Many individuals arriving here have successfully advanced to their fantasy football postseason. Congratulations on reaching this stage. The National Football League’s injury updates are perpetually in flux and subject to continuous modification. It’s plausible that more player names will emerge on practice reports early in the week as seasoned players receive more rest with the real NFL playoffs drawing near. Beyond tracking these injury bulletins, it’s crucial to observe league standings and coaching statements regarding player deployment for upcoming games.
The following sections will review injuries sustained in Week 14 and preview the injury status for Week 15.
Recent Player Status Changes
Trey Benson, RB, Cardinals (knee): Individuals managing fantasy football teams who anticipated Trey Benson’s return for the postseason were disappointed when the Cardinals opted not to bring him back from injury reserve within his designated 21-day practice period. Consequently, he stays on injured reserve, concluding his season. It appears Arizona’s running back duties will be shared by Bam Knight, Emari Demarcado, and Michael Carter for the remainder of the schedule. Given Demercado’s own health issues, Knight and Carter are projected to handle most carries, which doesn’t inspire much confidence.
Daniel Jones, QB, Colts (Achilles): Jones commenced Week 14 intending to play through a fractured fibula for the remainder of the season. The situation deteriorated on Sunday against the Jaguars when he was assisted off the field due to an Achilles injury. According to various sources, an MRI conducted on Monday verified that Jones suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon tear. Riley Leonard replaced Jones and concluded the game against Jacksonville with 145 passing yards and a single interception in the losing effort.
This development will significantly affect the Colts’ offensive scheme beyond Jonathan Taylor. The premier running back’s performance might suffer slightly if the aerial attack becomes ineffective. Nevertheless, Taylor is expected to receive substantial touches to maintain a baseline level of production, though opposing defenses might focus heavily on him, making rushing yards harder to gain and scoring opportunities infrequent. Furthermore, Indianapolis faces a challenging schedule during the fantasy playoff period: away against Seattle, at home against San Francisco, and at home against Jacksonville.
Jayden Daniels, QB, Commanders (elbow): Daniels exited the game in Week 14 against the Vikings following a forceful hit during an interception play. Post-game, head coach Dan Quinn informed the press that Daniels was capable of returning, but he was kept out as a precautionary measure given Washington’s significant deficit. With nothing left to contend for, it’s perplexing why the Commanders haven’t benched Daniels for the season, though this outcome might still occur: Daniels is confirmed out for Week 15. This means Mariota will again lead the Commanders’ offensive unit.
CeeDee Lamb, WR, Cowboys (concussion): Lamb is recovering favorably after suffering a concussion during Thursday Night Football against the Lions in Week 14. He will probably enter concussion protocol but benefited from extra recovery time given the Thursday game. Should Lamb not be cleared to play before Sunday Night Football versus Minnesota, George Pickens, Jake Ferguson, and Ryan Flournoy stand to see increased involvement. Ferguson received significant TE1 targets during Lamb’s absence from Weeks 3-6. In that identical period, Pickens recorded five touchdown receptions. Flournoy achieved a stat line of 9 receptions for 115 yards and one touchdown against Detroit after Lamb left the game.
Mike Evans, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (collarbone): The Buccaneers appear poised to welcome back some key players. Mike Evans is currently designated as questionable for Thursday Night Football against the Falcons, with Todd Bowles suggesting Evans is prepared for his comeback.
Although Evans’ consistent run of 1,000-yard seasons is likely ending, he might provide the crucial element for the Buccaneers’ aerial attack. Baker Mayfield has not been performing optimally, and rookie Emeka Egbuka has been in a slump (potentially linked to this). However, similar to Bucky Irving’s return strengthening Tampa’s running game, Evans could restore consistency to its passing offense. Furthermore, the Buccaneers have significant stakes, as Carolina is vying for the NFC South title. He has been reinstated from injured reserve; now it remains to be seen if he plays and performs at his customary standard. Jalen McMillan also returned to active status.
DK Metcalf, WR, Steelers (stomach): Metcalf remained hospitalized overnight in Baltimore after experiencing abdominal discomfort after his team’s Sunday victory against the Ravens. Sources describe this as a precautionary measure, indicating no severe issue for Metcalf. Head coach Mike Tomlin informed journalists on Tuesday that Metcalf is “progressing positively” and is expected to participate in this week’s game. Nevertheless, his practice participation will be closely observed. Pittsburgh is scheduled to play Miami on Monday Night Football in Week 15.
Tee Higgins, WR, Bengals (concussion): Higgins came back in Week 14 from a concussion previously suffered in Week 12. He achieved an impressive performance against the Bills on Sunday, securing six receptions for 92 yards and two touchdowns, including a spectacular one-handed catch. Higgins temporarily left Sunday’s game for concussion evaluation but was cleared and rejoined play. However, head coach Zac Taylor announced to reporters on Monday that Higgins has re-entered concussion protocol for the start of Week 15. It might be challenging for him to be medically cleared before the Bengals’ Sunday afternoon game against the Ravens.
De’Von Achane, RB, Dolphins (rib): Achane departed the game in the second quarter against the Jets in Week 14 and did not re-enter play due to a rib ailment. Miami largely kept their primary running back off the field while maintaining a significant advantage over the New York Jets. Post-game, Mike McDaniel stated that Achane did not suffer a fracture and was cleared to return. Nonetheless, observe Achane’s practice status this week, and consider acquiring Jaylen Wright if you oversee Achane on your fantasy roster.
National Football League Week 15 Health Updates
Signal Callers
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Jayden Daniels, Commanders (elbow) — UNAVAILABLE
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Daniel Jones, Colts (Achilles) — Season Concluded
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Riley Leonard, Colts (knee)
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Tyrod Taylor, Jets (groin)
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Justin Herbert, Chargers (hand)
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Geno Smith, Raiders (shoulder)
Backfield Carries
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De’Von Achane, Dolphins (rib)
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Alvin Kamara, Saints (knee)
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Tyrone Tracy Jr., Giants (hip)
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Keaton Mitchell, Ravens (knee)
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Emari Demercado, Cardinals (ankle)
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Trey Benson, Cardinals (Injured Reserve — SEASON-ENDING)
Pass Catchers
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CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys (concussion)
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Drake London, Falcons (knee) — UNABLE TO PLAY
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Marvin Harrison Jr., Cardinals (heel)
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Garrett Wilson, Jets (knee) — Injured Reserve
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Mike Evans, Bucs (collarbone)
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Rome Odunze, Bears (foot)
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Parker Washington, Jaguars (hip)
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DK Metcalf, Steelers (stomach)
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Chris Godwin Jr., Bucs (leg)
Receiving Ends
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David Njoku, Browns (knee)
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Kyle Pitts Sr., Falcons (knee)
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Darnell Washington, Steelers (concussion)
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Elijah Arroyo, Seahawks (knee)
Concluded Season
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Malik Nabers, Giants (knee)
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Tyreek Hill, Dolphins (knee)
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Najee Harris, Chargers (Achilles)
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Austin Ekeler, Commanders (Achilles)
James Conner, Cardinals (foot)
Antonio Gibson, Patriots (knee)
Miles Sanders, Cowboys (knee)
