This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
If you are reading this column then you must either love injury breakdowns or somehow managed to survive the carnage of Week 14. Injuries and no-shows derailed the championship aspirations for a number of teams and will likely impact this week's slate of games as well. Let's take a look at a few of these ailments to better understand what you could be facing in Week 15.
Odell Beckham: The explosive receiver was a surprise scratch in Week 14 due to a lingering quadriceps injury. While it was nice of the Giants to rule him out prior to Sunday morning, his unexpected absence likely left many fantasy owners scrambling for a replacement. Now Beckham's status for Week 15 remains in doubt, though he did report feeling better after receiving extended treatment over the weekend. A quad contusion may sound like a minor issue, but the injury can be extremely limiting, as the muscle tissue of the powerful muscle group is damaged. As a result, the strength of the muscle can be diminished, and simple movements may elicit pain. Look for Beckham's status to become clearer as the week progresses, though it sounds like he is trending in the right direction.
Ezekiel Elliott: The league's leading rusher briefly left the Cowboys' win over the Eagles after a collision in the second half. Zeke was actually called for a flag on the play in which he was injured after the officials ruled he initiated contact by leading with his head.
If you are reading this column then you must either love injury breakdowns or somehow managed to survive the carnage of Week 14. Injuries and no-shows derailed the championship aspirations for a number of teams and will likely impact this week's slate of games as well. Let's take a look at a few of these ailments to better understand what you could be facing in Week 15.
Odell Beckham: The explosive receiver was a surprise scratch in Week 14 due to a lingering quadriceps injury. While it was nice of the Giants to rule him out prior to Sunday morning, his unexpected absence likely left many fantasy owners scrambling for a replacement. Now Beckham's status for Week 15 remains in doubt, though he did report feeling better after receiving extended treatment over the weekend. A quad contusion may sound like a minor issue, but the injury can be extremely limiting, as the muscle tissue of the powerful muscle group is damaged. As a result, the strength of the muscle can be diminished, and simple movements may elicit pain. Look for Beckham's status to become clearer as the week progresses, though it sounds like he is trending in the right direction.
Ezekiel Elliott: The league's leading rusher briefly left the Cowboys' win over the Eagles after a collision in the second half. Zeke was actually called for a flag on the play in which he was injured after the officials ruled he initiated contact by leading with his head. The impact left the running back with a "stinger," a nerve injury related to the bundle of nerves located between the neck and shoulder. This bundle, known as the brachial plexus, supplies motor and sensory innervation to the chest and upper extremities. Stingers are often accompanied by a burning sensation into the hands and fingers, and can even result in temporary paralysis. Elliott reported temporarily losing feeling in his arm though he was able to return to action. Fortunately, Elliott did not report any lingering symptoms on Monday and is expected to suit up against the Colts in Indianapolis. Keep him in your lineups.
LeSean McCoy: The Bills running back carried the ball just twice for one yard in Sunday's loss to the Jets before exiting with a hamstring strain. An MRI was performed on Monday, and the team is currently listing him as "day-to-day." This designation seems to indicate the injury is a low-grade strain, though this season has shown us these types of injuries can be difficult to manage and are often easily aggravated. Multiple players including Leonard Fournette, Dalvin Cook and Marlon Mack have missed extended periods after suffering seemingly minor hamstring injuries. As a result, McCoy will be hard to trust should he make his way back into the lineup, and backup Chris Ivory may be the safer option out of the Buffalo backfield.
Tyreek Hill: The Kansas City wideout limped throughout the team's win over the Ravens due to an undisclosed foot injury. While Hill described the injury as "bad," he still managed to finish with eight receptions and 139 receiving yards. Testing performed following the game failed to uncover a significant issue, and Hill will be listed as "day-to-day" to start the week. Based on descriptions of the injury, it sounds like Hill is dealing with a bruised calcaneus (heel). A heel contusion could prove problematic for a receiver, especially when decelerating or cutting while completing a route. However, coach Andy Reid seems optimistic Hill will be available for Thursday's matchup against the Chargers despite the abbreviated week of preparation.
Isaiah Crowell: Like McCoy, Crowell lasted just two carries in the Bills-Jets game. However, Crowell's problem wasn't a new injury but a recurrence of a lingering problem. The New York running back was a question mark throughout the week due to a toe injury that was aggravated early in the first quarter. Specifics surrounding the injury remain limited, but the issue is likely to carry over into the upcoming week. As a result, Elijah McGuire becomes a waiver wire target. McGuire played well in Crowell's absence, finishing with 60 yards on 17 carries and a touchdown.
Chargers Running Backs: Melvin Gordon continues to nurse a sprained MCL in his knee but now his backup, Austin Ekeler, has been added to the injury report after he suffered a head injury. Ekeler's injury was initially diagnosed as a stinger, though a concussion was added to the list after he reported additional symptoms on Monday. Ekeler will be hard-pressed to complete the league's concussion protocol by Thursday, making it unlikely he plays.
Gordon remains limited by his knee injury and did not take part in Monday's practice. While the team is optimistic about his chances, the quick turnaround will likely make this a game-time decision. Given the uncertainty surrounding both Ekeler and Gordon, Justin Jackson should be rostered in all leagues.
Ben Roethlisberger: The Steelers quarterback suffered a rib injury in the first half of Pittsburgh's eventual loss to the Raiders. Big Ben sat for most of the second half before returning to action after the Steelers fell behind. While he helped the team briefly take the lead, the Steelers were unable to escape with a win. Now Roethlisberger will spend the week resting and recuperating ahead of a crucial matchup with the Patriots. Rib injuries are often a matter of pain tolerance, and Roethlisberger has made a career of playing through pain. He will likely wear a brace or extra padding to protect the injury site, but it shouldn't limit him functionally. Have a backup ready just in case, but I'm betting Roethlisberger plays in Week 15.
Spencer Ware: An undisclosed shoulder injury and a hamstring issue limited Ware in his first start of the season. He did not participate in Monday's practice, putting his availability for Thursday in doubt. Even if Ware is able to participate in some level of practice over the next few days, expect Kansas City to limit his touches. Teammate Damien Williams, fresh off a two-touchdown performance, becomes a must-add in all formats as it appears he is line for an increase in usage.
Lamar Jackson: The Ravens have downplayed the severity of Jackson's late-game ankle injury and expect the rookie quarterback to factor into their game plan against the Buccaneers. However, the improving health of Joe Flacco may complicate the situation, as coach John Harbaugh remains noncommittal on who he will start at quarterback. Consequently, Jackson's Week 15 value could be limited by a coaching decision and not an injury. Keep an eye on how this situation plays out over the next few days to see just how Jackson will be utilized.
