The 2020 injury report has been upgraded to include some new features. In addition to covering all of the fantasy-relevant injuries, I will update you on the previous weeks’ injuries. Also, I’ll explain the nature of the injury (if known), provide information on the expected length of each player’s absence, and offer an assessment of the impact on the injured player’s teammates.
With that, I welcome you to the revamped injury report. Football is a violent game, and, unfortunately, players are going to miss time due to injuries. I promise you I don’t want to be here just as much as you don’t, but this is a necessary evil in this game that we love. As always, I hope this list is as short as possible.
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New Injuries
Kyler Murray (QB – ARI)
The best fantasy quarterback in the league played through a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder on Thursday night. Kyler Murray may be limited at practice, but he is going to play.
Fantasy Value Impact: N/A
Joe Burrow (QB – CIN)
In the second half of the Bengals’ loss to the Football Team, Joe Burrow went down with a gruesome knee injury. His season is over. Ryan Finley will take over for the remainder of the season. This is a significant downgrade for all Bengals.
Fantasy Value Impact: All Bengals ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Rex Burkhead (RB – NE)
The Patriots’ jack of all trades back also went down with a knee injury. This one looks to be season-ending as well. Whatever fringe fantasy value Rex Burkhead may have had is gone now. Damien Harris and James White will continue to share duties in their respective roles while Sony Michel will likely be active next week.
Fantasy Value Impact: N/A
JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR – PIT)
The third most talented wide receiver on the Steelers was on the sidelines for some of the fourth quarter with what looked like it may have been an ankle injury. Mike Tomlin said after the game that JuJu Smith-Schuster is just dealing with minor bumps and bruises. He will probably be limited in practice this week, but I fully expect him to suit up on Thanksgiving.
Fantasy Value Impact: N/A
Julio Jones (WR – ATL)
The injuries are piling up for Julio Jones this season. A hamstring injury cut his day short on Sunday. The Falcons are a truly terrible football team so if this injury is anything remotely serious, they may just shut Julio down. Be sure to manage practice reports this week. Calvin Ridley is the wide receiver to roster in Atlanta.
Fantasy Value Impact: Matt Ryan ⬇️⬇️
Injury Updates
Drew Brees (QB – NO)
The Saints placed Drew Brees on IR after additional tests revealed a total of 11 fractured ribs. It seems unlikely that Brees will play another game before the playoffs, especially with Taysom Hill playing well.
Estimated Return Time: NFL Playoffs
Course of Action: Drop
David Montgomery (RB – CHI)
The Bears were off last week. David Montgomery missed Week 10 with a concussion, but he will be fine to return this week.
Estimated Return Time: This week
Course of Action: Start if you must
David Johnson (RB – HOU)
David Johnson must miss at least one more game. The Texans’ season is just about over, but they’re still playing hard and Duke Johnson has no talent whatsoever. Whenever DJ can return, he will immediately resume his role.
Estimated Return Time: 1-2 weeks
Course of Action: Hold
Kenny Golladay (WR – DET)
The Lions’ WR1 did get in a limited practice last week but still did not appear particularly close to returning. There’s an outside shot Kenny Golladay could play this week, but I wouldn’t count on it. The Lions’ offense is a disaster without Golladay.
Estimated Return Time: 1-2 weeks
Course of Action: Hold
D’Andre Swift (RB – DET)
After finally being handed the keys to the backfield two weeks ago, D’Andre Swift developed concussion-like symptoms in the middle of last week and did not play. Swift should be able to return this week and will immediately resume his role as the best back on the Lions.
Estimated Return Time: This week
Course of Action: Return to lineups
Deebo Samuel (WR – SF)
The 49ers are hopeful that Deebo Samuel can return this week, but it is far from a certainty. George Kittle is done for the year and Brandon Aiyuk is on the Covid list with no guarantee of playing this week either. The 49ers could use Samuel and he will be their WR1 upon his return. This one could truly go either way.
Estimated Return Time: Week 12 or 13
Course of Action: Hold
Chris Carson (RB – SEA)
Carlos Hyde returned last Thursday and was quite competent as the Seahawks’ lead back. Chris Carson should get that role back when he is ready, but that seems to just consistently be a week away. Carson has been week to week for almost a month now. Monitor practice reports this week to see Carson’s status.
Estimated Return Time: 1-2 weeks
Course of Action: Hold
Austin Ekeler (RB – LAC)
We know Austin Ekeler wants to return, but we have very little actionable information. He’s eligible to play any week now so just wait for the report that he’s returned to practice. Kalen Ballage will continue to dominate touches in the interim.
Estimated Return Time: 1-3 weeks
Course of Action: Hold
Raheem Mostert (RB – SF)
Ever since he went on IR, the target date was this week following the 49ers’ bye for Raheem Mostert. It remains to be seen if that comes to fruition. If and when Mostert returns, he will resume his position as the primary back with Jerick McKinnon mixing in on passing downs. Mostert has the chance to be a difference-maker in the fantasy playoffs.
Estimated Return Time: 1-2 weeks
Course of Action: Hold
Teddy Bridgewater (QB – CAR)
It wasn’t apparent during last week’s contest, but Teddy Bridgewater came out of it with a sprained MCL. Quarterbacks can play through a sprained MCL better than most, which means it is unlikely to be a typical 4-6 week recovery. Bridgewater was very close to playing last week, but the Panthers elected to start XFL superstar P.J. Walker instead. Walker played well enough to win against a depleted Lions team, but he is no threat to Bridgewater. With the Panthers on bye Week 13, perhaps Walker will get one more start to ensure that Bridgewater can get an extra full week to get back to 100%.
Estimated Return Time: Week 13
Course of Action: Hold
Myles Gaskin (RB – MIA)
The former lead back for the Dolphins is week-to-week at this point. In his absence, Salvon Ahmed has looked like a legitimate NFL starter. I do not think the Dolphins should give Gaskin his job back once he returns, but I am not Brian Flores. Ahmed is the clear preferred option in this backfield for as long as Gaskin remains out.
Estimated Return Time: 1-2 weeks
Course of Action: Hold
Joe Mixon (RB – CIN)
The Bengals finally placed Joe Mixon on IR last week. He’s probably done for the season. Giovani Bernard is an RB2 the rest of the way.
Estimated Return Time: 2021
Course of Action: Drop
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Jason Katz is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Jason, check out his archive or follow him @jasonkatz13.
