Fantasy Football Injury Updates: Aaron Rodgers, Greg Olsen, Devonta Freeman, more affecting waiver wire, start-sit decisions

Tony Fortier-Bensen

Fantasy Football Injury Updates: Aaron Rodgers, Greg Olsen, Devonta Freeman, more affecting waiver wire, start-sit decisions image

Not many injuries popped up for running backs and tight ends last Sunday. In fact, most of the players on our QB/RB/TE/K injury report are dealing with "leftover" injuries. Greg Olsen and Aaron Rodgers are the extreme examples, but Jordan Reed, Dan Bailey, and Ty Montgomery have missed multiple games this season. We're also watching for concussion updates on Devonta Freeman, Jay Cutler, Jacoby Brissett, and -- whoa, a second kicker -- Jake Elliott. Fantasy football waiver wire and start-sit decisions depend on these updates.

For news on injured WRs, including Robert Woods, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Chris Hogan, Kelvin Benjamin, and more, go here.

Follow us on Twitter @SN_Fantasy for more news throughout the week.

MORE: Full Week 12 waiver wire list | RB handcuff chart

When can Aaron Rodgers return this year?

The latest news out of Packers camp is that Rodgers (collarbone) is making "really good progress", according to coach Mike McCarthy. Rodgers took simulated snaps from the training staff last Wednesday and did some agility drills.

The Packers could sure use Rodgers back after Brett Hundley's disaster of a game in Week 11. He threw three interceptions and lost a fumble en route to a shutout loss. Rodgers won't be eligible to return until Week 15, but it sure looks like he'll have a chance to be ready for that date against the Panthers (and/or Week 16 against the Vikings). The only worry is that Green Bay will be out of the playoff picture and will decide to keep Rodgers on the sidelines. Still, with availability in almost half of Yahoo leagues, Rodgers is worth picking up and stashing.

Devonta Freeman concussion update

After his second concussion of the year last week, the Falcons are taking it slow with Freeman. He will have to clear concussion protocol before getting a chance to return to the field. He would have a great matchup against the Bucs if he plays this week, but that's still very much up in the air.

Tevin Coleman handled most of the running duties against the Seahawks in Week 11, collecting 43 yards and a score on 20 carries. The Falcons probably don't see a need to rush Freeman back with Terron Ward also chipping in admirably (31 yards on six carries). Coleman remains a strong option with Freeman's absence, and even if Freeman does play this week, Coleman will have value against the Buccaneers.

Is Greg Olsen playing in Week 12?

Before the Panthers bye last week, head coach Ron Rivera told reporters he expected Olsen (foot) be ready for Week 12, and on Monday, he was running routes and practicing with the team.

This is good news for Olsen owners who either snagged him off the waiver wire or held onto him since his Week 2 injury. Olsen doesn't have a strong matchup this week, but he's nearly matchup-proof. With Kelvin Benjamin shipped off to Buffalo, he'll definitely be one of the top targets Cam Newton looks for. 

WEEK 12 RANKINGS
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker

Leonard Fournette injury update

Despite a concern before game time, Fournette played through the cold in Cleveland last week, running 28 times for 111 yards. However, he admitted afterward that his sore ankle could bother him the rest of the season.

Fantasy owners should consider investing in handcuffs Chris Ivory and T.J. Yeldon, if they haven't already. Ivory has seen a majority of goal-line carries, but Yeldon has been the one producing more yards and handling the passing game. Fournette's already missed time because of the ankle injury, and it wouldn't be a shock if he misses another game.

Ty Montgomery injury news

There was some hope Montgomery (ribs) would suit up in Week 11, but he ultimately stayed on the sidelines. This week he'll hope to get in some practice ahead of Green Bay's Sunday night game against Pittsburgh.

If Montgomery is active, he'll likely split time with Jamaal Williams, making both risky flex plays. If he's out, Williams has RB2 potential.

WEEK 12 DFS:
Yahoo GPP lineup | Y! cash | DK GPPDK cash | FD GPP | FD cashDFS lineup builder

Is Jay Cutler playing in Week 12?

Culter exited the Dolphins' game against the Buccaneers early due to a concussion, and he's been entered into NFL's concussion protocol. Also of note is that coach Adam Gase suggested Cutler would keep his starting job if he's healthy enough to play.

At first glance, it seems like a Week 12 matchup against the Patriots makes Cutler a solid play if he's active, but the Patriots have been pretty good defensively as of late. Fantasy owners should play it safe by looking at someone else. Matt Moore would start in his place.

Jacoby Brissett concussion update

Brissett entered the league's concussion protocol before the Colts' Week 11 bye, and he's still in it, according to coach Chuck Pagano.

Brissett doesn't have much fantasy value on his own, even against the Titans, but the downgrade from him to Scott Tolzien would negatively impact T.Y. Hilton and Jack Doyle and positively impact the Titans D/ST. Keep a close eye on this one.

Jordan Reed injury news

Reed missed his fourth game of the year -- third straight -- due to a hamstring issue last week.  He was expected to be a game-time decision before ultimately being ruled inactive the day before.

He suffered a setback last week, and his status for this week against the Giants, one of the best TE matchups of year, is still up in the air. If he doesn't play, Vernon Davis becomes a top-10 TE option.

mlutovsky [2:24 AM]

THANKSGIVING DFS: FanDuel GPP lineup | DraftKings GPP

Jake Elliott injury update

Elliott entered concussion protocol soon after he suffered the head injury making a tackle in the opening kickoff.  

The Eagles went for two after each touchdown, and LB Kamu Grugier-Hill handled kickoffs. That obviously won't be continuing for the rest of the season. It's worth keeping an eye on who Eagles get as a replacement if Elliott can't play next week, as the Philadelphia kickers have been among the best for fantasy owners all season.

Is Dan Bailey playing in Week 12?

Bailey (groin) was warming up before Sunday night's game, and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Bailey has a chance to play on Thanksgiving against the Chargers.  

Mike Nugent has done a fine job during Bailey's five-game absence, but Bailey was one of the top-scoring kickers before his injury. Whenever he does come back, whether it's this week or next week, he's worth keeping for the rest of the year.

Mike Davis injury update

We get to add a new name to the Seahawks RB committee. Fresh off the practice squad, Davis started off pretty hot before suffering a third quarter groin injury in Monday's game against Atlanta. Unfortunately, coach Pete Carroll has already said that he's "unlikely" to play against the 49ers this week.

J.D. McKissic appears to be the top option now, but both Eddie Lacy and Thomas Rawls could also be involved. It's a fantastic matchup against the 49ers, but it's tough to trust anyone in this backfield.

Tony Fortier-Bensen