Fantasy Injury Updates: Who’s In, Who’s Out for NFL Gameweek 16 of 2024

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As NFL Week 16 approaches, fantasy football managers face crucial lineup decisions driven by player availability. Injuries across key positions could shape the playoff race, making updates essential for preparation.

This article highlights the latest on quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends, helping you build the strongest roster for this pivotal week. Injury updates for NFL Week 16 are crucial for fantasy football managers as they prepare their lineups. Here’s a summary of key player statuses heading into the weekend:

Quarterbacks

Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs): Initially uncertain due to a mild high ankle sprain, Mahomes has been cleared to play against the Houston Texans after fully participating in practice this week. Chiefs coach Andy Reid confirmed he is "most likely" to start.

Derek Carr (New Orleans Saints): Carr is unlikely to return this season due to a fractured hand sustained in Week 15. Rookie Spencer Rattler will continue as the starting quarterback.

Geno Smith (Seattle Seahawks): After suffering a knee injury in Week 15, Smith reported feeling good and expects to play against the Minnesota Vikings. He has shown positive signs during practice this week.

Aidan O'Connell (Las Vegas Raiders): O'Connell is trending toward playing after missing Week 15 with a knee injury. He was a full participant in practice leading up to the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Running Backs

Alvin Kamara (New Orleans Saints): Kamara's status is in doubt due to a groin injury that caused him to exit early in Week 15. Fantasy managers should consider Kendre Miller as a potential replacement.

David Montgomery (Detroit Lions): Montgomery has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to an MCL injury that requires surgery.

Sincere McCormick (Las Vegas Raiders): McCormick is expected to miss the remainder of the fantasy season with an ankle injury sustained in Week 15, leaving Alexander Mattison and Ameer Abdullah as primary options.

Wide Receivers

A.J. Brown (Philadelphia Eagles): Brown suffered an ankle injury but is not expected to miss time. His practice status will be monitored throughout the week.

George Pickens (Pittsburgh Steelers): After missing two games due to a hamstring issue, Pickens is back at practice and trending positively for Week 16.

Tight Ends

David Njoku (Cleveland Browns): Njoku missed Week 15 with a hamstring injury and is questionable for Week 16. The change in quarterback could impact his fantasy value.

Zach Ertz (Washington Commanders): Ertz is in concussion protocol and may miss this week's game, prompting fantasy managers to seek alternatives.

These updates are critical as teams finalize their rosters ahead of the weekend's matchups, particularly for those competing in fantasy playoffs.