Fantasy Injury Updates: George Kittle, Evan Engram, Delanie Walker, Austin Hooper affect Week 12 TE rankings

Billy Heyen

Fantasy Injury Updates: George Kittle, Evan Engram, Delanie Walker, Austin Hooper affect Week 12 TE rankings image

George Kittle and Evan Engram are two top-tier tight ends with the chance to make it back from their injuries in Week 12. Otherwise it could be another week of Ross Dwelley dominance. Delanie Walker could also return soon, while Austin Hooper remains in rehab mode. You'll need to know the latest updates on these TEs before making your waiver pickups and start 'em, sit 'em decisions in what promises to be a tough Week 12.

For updates on Marlon Mack and James Conner, go here; for the latest on JuJu Smith-Schuster, click here; for news on Devonta FreemanJordan Howard, and Saquon Barkley, go here; for updates on banged-up WRs, such as Will FullerT.Y. HiltonTyler Lockett, and more, click here. Follow us for more news and updates on Twitter @SN_Fantasy.

WEEK 12 NON-PPR RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker

George Kittle injury update

Kittle’s status for Week 12 won’t be determined until later in the week, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday. He was inactive for Week 11, as expected, with what was listed as a knee and ankle injury. The Niners play Sunday night against the Packers.

If Kittle misses out again, Ross Dwelley remains a top-10 fantasy play against a Packers’ defense that’s among the worst at defending tight ends. Kittle is obviously an auto-start when active.
 

MORE WEEK 12:
Waiver pickups | FAAB planner | Stock watchSnap countsFantasy playoff SOS

Even Engram injury news

Engram told reporters Monday that it’s “definitely possible” he could make his return in Week 12 against the Bears, also remarking on an “upward trend” in his progress. Engram didn’t practice Monday, though.

Engram is an every-week start at tight end when healthy, while his backups (mainly Rhett Ellison) aren’t worth considering as possible fantasy plays.

WEEK 12 PPR RANKINGS: Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end

When will Delanie Walker return?

Walker had a new brace for his ankle Monday and is optimistic he can play this week, he told reporters Monday. He said he’ll need to make a return to the practice field and feel out the ankle before he knows what’s next for sure.

Jonnu Smith has been seemingly as good as Walker while the veteran has been out. A Walker return would cloudy the waters, because there’d be a share in production instead of it just going to Smith. The Titans host Jacksonville at 4:05 p.m. ET Sunday.

WEEK 12 DFS: 
FD Cash | FD GPP | DK Cash | Y! Cash | Y! GPP

Austin Hooper injury update

Falcons coach Dan Quinn said Monday that Hooper (knee) is "trending in the right way" in his recovery from a sprained MCL. He was originally expected to be out until at least Week 14, but Quinn said Hooper could return to practice as soon as Thursday. 

(Update: Hooper has been ruled OUT for Week 12.)

It's still highly unlikely Hooper plays this week, but he's obviously worth holding onto until he returns. Jaeden Graham and Luke Stocker received two total targets in his absence, so it's tough to trust either despite a great matchup this week against Tampa. 

Billy Heyen