Fantasy Football Injury Updates: Devonta Freeman, Jameis Winston, Jordan Reed, more affecting Week 13 start-sit decisions

Tony Fortier-Bensen

Fantasy Football Injury Updates: Devonta Freeman, Jameis Winston, Jordan Reed, more affecting Week 13 start-sit decisions image

As each passing week comes and goes, injuries to key running backs, tight ends, and quarterbacks become more detrimental to fantasy football owners. Devonta Freeman and Jay Cutler are still battling concussions, but they seem to be pushing closer to finally returning. Ty Montgomery's nagging ribs injury has left him sidelined for multiple weeks now, and Jameis Winston's status finally looks a little brighter. The same can't be said for Jordan Reed, who might not play again in Week 13.  

For updates on WRs, including Robert Woods, Chris Hogan, JuJu Smith-Schuster and more, go here.

Check back for updates throughout the week or follow us on Twitter @SN_Fantasy.

WEEK 13 RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST  | Kicker

Devonta Freeman injury news

Freeman has missed two straight games after suffering his second concussion of the season in Week 11. Previously, he was practicing in a limited capacity last Friday, but he wasn't able to clear concussion protocol before Atlanta's Week 12 game.

It's far from certain, but it's certainly good news that he practiced last week with the team. Freeman owners should continue to monitor his status, as should Tevin Coleman fantasy owners, as the Falcons face a Vikings defense that allows the fewest fantasy points to RBs this week. If Freeman is active, both backs are flexes, at best. If Freeman is out, Coleman is a low-end RB2/high-end flex.

Is Jameis Winston playing in Week 13?

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that Winston's return to the field is coming -- presumably soon, but it's unclear what exactly Rapoport meant. After receiving shots two weeks ago, Winston is finally feeling better and making progress, according to Rapoport. The latest news is that Winston is expected to resume throwing on Wednesday, barring any soreness from today's rehab work.

Ryan Fitzpatrick has done a suitable job replacing Winston, but Winston is still an upgrade from Fitzpatrick, boosting the value of Mike Evans, DeSean Jackson, O.J. Howard and especially Cameron Brate, who has had barely any connections with Fitzpatrick since he's been starting.

WEEK 13 DFS:
Yahoo GPP lineup | Y! cash | DK GPP |
 FD GPP | Values | Stacks | DFS lineup builder

Ty Montgomery injury update

It appeared Montgomery (ribs) had a chance to return last week, listed as doubtful before Green Bay's Sunday night showdown against the Steelers, but ultimately, he didn't play a single snap. This marks the third straight game Montgomery has missed with the nagging ribs injury.

The more time Montgomery misses, the more value Jamaal Williams has. Williams has been dominant since taking over the lead role, and even if Montgomery comes back this week against the Bucs, he may find himself in a secondary role. 

Is Jordan Reed playing on Thursday?

Reed (hamstring) did not practice on Monday or Tuesday, putting his status for Thursday night against Dallas in question. 

Although it's a Thursday night game, it will be on full rest for the Redskins since they played on Thanksgiving last week. Reed hasn't played since Week 8 when he first suffered the injury, and it doesn't appear like he will be coming back before game time this week. Vernon Davis falls right outside the top 10 at No. 11 in our Week 13 TE rankings.

Jay Cutler concussion update

The Dolphins ruled out Cutler (concussion) early before Week 12, despite the fact he participated in light throwing during practice last Thursday. 

Cutler will have to complete concussion protocol before seeing the field against the Broncos, and there's no clear sign he will or won't complete it before Sunday. Cutler is a slight upgrade from Matt Moore for Jarvis Landry, DeVante Parker and Kenny Stills fantasy owners, but whether he plays or not doesn't have too much effect going against the Broncos defense.

Tony Fortier-Bensen