The NFL Injury Report continues to expand with some players returning to the list after aggravating prior injuries. With the fantasy playoffs upon us, it becomes even more important that fantasy managers become aware of the short-term and long-term ramifications of injuries so that they can field the most competitive rosters. Let's take a look at those that entered the medical tent over the weekend.
The Miami running back did not finish his team's win over the Jets, but coach Mike McDaniel said the decision to keep him sidelined was purely precautionary. Achane suffered a rib injury when he fell on top of the ball during a second-quarter carry. An MRI performed on the area did not reveal a fracture, meaning he is likely dealing with a bruised rib or a mild costochondral injury. These injuries are often painful but can be padded to better protect the affected area. The extra padding does increase the midsection and can impact ball security, but Achane continues to be a must-play if he remains active. Don't be surprised if Achane sits out for most of this week's practices before suiting up against the Steelers on Monday Night Football. Jaylen Wright is worth a speculative add following Sunday's performance in which he rushed for 107 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries after Achane went down.
The Colts quarterback will miss the rest of the season after tearing his right Achilles tendon in the team's loss to the Jaguars. Jones is the latest player to suffer the significant injury, an ailment that is becoming increasing more common. While surgical techniques have improved, time lost is often measured in months, not weeks, and Jones' recovery is likely to carry over into next season. Veteran quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Kirk Cousins have returned to action following an Achilles tear but neither player has been able to return to his previous form. Jones does have age on his side, but it may be 2027 before he is producing at a high level again. It remains to be seen who will start at quarterback for Indianapolis when they take on Seattle. Backup Riley Leonard is managing a sprained knee, and Anthony Richardson remains on injured reserve with a fractured orbital bone. Retired veteran Philip Rivers was brought in for a workout, but it's hard to imagine him being a fantasy asset with five years of accumulated rust and an elite Seattle defense on the other side of the matchup. All Colts offensive weapons will be risky fantasy plays in Week 15.
Lamb was in the middle of a monster game before suffering a concussion in Thursday's loss to the Lions. While the injury will be treated with the utmost care, the timing of the concussion bodes well for those invested in the Dallas receiver. Since the injury occurred on a Thursday, Lamb will have a few extra days to work his way through the league's mandated return-to-play protocol. Coach Brian Schottenheimer said his receiver his "progressing nicely," setting the stage for a possible return. Lamb will need to fully participate in a practice before he can be cleared. The Cowboys do play in the Sunday night game, so it may be worth taking a flier on Ryan Flournoy just in case Lamb is a late scratch. Flournoy finished with nine receptions for 115 yards and a touchdown in Week 14. Flournoy had his only other 100-yard outing in Week 5 when Lamb was sidelined with a high ankle sprain.
Turf Burns
Nick Chubb: Like Achane, Chubb suffered a rib injury and was unable to finish his team's Week 14 contest. The extent of Chubb's injury has not been revealed, but, like discussed with Achane, these injuries are often more about pain management than anything else. Look for Houston to lean heavily on Woody Marks in Week 15 against the Cardinals.
Jayden Daniels: The Commanders quarterback aggravated his previously dislocated elbow Sunday and could not finish the team's loss to the Vikings. Marcus Mariota finished the game in his place. The team reported Monday there were no structural issues with the elbow, but the team opted to hold him out after he reported renewed soreness. It is unclear how Washington will handle the situation for the remainder of the season. The team has been eliminated from playoff contention and just lost veteran tight end Zach Ertz to a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). It wouldn't be shocking if the Commanders opted to shift their focus to next season and shut down Daniels prematurely to allow him to get additional recovery time. Mariota will start if Daniels is ruled out.
Tee Higgins: The Bengals receiver suffered another concussion in Sunday's loss to Buffalo. The head injury is his second in three weeks and the third recorded TBI of his career. The effects of concussions are cumulative, meaning Higgins is likely to experience more significant symptoms for a prolonged period. Andrei Iosivas and Mitchell Tinsley will move up the Cincinnati depth chart behind Ja'Marr Chase.
Rome Odunze: The Bears receiver started the year on fire, hauling in five touchdowns in the first four weeks of the season while averaging 5.0 receptions and 74 yards per game. Unfortunately, his productivity has dropped since the team's Week 5 bye. He has caught just one touchdown in his last eight games played, as his per game averages dropped to 3.0 receptions and 45.6 receiving yards. Now it seems like there may be a reason for the dip, as the Bears revealed he has been playing through a stress fracture in his foot for multiple weeks. It is likely the injury involves one of his metatarsals, the five bones that bridge the midfoot between the ankle and the toes. Injuries here, especially to the fifth metatarsal, are common among receivers and often require surgery to insure stability. Odunze did not play in Week 14 and is considered week-to-week. A second absence seems likely as time is essential in the healing of a stress fracture. Still, fantasy managers will want to find a healthier, more reliable option even if Odunze is cleared to play. The injury is clearly limiting him on the field, lowering his fantasy ceiling in the process.
