The Infirmary Report – Week 14

by The “Mad Chatter” Ryan MK · Injuries

Well, Mad Caps, Week 14 is finally upon us, as is the final week of the fantasy football season. Next week, contenders will start their playoff push while others head into the long offseason. For some, the hopes of a postseason run were lost long ago; thank the fantasy gods for the little things, like DraftKings. Many of us will be getting our fix in that way over the next few weeks.

The Colts, Dolphins, Patriots and Eagles are off, which means no Jonathan Taylor, Damien Harris or Jalen Hurts. On top of that gruesome set of BYEs this week, The Infirmary is running out of places for the bodies… It’s a tough final week of the regular season, and some teams will find it difficult to matchup with all the injuries. As always, have no fear! The Infirmary has gotten you this far, no reason to turn away now!

IRD

RB Chase Edmonds– ARI (Ankle), TE Hayden Hurst– ATL (Ankle), WR Julio Jones– TEN (Hamstring)

Edmonds return will mean more for Arizona than it will for fantasy managers. James Conner has played well in his absence, and the Cards are rolling. Even when healthy, Edmonds failed to truly capitalize on his opportunity, disappointing those who drafted him. He’s been highly efficient this season, ranking in the top-5 amongst qualified backs in True Yards Per Carry (5.2), Breakaway Run Rate (7.9-percent) and Juke Rate (40.6-percent). However, he’s not topped 20 points this far, even in full PPR leagues.

The Titans should be awfully happy to get Jones back; they’ve been in dire need of playmakers. Sure, the trade for Julio hasn’t gone quite according to plan for Tennessee (and fantasy managers alike), but now is the time. Ryan Tannehill and company have not been the same without star running back Derrick Henry, and even worse without Jones and fellow wideout A.J. Brown. They get it going this week at home against the Jags, and Julio is a big reason why.

IR

WR Noah Brown– DAL (Groin), RB Kenyan Drake– LV (Ankle), WR Elijah Moore– NYJ (Quad), TE Logan Thomas– WAS (Knee)

Just when Moore was really starting to show what he could do, BAM! The rookie’s season gets derailed by a quad injury. One of the few (very few) bright spots for the Jets this year steps aside, leaving fellow rookie Zach Wilson with even less to work with. Eeesh. Is there somehow a Denzel Mims game potentially bubbling?

The other bummer here is Thomas. Having just gotten off of IR, the veteran was beginning to reestablish himself as a top option in Washington’s offense. Back on the reserve, tight end duties fall back to a returning Ricky Seals-Jones, who was solid while Thomas was on his previous IR stint. During that time, Seals-Jones never saw a Snap Share below 94-percent. A worthy substitute.

OUT

RB Chris Evans– CIN (Ankle), WR Anthony Schwartz– CLE (Concussion), TE David Njoku– CLE (Covid), TE Harrison Bryant– CLE (Ankle), RB Mike Boone– DEN (Covid), RB D’Andre Swift– DET (Shoulder), RB Jamaal Williams– DET (Covid), WR Randall Cobb– GB (Core), TE Darren Waller– LV (Back/Knee), WR Keenan Allen– LAC (Covid), RB Darrell Henderson– LAR (Thigh/Covid), WR Ty Montgomery– NO (Covid), RB Mark Ingram II- NO (Covid), QB Daniel Jones– NYG (Neck), WR Kadarius Toney– NYG (Oblique), RB Michael Carter– NYJ (Concussion), RB Tevin Coleman– NYJ (Concussion), RB Elijah Mitchell– SF (Concussion/Knee), RB Trenton Cannon– SF (Concussion), RB Adrian Peterson– SEA (Back), RB Travis Homer– SEA (Calf/Hamstring)

The Browns and Lions are both looking like the Giants normally do, with so many players in The Infirmary. Cleveland’s backs are healthy, which is the most important thing, but Baker Mayfield will lack proper receiving weapons. This is a great spot for tight end Austin Hooper to make some noise.

As for Detroit, no Swift and no Williams leaves the backfield to rookie Jermar Jefferson and Godwin Igwebuike. While Igwebuike does have impressive workout metrics and has shown flashes, his profile lacks college production. Jefferson also out-touched Igwebuike 7 to 3 in last weeks win over the Vikings.

Both are $4,000 on Draft Kings and worth playing, though the edge must go to Jefferson.

No Waller for the Raiders is troublesome, particularly with the lack of weapons and Foster Moreau‘s disappointing Week 13. It won’t get easier against the Chiefs. Staying in the AFC West, the Chargers will be without Allen, Justin Herbert‘s go-to guy. This could certainly boost Josh Palmer, even Jared Cook. But it will likely just add to Austin Ekeler‘s workload in the end.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFS-nWZQiFA

The 49ers will be without Mitchell, who has been a reliable late-round steal. San Fran will rely on Jeff Wilson and JaMycal Hasty this Sunday, and it should surprise no one if Wilson gets an abundance of carries this week. The Rams’ Henderson is also out, but Sony Michel went for over 120 yards and a touchdown in Henderson’s place last week. And he’ll do it again, dammit.

DOUBTFUL

WR Miles Boykin– BAL (Finger), QB Andy Dalton– CHI (Hand), WR Marquise Goodwin– CHI (Foot), TE T.J. Hockenson– DET (Hand)

Not much to say here. Detroit is already missing a chunk of their offense, so why not try the game without Hock, as well?

QUESTIONABLE

TE Nick Boyle– BAL (Knee), WR Tee Higgins– CIN (Ankle), RB Joe Mixon– CIN (Illness), RB Tony Pollard– DAL (Foot), RB Melvin Gordon III- DEN (Hip/Shoulder), WR Brandin Cooks– HOU (Back), TE Brevin Jordan– HOU (Hand), WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey– NO (Hamstring), RB Mark Ingram II- NO (Covid), WR Kenny Golladay– NYG (Ribs), WR Sterling Shepard– NYG (Ankle), WR Deebo Samuel– SF (Groin), WR Curtis Samuel– WAS (Groun), RB J.D. McKissic– WAS (Concussion)

Most players in this section are likely to play today. Pollard’s injury, a torn Plantar Fascia, would suggest he is out for a while, but the Cowboys say otherwise. Gordon’s return will damper the appeal to rookie Javonte Williams, who crushed Week 13, finishing as the RB1 in a breakout performance. Despite Gordon’s return, the Broncos would be crazy not to ride the rook. They did pass on Justin Fields, though, so maybe crazy is Denver’s middle name.

As for the Giants, no amount of players returning are likely to help them this week with Mike Glennon under center, once again. Saquon Barkley may be in for a big game, but the receivers aren’t as trustworthy. The true questionables are Ingram and McKissic, and both are a long shot to play. Alvin Kamara will do his thing for the Saints, and Antonio Gibson would be set for another big Sunday if McKissic sits for the Football Team.

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CONCLUSION

It is shaping up to be choppy waters on Sunday. This is clutch time and the postseason is around the corner. Better batten down the hatches. This week truly begins the “survive and advance” mentality that soaks the minds of fantasy managers through a playoff run. Many and more will be relegated to just Daily Fantasy by this time next week, which can be both a blessing and a curse. Sure, the Championship run may be over, but so is the stress of it all. For those moving on to the playoffs, you can be rest assured The Infirmary will be here next week to dole out its sage wisdom. Good luck to all… Let the Madness continue!