the biggest news here as he has an ideal matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.  Feel free to start him up as a WR2 or WR3

Carolina Panthers:

• D/ST: LE Charles Johnson (knee) was inactive for Week 12 against the Miami Dolphins.
  • Analysis: Johnson has a sprained MCL and is week-to-week.  While this weakens the Panthers D, he is at the very least questionable for Week 13.  Regardless, start the Carolina's D as you normally would.

Chicago Bears:

• QB: Jay Cutler (ankle) has been ruled out for Week 13.
  • Analysis: Cutler feels confident that his injury is getting better and has eyes on the Monday Night Football match-up with the Cowboys in Week 14.  If he's been dropped by anybody in your league and you need a QB (even a back-up), make the pickup as Cutler has one of the easiest schedules down the stretch.
• RB: Matt Forte (knee) is questionable looking towards Week 13.
  • Analysis: Fantasy owners can let out a sigh of relief as Forte "slightly" hyper-extended his right knee.  The Bears said they will see where he stands on Wednesday, but he should likely be good to go for Week 13.  Forte owners should run to the waiver wire to grab Michael Bush for sheer handcuff purposes.
• D/ST: DT Stephen Paea (toe) was out for Week 12.
  • Analysis: As we saw Zac Stacy tear up the Bears' D, they're missing his 21 tackles on the season.  Benny Cunningham did the same after Stacy was taken out by a concussion.  Obviously, starting the Chicago D/ST isn't really an option anyhow, even as a desperation move.

Cleveland Browns:

• QB: Jason Campbell left the Week 12 match up against the Steelers with a concussion.
  • Analysis: Campbell was slammed by the Steelers and lost consciousness as well.  Campbell will have go through and pass the NFL concussion protocol before playing in Week 13; however, seeing how he lost consciousness, it's looking doubtful that he'll play.  Owners in two quarterback leagues or those running Campbell out due to injuries should find other options.
• D/ST: DB Buster Skrine left the Week 12 game with a rib injury and did not return
  • Analysis: Owners thinking about streaming the Browns' D against the Jaguars for Week 13 might have to think twice.  Not only has Jacksonville played better, but Skrine works opposite of Joe Haden.  The "Hand of Haden" may have do a bit more work around the entire field, dampening the Browns' D potential for Week 13.  Still, they are at home against one of the worst teams in the NFL, so the potential is certainly there.

Dallas Cowboys:

• WR: Miles Austin returned Week 12 from a hamstring injury.
  • Analysis: Cue the music, Austin didn't leave the game with any re-aggravation of said injury.  For those desperate for a WR at a FLEX spot or anything of that nature can feel free to start Austin, but he's nothing more than that.
• D/ST: LB Sean Lee was declared out for Week 12 and is week to week with a hamstring injury and DB Morris Claiborne left the Week 12 game against the Giants with a hamstring injury.
  • Analysis: From an IDP standpoint, it's a tough loss for anybody who had him on their roster as he was having an excellent year.  Claiborne on the other hand, re-tweaked a hamstring injury that kept him out a few weeks earlier in the year.  He's looking more and more like an injury bust unfortunately.  Regardless, starting the Dallas D is a risky move unless the match-up looks to be a good move.

Denver Broncos:

• RB: Knowshon Moreno (leg) was diagnosed with a bone bruise in his lower right leg (ankle area) after the Week 12 game against the New England Patriots.
  • Analysis: Moreno was hobbling around by the end of the game and was later seen walking around on crutches and a walking boot.  The injury isn't a problem in terms that it would put him on the shelf for the regular season; however, Moreno is week-to-week and it's possible Moreno may miss the Week 13 game against the Kansas City Chiefs.  Owners will not know the specifics of the timetable until later in the week and should be prepared to pick-up (if they haven't handcuffed Moreno already) and start Montee Ball as a precaution.
• TE: Julius Thomas (knee) was inactive for Week 12 and is expected to play in Week 13.

Analysis: The Broncos expect Orange Julius to start for Week 13 as the knee sprain is getting better.  Monitor his practice status throughout the week; however, the expectation is that he will play.  Considering Thomas is second in TDs amongst TEs, he'll be tough to sit unless he's out.

• D/ST: DL Kevin Vickerson (hip) is out for at least 6 weeks and DB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (shoulder) is day-to-day.
  • Analysis: Vickerson may come back for the playoffs as he will not need surgery for the dislocated hip and Rodgers-Cromartie is expected to play Week 13 against the Chiefs.  Regardless of who is or isn't available for the Broncos' D, the unit as a whole is not one to start unless the match-up bodes well.

Detroit Lions:

• D/ST: DB Chris Houston (foot) was forced from Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
  • Analysis: He went down when Tiquan Underwood torched him for an 85 yard TD...obviously it wasn't the pain of the TD beat down, but it probably didn't help.  Detroit's D has a good schedule going forward, but their pass D has fallen apart as of late, so they're only worth monitoring for now.

