Week 16 fantasy football injury report analysis LeSean McCoy Danny Amendola Alshon Jeffery
Brian Hoyer
Hoyer's recovery from his second concussion of the season continues to progress slowly. The Texans quarterback is scheduled to meet with a neurologist as part of the NFL's mandated protocol, but his availability for Week 16 remains in jeopardy. The problem is compounded by the loss of backup quarterback T.J. Yates, who suffered a torn ACL over the weekend. Brandon Weeden will take over at quarterback if Hoyer is unable to complete the protocol, but his track record isn't particularly fantasy-friendly. Even worse, a start for Weeden could limit the value of other Texans offensive players, including wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Weeden struggled with his attempts downfield in his three starts with Dallas earlier in the season and completed just one touchdown pass during that stretch.
Alshon Jeffery
Jeffery's injury-plagued 2015 season continued over the weekend as he played just 30 snaps after experiencing tightness in his previously strained hamstring. Jeffery has battled a myriad of lower-extremity injuries this season, including strains of his hamstring, calf and groin. I've continually warned about how difficult these injuries can be to manage, especially for speed-dependent receivers, and maintain Jeffery will be a high-risk player for the remainder of the season. The Bears have admitted they will closely monitor the situation, so don't be surprised if he is a limited participant in practice.
Danny Amendola, Julian Edelman
Patriots receivers continue to battle injury concerns and quarterback Tom Brady could be short-handed for the remainder of the regular season. While both Amendola and Edelman are expected to be back for the playoffs, the Patriots will continue to handle their recoveries conservatively. The motivation to protect these key members of the aerial assault will only be strengthened now that New England clinched a first-round bye with Sunday's win over the Titans. As a result, the Patriots won't have to play a playoff game until the weekend of January 16 and 17, buying the team some extra recovery time. The news isn't exactly comforting for fantasy owners taking part in playoffs of their own. Amendola will likely sit for the remainder of the regular season after aggravating his previous knee injury. Edelman, out since breaking the fifth metatarsal in Week 10, has returned to practice but isn't expected to return to game action until the regular-season finale.
Melvin Gordon
The Chargers will be without Gordon for the remainder of the year after he suffered a cartilage injury to his left knee. The rookie running back damaged one of his meniscus pads and will likely need surgery. Meniscus injuries can be addressed by removal or repair. In a meniscectomy the damaged tissue is simply removed and the individual is able to return significantly quicker. A repair of the disc is only possible if the tear occurred in a specific area. Repairs preserve the integrity of the meniscus but are accompanied by a lengthier recovery process. Either option should have Gordon ready for training camp and give him a chance to build on a disappointing first season.
Marcus Mariota
The rookie quarterback is expected to miss at least one week, if not the rest of the season, with a sprained medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his right knee. Mariota missed two games earlier this season with the same problem in the opposite leg, but his current injury is considered less severe, so there is a chance he plays in the regular-season finale, though Tennessee will likely handle the face of their franchise very cautiously. Zach Mettenberger will start at QB for the Titans on Sunday.
LeSean McCoy
In Buffalo, McCoy is also dealing with an MCL sprain, though the severity of the injury remains unclear. Reports have surfaced that the MCL is "torn," but some level of tearing marks every category of sprains. In Grade 1 sprains, the tearing occurs on a micro level while Grade 2 sprains are often referred to as a partial teal. Any sprain ranked 3 or higher are complete ruptures of the ligament. Based on the fact that Buffalo considers McCoy week-to-week for the final two games of the year, it seems likely that he is dealing with at least a Grade 2 sprain. The MCL is capable of healing without surgical intervention, though I'd be surprised if McCoy plays again this season. Karlos Williams becomes a must-add in all formats with a favorable matchup against the Cowboys. Williams had success earlier in the season filling in for McCoy, rushing for 150 yards and scoring two touchdowns over a two-game span.
Turf Burns
Tyrann Mathieu: The Cardinals secondary takes a big hit with the Honey Badger once again tearing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). His absence will drop the Arizona team defense and ends his productive season in IDP formats. Even worse, the timing of the injury likely means his recovery will carry over into the 2016 season.
Carson Palmer, David Johnson: The Cardinals avoided another scare when Palmer was able to return to action after dislocating a finger on his right hand. He had the injured digit realigned on the sideline and was able to finish the game seemingly unencumbered. Look for Palmer to tape the area but be available against the Packers. Rookie David Johnson should also be available after briefly leaving his dominating performance with an undisclosed right knee injury. With teammate Andre Ellington's toe injury lingering, Johnson should continue to see a large number of carries.
Adrian Peterson: The Vikings running back sprained his left ankle in Minnesota's win over Chicago, limiting him to just 18 carries and 63 rushing yards. If you are a Peterson owner that won despite his poor performance, the former MVP should have a chance to redeem himself this week, as early reports suggest that he's likely to play. The Vikings have said the sprain is minor, and they expect him in uniform against the Giants. While Peterson's endured multiple ankle sprains in his past, including a nasty high ankle sprain in 2011, he should be fine moving forward.
Stotts works as a Certified Athletic Trainer (MAT, ATC, PES, CES) and is a former winner of the Best Fantasy Football Article from the Fantasy Sports Trade Association.
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