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Injury Questions: Week 16

Chet Gresham
Evan Silva's team fantasy preview series continues with an in-depth look at the 2018 Falcons

Welcome to Week 16 of the National Football League, Fantasy Division. This is it people! The Championship games are here and you can't make a single misstep. Below I have the injury questions and a few injury answers that we need to pay attention to before setting our lineups. Good luck everyone!

As a last minute primer let Pat Daugherty answer your lineup questions with his Week 16 Rankings. For sleepers, let Nick Mensio fill you in on the best targets. And always be sure to read Evan Silva's detailed look at every game in his Matchups column.


SUNDAY

1 PM GAMES

Browns at Panthers

* Joe Haden (shoulder) was able to get a limited practice in on Friday and looks to be a game-time call with the needle pointing toward him playing. If he happens to sit, upgrade Kelvin Benjamin.

* Andrew Hawkins (illness) returned to practice on Friday and should be able to go against the Panthers.

* Cam Newton (back) is probable and will start.

* DeAngelo Williams (hand) is listed as questionable, but he looks like he’ll be out. Jonathan Stewart will get the start again.

Lions at Bears

* Robbie Gould (quad) will sit again this week with Jay Feely taking over for him.

Ravens at Texans

* Torrey Smith isn’t on the injury report. That should mean he is as closest 100% as possible and he should be a good start against the Texan’s weak secondary.

* DeAndre Hopkins (ankle) did not practice this week, but is listed as questionable and coach Bill O’Brien is calling him a game-time decision. It looks as though he is being optimistic there, but at least we will know before lineups lock on Sunday.

* Andre Johnson (concussion) probable is expected to play after getting cleared. With Case Keenum as the quarterback it’s hard to really gauge how he will do, but if Hopkins is out he could see 15 targets.

Vikings at Dolphins

* Matt Asiata (foot) is listed as probable and has a better matchup than perception might suggest against the Dolphins.

* Kyle Rudolph (ankle, knee) is listed as doubtful and won’t play. It’s a shame since he finally had a decent game last week. His replacements aren’t worth your time.

Falcons at Saints

* Julio Jones (hip) hasn’t practiced in two weeks, but is still being listed as questionable. He will be a game-time decision, but plan on pivoting to someone who has practiced lately.

Patriots at Jets

* Julian Edelman (thigh, concussion) is listed as questionable. We’ve gotten very little information from the Patriots on his concussion, so we’ll most likely need to wait for the inactives to be 100% sure he’s playing. As long as he does he is a must play against the Jets.

Chiefs at Steelers

* Dwayne Bowe (illness) was unable to practice this week, but is expected to play.

Packers at Buccaneers

* Eddie Lacy (eye) is having trouble with his contacts and may need to wear goggles, but should be fine against the Bucs.

4 PM GAMES

Giants at Rams

* Rashad Jennings (ankle) is out. Andre Williams will get the start and plenty of work.

Colts at Cowboys

* Reggie Wayne (triceps, etc.) is not on the injury report, but the Indy Star suggests he might have his snap count reduced to finish the season. It would make sense to let him rest up for the playoffs with the division already in hand.

* Vontae Davis (groin) is listed as questionable, but should be able to go.

* T.Y. Hilton (hamstring) did not practice all week and is listed as questionable. If I had to make a decision this second I’d say he won’t play, but they are leaving the door open for him. The Colts have locked up the AFC South, but still could jockey for seeding. Donte Moncrief will most likely see an uptick in work no matter Hilton’s active or inactive status.

* DeMarco Murray (hand) is questionable, but the team is letting him make the call and he’s going to play. How well he plays is extremely hard to gauge, but as long as he can hold onto the ball he should be okay.

Bills at Raiders

* C.J. Spiller (collarbone) has been activated and is listed as probable. He isn’t a recommended play in his first game back, as Fred Jackson should continue to be the lead back.

SUNDAY NIGHT

Seahawks at Cardinals

* Drew Stanton (knee) was able to get a limited practice in on Friday, but Ryan Lindley will still get the start.

MONDAY NIGHT

Broncos at Bengals

* Julius Thomas (ankle) practiced in full this week. He SHOULD be ready to be the Broncos full time tight end again this week, but like last week we can’t say that with 100% certainty yet.