Green Bay Packers:

• QB: Aaron Rodgers (shoulder) is doubtful for the Week 13 Thanksgiving game.
  • Analysis: Rodgers would love to start; however, according to Coach McCarthy, the chances of him starting are "slim to none".  A starter has not been named for Thursday; however, seeing how poorly Scott Tolzien played against the Vikings, it's likely that Matt Flynn will be under center against the Detroit Lions in a must-win divisional match-up.

• RB: Johnathan Franklin (concussion, neck) did not practice on Monday.
  • Analysis: Franklin was concussed at the beginning of the game against the Vikings on Sunday.  He will not be cleared prior to Thursday night's game.  Only people in 14-16+ team leagues might be concerned about this; however Franklin has not been involved much in the offense as of late.
• TE: Brandon Bostick (head) has been diagnosed with a concussion.

Analysis: He suffered the injury on Sunday against the Vikings, leaving Andrew Quarless the lone TE on the roster.  Only those in deep leagues, keeper leagues, etc. should be concerned that he will not be cleared in time for Thursday's game against Detroit.

• D/ST: DB Casey Hayward (hamstring) was placed on injured reserve before Sunday's game with the Minnesota Vikings.
  • Analysis: It's been a lost season for the second year pro who had a great season in 2012.  While he was a long shot to return this season, a return would have bolstered a secondary that's been ravaged by injury lately.  At this point, starting the Packers' D isn't really an option, even with a favorable match-up, as shown by Sunday's game against the Vikings.

Houston Texans:

• TE: Owen Daniels (leg) is targeting a Week 14 return.
  • Analysis: Daniels has been on the short-term IR/designated to return list since his non-displaced right fibula fracture.  Depending upon how playoff schedules go, he might be worth a stash for those desperate for a TE.  However, seeing how the Texans are woefully out of the playoff picture, he may not be worth the roster spot unless an IR slot is available, and even then it is questionable to do so.

Indianapolis Colts:

• WR: LaVon Brazil (back) is likely to play in Week 13.
  • Analysis: Brazil was said to be okay after suffering a back contusion in Week 12 against Arizona and should be good to go for Week 13.  He's the Colts' third receiver and should only  really be considered starter in deep leagues.
• D/ST: CB Vontae Davis (groin) left Sunday's game against the Cardinals and did not return.
  • Analysis: Davis is fine according to the Colts' coaching staff, and is expected to play against the Titans in Week 13.  While Indianapolis' D has shown spurts of life throughout the season, there have been bouts of inconsistency, especially as of late.

Jacksonville Jaguars:

• WR: Mike Brown (shoulder) should practice Wednesday.
  • Analysis: Brown missed the Week 12 victory over the Houston Texans.  He should likely be active for the Week 13 game against the Browns.  Again, in case Brown doesn't play, grab Ace Sanders as a WR4, WR5, or desperation FLEX.  However, if Brown is back, expect a rotation, making both options ones to stay away from.

Kansas City Chiefs:

• D/ST: OLBs Tamba Hali (ankle) and Justin Houston (elbow) left the Week 13 game against the San Diego Chargers and did not return.
  • Analysis: Looks like we spoke too soon in regards to an injury affecting the Chiefs' D.  Missing their two best outside rushers made things easier for Rivers and company, allowing them to pull off the upset. Hali had an MRI which revealed a "slight" ankle sprain.  He looks to have dodged a season-ending injury as the original thought was he tore his Achilles tendon.  Hali is looking to be questionable for the Week 13 rematch against the Broncos.  Houston, on the other hand, dislocated his elbow so much so that it was impossible to perform an MRI due to the swelling in the area.  Houston is more than likely going to be week-to-week and is looking doubtful for the Week 13 rematch against Denver.  With Knowshon Moreno looking questionable for the rematch, Peyton Manning may start slinging the ball, exploiting matchups with the weapons he has.  At this point, KC's D looks shaky at best for Week 13 and isn't recommended play against the Broncos.

Miami Dolphins:

• RB: Daniel Thomas suffered an ankle injury in the Week 12 game against the Panthers.
  • Analysis: It was originally thought that Thomas may miss the rest of the season with the injury, based upon the severity of it.  Seeing as how it is likely a high ankle sprain and needs about a month to heal, the possibility is there that he could come back.  However, with only five weeks left in the regular season, the Dolphins need to decide if it is worth putting him on IR.  Long story short: Thomas is droppable if he was being used on a fantasy roster.  This does potentially make Lamar Miller's value go significantly up however.  It's likely Miller has been dropped in 8 to 12 team leagues, or was bench depth for the same leagues and being started in larger leagues.  If Miller is on the waiver wire, he might not be a bad pickup for sheer depth purposes.

New Orleans Saints:.

• RB: Darren Sproles (ankle, knee) missed the Thursday night game against the Falcons.
  • Analysis: The short week simply was too short and Sproles was declared inactive shortly before the game.  Having eleven days off should help him heal up and be ready for an important conference matchup against the Seahawks.  As always, keep expectations in check when in standard league scoring, but he should be able to put up the points in PPR leagues.
• TE: Jimmy Graham (foot, elbow) played 38 of 60 snaps on Thursday night against the Atlanta Falcons.
  • Analysis: So much for the injuries.  He was third in snaps behind Brees (60) and Colston (46) and rumbled his way to a 100 yard game on 5 receptions with 1 TD.  If scoring included damaging goal posts with his signature slam dunk TD celebration, he'd get those points too.  With the long week, he'll likely have a few more practice sessions; however, he'll probably be limited to some degree.  Regardless, he'll be ready to likely play a higher number of snaps against Seattle in Week 13.

