With the fantasy football playoffs now in the championship round, fantasy owners are diligently checking the latest injury updates to see which quarterbacks might play in Week 17 and how that will affect the waiver wire and start 'em, sit 'em decisions. Heading into Sunday's action, we are monitoring the statuses of starting QBs Jalen Hurts, Lamar Jackson, and Tua Tagovailoa, who are dealing with notable injuries that could have a domino effect on rankings at multiple positions.
Below, we'll give you the latest news on these dynamic signal-callers and break down how their injuries could potentially affect the Week 17 fantasy landscape.
Follow your fantasy team and watch every week during the 2022 NFL season on Sling TV. Stream Sling Orange or Blue for $35/month, or both for $50/month. Right now, get half off your first month, plus SHOWTIME, STARZ, AND EPIX -- first month on us! SIGN UP FOR SLING!
WEEK 17 FANTASY: Top waiver pickups | FAAB planner
Jalen Hurts injury update, Week 17 fantasy outlook
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said Monday that he's still not ruling out Hurts (right shoulder) potentially playing on Sunday against the Saints, according to Zach Berman of The Athletic. This news coincides with what NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on Christmas saying "there's a real chance Hurts pushes to play" against the Saints.
If Hurts does not play against the Saints, Gardner Minshew would be under center for the second-straight week. Last week against Dallas, Minshew completed 24-of-40 passes for 355 yards, three total touchdowns, and two interceptions, so he would be a solid streaming option. However, if Hurts is healthy enough to play, he's a must-start against a Saints' defense that's merely middle of the road against QBs this season.
WEEK 17 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Lamar Jackson injury update, Week 17 fantasy outlook
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh was asked about Jackson (knee) returning to practice this week and said "we'll just have to see," according to Clifton Brown of Ravens.com. Harbaugh was also asked if he was optimistic about the former MVP playing again this season and said "sure, of course."
Jackson has missed the past three games because of a sprained PCL he suffered in Week 13 against the Broncos. With Jackson sidelined, the Ravens turned to backup Tyler Huntley, but he's failed to get the offense going in a meaningful way. If Jackson wants to play this week, he'll have to make it through a couple of practices. If he does that, fantasy owners should not have any issues starting him against a Steelers defense that allows the 12th-most fantasy points to QBs this season. Jackson's return would be a big upgrade for Mark Andrews, Demarcus Robinson, and the rest of Baltimore's offensive players.
WEEK 17 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Tua Tagovailoa injury update, Week 17 fantasy outlook
Tagovailoa (concussion) was placed in the NFL's concussion protocol Monday, according to ESPN's Marcel Louis-Jacques. Head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters that Tagovailoa "displayed and admitted to having concussion symptoms" when speaking with the Dolphins team doctors.
This is not good news for the young quarterback, who will be entering into the protocol for the second time this season. The first time was after the Dolphins' Week 4 against the Bengals when Tagovailoa had to be taken to a hospital. He ultimately missed Miami's next two games before returning in Week 7. If Tagovailoa misses Sunday's game against the Patriots, which seems likely, owners could turn to Teddy Bridgewater, who will be taking first-team snaps this week in practice, per McDaniel. Bridgewater would be a middling streaming option because of the matchup, but his presence wouldn't significantly alter the values of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, who remain must-starts because of their run-after-the-catch ability.
