Thursday, May 09, 2024

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Week 14 Injury Updates

We have come to the end of the road. This is the final week of the fantasy football regular season in most leagues. Postseason berths are on the line. Managers are checking, and rechecking, their starting lineups. Who should be in and who should be out? Of course, this late in the season, it is no surprise there are quite a few significant players affected by injury. The question: are they, or are they not, ready to take the field? No worries! This week fourteen injury updates edition will help give some clarity.

Per usual, discussion and debate are highly encouraged. Without doubt, not every player that has an injury issue was listed here. Have questions about other players? Have a comment? Let’s talk about it!

Justin Jefferson, Wide Receiver, Minnesota Vikings

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Certainly, one of the biggest blows of the season was Justin Jefferson going down with injury. As the consensus first pick in the draft, his absence was felt deeply by all that selected him. As we head into week 14, Jefferson has only appeared in five games. Fortunately, that is about to change.

Jefferson is cleared to take the field tomorrow against the Raiders. Many may be reluctant to rush him back into their lineups. After all, he only had 9 catches in his last two games before being shut down. Further, the matchup against Las Vegas isn’t the greatest, as they rank 14th against fantasy receivers.

No matter. Whatever the circumstances, he is Justin Jefferson. He is a receiver that ranks with the best ever. If he is healthy, and he is, get him into your starting lineup pronto.

Isiah Pacheco, Running Back, Kansas City Chiefs

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This won’t take long. Isiah Pacheco is out this week against the Bills. Keep him far away from your starting lineups this week and potentially longer. It’s unfortunate as Pacheco is coming off of a big game (110 yards rushing). However, he is confirmed out.

The Bills are 21st against fantasy running backs, so you might be considering one of his backups. As for me, I would hope for better options out there for my starting lineup. Look elsewhere if possible.

Jacksonville Quarterbacks

Trevor Lawrence and C.J. Beathard

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For those that watched the Monday night game between Jacksonville and Cincinnati, no one could have predicted that Trevor Lawrence wouldn’t be anything but out for this coming game against Cleveland. The injury to his ankle looked bad. Yet, he is officially listed as questionable right now.

Lawrence has played some great football of late and if he doesn’t play Sunday, he will be missed in fantasy lineups, no question. He has started every game since coming to Jacksonville. It will be a miracle if he plays. For now, we just have to wait and see.

As for C.J. Beathard, he was listed as questionable earlier in the week, but now doesn’t have an injury designation. He completed nine of ten passes for 63 yards in relief of Lawrence against the Bengals.

When it comes to the two, consider that the Browns rank number one against fantasy QBs. Hopefully, there is a better option, either on the bench or on the wire, than Beathard. If not, claim him and wait to see who is the starter Sunday. Then make the decision.

Amari Cooper, Wide Receiver

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As for the Browns, they have an injury concern of their own. In Cleveland’s case, that player is Amari Cooper. He is listed as questionable due to ribs issues and a concussion. For sure, Cooper hasn’t been playing his best of late, with only five catches his last two weeks. Further, he only has two touchdowns on the season, and none in his last four games.

Of course, it hasn’t helped that Deshaun Watson hasn’t played since October 12th and has seen action in only six games. Additionally, no one is sure who the starting QB will be for the Browns Sunday.

However, it isn’t all bad news. Jacksonville ranks a lowly 25th against wideouts in fantasy. If Cooper plays against the Jaguars, he clearly worth starting consideration on this week fourteen injury updates edition.

Other Injury Updates

Derek Carr, QB, and Chris Olave, WR, New Orleans Saints: Both are currently questionable

Christian Watson, WR, Green Bay Packers, is out Monday against the Giants

Geno Smith, QB, Seattle Seahawks, coming off a terrific game against the Cowboys, is questionable against San Francisco. Additionally, both RBs Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet are questionable.

Finally, Breece Hall is questionable with an ankle issue. Hopefully, you don’t have to depend on Dalvin Cook to secure a playoff spot. Frankly, he is one of the biggest disappointments of the season.

The Last Word

Thank you for joining me for this fantasy football week fourteen injury updates edition! As always, I welcome suggestions, comments and input from all my readers. Let’s discuss!

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