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Fantasy managers fortunate enough to advance to the second round of the fantasy football playoffs will have to continue to deal with injuries to key fantasy assets. That said, it's never been more important to stay up to date with the latest injury updates. We have the latest news on banged-up players with fantasy significance and their early status heading into Week 16 as of Monday, December 19, 2022. This article focuses only on players who suffered injuries on Saturday and Sunday of Week 15 games.
Jonathan Taylor, Justin Jefferson, Austin Ekeler, Justin Fields, Ryan Tannehill, and more picked up bumps and bruises in Week 15. We can't know for sure how these injuries will progress before game time in Week 15, 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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Jonathan Taylor Injury Update
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) was forced to exit early during Saturday's game against the Minnesota Vikings. The organization did further testing and determined that Taylor has suffered a high-ankle sprain. That being said, the organization appears comfortable with shutting down Taylor for the rest of the season. It's a lost season for the Colts, so there is no reason for the team to rush back their franchise running back.
He'll finish the season with 861 yards and four touchdowns, adding 28 receptions for 143 yards. It was a disappointing year for Taylor, but hopefully he can bounce back to full health next season. In the meantime, Deon Jackson and Zack Moss should split up the carries in the backfield for the last few games.
Justin Jefferson Injury Update
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (rib) sustained a rib contusion during Saturday's win over the Indianapolis Colts but is "feeling good," head coach Kevin O'Connell told Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul-Pioneer Press.
He'll likely be monitored and evaluated in the coming days, but as of now, the injury does not appear serious. Assuming he's a full-go for Week 16, Jefferson will continue to rank as a high-end WR1.
Austin Ekeler Injury Update
Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (arm) returned to the Week 15 meeting against the Titans. The veteran briefly exited this one with an arm injury, allowing Joshua Kelley to enter and find the end zone off a one-yard run in the first quarter.
Fortunately, Ekeler doesn't appear to have any residual effects from the ailment, although it's worth monitoring moving ahead.
Justin Fields Injury Update
Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (right leg) returned to the fourth quarter of Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles. He was initially taken to the locker room but quickly came back to the sidelines and subsequently re-entered the contest.
The mobile signal-caller appears to be fine, but fantasy managers should stay tuned in case there are further updates.
Ryan Tannehill Injury Update
Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill (ankle) was injured in Sunday's meeting with the Chargers. The signal-caller took a hit in the first quarter and remained on the ground in obvious pain. Fortunately, although he required a cart ride off the field, he returned in the second quarter with his ankle heavily taped.
Hopefully, for the managers in the hunt for a fantasy title, Tannehill's mobility won't be compromised more than it already has been this season.
Colt McCoy Injury Update
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Colt McCoy (head) didn't return to Sunday's loss to the Denver Broncos. The veteran, who was starting in place of Kyler Murray (knee), finished with 95 yards and two interceptions off 7-for-15 passing prior to his premature departure. Head coach Kliff Kingsbury provided an update after the game, confirming that McCoy is in concussion protocol, so he'll need to clear some hurdles before the Sunday Night Football showdown versus Tom Brady and the Buccaneers in Week 16.
If he can't suit up, Trace McSorley would presumably get the start. McSorley filled in after McCoy went down, although he didn't play much better, amassing 78 yards and a pick. That said, regardless of who is under center for the birds moving ahead, they likely won't offer much to fantasy managers, which also won't mean good things for DeAndre Hopkins and company.
Equanimeous St. Brown Injury Update
Chicago Bears wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown (head) was ruled out after being evaluated for a concussion in Week 15. He caught one pass for 20 yards before exiting.
The Bears already have the thinnest receiver corps in the NFL, so losing St. Brown is far from ideal. Dante Pettis and Byron Pringle should see more volume in his absence.
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