If you are checking this article to see what you need to do in fantasy football, then you are probably playing in a championship game. First off, congratulations on that achievement. This has been a tough year with so many injuries, stars not reaching their potential, and even fifth-round draft picks having historic seasons.
So, to make sure that you are in the best possible situation to succeed, you have to have up-to-the-minute updates on key players. Let’s take a look at running backs Josh Jacobs, Isiah Pacheco, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire and their latest injury updates for Week 17.
Latest News and Injury Updates Impacting Fantasy
Josh Jacobs, RB, Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders are still in playoff contention, after their 20-14 upset victory against the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day. What made that win even more impressive was the fact the team was without their No. 1 running back, Jacobs.
The game against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 17 is a big one, but it looks like right now we aren’t going to know if Jacobs is playing until Sunday. He is currently doubtful on the official injury report.
One positive for the Raiders is they don’t have to rush Jacobs back if he isn’t healthy, as his backup has been tremendous as of late. Right now, Zamir White is also playing some outstanding football for Las Vegas.
Two weeks ago, he had 17 carries for 69 yards and one touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers and then had 22 carries for 145 yards against the Chiefs.
If Jacobs is unable to go, White could be a sneaky fantasy Flex option in Week 17.
Isiah Pacheco, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
Pacheco had missed K.C.’s previous two games before coming back against the Raiders on Christmas Day. That return was short-lived, however, as he was injured during the loss.
Pacheco had to leave the game after sustaining a concussion. His helmet fell off in the middle of the play, and then a teammate hit him in the back of his head with his leg. The Chiefs are already short at the RB position, as Jerick McKinnon was put on injured reserve this past week.
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For Pacheco, there is positive news right now as he was back practicing on Friday. The fact he was able to go on Friday is a good indication that he could be playing this weekend as the Chiefs try to get back on track against the Cincinnati Bengals. It needs to be noted, though, that he isn’t technically out of the concussion protocol
Kansas City is struggling right now, but it appears that the Chiefs will still win the AFC West and host a first-round playoff game. Having Pacheco back and healthy would be big, as their other running back, Edwards-Helaire, is also dealing with injuries.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
Edwards-Helaire has been solid for the Chiefs the past two weeks, but he also missed practices this week. He missed two consecutive practices, as he is dealing with an illness.
Right now, it is still too early to know if Edwards-Helaire is going to be able to go. With an illness, it could be something we find out Sunday whether he is 100% or not and can play with no questions.
La’Mical Perine is the only other Chiefs running back on the 53-man roster, so he is someone to keep an eye on.
If either one of these two Kansas City running backs is unable to go, then Perine could have some Flex value in a deep league.
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