The Fantasy Football Trainers room is here to update you on all the key Week 17 Fantasy Football injuries, while (more importantly) giving you a backup plan for your lineup or specifically, DFS lineups. To get up-to-kickoff updates on all actives and inactives, be sure to tune into the Fantasy Tailgate LIVE on Facebook. We’ll cover all these plus answer every single one of your Sit / Start dilemmas. Check out our Week 17 Rankings to help make your decisions easier.
Note: Check out which teams are resting starters and all fantasy DFS Week 17 implications
Derrick Henry (hamstring) set to rumble vs Texans
*Update- Henry has been removed from the injury report, and should be leaned upon heavily with the Titans season on the line
The Titans did a smart thing by resting their workhorse back in Week 16 in what was a pretty meaningless matchup against the Saints. Now with their season on the line, Henry will return to action in a must-win game against the Texans — who are surprisingly playing their starters with nothing to play for. Henry said he was “definitely ready” to play and he rushed for 86 yards in his previous matchup against the Texans. He’s a very solid DraftKings play at $8,100.
Zach Ertz (ribs) true game-time decision for Week 17
*Update – Ertz has been ruled OUT. This locks Dallas Goedert into my No.3 TE spot, and he becomes a must-play on DraftKings @ $4900
Ertz is a legitimate game-time decision after fracturing his ribs against the Cowboys in Week 16. If Ertz can’t play through the significant pain, then Dallas Goedert will get the start in his place. Goedert exploded for a career-best game last week, totaling 91 yards on 9 receptions for 24 fantasy points. The second-year tight end would be a prime option on DraftKings at his $4,900 price tag.
Josh Jacobs (infection) has mystery surgery, still wants to play (shoulder)
Update – Jacobs is OUT. DeAndre Washington has been an excellent play in his spot-starts (over 18 FPs), but now gets his toughest test against a solid DEN run defense. He’s not a must play at his $5200 price, given all the DraftKings values.
It’s safe to say Josh Jacobs is a warrior. The dude has been playing through a fractured shoulder over the last few weeks and this week he underwent surgery for an infection in his foot. Still, the rookie wants to gut through it one last time before putting a bow on his season. If the Raiders are smart and sit Jacobs, then DeAndre Washington will get the workhorse treatment once again. Washington is priced at $5,200 on DraftKings against a decent Broncos’ defense.
Players Returning / Good-to-go:
- Jordan Howard (shoulder) is set to return this week. However, Pederson said he expects to ride the smoldering hot Miles Sanders. Hopefully he doesn’t vulture the rookie.
Others to Monitor:
- Terry McLaurin (concussion) has yet to practice this week. However, he has not been ruled out yet for Week 17’s matchup against the Cowboys. McLaurin is 81 yards away from 1k receiving for the year… not bad for a rookie. Update – McLaurin is out, locking Steven Sims into the top-WR spot
- DJ Moore (concussion) is likely to sit out the meaningless Week 17 game against the Saints, but has not been ruled out as of Friday. Entering Week 17, Moore is fifth in the league in receiving yards, with 1,175.
- Kyler Murray (hamstring) exited after halftime last week after putting up impressive numbers in a road victory against the Seahawks. Murray has remained limited in practice this week and we should know at some point on Friday or Saturday if he will play.
- Jamaal Williams (shoulder) exited Week 16 and is questionable for Week 17. If he sits, expect Aaron Jones to get workhorse duties in a juicy spot against the Lions.
- James Conner (thigh) has sat out of practice this week and is “very much in question,” meaning he’s likely not going to suit up for Week 17.
- Nelson Agholor (knee) hasn’t practiced in a while and is all but confirmed to be out for Week 17 at the point.
Already/ Obviously Out:
- The Bengals finally placed AJ Green (ankle, hates team) on IR… lol
- Chris Godwin (hamstring) has yet to be placed on IR, but we would be shocked if he were to play in a meaningless Week 17 affair.
- Will Fuller (hamstring) continues to annoy fantasy owners and is already out for Week 17.
- Dalvin Cook (shoulder) and Alex Mattison (ankle) were both limited participants throughout the week, but will likely be held out with the Vikings locked into the 6 seed. This means we’ll have the disgusting Mike Boone shoved in our faces for another week.
- The Chiefs placed Spencer Ware (shoulder) on IR, leaving the backfield to Damien Williams and LeSean McCoy for the remainder of the season.
- The great Dwayne Haskins (MCL) was on the verge of a career day before suffering a knee injury. He said he was healthy enough to return to action, but the team has shut him down for the remainder of the season.
