I don’t envy those who agree to serve as fantasy league commissioners. Their thankless task often means arbitrating disputes and dealings among friends and league members that are mostly meaningless. Cash or free, run through a site like ESPN or otherwise, it’s not an easy endeavor.
NFL Injury Report Week 13 January 15, 2025
So when toasting the holidays, maybe raise one to the brave souls who took on this authority during an unusual and difficult to predict season. Games have been played almost every day of the week (we’ll get a Friday game on Christmas) and the chaos that has ensued may leave many feeling like they’d like to start a bloodless (we hope) coup.
The NFL injury report week 13 is messy, but would you expect any different this year?
We’d like to offer some help for those trying to navigate the minefield that is 2020, in which unorthodox scheduling has likely compounded the impact and frequency of injury. Here’s a list of some of the most popular NFL players currently dealing with injuries and their statuses as we enter the playoff portions of fantasy schedules.
Quarterbacks
Drew Brees, Saints – Brees has been home recuperating with a collapsed lung. He is currently on the IR and will be eligible to return Week 14 in Philadelphia. However, it’s believed he won’t see the field until Week 15 against the Chiefs. If he’s on your roster, we hope there’s a credible back-up at QB.
Lamar Jackson, Ravens – After testing positive for COVID-19, Jackson sat out the Ravens’ loss to the Steelers on Wednesday. He would be eligible to play against Dallas on Tuesday in Week 13 (this is getting outta hand) and likely would be the only option from the Cowboys facing former PSU standout Trace McSorely under center.
Daniel Jones, Giants – Jones is dealing with a hamstring issue and will likely not face the Seahawks this week. Expect to see him back in Week 14 as he tries to lead the Giants on an improbable run to the NFC East crown.
Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins – Tua sat out the Dolphins win against the Jets last week and was “50-50” to suit up against the Bengals this week. If he plays, he could be a good insurance policy against a porous Cincy D.
Running Backs
Dalvin Cook, Vikings – Cook took a hit to his ankle in the Vikings win over the Panthers. However, he believes he’ll be ready for Sunday against Jacksonville after being limited on Wednesday.
Tevin Coleman, 49ers – It’s been since Week 8 we’ve seen Coleman in the Niners backfield. However, with a Monday night showdown against Buffalo, expect to see him activated and in the rotation. Might not be enough to warrant a fantasy start, however.
Josh Jacobs, Raiders – Jacobs sprained his right ankle in Vegas’ dismal loss in Atlanta. After a career low in yards against the Falcons, a healthy Jacobs could perform much better in Week 13 against the Jets. The key is how much his ankle and hip have healed.
Christian McCaffrey, Panthers – The Panthers have their bye in Week 13 (don’t like that format, cut it to 4 bye weeks) but expect to have the near-consensus top fantasy draft pick this year back in the fold. He’ll get touches and if he stays healthy he can be a difference maker in playoff matchups.
Wide Receivers
DJ Chark, Jaguars – Chark and Chris Conley were limited in Wednesday’s practice preparing to face Minnesota. Chark should get a lot of targets from Mike Glennon, making his first NFL start in over three years.
Kenny Golladay, Lions – It’s a question whether Golladay will see his first action since a catchless game against the Colts. He didn’t practice Wednesday. When healthy, he’s a top target and could be a waiver wire option.
Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley, Falcons – Jones and Ridley were limited in practice after missing the win over the Raiders with a hamstring injury. Jones has missed three games so far this year but will likely suit up against the Saints. However, if he draws Marcus Lattimore in coverage, he may not be as potent an option. Ridley could be a good backup plan if both are healthy.
Tight Ends
Zach Ertz, Eagles – One of the most consistent tight ends in the last five years has seen productivity plummet in 2020 with injuries and the team’s overall struggles. However, Ertz should be in the lineup against the Packers and should get looks from Carson Wentz.
Check out the live NJ sports betting odds:
Irv Smith, Jr, Vikings – Minnesota may be without their second-year TE from Alabama for a second straight week. Smith didn’t practice on Wednesday. If he’s out against Jacksonville, Kyle Rudolph will be a great option
Jonnu Smith, Titans – Smith sat out Wednesday practice after making no catches last week. He’s been dealing with an ankle injury and now has a knee issue. If Tennessee has any aspirations of repeating their AFC title game run from last postseason, he’ll be looked to for more production.
Big Names Out for the Season
Saquon Barkley, Giants; Tarik Cohen, Bears; OJ Howard, Bucs; Dak Prescott, Cowboys
