With Week 15 of the NFL season rapidly approaching, it's time to assess the latest injury updates and scout waiver wires in a bid to find those all-important pickups.
Here is a roundup of the main injuries from Week 14 and their impact on your fantasy football roster.
Read more: NFL Playoff Picture 2019: Which teams secured a postseason spot in Week 14?
Wide Receiver
Bruce Ellington—Detroit Lions
Ellington left the field early in Week 14 with a hamstring injury and is considered week-to-week by the Lions.
Waivers pickup: DaeSean Hamilton—Denver Broncos (2.2 fantasy points on average, owned by 5.5 percent of ESPN Fantasy Football teams)
Tyreek Hill—Kansas City Chiefs
Hill suffered a bruised heel against the Ravens on Sunday and could miss the game against the Chargers on Thursday night. Given the short turnaround he is unlikely to be fully fit and the Chiefs might choose not to risk him.
Waivers pickup: Curtis Samuel—Carolina Panthers (8.2 fantasy points on average, owned by 32.5 percent of ESPN Fantasy Football teams)
Quarterback
Ryan Tannehill—Miami Dolphins
Tannehill injured his right ankle in Miami's heroic win against the Patriots in Week 15. He soldiered on and played throughout the second half, but admitted being in pain at the end. He remains day-to-day.
Waivers pickup: Josh Allen—Buffalo Bills (10.5 fantasy points on average, owned by 16.9 percent of ESPN Fantasy Football teams)
Sam Darnold—New York Jets
Darnold made his first start since Week 9 on Sunday before suffering a foot injury on the same foot he had sprained last month. He was limited in practice on Tuesday.
QB Sam Darnold speaks to the media about his foot, the comeback and the cold weather ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/Ti6ApGb7yo
— New York Jets (@nyjets) December 12, 2018
Waivers pickup: Despite the injury, Darnold should suit up on Sunday.
Lamar Jackson—Baltimore Ravens
Jackson sprained his ankle in Week 14 but is expected to play against the Buccaneers on Sunday. Joe Flacco is also set to return from the hip injury that has kept him out for over a month.
Waivers pickup: Bar drastic changes, expect Jackson to play on Sunday.
Running Back
LeSean McCoy—Buffalo Bills
McCoy left the game against the Jets early with a hamstring injury and has undergone an MRI scan to assess the problem. He remains day-to-day, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
#Bills RB LeSean McCoy is day-to-day with a hamstring strain, source said following his MRI. His availability will be watched closely throughout the week.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 10, 2018
Waivers pickup: Ito Smith—Atlanta Falcons (7.1 fantasy points on average, owned by 22.8 percent of ESPN Fantasy Football teams)
Spencer Ware—Kansas City Chiefs
Ware had to be helped off the field with a shoulder injury and did not take part in practice on Monday. With the Chiefs already playing on Thursday night, the 27-year-old could be set to miss Week 15.
Waivers pickup: Damien Williams—Kansas City Chiefs (2.3 fantasy points on average, owned by 14 percent of ESPN Fantasy Football teams)
Cam Erving, Spencer Ware and Sammy Watkins won’t practice today for the #Chiefs.
— Chiefs Reporter (@ChiefsReporter) December 11, 2018
Good news for Tyreek Hill, who will apparently practice in some capacity.
Isaiah Crowell—New York Jets
Crowell has been beset by a foot injury all season long and left the game early in Week 14 after reportedly aggravating the problem.
Waivers pickup: Elijah McGuire—New York Jets (3.2 fantasy points on average, owned by 11.3 percent of ESPN Fantasy Football teams)
Corey Clement—Philadelphia Eagles
Clement will be out for at least a week after spraining his right knee against the Cowboys on Sunday night.
Waivers pickup: Ito Smith—Atlanta Falcons (7.1 fantasy points on average, owned by 22.8 percent of ESPN Fantasy Football teams)
James Conner—Pittsburgh Steelers
The second-year running back was ruled out of Week 14 with an ankle injury and he remains a doubt for Sunday's game against the Patriots. His absence would be a major blow for the Steelers, who have lost three in a row.
#Steelers coach Mike Tomlin does NOT rule out James Conner for this Sunday’s key game vs the #Patriots. Says practice will be his guide.
— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) December 11, 2018
Waivers pickup: Damien Williams—Kansas City Chiefs (2.3 fantasy points on average, owned by 14 percent of ESPN Fantasy Football teams)
Tight End
Jonnu Smith—Tennessee Titans
Smith is out for the remainder of the season after rupturing his MCL in the Titans' win over the Jaguars on Thursday night.
Waivers pickup: Ian Thomas—Carolina Panthers (3.5 fantasy points on average, owned by 25.5 percent of ESPN Fantasy Football teams)
Jordan Reed—Washington Redskins
Reed had to be helped off the field after suffering a foot sprain against the Giants on Sunday. With a history of similar injuries and having already undergone two offseason surgeries to repair damage, Reed's season could be over.
Waivers pickup: Vernon Davis—Washington Redskins (5.5 fantasy points on average, owned by 4.9 percent of ESPN Fantasy Football teams)
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Dan Cancian is currently a reporter for Newsweek based in London, England. Prior to joining Newsweek in January 2018, he ... Read more
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