NFL’s Week 14 was a reminder of the game’s unforgiving nature with injuries continuing to pile up around the league. A few crucial updates look to see key players possibly making a return offering up some opportunities for fantasy managers going into Week 15.
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Aidan O’Connell
Aidan O’Connell sustained a knee injury during the Buccaneers game, but initial tests suggest a less severe outcome than feared.
Initially carted off with an air cast, O’Connell received positive news after Monday’s medical evaluation revealing only a bone bruise. Week 15 availability against the Falcons remains uncertain despite O’Connell’s enthusiasm.
Fantasy managers should closely track practice participation and official game status over the next few days.
Derek Carr
Derek Carr has suffered a non-throwing hand fracture, anticipated to sideline him for several weeks. While an immediate IR placement isn’t confirmed, the injury significantly disrupts the Saints’ offense.
Carr’s absence creates uncertainty for the Saints’ offensive production. The team’s quarterback depth took an unexpected turn with the recent signing of Ben DiNucci, a quarterback who hasn’t seen NFL game action since 2020.
Fantasy managers should seek alternative quarterback options while monitoring the Saints’ evolving offensive strategy.
Justin Herbert
Justin Herbert endured a physical Week 14 matchup against the Chiefs, sustaining a leg contusion that briefly removed him from the game.
After a sideline medical evaluation, Herbert returned, missing just one play. He completed 21 of 30 passes for 213 yards and a touchdown, including a third-quarter scoring connection with Quentin Johnston.
While Herbert walked with a postgame limp and acknowledged experiencing pain, he expressed confidence in his availability for the upcoming Week 15 home game against the Buccaneers.
Coach Harbaugh praised Herbert’s resilience, describing him as a “warrior.” Fantasy managers should monitor practice reports leading into Week 15, but Herbert appears positioned to start.
Zamir White
NFL insider Ian Rapport confirms Raiders running back Zamir White has been placed on injured reserve with a quad injury.
White’s absence opens opportunities for alternative ball carriers. Sincere McCormick is primed to see a significant increase in touches, even with Alexander Mattison potentially returning.
McCormick emerges as a strategic fantasy target, offering potential value in an evolving Raiders offensive lineup.
Jonathan Brooks
Panthers head coach Dave Canales confirmed that first-round draft pick Jonathon Brooks has re-torn his right ACL, ending his rookie season prematurely.
Brooks, who made his NFL debut on November 24th and played just three games, now confronts another extensive rehabilitation journey. The injury is particularly devastating as it follows a previous ACL tear.
Chuba Hubbard is expected to maintain primary running back responsibilities for the Panthers, becoming the clear fantasy football focal point in the backfield. The team remains committed to Brooks despite the significant medical setback.
Bucky Irving
Buccaneers rookie running back Bucky Irving is battling back tightness, as confirmed by head coach Todd Bowles during Sunday’s game against the Raiders.
Irving exited the contest early, managing just four carries for three yards and a 15-yard reception before being deemed doubtful to return. If Irving cannot play in Week 15, Rachaad White and Sean Tucker are positioned to absorb increased offensive responsibilities.
Despite the setback, Irving has been the standout rookie running back of the 2024 draft class, amassing 1,035 yards and six touchdowns this season. Fantasy managers should closely monitor his injury status and prepare alternative lineup strategies.
Isaac Guerendo
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that running back Isaac Guerendo has suffered a foot sprain during Sunday’s game against the Bears. It appears Guerendo is trending down for the 49ers next matchup against the Rams on Thursday.
Along with Guerendo, key 49ers players Trent Williams and Nick Bosa were also noted to miss Tuesday’s practice.
Last Sunday, Guerendo exited in the fourth quarter with the foot injury, potentially opening the door for Patrick Taylor to assume primary running back duties.
Taylor demonstrated his capability in the previous game, rushing for 78 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries. Fantasy managers should prepare for potential lineup adjustments and monitor Guerendo’s recovery status.
Kenneth Walker
Mike Macdonald remains uncertain about Ken Walker III’s availability for the upcoming game against the Packers, with ongoing tests evaluating his calf injury.
If Walker is unable to play, Zach Charbonnet will likely continue his workhorse role. In the previous game with Walker inactive, Charbonnet dominated the offensive backfield, rushing 22 times for 134 yards and two touchdowns while catching all 7 of his targets. His performance included an impressive 80% snap share and 8 red-zone rush attempts.
Notably, Charbonnet has matched Walker’s 12 rushes over 10 yards this season, achieving this milestone on 48 fewer carries.
Fantasy managers should closely monitor Walker’s injury status and prepare Charbonnet as a potential starter.
George Pickens
Steelers provided a cautious update on George Pickens’ hamstring injury, suggesting his Week 15 availability against the Eagles remains highly uncertain.
“If you pressed me, I’d probably say he’s out or could be categorized as doubtful,” Tomlin said. Pickens has been limited in practice and already was sidelined in Week 14.
Mike Williams emerges as the primary replacement, bringing similar big-bodied, jump-ball receiving capabilities to the Steelers’ offensive scheme. Fantasy managers should closely track Pickens’ practice participation this week and prepare alternative wide receiver options like Williams or Austin for the upcoming Eagles matchup.
Cedric Tillman
Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman remains in concussion protocol, having missed the last two games since his Week 12 injury against the Steelers.
To return for Sunday’s game against the Chiefs, Tillman must complete full practice participation and receive clearance from an independent neurologist.
In his absence, Michael Woods has seen expanded snaps alongside Jerry Jeudy and Elijah Moore. Fantasy managers should monitor Tillman’s practice status over the next few days.
DeMarcus Robinson
Rams head coach Sean McVay confirmed that wide receiver Demarcus Robinson is dealing with an AC joint sprain in his shoulder.
Robinson was limited to just one target before exiting the game due to the injury. He remained out of practice along with other injured Rams players, including Davis Allen, Tyler Davis, and Jordan Whittington.
Fantasy managers should monitor Robinson’s recovery status and prepare alternative wide receiver options for upcoming games.
Will Dissly
Seahawks tight end Will Dissly is set to miss multiple weeks after suffering a shoulder injury during Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Injured on the final play of the first half, Dissly will not be placed on injured reserve, suggesting a potential return before the season’s end.
Stone Smartt is expected to assume the starting tight end role, with Tucker Fisk also seeing increased playing time.
Tyler Higbee
Rams tight end Tyler Higbee was listed as a full participant in Tuesday’s practice, bringing him closer to his 2024 season debut after recovering from last season’s ACL and MCL tear.
Higbee appears positioned to potentially return for Thursday night’s game against the 49ers.
If he remains sidelined, Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen, and Hunter Long will continue the team’s successful tight end committee approach. Since their Week 6 bye, the Rams have won six of eight games using this rotation strategy.
Fantasy managers should closely monitor Higbee’s practice status and game-day availability leading into the crucial Week 15 matchup.