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The 2023 fantasy football season is officially over, but there are postseason leagues and DFS tournaments still underway over the next month. That said, we'll continue to cover key injuries to players on playoff teams. Our fantasy football injuries report highlights the banged-up players with fantasy significance and their early status heading into Wild Card Weekend as of Monday, January 8, 2024. This article focuses on players who suffered injuries on Sunday of Week 18 games.
Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, Sam LaPorta, Gabe Davis, Romeo Doubs, and Kalif Raymond picked up injuries in Week 18. It's too early to draw conclusions about next week 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.
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Jalen Hurts Injury Update
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (finger) completed seven of 16 passes for 55 yards and an interception and added two carries for four yards in the team's 27-10 loss to the New York Giants. The 25-year-old was already without receiver DeVonta Smith (ankle) and running back D'Andre Swift (illness) before losing wideout A.J. Brown (knee) early in this contest. To top it all off, the Giants sent a constant blitz, resulting in Hurts smacking his hand on a linebacker's helmet.
On the sideline after the play, his middle finger was bent inward, yet he still went out on the next series and continued to throw. The Eagles pulled him soon after with the game out of reach. Philadelphia's offense is completely lost at the moment and they will have to try and figure it out and move past these injuries next week when they take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the road.
A.J. Brown Injury Update
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (knee) won't return to Sunday's game against the New York Giants. The wideout didn't last long before exiting with a knee injury, so he'll finish with one catch for nine yards. Not many can say for sure how severe the injury is. But it's possible the team could be preserving him for the postseason by holding him out, especially since the Eagles likely aren't going to overcome the massive deficit.
At any rate, fantasy managers should expect Brown to appear on the injury report ahead of Philly's first postseason contest. However, he'll likely be out there, contingent on the severity of his ailment.
Sam LaPorta Injury Update
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (knee) didn't return to Sunday's NFC North matchup with the Minnesota Vikings. The rookie had played well before being carted off, catching five of seven targets for 29 yards and a touchdown. Head coach Dan Campbell indicated that LaPorta's injury wasn't as severe as initially believed. Fortunately, Campbell was correct, with an MRI revealing a hyperextended left knee and a bone bruise.
Of course, things could have been worse. However, LaPorta will likely miss time, meaning Brock Wright would be the Lions' starting tight end to begin the postseason. That said, LaPorta has been a top fantasy tight end throughout the 2023-24 campaign, so Wright atop the depth chart would be a significant downgrade.
Gabe Davis Injury Update
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Gabe Davis (knee) left the game in the second quarter due to a knee injury. There wasn't any contact as he pulled up after running and seemed to favor his knee. He then went into the medical tent and back to the locker room shortly after. The team has officially listed him as questionable to return while the game remains tied 7-7 and the Bills fight to get the second seed in the AFC for the playoffs. He was ultimately ruled out.
Davis has had a rollercoaster of a year in fantasy football as he personified boom-or-bust. He leaves the game with no catches and only one target. Fantasy managers competing in playoff leagues will want to check back on his status later in the week.
Romeo Doubs Injury Update
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs (chest) exited during the first half of Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears. Prior to departing, he was targeted in the end zone but failed to haul in the pass.
The Packers are somewhat shorthanded with both Doubs and Christian Watson (hamstring, inactive) sidelined, though they should feel solid about their passing attack with Jordan Love throwing to the likes of Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, and Tucker Kraft, among others. If Doubs misses any time in the postseason, those pass-catchers will have to step up.
Kalif Raymond Injury Update
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond (knee) exited during the fourth quarter of Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings and was quickly ruled out. He finishes Week 18 having caught two passes for 50 yards, and he also added 89 punt return yards.
All in all, Raymond's final 2023 stat line includes 35 catches, 489 receiving yards, and one receiving touchdown. Moving forward, Raymond will undergo additional testing before the Lions confirm his diagnosis and playoff availability.
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