Thankfully, Week 15 was one of the least injury-riddled weeks of the season, but two key players, Jonathan Taylor and Tyler Lockett, exited their respective games with ailments. Their outlooks for Week 16 aren't promising, so fantasy football owners will need to quickly pivot to replacement options on the waiver wire. Staying up to date on the latest updates is a must ahead of your Week 16 start 'em, sit 'em decisions.
Below, we'll give you the latest news on these players and break down how their injuries could potentially affect the Week 16 fantasy landscape. For updates on banged-up QBs Jalen Hurts, Lamar Jackson, and Russell Wilson, go here; for the latest on ailing RBs Damien Harris, Jeff Wilson Jr., and Khalil Herbert, click here; for news on hurting WRs Courtland Sutton, Brandin Cooks, Treylon Burks, and Chase Claypool, go here; for the latest on injured TEs Hayden Hurst and Dallas Goedert, go here.
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 16 FANTASY: Top waiver pickups | FAAB planner
Jonathan Taylor injury update, Week 16 fantasy outlook
UPDATE: Taylor was placed on the IR on Tuesday, officially ending his season.
Taylor (ankle) exited Indianapolis' Week 15 loss to Minnesota in the first quarter and couldn't return to game action. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Taylor suffered a high-ankle sprain and is unlikely to play again this season.
In his absence, Zack Moss and Deon Jackson filled his void, with Moss getting more usage in Week 15. Moss played on 67 percent of snaps and logged 24 touches compared to Jackson's 32-percent snap share and 14 touches. Moss outgained Jackson by 25 total yards, but Jackson managed to find the end zone on a one-yard reception. Moss' Week 15 usage could have been a result of a positive game script, but he still looks like the back to prioritize on waivers. However, with a matchup against the Chargers' 28th-ranked run defense on Monday night, both Moss and Jackson are worth adding and using as flexes.
WEEK 16 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Tyler Lockett injury update, Week 16 fantasy outlook
UPDATE: Seahawks' coach Pete Carroll said Tuesday that Lockett's finger surgery went "perfectly," and it's possible that he only misses one game.
Lockett broke a bone below his index finger in Seattle's Week 15 loss to San Francisco on Thursday Night Football and is in jeopardy of missing the Seahawks' Week 16 contest. Lockett's been one of the least injury-prone players in the league throughout his eight-year career, but he could have a tough time being ready for Saturday's game against Kansas City even though coach Pete Carroll said the team got a "very optimistic review" of the situation.
WEEK 16 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Assuming Lockett's unable to go in Week 16, expect DK Metcalf and Marquise Goodwin to see an uptick in usage. Metcalf remains a must-start in a plus matchup against the Chiefs, and Goodwin would be a solid flex and worth adding. TE Noah Fant could see a bump in targets, too.
