Fantasy Impact Injury Report

This is a recap of the warriors who were injured on the gridiron battlefield of Week 17.
           
QUARTERBACKS

Christian Ponder, Minnesota Vikings – Sustained a hip injury in Sunday’s loss to Chicago.
FANTASY IMPACT: This was an aggravation of an injury that bothered the rookie quarterback earlier in the season. Ponder’s first season was nothing special, as he completed just 54.3 percent of his passes with a dull 70.1 efficiency rating with the 3-13 Vikings.
 
T.J. Yates, Houston Texans – Suffered a shoulder injury in Sunday’s loss to Tennessee.
FANTASY IMPACT: It is believed that Yates has a separated shoulder, but the rookie does expect to be fine for the opening round of the playoffs vs. Cincinnati. Veteran Jake Delhomme may give Houston the best chance to win after performing efficiently in relief yesterday though.
 

RUNNING BACKS

Rashard Mendenhall, Pittsburgh Steelers – There is fear that Mendenhall sustained a torn ACL in Sunday’s win over Cleveland.
FANTASY IMPACT: Isaac Redman would be the top candidate to start for Pittsburgh in the opening round of the playoffs vs. Denver if Mendenhall is in fact on the shelf. Redman averaged 4.4 yards on 110 carries in the regular season, which was actually a better mark than Mendenhall’s 4.1.
 
Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams – Sustained a bruised left bicep in Sunday’s loss to San Francisco.
FANTASY IMPACT: As a good running back on a bad team, the 28-year-old vet tallied 1,145 rushing yards and 333 receiving yards with seven total trips to the end zone.
 
Toby Gerhart, Minnesota Vikings – Went down with a sprained left MCL in Sunday’s loss to Chicago.
FANTASY IMPACT: Gerhart should be good to go in time for OTAs, and could be a fantasy factor early if Adrian Peterson needs to start the campaign on the PUP list.
 

WIDE RECEIVERS

Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals – Fitzgerald was spotted coughing up blood on the sideline during Sunday’s win over Seattle.
FANTASY IMPACT: Fitzgerald has an injury related to his lung, and the extent will be known after an MRI Monday. The stud receiver hauled in six passes for 149 yards in the contest.
 
Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs – Was forced out of action vs. Denver due to a neck injury.
FANTASY IMPACT: The star receiver reeled in six passes for 93 yards prior to exiting, and closed out the season with 81 catches for 1,159 yards and five touchdowns.
 
Davone Bess, Miami Dolphins – Went down with a sprained MCL vs. the Jets.
FANTASY IMPACT: Bess ended the season with just 51 receptions after setting a new personal high with 79 in 2010.
 

TIGHT ENDS

Greg Olsen, Carolina Panthers – Sustained a head injury in Sunday’s loss to New Orleans.
FANTASY IMPACT: Olsen may have a concussion. His first campaign in Carolina was forgettable with a measly 45 catches for 540 yards and five touchdowns, and while highly athletic, the 26-year-old won’t be a hot fantasy target for 2012.
 
Scott Chandler, Buffalo Bills – Went down with a knee injury vs. New England.
FANTASY IMPACT: Chandler broke out with 38 catches for 389 yards and six touchdowns this season with the lowly Bills, and his numbers would have been even better if not hindered by an ankle injury down the stretch.  
 
 
KICKERS

The injury bug was kind to kickers this week.

 
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

The injury bug was kind to defensive linemen as well.
 

LINEBACKERS

Brian Urlacher, Chicago Bears – There is fear that Urlacher tore his ACL and PCL in Sunday’s win over Minnesota.
FANTASY IMPACT: On the bright side, at least he didn’t tear his ACL – which would require the longest recovery time.
 
David Harris, New York Jets – Suffered a calf injury vs. Miami.
FANTASY IMPACT: The Jets failed to make the playoffs with an 8-8 mark after driving to the AFC Championship in each of the previous two campaigns. Harris collected a career-best four interceptions, but his tackling total of 86 left a lot to be desired.
 
Jamar Chaney, Philadelphia Eagles – Sustained a head injury in Sunday’s win over Washington.
FANTASY IMPACT: Chaney’s injury is believed to be a stinger. He improved in his second NFL campaign with 92 tackles and three interceptions on a disappointing Philadelphia defense.
 
Brian Orakpo, Washington Redskins – Suffered a left pectoral injury vs. Philadelphia.
FANTASY IMPACT: There is fear that the young pass rusher may have a tear, but Orakpo could be healed in time for training camp if that is the case.
 

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Ronde Barber, Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Fractured the ulnar bone in his forearm in Sunday’s blowout loss to Atlanta.
FANTASY IMPACT: The 36-year-old vet is expected to be recovered in time for OTAs if Barber decides to return for another NFL campaign. He has impressively played a full 16-game slate in each of the last 14 seasons.
 
Terence Newman, Dallas Cowboys – Went down with a shoulder injury in Sunday night’s loss to rival New York.
FANTASY IMPACT: That injury has to hurt – but not as badly as getting burned by Victor Cruz for a 74-yard touchdown earlier in the critical battle that decided the NFC East title.

Follow Mike Lietz on Twitter: @FFChamps_Lietz


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