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The fantasy football playoffs are right around the corner, making key fantasy injuries a big concern heading into next week. Our fantasy football injuries report highlights the banged-up players with fantasy significance and their early status heading into Week 14 as of Monday, December 4, 2023. This article focuses on players who suffered injuries on Sunday of Week 13 games.
Tank Dell, Derrick Henry, Rhamondre Stevenson, Amari Cooper, and more picked up injuries in Week 13. It's too early to draw conclusions about Week 14 since these players just picked up ailments, but it's never too early to at least take a look at the group of key guys to prepare for waiver wire Wednesday or Thursday.
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Tank Dell Injury Update
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (leg) suffered a broken fibula during Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Dell is expected to be placed on injured reserve, making him ineligible to play through Week 17. The 24-year-old departed Week 13 before he could command a target. Through 11 contests this season, the electric rookie totaled 47 catches, 709 yards, and two touchdowns.
His loss will hurt the Texans' offense, though they should feel comfortable about their depth chart with Nico Collins and Noah Brown taking over as the top wide receivers.
Derrick Henry Injury Update
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (concussion) is officially in the league's concussion protocol after departing Sunday's game against the Colts with symptoms. The former All-Pro back rushed 21 times for 102 yards and two touchdowns and caught one pass for 18 yards before exiting in the fourth quarter. The concussion puts his status in doubt for a Monday night tilt against the Miami Dolphins.
The timing could present a dilemma for fantasy managers, depending on whether Henry is still questionable when the Sunday games begin. Rookie Tyjae Spears becomes an immediate priority off of the waiver wire if he's available.
UPDATE: Henry is not in concussion protocol, putting him on track to play against the Dolphins in Week 14.
Rhamondre Stevenson Injury Update
According to ESPN's Jeff Howe, New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle) is expected to "miss time." The 25-year-old injured his ankle in Sunday's loss to the Chargers, ending the day with 39 yards off nine carries. X-rays were negative, and there's a belief he suffered a sprain. But with the Patriots not looking like a playoff team, Stevenson could be done for the year.
If that's the case, Ezekiel Elliott, who has 112 touches for 429 yards and two scores in 12 appearances this season, should be in line for more work. However, New England has struggled to get anything going offensively, so Elliott's value for fantasy managers could be minimal.
Amari Cooper Injury Update
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper (head) did not return to Sunday's matchup with the Rams after exiting. The wideout had three catches for 34 yards before getting sandwiched between two defenders, ending his day.
Cooper was also ruled out in Week 12 due to a rib injury, so the latest ailment could be enough to keep him off the field for the Week 14 clash with the Jaguars. If that's the case, Elijah Moore would take over as the No. 1 option on the depth chart.
Christian Watson Injury Update
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (hamstring) was continuing his recent resurgence before going down with a hamstring injury in the fourth quarter of Week 13's 27-19 win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Watson collected a season-high seven of his nine targets for 71 yards and two touchdowns with two carries for 15 yards before his night ended. Watson appeared to be trying to burn some clock on a 24-yard Jordan Love touch pass as the Packers nursed a late lead on Sunday, but he pulled up lame near the end of the play while clutching at his right hamstring.
It's a tough break for the 24-year-old, who was finally starting to free himself from a funk that plagued him for most of the year after a bad hamstring cost him the season's first three games. Watson's practice status will be one to monitor during Week 14 preparation, but he'll at least have an extra day to heal for a favorable matchup next Monday night against the New York Giants.
Derek Carr Injury Update
New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (shoulder, back, concussion) was doubtful to return late in the game against the Detroit Lions in Week 13. He was being evaluated for several injuries and has entered concussion protocol following a big hit from linebacker Bruce Irvin during the second half of Sunday's game.
At the time of his departure, he had completed 17 passes for 226 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He also took two sacks and lost a fumble. Jameis Winston will operate as the Saints' quarterback until Carr can return.
Kenny Pickett Injury Update
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (ankle) will not be placed on injured reserve, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. He's expected to undergo surgery today and the recovery timeline for his high-ankle issue is 2-4 weeks. Pittsburgh, despite the upset loss to the Cardinals on Sunday, remains in the thick of the AFC playoff race.
Having the opportunity for their starting quarterback to return late in the regular season likely plays a big factor in the decision. Mitch Trubisky will be the starter for Thursday Night Football against the New England Patriots, with Mason Rudolph serving as the backup.
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