Well fantasy fans, we are almost there. For most of us the fantasy playoffs are just around the corner. I know some leagues have playoffs that start earlier, but let’s focus on the big picture. Even though we have made it this far, we can’t get complacent. This another byemageddon week, and we still have injuries that are going to impact our roster decisions. Anyway, let’s jump right into this week’s look at the practice and injury reports.

Quarterback

Let’s start with the biggest quarterback news of the week, Aaron Rodgers. The Jets officially opened his 21 day practice window this week. This means that if he isn’t activated from IR by Week 16, he will officially be done for the year. Personally, I don’t think that there is any way he plays again this year, but he has been listed as a limited participant in practice this week.

In Cleveland Dorian Thompson-Robinson is working through the concussion protocol and has been a DNP so far this week. I think it is incredibly unlikely that he clears the protocol in time to play on Sunday. This means that we will get another week of PJ Walker, which is a downgrade across the board for Cleveland’s skill position players. I think the only one that I would feel good about starting would be Jerome Ford.

In Pittsburgh, Kenny Pickett has been listed on the injury report with an ankle injury, but he has been a full participant in practice so I don’t think that he is in danger of missing the game. Feel free to start the Steelers in your lineup with as much confidence as you normally have.

The Buccaneers have listed Baker Mayfield on the injury report with an ankle injury this week. In spite of this, he has been a full participant in practice, so I think he plays. His mobility may not be as good as normal, but I would feel comfortable starting any of my Buccaneer players with the same level of confidence as normal.

Running Back

In Kansas City, Jerrick McKinnon has been a DNP in practice with a groin injury and looks unlikely to play on Sunday. This means an increased workload for Isaiah Pacheco, and to some extent Clyde Edwards-Helaire.

For the Packers, Aaron Jones has been a DNP dealing with a knee issue, which after his earlier issue with the hamstring doesn’t leave me with a lot of confidence in his availability moving forward this year. I expect him to miss some time. This means we will see a bigger workload for AJ Dillon, which when he was given a bigger workload early in the year wasn’t necessarily a good thing. But, if you need him, fire him up!

In Cleveland, Kareem Hunt has been a DNP in practice dealing with a groin issue. Combined with the injury to DTR means we are likely to see a big workload for Jerome Ford. He could be a top play for the week.

For the Jets, Israel Abanikanda has been a DNP with an illness. I don’t think it impacts his game status, but it is worth noting.

For the Saints, Kendre Miller has been a DNP with an ankle injury. If he misses the game Alvin Kamara could be in for a big workload. Even though he is going up against a pretty good Lions run defense, I think he could be a top play of the week.

On the Lions side of this matchup, David Montgomery has been a limited participant in practice with an ankle injury. I think this is more maintenance than anything, and I would plan on deploying him as normal.

For Indianapolis, we got the surprising news that Johnathon Taylor had thumb surgery, and is set to miss some time. This thrusts Zach Moss back into the starting role. When he was given the lions share of carries early in the season, he showed that he has the making of being a top RB. If you were lucky enough to grab him off waivers, or smart enough to stash him, congratulations…you might have a league winner on your hands.

In Miami, Devon Achane was able to get in a limited practice in his return from a second injury. If he plays on Sunday, I’m not sure how you could sit him. But, I would temper my expectations because I think the team may be cautious with him in an effort to make sure he is ready for the playoffs.

Wide Receiver

In New England, Pop Douglas is working his way through the concussion protocol and has been a DNP so I don’t expect him to play this week.

For the Chargers, Keenan Allen was a DNP on Wednesday and Thursday with a quad injury. At this stage of his career, we know how tough he is, and he will do everything he can to be on the field, but this is a situation to monitor as we move into Sunday.

In Arizona, Hollywood Brown has been a DNP with a heel injury. This is an injury worth monitoring. Even if he plays, I think he could be limited in what he can do.

For Miami, All-World receiver Tyreek Hill has been a DNP with an ankle injury this week. Again, this is an injury that I don’t expect to keep him out of the game, but it is definitely worth monitoring.

For Houston, Tank Dell was a DNP on Wednesday with a calf injury. He was able to get in a limited practice on Thursday, so it looks like he is trending in the right direction. Unless we hear otherwise, I would expect him to go on Sunday.

In Denver, Jerry Jeudy has been a DNP with a groin injury. If he misses the game, we could see a variety of other guys have to step up for the Broncos. This likely means a big target share for Courtland Sutton.

In New Orleans, Chris Olave is working through the concussion protocol. He was able to get in a limited practice on Wednesday and Thursday, so it looks like he is progressing through the protocol, but until we see a full practice his availability is in doubt.

Also for the Saints. Rashid Shaheed has been a DNP with a thigh injury. This could be an interesting week for the Saints receiver room. I’m not sure I would feel comfortable starting anyone other than Alvin Kamara.

In Kansas City, Rashee Rice, Skyy Moore, and Kadarius Toney were all listed on the injury report. Each of them have been full participants in practice, so I do not expect them to miss the game.

Tight End

In Philadelphia, Dallas Goedert continues to be a DNP with his forearm injury. In his absence it seems like both AJ Brown and Devonta Smith are absorbing the bulk of the targets he vacated.

In Carolina, Hayden Hurst continues to work his way through the concussion protocol and has been a DNP in practice. I do not expect him to play, and I am curious to see what this Panther offense looks like with Frank Reich gone.

Finally, in Arizona Trey McBride has been a DNP with a groin injury. This one is worth monitoring since he has emerged as a plug and play starter for the tight end position.

And that is going to do it for this week’s practice and injury report round-up. As always, if you need help with roster management or lineup questions, please reach out to me on X(Twitter) @2fatguysff