Well fantasy fans, we did it. For most of us this is the final week of our regular season. For those of you who are safely in the playoffs, congratulations! For those who have been eliminated, don’t lose heart, there is always next year. And for those of us still fighting for our playoff lives, well here is this week’s look at the practice and injury report to hopefully give you an advantage over your leaguemates. Anyway, let’s jump right into it!

Quarterback

Let’s start off in New Orleans where Derek Carr is banged up again with a concussion and a rib injury. He isn’t likely to play this week, so it is Jameis Winston to the rescue. I actually think this might be an upgrade for Chris Olave, so enjoy!

Also in New Orleans, Taysom Hill has been a DNP this week with a foot and hand injury. While this might not sound like a huge deal to some, it is actually incredibly impactful to many. If he doesn’t play the Saints are likely to play a much more traditional style offense which bodes well for both Alvin Kamara and Chris Olave.

In Jacksonville, Trevor Lawrence was a DNP on Wednesday, but was able to get in a limited practice on Thursday. He has dealt with a variety of minor injuries all year, and I expect him to be able to go on Sunday. While this injury may limit his mobility, he should still be a viable option for those of us who need him.

In an interesting note, Patrick Mahomes was listed on the Chiefs injury report with a pectoral injury. He was a full participant in practice, but it is an interesting note. I don’t expect it to limit him on Sunday, but stranger things have happened.

Running Back

Starting in Kansas City, Isaiah Pacheco has been a DNP on both Wednesday and Thursday with a shoulder injury. This is a situation worth monitoring. If he is unable to go on Sunday, I expect to see a split backfield between Jerrick McKinnon, who is also listed on the injury report, and Clyde Edward-Helaire. If this ends up being the case, I’m not sure I would like either guy as any more than a flex play.

In Seattle,both Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet have been DNP’s in practice. If both of these guys end up missing the game, we are likely looking at a backfield led by DeeJay Dallas. And, going up against a tough 49er’s defense, this does not feel like a recipe for success.

In Jacksonville, Travis Etienne has been a limited participant in practice as he continues to work through nagging injuries. As long as he plays, he is a must start.

In Indianapolis, Jonathan Taylor continues to be out with his thumb injury. In his absence Zach Moss continues to be a safe play. In this matchup against the Bengals, I think he offers a nice safe floor with the potential for a good spike week.

In Chicago, D’Onta Foreman has been a full participant in practice. I expect Chicago to run a full committee backfield which is in the Bears best interest, but doesn’t do our fantasy teams in favors. I’m not sure I could feel comfortable recommending any of the Bears backs with confidence.

In New York, Breece Hall has started the week with consecutive DNP’s as he deals with an ankle injury. If he is unable to go the Jets will turn to a committee backfield led by Dalvin Cook, who has been ineffective, and Izzy Abanakanda. My advice, if Breece doesn’t play…stay away.

Wide Receiver

In New Orleans, both Rashid Shaheed and Chris Olave have shown up on the injury report. Shaheed has been a DNP all week as he continues to deal with his thigh injury. Olave showed up on the report Thursday with an illness. I don’t expect to see Shahid on Sunday, but Olave is a big question mark. If he plays, I think he is a must start. But, if he misses the game, I don’t feel comfortable starting any piece of the Saints offense other than Alvin Kamara. That being said, I think Olave plays.

In Houston, unfortunately standout rookie Tank Dell has been lost for the season with a broken leg. In his absence, I expect Nico Collins to carry the Texans passing game. Robert Woods and Noah Brown will get some run as well, but Nico Collins could end up being a league winner.

In Cleveland, Amari Cooper continues to work through the concussion protocol. He has been a DNP in practice all week, and I do not expect him to clear protocol in time to play on Sunday. For me, I think Elijah Moore is the receiver that gets the biggest upgrade in his absence. Although, Cedric Tillman should be more involved as well.

In Jacksonville, Christian Kirk has been a DNP this week dealing with a groin injury. Groin injuries are something I never like to see in a wide receiver. Even if he is able to play on Sunday, I’m not sure that we can see him be as effective as normal. This likely means an upgrade for the other pass catchers for the Jaguars.

In Baltimore, Rashod Bateman has been a DNP this week with an illness. While I don’t expect many of us are relying on Bateman, I still thought I should mention it.

Getting into some positive news, in Los Angeles Josh Palmer has been able to get in some limited practice this week. While I’m not sure he makes it back in time for this week’s game, it is nice to see him back in practice.

And finally, the best news of the week…Justin Jefferson is back to a full participant in practice for the Vikings. I know many of us have been waiting for this moment, and it comes at a perfect time. It looks like he is going to be ready to go this week to give many of us a boost as we try to make a fantasy playoffs.

Tight End

In Philadelphia, Dallas Goedert has been a full participant in practice as he works back from his arm injury. This is great news for the Eagles and for Dallas Goedert owners. But, it comes as a bit of bad news for Devonta Smith owners. In Goedert’s absence, Smith has had a few really nice weeks. Let’s see if the Eagles passing offense can support all three of Brown, Smith, and Goedert.

In Buffalo, Dalton Kincaid has been a full participant in practice as he works through a thumb injury. I expect him to play, and I expect him to get his full complement of work.

For the Rams, Tyler Higbee has been a DNP with his neck injury. If he ends up missing the game, it likely means even more work for both Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp.

Well, that’s a wrap for the final injury roundup for the fantasy regular season. I hope all of you make the playoffs, and come back next week as we continue our drive to a fantasy championship. As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to me on X(Twitter) @2fatguysff . I am always willing to help with any roster management or lineup questions you may have.