We didn't see Lamar Jackson (knee) and Russell Wilson (concussion) suit up last week, and while both could potentially return to game action in Week 16, Jalen Hurts (shoulder) is now trending toward missing Philadelphia's showdown against Dallas. With all three QBs carrying fantasy relevance, their potential absences will affect not only the QB rankings but also start 'em, sit 'em decisions at other skill positions. Staying on top of these QBs' latest injury updates is key ahead of your must-win matchup.
Below, we'll give you the latest news on the most fantasy-relevant of these QBs and break down how their injuries could potentially affect the Week 16 fantasy landscape. For the latest on ailing RBs Damien Harris, Jeff Wilson Jr., and Khalil Herbert, click here; for news on hurting WRs Courtland Sutton, Brandin Cooks, Treylon Burks, and Chase Claypool, go here; for more on ailing stars Jonathan Taylor and Tyler Lockett, click here; for updates on injured TEs Hayden Hurst and Dallas Goedert, go here.
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WEEK 16 FANTASY: Top waiver pickups | FAAB planner
Jalen Hurts injury update, Week 16 fantasy outlook
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Hurts (shoulder) is uncertain to play Saturday vs. the Cowboys. The MVP candidate could also be held out for Philly's Week 17 game vs. the Saints, per Schefter. Hurts suffered the shoulder sprain in the third quarter of Philadelphia's 25-20 win over Chicago. Hurts' potential loss is a massive blow for fantasy owners relying on him to come through in the semifinals. Schefter also added that the injury is not believed to be long-term, and with the Eagles already locked into a playoff spot, there's no need to run out a less-than-100 percent Hurts, even in a rivalry game.
Additionally, NBC Philadelphia's John Clark added that the x-rays were negative and nothing was broken. With Hurts trending in the wrong direction, backup Gardner Minshew is the next man up for the Eagles. While Minshew is a competent backup, he's an obvious downgrade and could slightly hinder A.J. Brown's, DeVonta Smith's, and Dallas Goedert's fantasy values. Minshew isn't an optimal replacement for Hurts given the matchup, but there aren't many worthwhile, widely available sleepers this week. Kenny Pickett (vs. Raiders), if active, Brock Purdy (vs. Commanders), and Zach Wilson (vs. Jaguars) are your best bets unless Daniel Jones (@ Vikings) or Jared Goff (@ Panthers) are available.
WEEK 16 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Lamar Jackson injury update, Week 16 fantasy outlook
Jackson (knee) missed his second-straight game last week because of a knee sprain. In Monday's presser, Harbaugh declined to comment on Jackson's status due to competitive reasons.
With the Ravens falling out of first place in the AFC North, Jackson's presence is needed if Baltimore has any hope of staying in the division race. We'll hopefully get a better feel for Jackson's status as the week progresses, monitoring the Ravens' Week 16 injury report. If Jackson is unable to go, Tyler Huntley is slated to start against the Falcons. Huntley would have a favorable matchup, but he's nothing more than a two-QB/superflex option. He'd also continue to hinder any potential value for Demarcus Robinson, Devin Duvernay, and DeSean Jackson.
WEEK 16 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Russell Wilson injury update, Week 16 fantasy outlook
Wilson (head) passed the league's concussion protocol ahead of Denver's Week 15 matchup against the Cardinals, but the team opted to run out Brett Rypien for precautionary reasons.
With Wilson likely to log a full week of practice, there's optimism he returns to game action this Saturday against the Rams. Wilson's still a risky play given his lack of consistency this season, but he was putting forth his best performance in Week 14 before his injury. If Wilson's held out for a second straight week, Rypien will make his third start of the year. Jerry Jeudy, Greg Dulcich, and Latavius Murray are the only Broncos worth starting this week, regardless of who is under center.
