Recapping the Injuries week 16 2017

By Armando Marsal

Week 15 was filled with injuries and one of the injuries occurred to arguably the best receiver in the league, Antonio Brown. This is not only a big blow to fantasy owners as we are in the fantasy playoffs, but also to the Steelers who are trying to hang on to a first round bye. Aside from Brown, several other notable players suffered injuries and could miss some time. As usual, below I will go over some of this week’s injuries and how they could impact teams down the stretch, let’s take a look.

Antonio Brown – Steelers: Brown left Sunday’s game and was unable to return. He needed assistance coming off of the field and was unable to put weight on his leg. It was reported that he suffered a minor tear in his calf muscle and is expected to miss the remainder of the regular season, but could return for the post season. This is a brutal loss for fantasy owners as they head into their championship game. With Brown sidelined, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Martavis Bryant will work as the top two receivers for Pittsburgh. They draw a favorable matchup against a weak Texans secondary in Week 16.

Jeremy Maclin – Ravens: Maclin suffered a knee injury during Sunday’s game against the Browns and was unable to return to the game. It was reported on Monday that his status for Week 16 is unknown, but the Ravens do not seem optimistic regarding his availability due to this being a short week for them. If Maclin cannot give it a go, Michael Campanaro could see some extra snaps out of the slot.

Marqise Lee – Jaguars: The Jaguars received good news on Monday after an MRI revealed no serious injury for Lee who was forced out of Sunday’s game with an ankle injury. Initial reports suggest that Lee suffered a sprained ankle which could keep him out for Jacksonville’s next two games, but he should be back in time for the playoffs. This means that fantasy owners that were counting on Lee this week, need to make adjustments. With Lee sidelined, Dede Westbrook and Keelan Cole will work as the top two receivers for the Jaguars.

Davante Adams – Packers: Adams took a big shot from Thomas Davis that knocked him out of Sunday’s game against the Panthers. Adams was officially ruled out with a concussion and is now in the league’s protocol. He has a history with concussions, so this could keep him out for the remainder of the season, especially if the Packers are out of the playoff hunt. If he does indeed miss time, Randall Cobb should be the main beneficiary of his absence. Thomas Davis has been suspended two games because of the hit.

DeSean Jackson – Buccaneers: Jackson suffered an ankle injury on Monday night and he was unable to return to the game. There were no reports regarding the severity of the injury, but we should know more about the injury early this week. Should Jackson miss any time, rookie Chris Godwin and Adam Humphries could both see an increased role in the Bucs next game.

Rex Burkhead – Patriots: Burkhead left Sunday’s game with a sprained knee and never returned. Initial reports suggest that he is dealing with a knee bruise, but he is expected to undergo further tests to determine the severity of the injury. Chances are the Patriots will take it easy with Burkhead and conserve him for the post season. Dion Lewis should receive the bulk of the carries for New England with Burkhead sidelined, while James White could see an expanded role. We should know more about Burkhead’s status later in the week.

Kerwynn Williams – Cardinals: Williams suffered a quad injury in Sunday’s game against the Redskins. The severity of the injury is not yet known, but if he is forced to miss any time, Elijhaa Penny could see an expanded role. This is certainly a situation worth monitoring as the Cardinals have a running back friendly matchup in Week 16 against the Giants.

O.J. Howard – Buccaneers: Howard was knocked out of Monday night’s game against the Falcons after sustaining a foot injury. The injury came on his only catch which was good for 30 yards and a touchdown. He limped off the field before heading to the locker room. The severity of the injury is not known at this time, but we should have a better idea once he undergoes further tests. Cameron Brate also suffered a knee injury in this contest but was able to return.