Week 16 Injuries: Trevor Lawrence, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, Courtland Sutton and More
Discussing some of the injuries players suffered in week 16 of the NFL season.
Injuries are the worst part of football, especially for fantasy owners at this time of year.
Let’s take a look at some of the more prominent injuries that happened in week 16 and then discuss who could capitalize on extra opportunities if any players are forced to miss games.
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Quarterbacks Injuries
The big injury this past week at the quarterback position was Jacksonville Jaguars’ Trevor Lawrence.
Lawrence has been battered and bruised all season and suffered a sprained right shoulder in the team’s loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. His status for week 17 is unclear at this point.
He was replaced by C.J. Beathard in the contest and that’s who would start if Lawrence cannot go in week 17.
No other quarterbacks suffered any big-time injuries this week.
Washington Commanders’ Sam Howell and New York Giants’ Tommy DeVito were both benched for poor play. Howell was replaced by Jacoby Brissett, who looked good in relief. DeVito was replaced by Tyrod Taylor, who also made some nice plays down the stretch of the contest.
Running Back Injuries
Isiah Pacheco returned to the field for the Kansas City Chiefs, but left the game with a concussion.
If Pacheco cannot clear the protocol in six days, Clyde Edwards-Helaire would be the workhorse back in week 17. Jerick McKinnon was placed on injured reserve prior to the team’s week 16 matchup.
Edwards-Helaire is someone you’ll want to pick up on the waiver now and then monitor Pacheco’s status as the week progresses.
Wide Receiver Injuries
Miami Dolphins’ Jaylen Waddle left the team’s win over the Dallas Cowboys with an ankle injury. His status for the remainder of the regular season is in question, so missing week 17 seems pretty likely.
Tyreek Hill returned this week and would be even more involved than usual if Waddle misses any time. Braxton Berrios, Cedrick Wilson, River Cracraft, Chase Claypool and Robbie Chosen (who left the game with a concussion) are options to step up minus Waddle. I could also see the Dolphins leaning a touch more on running backs Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane until Waddle returns.
Minnesota Vikings rookie Jordan Addison left the team’s loss to the Detroit Lions with an ankle injury of his own. He’s considered week-to-week, and more information should be available soon regarding Addison.
Justin Jefferson would be even more involved offensively if Addison misses any time. K.J. Osborn and Brandon Powell could also get some extended looks.
Denver Broncos’ Courtland Sutton left the team’s loss to the New England Patriots with a head injury.
Jerry Jeudy would be more involved offensively if Sutton misses week 17. Marvin Mims, Lil'Jordan Humphrey and Brandon Johnson could also factor in.
Green Bay Packers’ Dontayvion Wicks left the team’s win over the Carolina Panthers with a chest injury. His status for week 17 might come down to a gameday decision.
If Wicks cannot play, the Packers would hope to get Jayden Reed and Christian Watson back from their injuries. If they aren’t back, Romeo Doubs would be the lead wideout for week 17. Malik Heath and Samori Toure are the only other wideouts on the active roster, while tight end Tucker Kraft and possibly Luke Musgrave (if he returns from his injury) are other options.
Tight End Injuries
The Vikings took another blow on Sunday when T.J. Hockenson left with a knee injury. The initial outlook for Hockenson wasn’t good, and more news should be known shortly.
Outside of the receivers that I mentioned earlier for replacing Addison, tight end Josh Oliver would likely get more snaps if Hockenson is out. I could also see the Vikings leaning more on running backs Ty Chandler and Alexander Mattison.
Chicago Bears’ Cole Kmet left the team’s win over the Arizona Cardinals with a knee injury.
Tight end Robert Tonyan would likely get the start if Kmet misses week 17. The Bears would likely lean on their running game of Khalil Herbert, Roschon Johnson and D’Onta Foreman, while featuring wideout D.J. Moore in the passing game.
Check back later this week for our injury report story.
