Fantasy Impact Injury Report

This is a recap of the warriors who were injured on the gridiron battlefield of Week 16.
 
QUARTERBACKS

Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys – Sustained a bruised hand vs. Philadelphia.
FANTASY IMPACT: The injury is minor and early indications point to Romo playing in Week 17 vs. the rival Giants with all of the marbles on the table for the NFC East title.
 
Christian Ponder, Minnesota Vikings – Went down with a concussion against Washington.
FANTASY IMPACT: Joe Webb completed four of five passes for 84 yards, with two touchdowns and no interceptions (also scored a rushing touchdown) – and his performance was good enough to lead the Vikings to their third win of the season. Ponder will need to pass a gauntlet of concussion tests before getting the green light to lead Minnesota into Week 17 vs. rival Chicago.  
 
 
RUNNING BACKS

Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings – Peterson tore both the ACL and MCL in his left knee during Minnesota’s win over Washington.
FANTASY IMPACT: Peterson went down late in the year, so the stud running back could end up starting the 2012 campaign on the PUP list while recovering. Toby Gerhart is a player to target for fantasy owners that have Peterson in dynasty leagues.
 
LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles – Tweaked his ankle against Dallas.
FANTASY IMPACT: McCoy was able to return to the field after a brief exit, but with Philadelphia out of the playoff hunt, they could opt to sit their prized running back rather than risk making his injury worse. Ronnie Brown and rookie Dion Lewis would handle the workload at running back if McCoy does get held out.
 
Reggie Bush, Miami Dolphins – Went down with a right leg injury vs. New England.
FANTASY IMPACT: The injury is not believed to be serious, and Bush expects to play in Week 17 vs. the Jets.  
 
Daniel Thomas, Miami Dolphins – Sustained a knee injury against New England.
FANTASY IMPACT: With Bush also banged up, Lex Hilliard or Steve Slaton could inherit a larger role for Week 17 vs. the Jets.
 
James Starks, Green Bay Packers – Starks suffered a bruised ankle vs. Chicago.
FANTASY IMPACT: While the injury is minor, the Packers will likely rest him in Week 17 to get ready to go for the Playoffs.
 

WIDE RECEIVERS

Ben Obomanu, Seattle Seahawks – Went down with a knee injury vs. San Francisco.
FANTASY IMPACT: Golden Tate could inherit more targets if Obomanu is unable to go in Week 17 at Arizona.
 
David Reed, Baltimore Ravens – May have sustained a torn ACL against Cleveland.
FANTASY IMPACT: While Reed brings little to the fantasy table as a backup wide receiver, he would be missed by Baltimore as a strong kick returner.  
 
Kyle Williams, San Francisco 49ers – Sustained a head injury vs. Seattle.
FANTASY IMPACT: Ted Ginn Jr. could see a few more targets if Williams is not deemed fit for Week 17 at St. Louis.
 
 
TIGHT ENDS

Delanie Walker, San Francisco 49ers – Was taken to the hospital after sustaining a jaw injury vs. Seattle.
FANTASY IMPACT: It is believed Walker’s jaw is broken, and will not play in Week 17. He reeled in 19 catches and three touchdowns on the campaign.
 
 
KICKERS

The injury bug was kind to kickers this week.
 

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

The injury bug was kind to defensive linemen as well.
 

LINEBACKERS

Sean Lee, Dallas Cowboys – Sustained a hamstring injury vs. Philadelphia.
FANTASY IMPACT: Lee did not return to the game due to a coach’s decision, and the rapidly rising young linebacker should be on the field for the Cowboys’ critical Week 17 match-up against the Giants with the NFC East title on the line.  
 
Paris Lenon, Arizona Cardinals – Suffered a wrist injury against Cincinnati.
FANTASY IMPACT: Lenon’s veteran presence would be missed by Arizona is unable to go in Week 17 vs. Seattle, as well as in deeper IDP leagues as he posted 87 tackles and a career-best three sacks over 15 starts.
 
 
DEFENSIVE BACKS

Patrick Peterson, Arizona Cardinals – Suffered a strained Achilles against Cincinnati.
FANTASY IMPACT: While the prized rookie cornerback is unlikely to play in Week 17, head coach Ken Whisenhunt noted that the injury is not serious.
 
Vontae Davis, Miami Dolphins – Sustained an elbow injury vs. New England.
FANTASY IMPACT: If Davis can’t go in Week 17 vs. the Jets, Nolan Carroll would be a significant downgrade at right cornerback – which would benefit speed demon Santonio Holmes.
 
Brian Dawkins, Denver Broncos – Sustained a neck injury vs. Buffalo.
FANTASY IMPACT: David Bruton would slide into the starting gig at strong safety if the 38-year-old vet is unable to go in Week 17 vs. Kansas City. There is also belief that Dawkins’ career may be over.
 
Cary Williams, Baltimore Ravens – Suffered a concussion against Cleveland.
FANTASY IMPACT: Jimmy Smith would slide into the starting spot at right cornerback if Williams cannot go in Week 17 at Cincinnati, and the prized rookie has been pushing for playing time as of late.
 
 

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