I’m getting prepared for my weekly radio spot on Jock 98.7 FM to discuss fantasy football and trying to find out the latest information on the fantasy-relevant injuries for Week 16. Here’s what I’m hearing:
In perhaps the biggest injury news of the week, Brian Westbrook should play for the Eagles this weekend against Denver. He has missed a good chunk of the season with a concussion but has been practicing with the first team offense.
He is clearly a risky play since he hasn’t been out there, but it is Brian Westbrook and the potential reward more than makes up for the risk. Downgrade LeSean McCoy accordingly. The status of Jeremy Maclin continues to be murky as he recovers from a torn plantar fascia.
The other biggest story is in Indianapolis, where the “will they, won’t they?” question has dominated fantasy football this week. Here is my strategy: I’m trusting Jim Caldwell when he says “if they are healthy, they will play.” Peyton Manning is healthy and I believe that, as he said earlier this week, he’ll be out there for four quarters if the game is in doubt. Among the fantasy-relevant players dealing with injuries:
- Pierre Garcon did not practice Monday or Wednesday and his status is in doubt.
- Anthony Gonzalez has done some practicing, but I doubt he plays Sunday.
- Joseph Addai is fine and should play, but I could see Donald Brown getting a few more carries this week.
Matt Ryan is not practicing this week but will play against Buffalo. That is a very tough matchup so I’d be very wary of playing him. His teammate Michael Turner is not going to play this weekend, which makes Jason Snelling a very enticing sleeper pick against the league’s worst run defense.
Charlie Frye is starting at quarterback for the Oakland Raiders, but should not be considered for you even though they are playing Cleveland. The Raider that I am very high on for this week is Michael Bush. With Justin Fargas not practicing and likely not to play, Bush has an opportunity to built on his solid Week 15 performance against one of the worst run defenses in the league.
Nate Burleson has really faded after a strong start to the season, and now is doubtful for Week 16. Stay away.
In Carolina, DeAngelo Williams is unlikely to play after injuring his ankle last week. This makes Jonathan Stewart a terrific start as he will get the bulk of the carries.
The status of Hakeem Nicks is up in the air right now. He hurt his hamstring Monday night and has not been practicing. I’d hesitate to start him considering the variety of options that Eli Manning has to throw to. Ahmad Bradshaw is as healthy as he is going to be and continues to look good running the football.
In Tampa Bay, Antonio Bryant has a groin injury that is limiting him in practice this week. Kellen Winslow should be fine to play despite not practicing fully this week.
For the Saints, the status of Reggie Bush is unknown. He has not been practicing this week after leaving last week’s game early. The injury is a hamstring and Bush relies on speed and explosiveness…so unless you hear that he’s made a full recovery, I’d look for other options.
Eddie Royal has not been practicing for Denver and could very well miss this week’s game. Correll Buckhalter should be ready to return to action this week against his former team.
Hines Ward has been slowed by injuries recently, but is coming off of a 7-catch, 120+ yard day. He is expected to play, so he should play for you too. Rashard Mendenhall is also bruised and battered but will play. He’s not a great start against Baltimore though. Troy Polamalu is unlikely to play, but could surprise. I doubt it though.
Steven Jackson is still banged up but will still play. If you’ve been starting him, continue to do so.
Larry Fitzgerald has been limited in practice this week, but will play against St. Louis and is a good start as always.
Calvin Johnson is good to go but will be catching passes from career bench warmer Drew Stanton this week. Be wary, but San Francisco can be thrown on.
Braylon Edwards did not practice on Wednesday but should play Sunday. It’s not a primetime game, however, so you’re a fool if you start him.
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