Week 16 delivered another brutal blow of injuries as fantasy managers jostled for the championship round. Injuries to Lamar Jackson, Jordan Love, Quinshon Judkins, George Kittle, and many others will make strategizing for the championship round difficult. How long will they miss? Can you trust them if they play? Below, in our Week 16 NFL injury recap, we break down the fantasy implications of all these injuries and more.
Quarterbacks
Josh Allen
Injury: Right foot sprain
Analysis: Allen gave Bills fans and fantasy managers a scare at the end of the first half as he fell to the ground after stepping awkwardly on his right foot. Allen underwent X-rays, which ended up being negative, and returned to play well. With fracture safely ruled out, Allen is likely dealing with a mild mid-foot sprain. A mild foot sprain can be managed well with treatment throughout the week and a sturdy tape job, and is unlikely to be a major factor in week 17. Allen should remain an elite QB1.
Lamar Jackson
Injury: Back injury
Analysis: Jackson took a nasty knee to his back and is dealing with a "severe bruise" but is day-to-day. Assuming this is truly just a bruise, Jackson will have a legit shot to play on Saturday. A bruise in the back will make it difficult to rotate the torso to throw and change directions, but only while the bruising is present. Six days can be enough to allow the bruising to subside somewhat, though it likely won't be fully gone, and he will probably still be dealing with a good bit of pain by next weekend, but should be in much better shape than he currently is. Practice reports throughout the week will be critical. If Jackson does play next week, it's entirely possible he is still limited in his throwing power and rushing upside, and fantasy managers may need to look elsewhere.