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Heading into the second round of the fantasy football playoffs, there are even more star players in the injury headlines. Our fantasy football injuries report highlights the banged-up players with fantasy significance and their early status heading into Week 16 as of Monday, December 18, 2023. This article focuses on players who suffered injuries on Sunday of Week 15 games.
Trevor Lawrence, Keaton Mitchell, Ja'Marr Chase, Jayden Reed, Marquise Brown, and more picked up injuries in Week 15. It's too early to draw conclusions about Week 16 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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Trevor Lawrence Injury Update
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said after Week 15's rough 23-7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens that quarterback Trevor Lawrence (concussion) has entered the NFL's concussion protocol. It rubs salt into the wound and exacerbates an already frustrating night in Jacksonville. Lawrence's status suddenly becomes very much in limbo for a crucial Week 16 matchup with the crosstown Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as he now needs to pass each step of the protocol for a green light to suit up next Sunday.
Lawrence was still able to close out Sunday night, completing 25-of-43 passes for 264 yards and one touchdown with four carries for 41 yards. Losing the 24-year-old star signal-caller for even one game, however, would be a massive setback for the 8-6 Jaguars, who need a win in the worst way after losing three straight games amid what's escalated into a heated AFC South race. C.J. Beathard would figure to get the controls under center against the Bucs if Lawrence is not cleared to play.
Keaton Mitchell Injury Update
Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh says running back Keaton Mitchell (knee) suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 15's win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. It's a bittersweet night for the 11-3 Ravens, who clinched a playoff berth but have likely lost Mitchell for the remainder of the year after the rookie left the game in the fourth quarter. The 21-year-old crumbled to the ground after what appeared to be a gruesome knee injury, and he couldn't walk off of the field under his own power.
The undrafted Mitchell's hyper-efficient campaign seems to have come to a heartbreaking end after rushing for a stratospheric 8.5 yards per carry over his 38 attempts with two touchdowns, adding seven catches for 78 yards. It's a tough blow to Baltimore's potent rushing attack, which now loses some of the lightning to Gus Edwards' thunder. After Edwards was trending down of late, he now finds himself in must-own territory for the fantasy playoffs.
Ja'Marr Chase Injury Update
According to Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor, wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (shoulder) is considered "day-to-day." The superstar wideout had four catches for 64 yards in the Week 15 overtime win over the Minnesota Vikings. However, he didn't make it to the end of the contest, getting ruled out with an AC shoulder joint sprain. At any rate, fantasy managers appreciate Taylor's optimism regarding Chase's availability moving ahead.
Still, there's a good chance he won't be available in Week 16 versus the Steelers. Fortunately, Tee Higgins got his act together against the Vikings, scoring two touchdowns, meaning he should continue to benefit if Chase misses time. Guys like Tyler Boyd and Trenton Irwin could also see more targets, with Joe Mixon and Chase Brown potentially seeing more attention out of the backfield.
Jayden Reed Injury Update
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (toe) suffered a toe injury in Sunday's meeting with the Buccaneers. The wideout battled an ankle injury entering this one, so a new ailment could mean the end of his day.
Before exiting, Reed caught six of his eight targets for 52 yards and a touchdown, so fantasy managers hope his latest issue won't keep him off the field for the Week 16 showdown with the Carolina Panthers.
Marquise Brown Injury Update
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marquise Brown (heel) exited the Week 15 loss to the San Francisco 49ers due to a heel injury. He was questionable heading into this one because of a heel issue, so there's a chance he could miss next week's contest against the Chicago Bears. If so, Rondale Moore, Trey McBride, Greg Dortch, and Michael Wilson are all candidates to see more targets from Kyler Murray.
Will Levis Injury Update
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis completed 17 of his 26 passing attempts for 199 yards and an interception in the Week 15 loss to the Houston Texans. The rookie also rushed four times for 25 yards and a touchdown. On the team's last drive of overtime, he took a sack and appeared to have suffered a lower-body injury.
There will surely be updates on his status moving forward, but he was able to walk off under his own power. Levis hasn't been consistent enough to be worth starting in single-QB leagues, but if his status is in doubt against the Seattle Seahawks next week, DeAndre Hopkins' fantasy outlook could be affected.
Zach Wilson Injury Update
New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (head) was ruled out early from the Week 15 game versus the Miami Dolphins. He was taken to the locker room during the second quarter to get hydrated and be evaluated for a head injury, according to the CBS broadcast.
The former No. 2 pick finishes Sunday's game having completed just four of 11 passes for 26 yards. He also took four sacks and lost a fumble. Trevor Siemian handled quarterback reps for the rest of this divisional clash.
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