New York Giants:.

• WR: Hakeem Nicks (abdominal) was inactive in Week 12 against Dallas and is looking questionable for Week 13.
  • Analysis: Nicks was expected to play in Week 12, but was held out since he was limited in the practices leading up to the game.  Coach Coughlin stated that Nicks' lack of speed would be an issue in game and couple that with the lack of practice time is what everybody was told why Nicks was out on Sunday.  The assumption is there might be something else

New York Jets:.

• D/ST: CB Antonio Cromartie left Sunday's game against the Ravens with a hip injury.
  • Analysis: Cromartie mentioned that he felt his hip "give out a little bit" during the game; it's looking to be more of a chronic problem as he broke his right hip in 2008 while he was with San Diego.  If he has to miss any actual game time, it take an already weak secondary of the Jets' D and throws it down the drain.  The Jets' D really shouldn't be started unless the team they are facing has no real passing game.  They're still a formidable run D.

Oakland Raiders:.

• WR: Denarius Moore (shoulder) did not practice for the Week 13 game.
  • Analysis: He's not going to travel with the team to Dallas so he's obviously going to be inactive.  Expect him to play in Week 14 where he'll be a WR4 or WR5.
• RB: Darren McFadden was limited in practice on Monday.
  • Analysis: DMC "walked this way" through practice and for all the talk of a potential running-back-by-committee, it's doubtful that will happen.  At this point, Rashad Jennings can be considered a RB2 while DMC is a low-end FLEX option (at best).  He's almost borderline droppable in many leagues already.

San Diego Chargers:.

• WR: Eddie Royal (chest) left Sunday's game against the Chiefs and did not return.
  • Analysis: He was injured prior to the game-winning drive and did not return.  Even if he is cleared to play for Week 13, he's a WR5/FLEX option at best as he hasn't had any scores the past 3 weeks and has averaged just 2.6 receptions for 47.6 yards.
• RB: Ryan Mathews (hamstring) left Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs and did not return.
  • Analysis: He was already battling an existing hamstring injury and it was confirmed that he re-aggravated the same injury.  It's looking very questionable that he'll be active for the Week 13 game against the Bengals and as such Ronnie Brown would handle some of his duties.  Don't expect much from Brown as the Chargers will likely ride Danny Woodhead harder as they're in the running for the last AFC wildcard spot.

Seattle Seahawks:.

• WR: Jermaine Kearse (concussion) was cleared to practice and Percy Harvin (hip) did not practice Tuesday.
  • Analysis: Kearse should be good to go barring any setbacks; however, with Percy Harvin's return, he's now the buried on the depth chart as a WR4.  He has no interest being on a redraft league's roster, but makes an interesting keeper/dynasty league sleeper.  As for Percy Harvin, this was just a rest day and he should be good to go as an upper-level WR3 with upside.
• D/ST: CB Brandon Browner has been suspended for a year for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.
  • Analysis: This certainly hurts the Seattle D, though they've been good all season, it will weaken their secondary for the long run.  Regardless, Seattle should be able to fill the hole in the secondary and bounce back from this loss.  Keep starting the Seahawks' D as usual.

San Francisco 49ers:.

• WR: Michael Crabtree (Achilles) was officially activated off of the PUP list.
  • Analysis: Let the hype train keep rolling.  For those who have stashed him, like Percy Harvin, he's likely best left on the bench as he is returning from a speed and burst draining injury and will likely be on a snap count against the St. Louis Rams.  Crabtree should be treated as a WR4/5 at best for Week 13 if he is to be started.

St. Louis Rams:.

• RB: Zac Stacy left Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears with a concussion.
  • Analysis: Fantasy owners are still waiting with baited breath to learn more about Stacy's condition and at this point, there isn't anything specific coming from the Rams.  At the very least, Stacy will have to pass the NFL concussion protocol before he sees any game action.  Fantasy owners should run to the waiver wire to grab Benny Cunningham if they haven't already.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers:.

• D/ST: CB Darrelle Revis left Sunday's game with a groin injury.
  • Analysis: The hope is that the injury isn't a long term issue...at least that's the "coach-speak" from Coach Schiano.  It's likely the injury is worse than the Buccaneers are letting on, so monitor his status throughout the week.  Tampa's D has been a top 5 ranked run defense and their pass defense made good work of Matthew Stafford last week; so this would be quite the blow.  It would certainly help out Carolina's Steve Smith, who Revis was likely going to shadow, in Week 13.

Washington Redskins:.

• TE: Jordan Reed (concussion) has not yet resumed practicing.

Analysis: Reed was declared inactive over the weekend and there have not been any more reports coming out of Washington.  Monitor his status closely throughout the week; he'll need to clear the NFL's concussion protocol before being able to practice.

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