The latest from the Week 13 NFL injury report and the fantasy football implications for each of the key players. Follow Garrett on Twitter @GarettThomas.
Welcome to the fantasy football playoffs! For some of you, it is the last game of the regular season and you still face a must-win-situation. Some of you may even find yourselves feeling like the Dallas Cowboys: facing the toughest in your respected league. Which brings me to the crazy start to Week 13! In an old-fashioned barn burner, the Dallas Cowboys beat the New Orleans Saints, 13-to-10. All of America is asking, how did they manage to pull that off? And that is coming from a fan.
This week, there are some pivotal names listed on the injury report. As always, if these players play in a later game on Sunday, try and keep them in your flex position if possible. This just allows you to have more options if you need to replace your injured fantasy player. If your player plays on Monday Night Football, then do your research. If your injured player becomes inactive, you can get your entire week ruined. To help you out, here are some key names to monitor this week.
[Week 13 Fantasy Football Analysis: See rankings, players to add, players to drop, sleepers, streaming kickers, streaming defenses and more.]
Mitchell Trubisky (QB, CHI) – Shoulder – OUT
In what became a surprise development for the Chicago Bears, quarterback Mitchell Trubisky practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday. His shoulder injury did not allow him to practice, at all during the lead up to Week 12. While the progression is nice, Trubisky still has not attempted a throw in practice and has been downgraded to out. Chase Daniels will serve as the fill-in for Trubisky again this week.
Stefon Diggs (WR, MIN) – Knee
Stefon Diggs has now been held out of the Minnesota Vikings’ last two practices with a knee injury. Even though Diggs is telling the media that he will play, it does not mean that he necessarily will. With the game having playoff implications for Minnesota, I do expect him to start and play against the New England Patriots. If Diggs is unable to practice Friday, you should create a backup plan, as he will play in the 3:25 CST game. If you have a spot to give and the right player is out on free agency, maybe sign them — just in case.
Marlon Mack (RB, IND) – Concussion
The bruiser running back Marlon Mack was not present in the Indianapolis Colts’ practice on Wednesday but did return to practice on Thursday. Mack is dealing with a concussion, which queued his departure against the Miami Dolphins last week. For Mack, his progress should make you feel good, so long as is not limited he should suit up. If, for any reason, Mack is not healthy enough to play, roll the dice on Nyheim Hines, who would be a low-end flex. Deeper leagues may find value with Jordan Wilkins as well.
Gus Edwards (RB, BAL) – Ankle
The injury to Gus Edwards’ ankle is difficult to gauge because there has been no mention of it until he popped up on the injury report. This only leads to speculation, and we as fantasy owners do not need that in Week 1 of the playoffs! While Edwards missed practice on Wednesday, he was able to progress into a limited practice on Thursday. A full practice is what we would love to see, but monitor the Baltimore injury report further into the weekend.
Edwards has rushed 42 times for 234 yards and one touchdown in the previous two contests. Fantasy owners should continue to expect this if Edwards plays, even if Alex Collins is healthy enough to get mixed in.
A.J. Green (WR, CIN) – Toe
The star Cincinnati receiver A.J. Green was able to log a limited practice on Wednesday and Thursday. Green’s toe is progressing further, but not quick enough to ease your stress. Although, Green has been quoted saying he’ll play on Sunday, but we have heard that from other receivers this year. You also wonder, even if Green is healthy enough to play, what will his floor be without Andy Dalton? Their backup quarter back, Jeff Driskel, did move the ball last week against the Cleveland Browns, but will that translate into his matchup against Denver? It is a tough matchup — luckily for the Bengals they are at home. Green will probably be a game-time decision, so plan accordingly.
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