Week 14 - NFL Injury Preview - The Injury Expertz
Week 14 NFL Injury Report & Fantasy Outlook | The Injury Expertz
Heading into week 14 of the NFL the final four teams are on bye. The playoff scene is starting to slowly take shape. There have been multiple injuries to quarterbacks’ non-throwing hand, including Justin Herbert, who underwent surgery on Monday for a fractured 4th left metacarpal, but has a very good chance of playing in week 14. Aaron Rodgers suffered three fractures in his left non-throwing hand in week 11 and suffered a re-injury scare in week 13 but should be good going forward. JJ McCarthy is set to return from his concussion in week 14. Jayden Daniels, recovering from a dislocated left elbow, has not been cleared to return yet, but there is a chance he may in time for week 14. Daniel Jones, who suffered a fractured fibula, likely a stable non-displaced midshaft fracture, admirably played the past 2 weeks after suffering it, but his mobility and numbers have continued to decline. He is expected to continue to play through it as he has a chance to be closer to 100% in week 14. Finally, Joe Burrow, who returned on Thanksgiving from his surgically repaired left grade 3 turf toe played surprisingly well and should get better with each week.
For running backs, Kyren Williams briefly left the game with an ankle sprain, but should be good to go. Aaron Jones re-injured his left AC sprain from early November and has the potential to return in week 14 without missing any time. Dylan Sampson suffered a calf injury, but sounds like it is mild and could potentially play in week 14, despite Jerome Ford lurking. Woody Marks got lucky with a midfoot sprain and should continue to lead the Houston backfield. Saquon Barkley entered week 13 with a groin injury and continued to put up another subpar performance. Alvin Kamara suffered an MCL sprain in his right knee in week 12, causing him to miss week 13 and potentially one to two more games. They have declined reports of shutting him down for the season. Devin Neal filled in admirably in his absence. Josh Jacobs looked pretty good only one week after spraining his left knee and should only get better with time. Bucky Irving returned from an extended absence, secondary to a midfoot sprain and a left shoulder dislocation. He picked up where he left off, and had a fantastic fantasy day. As far as the Cardinals backfield, Bam Knight and Michael Carter continued to split the work, with Emari Demercado dealing with a high-ankle sprain, and Trey Benson struggling to return from his significant MCL sprain and meniscal tear. Hopefully Benson can return in the next 2 weeks. Kimani Vidal put up monster numbers in week 13, as we anticipate the return of Omarion Hampton in the next one to two weeks, returning from a left ankle fracture. I expect some type of committee when he returns.
Amon-Ra St. Brown suffered an ankle injury on Thanksgiving that initially appeared to be the dreaded high ankle sprain, but sounds like it was actually a medial ankle sprain, not quite as concerning. The Lions play on Thursday night and I think it’s going to be very difficult for Brown to be effective if he tries to suit up. Marvin Harrison Jr., returning after missing a couple games due to an appendectomy, suffered a heel injury that could potentially cost him another game. These are usually bruises, injuries to the plantar fascia or sometimes fractures. Davante Adams is reportedly dealing with some hamstring soreness, but not overly concerning as he continues his incredible touchdown run. Chris Olave had a solid game in week 13 despite dealing with back spasms the entire week. Tee Higgins missed week 13 due to a concussion and hopefully can return for week 14. DK Metcalf struggled with his ankle injury and poor QB play. The Jaguars potentially lost Parker Washington due to a hip injury, no details have been released yet. In his first game back from a high ankle sprain, Brian Thomas Jr. struggled, hopefully he gets better.
Despite being banged up with knee and calf injuries, George Pickens continued to have another monster week, which I expect to continue when he faces the Lions in week 14. There is a chance Drake London returns this week from his PCL sprain, but he may struggle in his first week back and is at increased risk of reinjury. Mike Evans could potentially return in the next one to two weeks after having his clavicle surgically repaired. I expect him to pick up where he left off with no restrictions. Chris Godwin has had a rough year, finally looking healthy after suffering a left fracture dislocation of his left ankle and a re-injury about a month ago. The Bucs finally provided an update on Jalen McMillan, who fractured three cervical vertebrae in the preseason. There’s a chance he could return in the next couple of weeks as well. The Packers Jayden Reed, who is returning from a clavicle fracture and a Jones fracture in his foot could potentially return in the next two weeks. He is not medically cleared yet, likely due to the foot, which is still at high risk of refracture until 11 weeks postoperative. He should immediately slide into an important role for the Packers when he returns.
Darren Waller returned from his partial pec tendon tear and was immediately relevant, and should only get better. Dalton Kincaid missed another week due to his hamstring strain, but should realistically return in week 14. David Njoku has struggled to be effective this season, battling multiple injuries, including a knee sprain right now.
Keep an eye out for any new/unknown injuries that will be announced on Wednesday, December 3, and will be added to our injury report. If you want specific details about each player’s injury and current percentage of likelihood to play this upcoming week, please consider signing up for a premium The Injury Expertz membership.
