For most, there are just two weeks left in the fantasy football regular season. Week 13 offers a reprieve from bye weeks, but unfortunately, injuries never rest. Fantasy managers will need to be proactive on the waiver wire to replace any lost production in their push for a fantasy championship. Below you’ll find the biggest fantasy injuries in Week 12.
Baker Mayfield, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Baker Mayfield took a hard hit in the second quarter of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Sunday night matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Mayfield was able to return after the initial hit but was injured again while throwing the ball on a Hail Mary to close the first half.
Mayfield did not return after halftime and was replaced on the field by Teddy Bridgewater. Additional tests conducted after the game revealed that Mayfield had suffered a low-grade strain. He has a chance to play Week 13 as a result.
If Mayfield is unable to play, Bridgewater would be under center in Week 13.
J.J. McCarthy, QB, Minnesota Vikings
J.J. McCarthy struggled again in Week 12, but he was able to finish the game. However, on the plane ride home, McCarthy reported concussion symptoms and was placed into the protocol.
The Minnesota Vikings don’t play until Sunday, giving McCarthy ample time to clear the concussion protocol. If he cannot play, then UDFA quarterback Max Brosmer will make his first NFL start.
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Las Vegas Raiders
Las Vegas Raiders’ running back Ashton Jeanty had one of his best fantasy performances of the season. Jeanty had just 17 carries for 50 yards against the Cleveland Browns, but he was a PPR format machine with eight receptions for 58 yards and a touchdown.
Unfortunately, Jeanty suffered an ankle injury on a big hit in the fourth quarter of the game. There was no indication that Jeanty suffered a significant injury, which was reinforced when head coach Pete Carroll stated that Jeanty’s injury “was not believed to be severe.”
Jeanty had his second-best fantasy production of the season in Week 12 (24.8 PPR points) and is quietly up to the RB11 in PPR points per game with a minimum of six games played (15.0).
Alvin Kamara, RB, New Orleans Saints
Alvin Kamara was twisted up in the first quarter of the New Orleans Saints’ matchup against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 12. Kamara tried to test his knee out on the sideline but eventually went to the locker room and was ruled out.
Initial reports indicate that Kamara suffered an MCL injury. At worst, the injury could cost Kamara some time, but it would not be a season-ending injury (unless the team shuts him down).
Quinshon Judkins, RB, Cleveland Browns
Quinshon Judkins was pulled off the field in the third quarter of the Cleveland Browns’ win over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 12 after bouncing his head hard off the turf. Judkins returned to the field but was then taken off again for further evaluation.
Eventually, Judkins returned to the field in the fourth quarter and finished the game. At this point, there shouldn’t be much concern for the rookie, but a concussion can have delayed symptoms.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski reiterated on Monday that Judkins had passed concussion protocol and would be fine to play in Week 13.
Tee Higgins, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
Tee Higgins suffered a concussion in the fourth quarter of the Cincinnati Bengals’ loss to the New England Patriots. The concussion was severe enough that Higgins was carted off the field and taken to the locker room.
Higgins will need to go through the concussion protocol to return to the field. The Bengals have already ruled out the veteran receiver for Week 13’s matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, as it is one of the Thursday games.
READ MORE:Â Week 13 NFL Power Rankings: Eagles Fall After Loss to Cowboys, Steelers Tumble
Ja’Marr Chase will return from his suspension in Week 13, but the biggest winner of Higgins’ absence will be Mike Gesicki.
DK Metcalf, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
DK Metcalf suffered an ankle injury in the second quarter of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Week 12 matchup against the Chicago Bears. Metcalf was able to return to the field but left again in the third quarter before finishing the game.
Metcalf was able to battle through the injury in Week 12, but time will tell how it responds before Week 13’s matchup against the Buffalo Bills. The Steelers will need all hands on deck for that matchup, so expect Metcalf to be on the field.
