The unfortunate reality of the NFL is that when players are allowed to go full speed, injuries are bound to happen. Week 17 of the NFL season was no exception. Now that fantasy football managers are updating their lineups for the coming week, several players have found themselves on the injury report, leaving their status for Week 18 up in the air.
Fantasy Football Injury Report | QB Update
One starting quarterback sustained an injury in Week 17. Which signal-caller is in jeopardy of missing Week 18?
Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow suffered a right knee strain at the very end of the Bengals’ victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. Burrow limped off the field and was replaced by Brandon Allen, who knelt down and clocked the ball to set up Evan McPherson’s game-winning kick to clinch the division.
After the game, Burrow stated he merely aggravated a previous injury, and his knee feels “good enough.” He also said he could have gone back in if needed. Burrow injured his right knee on Sunday, not his surgically repaired left knee.
Fantasy Football Injury Report | RB Update
How is the injury bug affecting RB committees heading into Week 18? Will fantasy managers need to make backup plans just in case?
Michael Carter, New York Jets
The Jets ruled Michael Carter out for the remainder of the game after he sustained a concussion with five minutes remaining in the first quarter. Before his injury, Carter rushed 3 times for 54 yards against one of the most dominant run defenses in the NFL. Austin Walter took over primary ball-carrier duties, rushing 14 times for 49 yards.
Ronald Jones, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Ronald Jones sustained an ankle injury shortly after halftime and — despite being listed as questionable — did not return to the game. Ke’Shawn Vaughn and Le’Veon Bell handled the RB touches for the remainder of the contest. Jones rushed 10 times for 26 yards before leaving the game.
Damien Harris, New England Patriots
Damien Harris suffered a hamstring injury at some point in the first half of the Patriots’ 50-10 blowout victory over the Jaguars. With that said, he had already done plenty of damage. Harris rushed 19 times for 107 yards with 2 touchdowns, adding 12 yards on his lone catch. Given the nature of the game, it is unclear if Harris could have come back in. Either way, New England opted to keep him out and let Rhamondre Stevenson carry the workload.
Fantasy Football Injury Report | WR Update
News for pass catchers is essential in PPR leagues. These are the fantasy-relevant WRs currently on the NFL’s early Week 18 injury report.
Michael Gallup, Dallas Cowboys
Michael Gallup tore his ACL against the Cardinals on Sunday, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Gallup will undergo an MRI on Monday to confirm the diagnosis and discover any further damage to the surrounding ligaments.
Gallup, who is entering free agency, will end the season having played in nine games. He recorded 35 receptions on 62 targets for 445 yards and 2 touchdowns. Cedrick Wilson will set into the No. 3 role in Dallas’ offense.
Fantasy Football Injury Report | TE Update
Tight end is already a scarce position in fantasy football. Which TEs suffered injury issues in Week 18?
MyCole Pruitt, Tennessee Titans
With six minutes left in the second quarter, MyCole Pruitt suffered a gruesome ankle injury after being rolled up on from behind while blocking on a running play. Players immediately called for medical personnel, and Pruitt’s ankle/lower leg was stabilized in an air cast before he was carted off the field. His 2021 season is over.
Ricky Seals-Jones, Washington Football Team
Ricky Seals-Jones was taken off the field on a backboard after colliding with a camera operator with just over five minutes remaining in the second quarter. RSJ was ruled out for the remainder of the game with a head and neck injury.
According to ESPN’s John Keim, the cameraman was able to walk off with some help and later returned to work the rest of the game. After the contest, Washington head coach Ron Rivera told reporters that Seals-Jones is “fine” and added that the veteran TE was up and walking around during halftime.