NFL Week 16 Fantasy Injury Report: Mahomes, Adams, & More Player Updates

A significant chapter might be closing for the Kansas City Chiefs and potentially the wider National Football League. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear during their Week 15 defeat against the Los Angeles Chargers. This loss also marked the first time since 2014 that the Chiefs were knocked out of playoff contention. For those engaged in fantasy football, Week 15 likely determined your playoff advancement. The following sections will detail the NFL injury updates for Week 16, covering crucial player ailments and providing relevant fantasy football insights.

Latest news and updates

Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs (knee): With Mahomes sidelined for the remainder of the season, Gardner Minshew is expected to take over offensive duties for the next two games against the Titans and Broncos, and then Week 18 facing the Raiders. This situation represents a decline for a passing attack that struggled with consistency for much of the current season. While Rashee Rice and Travis Kelce may see their scoring potential reduced, Minshew has demonstrated his ability to sustain an offense, as recently seen with the Colts in 2023. Given the season’s conclusion, it’s possible that coach Andy Reid and the offensive staff might offer playing time to rookie players like Brashard Smith and Jalen Royals.

Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Jaguars (finger): This situation holds limited significance, considering Travis Etienne Jr.’s established role with the Jaguars this season. Tuten exited the Week 15 dominant victory over the Jets and could not return. He is slated for finger surgery and is anticipated to miss several weeks, according to NFL Network reports. Tuten managed only two touches for 23 yards, including a 16-yard touchdown reception. With Tuten out, Etienne’s standing as an RB1/2 option is further solidified, despite facing a challenging Week 16 opponent in the Broncos.

Devin Neal, RB, Saints (hamstring): The Saints’ running back corps has been plagued by misfortunes this season. Alvin Kamara has been absent for the past three weeks due to a knee issue. Now, rookie Neal could face time off after leaving early in the game against the Panthers. He still managed to deliver for fantasy managers with eight touches, 32 yards, and a touchdown before his departure. If Neal is sidelined, the Saints’ rushing options would be limited to Audric Estime and Evan Hull, unless Kamara makes a recovery. New Orleans has favorable matchups in the next two weeks against the Jets and Titans.

Bam Knight, RB, Cardinals (ankle): Knight was removed from the field via cart on Sunday, having sustained what was described as a “severe” ankle sprain. Consequently, Michael Carter handled the majority of backfield responsibilities, accumulating 94 total yards on 18 carries. He is projected to be a prime target for waiver wire additions this week, while Emari Demercado presents a viable deep-league roster option. Knight was placed on injured reserve on Tuesday, officially ending his season.

Davante Adams, WR, Rams (hamstring): Adams was forced out of the Week 15 game after pulling up with a hamstring injury during a route. Head coach Sean McVay indicated post-game that the injury “didn’t look good” but refrained from speculating on its exact severity. The Rams proceeded to defeat the Lions and secure a playoff spot, suggesting no urgency to rush Adams back. He recorded four receptions for 71 yards on nine targets before leaving. This marked the second consecutive week Adams failed to score, following a period where he had 11 touchdowns over six games. Adams’ status is considered week-to-week, indicating a strong likelihood he will miss the Week 16 Thursday Night Football game against the Seahawks. Tight end Colby Parkinson should be considered for rostering in most fantasy formats, having scored six touchdowns in his last six appearances.

Luther Burden III, WR, Bears (ankle): Burden exited the Bears’ victory over the Browns but contributed six catches for 84 yards. He has emerged as Chicago’s most consistent receiving option over the past two weeks, with Rome Odunze sidelined. If Burden can recover from this injury and is cleared for Week 16 against the Packers, he would be a strong WR3/flex play, especially if Odunze—who was initially expected to return Sunday but was a late scratch due to aggravating a foot injury—remains out. It’s worth noting that this game is on Saturday night, likely coinciding with fantasy playoff semifinals. Head coach Ben Johnson informed reporters on Monday that Burden’s availability for Saturday is questionable due to the injury.

Christian Watson, WR, Packers (chest): Watson lost a contested deep pass to Pat Surtain II thrown by Jordan Love and landed heavily on his chest/shoulder area, preventing his return in the second half. Prior to his exit, Watson had three receptions for 29 yards. Before Week 15, Watson had exceeded 18 fantasy points in three of four games, scoring five times during that stretch. Now, his availability for Week 16 against the Bears, a team he previously dominated with a 4-89-2 stat line just weeks earlier, is uncertain.

Week 16 NFL injury report

Quarterbacks

• Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs (torn ACL) — Out for season

• Tyrod Taylor, Jets (groin)

• Jayden Daniels, Commanders (elbow) — Out for season

Running backs

• Alvin Kamara, Saints (knee)

• Devin Neal, Saints (hamstring)

• Woody Marks, Texans (ankle)

• Chris Rodriguez Jr., Commanders (groin)

• Nick Chubb, Texans (ribs)

• Bam Knight, Cardinals (ankle) — IR

• Dylan Sampson, Browns (calf)

• Bhayshul Tuten, Jaguars (finger) — Out

Wide receivers

• Drake London, Falcons (knee)

• Davante Adams, Rams (hamstring)

• Marvin Harrison Jr., Cardinals (heel)

• Tee Higgins, Bengals (concussion)

• Garrett Wilson, Jets (knee)

• Rome Odunze, Bears (foot)

• Quentin Johnston, Chargers (groin)

• Pat Bryant, Broncos (hamstring)