Fantasy Football Injury Updates: Zach Ertz, Chris Hogan, Amari Cooper, more shaking up Week 14 start 'em, sit 'em decisions

Tony Fortier-Bensen

Fantasy Football Injury Updates: Zach Ertz, Chris Hogan, Amari Cooper, more shaking up Week 14 start 'em, sit 'em decisions image

Finally, we have some good news to report in our Week 14 injury report for wide receivers and tight ends. After weeks of no good signs, Chris Hogan was finally seen on the practice field. Also, Amari Cooper hurdled over one injury, but he still has one more to worry about. TEs Zach Ertz, Greg Olsen, and Hunter Henry and more WRs, like Robby Anderson, Sterling Shepard, Rishard Matthews, Kelvin Benjamin, and Robert Woods, continue to battle through their own ailments, and we have the latest updates ahead of your fantasy start 'em, sit 'em decisions.  

For updates on injured RBs and QBs, like Joe Mixon, Doug Martin, Matthew Stafford and more, go here.

For the latest fantasy news and updates, follow us on Twitter @SN_Fantasy.

WEEK 14 RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker

Is Zach Ertz playing in Week 14?

UPDATE: Ertz has been cleared to play for Week 14.

As of Thursday, Ertz is still in concussion protocol. He didn't practice on Wednesday, and it's unlikely he'll be ready for this week's road matchup against the Rams.

This is Ertz's second concussion in the past two years, and the Eagles may just take their time with this injury.  Trey Burton would be the next man up. In Week 9 when Ertz sat out because of a hamstring injury, Burton caught two of four targets for 41 yards and a touchdown. However, the Rams are one of the stronger teams at stopping TEs, only allowing one TD since Week 8.  If Ertz doesn't play, Burton likely falls between 15-20 in our Week 14 TE rankings.

Is Chris Hogan playing in Week 14?

After barely any news and no practices for over a month, Hogan (shoulder) returned to Patriots practice on Wednesday and also practiced on Thursday.  

Hogan hasn't played or practiced since his Week 8 injury, missing five games. His return to the practice field is a sure sign that he's finally on the right track to playing. If he plays, he's immediately a WR2 against the Dolphins. With the Patriots playing on Monday night, Hogan fantasy owners should still consider a backup plan with Kenny Stills or Danny Amendola, just in case the Pats are up to their old tricks.

Amari Cooper injury update

The good news is that Cooper cleared concussion protocol on Wednesday, but he's still didn't practice due to his ailing ankle. Reports have surfaced that he still has a "noticeable limp."

Cooper is still far from a sure thing for Sunday. He'll need to get in one practice since he hasn't done anything since his Week 12 injury. The Raiders play the Chiefs, the same team Cooper broke out of his early-season rut for over 200 yards and two touchdowns. If he misses the game, Michael Crabtree would get a majority of targets in his return from a one-game suspension. Johnny Holton and Cordarrelle Patterson would also receive slight bumps in value if Cooper is out.

WEEK 14 DFS:
Yahoo GPP lineup | Y! cash | DK cash | DK GPP | FD GPP FD cash | Values | Stacks |
DFS lineup builder

When will Robert Woods return?

Head coach Sean McVay said Week 15 is a more "realistic target" for Woods, so it was no surprise when he didn't practice on Wednesday.

At this point, it's safe to say he won't be suiting up this week. Cooper Kupp and Sammy Watkins should be inserted into fantasy lineups, even in a relatively tough matchup against the Eagles.

Rishard Matthews injury update

After getting in a full practice on Thursday, Matthews (hamstring) told reporters that he has a "high" chance of playing this week against the Cardinals.  

Matthews becomes a solid WR2 if he plays, and Corey Davis and Eric Decker, who haven't been able to capitalize during his absence, are flex options, at best. Marcus Mariota has been mostly targeting TE Delanie Walker, and Walker won't see much of a drop in targets if Matthews returns.  

Robby Anderson injury update

Anderson aggravated a hamstring injury at practice on Thursday and is "questionable" for Sunday's game against Denver.

Given the late kickoff, Anderson owners will have limited options if they wait him out. Jermaine Kearse would see a big uptick in targets, but Austin Seferian-Jenkins might benefit the most given the matchup.

Kelvin Benjamin injury news

Benjamin (knee) practiced in full on Thursday. He's still battling a torn meniscus, but head coach Sean McDermott still believes Benjamin could play, saying "practice leads to playing."

There's a lot to take in about Benjamin's status. Even if he does play, he could have to deal with Nathan Peterman at QB, who threw five interceptions in one half before being taken out a couple weeks ago. On top of that, he's still playing through a bum knee and the weather in Buffalo calls for a high of 25 degrees and an outside chance of snow.Even in an extremely favorable matchup against the Colts, it'll be tough sledding for Benjamin and everyone not named LeSean McCoy.

Sterling Shepard injury update

Shepard (hamstring) returned to practice on Thursday, which is a good sign for his chances of suiting up on Sunday against the Cowboys. Interim coach Steve Spagnuolo said he's "hopeful" Shepard will play this week.

Given the Cowboys recent struggles in the secondary, Shepard is in play as a WR2 as long as he's active.

Hunter Henry injury news

Henry (knee) surprisingly practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday.

The Chargers didn't list him on their official injury report, and the knee injury is considered a non-issue. Henry is expected to play. We have him ranked as our No. 4 TE in our Week 14 TE rankings.

Greg Olsen injury update

Olsen (foot) is reportedly practicing in full this entire week.

The veteran tight end said his missed start last week was due to the articial turf in New Orleans, since the turf at MetLife Stadium against the Jets caused his foot injury to flare up.  With a three-game home stand on grass coming up, Olsen will likely not have another issue with his foot. Also, coach Ron Rivera told reporters that Olsen won't be limited on Sunday.

Tony Fortier-Bensen