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The majority of the Week 14 NFL slate is complete, and by no surprise, there are plenty of key injuries to discuss. That said, there could be a slew of tough start-or-sit decisions for fantasy managers next week in the first round of the fantasy football playoffs. Our fantasy football injuries report highlights the banged-up players with fantasy significance and their early status heading into Week 15 as of Monday, December 11, 2023. This article focuses on players who suffered injuries on Sunday of Week 14 games.
Justin Jefferson, C.J. Stroud, Justin Herbert, Nico Collins, Josh Jacobs, Jerome Ford, and more picked up injuries in Week 14. It's too early to draw conclusions about Week 15 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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Justin Jefferson Injury Update
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (chest) appears to have avoided a serious injury, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The All-Pro receiver was sent to the hospital after suffering the injury but returned to the stadium shortly after and traveled home with the team.
The Vikings are playing on Saturday against the Cincinnati Bengals, meaning it's a short week for Jefferson to recover. There's a chance that the former first-round pick will miss more game action this season, but we'll get better clarity when the Vikings release their first injury report later this week.
C.J. Stroud Injury Update
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has been placed in the league's concussion protocol due to the hit suffered in the fourth quarter of the team's loss to the New York Jets. The rookie finished with just 10 completions for 91 yards and no touchdowns.
Every player and every concussion is different. Many players are forced to miss another week of action, while some, as we've seen in recent weeks, don't miss an extra game. Stroud's progression through the protocol will be worth watching throughout the week. The Texans match up against the Tennessee Titans in Week 15.
Justin Herbert Injury Update
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (finger) sustained a fractured index finger on his throwing hand, which is putting the rest of his season in jeopardy. He'll have an MRI done on the finger today to determine if he's able to come back this season. He will almost certainly not be on the field on Thursday night when the Chargers face off against the Raiders. Given the record for Los Angeles, there's little reason to rush Herbert back. Easton Stick threw for 179 yards in relief duty and would likely get the start in Week 15.
Nico Collins Injury Update
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (calf) was ruled out in the first quarter of Sunday's game against the New York Jets. He exited after catching just one pass for 13 yards. This is tough news for the Texans after they placed Tank Dell (leg) on IR earlier this week.
Josh Jacobs Injury Update
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (knee) had 13 carries and two catches against the Minnesota Vikings before leaving the game with a knee injury in the fourth quarter. Both offenses struggled in this contest, not scoring a single point until the game's last minutes. Jacobs was heavily in this game but could not muster over 50 scrimmage yards. After Jacobs exited the game, Ameer Abdullah and Zamir White handled the carries and catches out of the backfield.
The Raiders have a Week 15 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers run defense is much improved this season but they are vulnerable through the air. The extent of the injury is unclear, but if Jacobs cannot go, Abdullah and White could be worthy adds off the waiver wire.
Jerome Ford Injury Update
Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford (hand, wrist) had 51 yards off 12 carries in Sunday's narrow win over the Jaguars. He added five catches for 31 yards. The 24-year-old didn't find the end zone in Week 14, although he contributed in multiple areas, so most fantasy managers were likely pleased with the result.
Nevertheless, Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer reported Ford needed X-rays on his hand and wrist, so it's something to monitor ahead of the Week 15 meeting with the Chicago Bears. If Ford is forced to miss time, Kareem Hunt would become the clear No. 1 back for the Browns.
Alexander Mattison Injury Update
Minnesota Vikings running back Alexander Mattison (ankle) suffered a sprained ankle during Sunday's win over the Las Vegas Raiders. The 25-year-old had 10 carries for 66 yards before his premature exit, with his absence opening the door for Ty Chandler to amass 35 yards off 12 touches.
Nevertheless, Mattison will likely undergo further testing. For now, fantasy managers should at least consider Mattison questionable for the Week 15 clash with the Cincinnati Bengals. If he can't suit up, Chandler will be a popular streaming option for managers in all formats.
Dalton Kincaid Injury Update
Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (shoulder) had to leave the game against the Kansas City Chiefs briefly to go into the X-ray room after falling hard on his shoulder. When he was asked about it after the game, Kincaid said it was just football collision stuff and he wasn't worried about a long-term issue.
This comes as great news for the Bills' offense as Kincaid has been an important piece since Week 7. He finished the game against the Chiefs with five catches for 21 yards on eight targets. Fantasy managers will want to stay tuned for more official updates as the week progresses.
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