Fantasy Impact Injury Report

This is a recap of the warriors who were injured on the gridiron battlefield of Week 14.
 
QUARTERBACKS

Matt Hasselbeck, Tennessee Titans – Sustained a strained left calf in Sunday’s loss to New Orleans.
FANTASY IMPACT: The veteran field general said he wasn’t in pain after the game, and also noted that he could have returned if needed. While Hasselbeck looks to be ok, we are still keeping close tabs on Jake Locker for Week 15, as the rookie once again looked great in limited action Sunday, passing for 282 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions.   
 
 
Kevin Kolb, Arizona Cardinals – Kolb experienced concussion-like symptoms following Arizona’s upset win over San Francisco.
FANTASY IMPACT: Kolb was forced out of action after taking a knee to the back of the head, and John Skelton would lead Arizona into battle for Week 15 vs. Clevelandif Kolb doesn’t pass his gauntlet of tests.
 
Matt Moore, Miami Dolphins – Sustained a concussion in Sunday’s loss to Philadelphia.
FANTASY IMPACT: The concussion is believed to be minor, and his neck spasms are said to be a bigger issue. The fantasy stock of top receiver Brandon Marshall will take a hit if Moore is unable to go in Week 15 at Buffalo. And J.P. Losman is not a flier for this do-or-die point of the campaign.
 
 
RUNNING BACKS

DeMarco Murray, Dallas Cowboys – Went down with a fractured right ankle in Sunday’s loss to New York.
FANTASY IMPACT: Murray’s rookie campaign is over, and the fantasy stock of Felix Jones is back on the rise as he resumes his role as the Cowboys’ No. 1 running back.  
 
Maurice Morris, Detroit Lions – Suffered a chest injury in Sunday’s win over Minnesota.
FANTASY IMPACT: Morris was able to play through the ailment, but Keiland Williams ended up leading the Lions in rushing.  
 
Brandon Saine, Green Bay Packers – Sustained a concussion vs. Oakland.
FANTASY IMPACT: With James Starks recovering from a sprained ankle, Ryan Grant’s fantasy stock looks to remain elevated for Week 15 at Kansas City with Saine also ailing.
 
Javon Ringer, Tennessee Titans – Suffered a finger injury in Sunday’s loss to New Orleans.
FANTASY IMPACT: Ringer was sporting a cast on his hand following the game, and will be evaluated Monday. Rookie Jamie Harper would work as the primary backup behind Chris Johnson if Ringer can’t go in Week 15 at Indianapolis – but we wouldn’t recommend taking a flier on Harper at this critical point of the fantasy year.  
 
 
WIDE RECEIVERS

Greg Jennings, Green Bay Packers – Went down with a knee injury in Sunday’s blowout victory over Oakland.
FANTASY IMPACT: There is initial fear that the elite wideout may have suffered a torn right MCL, and is slated for an MRI Monday. Jordy Nelson’s fantasy stock would raise even higher if Jennings needs to miss time, and James Jones would be in store for more targets as well.   
 
Stevie Johnson, Buffalo Bills – Sustained a hand injury in Buffalo’s loss to San Diego.
FANTASY IMPACT: Johnson was able to finish the contest, and reeled in four catches for 116 yards. But if his hand gets worse throughout the week, Brad Smith and David Nelson could see a few more targets in Week 15 vs. Miami.
 
Deion Branch, New England Patriots – Suffered a groin injury in Sunday’s win over Washington.
FANTASY IMPACT: The severity of the injury is yet to be determined. It is worth pointing out that Aaron Hernandez benefited the most from Branch’s absence, as the ultra-talented young tight end reeled in five catches for 84 yards.
 
Mike Thomas, Jacksonville Jaguars – Went down with a concussion in Sunday’s victory over Tampa Bay.
FANTASY IMPACT: The Jaguars may be the neediest team in the NFL at wide receiver, and tight end Marcedes Lewis and stud running back Maurice Jones-Drew would likely be the beneficiaries of a boost in targets if Thomas can’t go in Week 15 at Atlanta. And Lewis did lead the club with 77 receiving yards Sunday.
 

TIGHT ENDS

Jimmy Graham, New Orleans Saints – Was hindered by back spasms in Sunday’s win over Tennessee.
FANTASY IMPACT: The stud tight end is slated for an MRI Monday, and noted that he was in pain throughout the contest. But Graham still expects to play in Week 15 vs. Minnesota.
 
 
KICKERS

Josh Scobee, Jacksonville Jaguars - Noted that he strained his groin in warmups before Sunday's win over Tampa Bay.

FANTASY IMPACT: Scobee converted all five of his extra points, but did not attempt a field goal in the 41-14 win, and also refrained from kickoff duty. Fantasy owners should have another kicker ready to go for Week 15 to be safe. 

 
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

Justin Tuck, New York Giants – Suffered a toe injury in Sunday’s win over Dallas.
FANTASY IMPACT: Tuck missed just one defensive series, but ended the tilt with no tackles or sacks. The injury is believed to be minor in nature though.  
 

LINEBACKERS

DeMarcus Ware, Dallas Cowboys – Aggravated his shoulder stinger in Sunday’s loss to New York.
FANTASY IMPACT: Ware was able to return and finish the contest after a brief exit, and the fearsome rush linebacker should be ok for Week 15 at Tampa Bay.
  
 
DEFENSIVE BACKS

Brian Dawkins, Denver Broncos – Sustained a neck injury in Sunday’s win over Chicago.
FANTASY IMPACT: This marked Dawkins’ second neck injury of the season, and looks to be uncertain to return Week 15 vs. New England.
 
Jim Leonhard, New York Jets – Went down with a knee injury in Sunday’s win over Kansas City.
FANTASY IMPACT: Leonhard is believed to be done for the season, which would be a major loss to New York as a leader of their defense. Brodney Pool would be his replacement.
 
 

Follow Mike Lietz on Twitter: @FFChamps_Lietz


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