Fantasy Football: Week 16 Injury Recap
Demarco Murray, RB, TEN
Sprained MCL: out Week 17
Murray exited Week 16 early with a sprain in his right knee. Initial reports indicate that he’s dealing with an MCL sprain, but an MRI on Monday will confirm this report. Depending on the severity, MCL sprains can require multiple weeks of rehab, so he is unlikely to play in the regular season finale next week. Derrick Henry could have the backfield to himself in a must-win matchup for the Titans, who are hoping to lock up a Wild Card spot in the playoffs. If the Titans make the post-season, Murray could be limited heading into Wild Card weekend.
Other players impacted: Derrick Henry
Evan Engram, TE, NYG
Rib Contusion: likely out Week 17
Engram left fantasy championship week early with a rib injury and didn’t return. Rib injuries are brutal to play through, and with nothing to play for in the regular season finale, the Giants could choose to sit him, even if he is deemed healthy enough to play. After an impressive rookie campaign, Engram will be a top 5 TE in 2018 drafts.
Other players impacted: Eli Manning, Rhett Ellison, Sterling Shepard
Joe Mixon, RB, CIN
Sprained Ankle: week to week
Joe Mixon returned to the lineup after a two-game absence with a concussion, but he didn’t return for long. He left Sunday’s game early with a sprained ankle and didn’t return. For now, he should be considered week to week until more details are released. With the Bengals already looking ahead to 2018, they could choose to sit their rookie RB in Week 17, leaving Giovani Bernard with the backfield to himself.
Other players impacted: Giovani Bernard
Jordy Nelson, WR, GB
Shoulder Injury, diagnosis unknown: week to week
On Saturday night, Jordy Nelson landed hard on his shoulder and left the field wincing in pain. His mechanism of injury was classic for an AC joint sprain, but details regarding the specifics of the injury have yet to be released. Regardless of the diagnosis, Nelson is likely to sit in Week 17. His 2017 season was one to forget, and he’ll look to bounce back in 2018.
Other players impacted: Devante Adams, Brett Hundley, Randall Cobb
Aaron Jones, RB, GB
Knee Injury, diagnosis unknown: week to week
Aaron Jones left Week 16 early with a knee injury and didn’t return. The specifics of his injury are unknown at this time, so it’s difficult to comment on a prognosis. If he can’t go in Week 17, Jamaal Williams will have the backfield to himself. Green Bay figures to utilize Williams and Jones as their one-two punch in 2018.
Other players impacted: Jamaal Williams