Fantasy Injury Updates: Kerryon Johnson, Jordan Howard, Damien Williams impact Week 16 start 'em, sit 'em calls

Billy Heyen

Fantasy Injury Updates: Kerryon Johnson, Jordan Howard, Damien Williams impact Week 16 start 'em, sit 'em calls image

Kerryon Johnson's possible return from Injured Reserve throws a new name into the start 'em, sit 'em hat for fantasy championship games in Week 16. It could be complicated if Bo Scarbrough is back active, though. And fantasy owners are possibly still wondering about Jordan Howard and Damien Williams, whose injuries have kept them out longer than initially anticipated. We have the latest updates below. 

For news on ailing WRs DJ CharkMike Evans, and JuJu Smith-Schuster, go here; for more on injured TEs Evan Engram, Greg Olsen, and Gerald Everett, go here; for the latest on Dalvin Cook, click here; for updates on Chris Godwin, go here. For more fantasy news, follow us on Twitter @SN_Fantasy.

WEEK 16 NON-PPR RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker

Is Kerryon Johnson playing Week 16?

Johnson (knee) confirmed to reporters Friday that he's been setback-free since returning to practice about two weeks ago. MLive.com also reported that it "sure sounds like" Johnson will be activated from IR when eligible in Week 16. Johnson's Sunday usage could depend on the status of Bo Scarbrough, who was a game-time decision Sunday before missing out with a ribs injury.

It's looking like the Wes Hills show will be a one-week appearance, as at least one if not both of Johnson and Scarbrough should be back for Week 16. Johnson's the preferred play in a not-great matchup against Denver, assuming he's activated. When considering the risk of Johnson after a long absence, you can probably play him as a FLEX.

WEEK 16 PPR RANKINGS: Running back | Wide receiverTight end

Jordan Howard injury update

Eagles head coach Doug Pederson said Monday that Howard (shoulder) is making progress and that he couldn't rule him out for Sunday afternoon at 4:25 p.m. ET against the Cowboys. Howard's shoulder injury has kept him out much longer than expected, and there's still been no indication of him being cleared for contact.

MORE WEEK 16: 
Waiver pickups | FAAB planning | Stock watchSnap counts | Fantasy playoff tips

Howard would just complicate things at this point after Miles Sanders has made the Philadelphia backfield mostly his own. The Cowboys have a solid run defense, so the only way we'd feel comfortable about an Eagles back this week is if Howard is again out and Sanders gets most of the work ahead of Boston Scott.

MORE WEEK 16: Top waiver pickups

Damien Williams injury news

Williams missed Sunday's game as he continues to recover from a ribs injury, but he also had "illness" added next to his name on the injury report after it looked like he might make it back from the ribs issue. Williams could make it back for Week 16 when the Chiefs play the Bears on Sunday Night Football.

WEEK 16 DFS LINEUPS:
FD Cash | FD GPP | DK Cash | DK GPPY! Cash | Y! GPP

If the illness was indeed the bigger issue by Sunday, we should know based on Williams' early-week practice reports. If he's on the field Wednesday, he'll be looking good to play against Chicago. With Akiem Hicks back for the Bears, Williams is a low-end RB2 at best. If Williams is out, no KC back is a good play in a crowded backfield.

Billy Heyen