Postseason Shootout | RealTime Fantasy Sports

Injury Status: Week 13

Thu Dec 1 8:48am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

The running back position took a bit of a hit last week. We saw several backs get banged up. And for many of them, they could end up being game-time decision this week. This isn’t fun for fantasy owners to deal with, but that is fantasy, right? Hopefully, we have decisions on a lot of these players sooner than later to make our lives easier. We’ll see. . . . .

Travis Etienne, RB, Jaguars. Etienne left last week’s game early because of a foot injury. He was reportedly good enough to return to the game, but was held out as a precaution. He is practicing on a limited basis and seems to have a good shot to play Week 13. As long as he doesn’t have a setback later in the week, expect Etienne to start the game this week.

Michael Carter, RB, Jets. Carter was knocked from last week’s game because of a sprained ankle. He is out of practice to start the week and looking questionable to play. He seemed to avoid something too serious, but this injury is one to watch. He could be held out this week. If he sits, look for Zonovan Knight and Ty Johnson to split much of the work at running back for the Jets. James Robinson could also be in the mix.

Najee Harris, RB, Steelers. Harris is dealing with an abdomen injury. He had to leave the game early with the injury and is out of practice to start the week. He is up in the air to play this week. The good news is he didn’t suffer a season-ending injury. We think he will miss at least a week or two of action, though. Jaylen Warren could be the starter this week for the Steelers.

Raheem Mostert, RB, Dolphins. Mostert is expected to return from his knee injury this week. He was close to playing last week but is set to play Week 13, barring some late-week setback. He is practicing on a limited basis to start his week. Mostert should split the work with Jeff Wilson at running back.

Ja'Marr Chase, WR, Bengals. Chase looks set to return from his hip injury this week. He was very close to going last week, but the Bengals gave him one more week of rest. He should play and play a big role in the Bengals huge game against the Chiefs in Week 13. And as long as he is active, Chase should be in fantasy lineups.

Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers. Rodgers was forced from the game early last week because of a rib injury. He is not practicing to start the week, but expectations are he should be ready to play the Week 13 game. He might not even practice all week, but that shouldn’t be a huge issue for the veteran quarterback.

Joe Mixon, RB, Bengals. Mixon is back practicing to start the week, which is a great sign. He was close to playing last week but didn’t clear the concussion protocol in time. He should play and get his usual workload in Week 13.

J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ravens. Dobbins was designated to return from injured reserve on Wednesday. He is already practicing with the team and could even return to action this week. The Ravens might ease him back into the mix since his knee has been an issue much of the year, but things are looking up for Dobbins to make a return sooner than later.

Jaylen Warren, RB, Steelers. Warren is hopeful to make his return from his hamstring injury this week. He is trending the right way and could be the starter for the team with Najee Harris very iffy to play right now.

Christian McCaffrey, RB, 49ers. McCaffrey is battling a sore knee and has not practiced yet this week. The oft-injured back is looking questionable to play right now. The 49ers have a huge game this week, though, so look for McCaffrey to do all he can to get ready for the Week 13 game. He might end up being a game-time decision, though, so plan accordingly.

Matthew Stafford, QB, Rams. Stafford is expected to miss the game this week and might be done for the season. He is trying to return from a concussion and neck injury. It isn’t sure who will start this week for the Rams. It will be either John Wolford or Bryce Perkins.

Justin Fields, QB, Bears. Fields missed the game last week and remains limited in practice because of his shoulder injury. We aren’t sure the Bears push Fields to play until he is near full strength. They aren’t going to risk their star quarterback with not much on the line anymore. Trevor Siemian also is hurting, so it might be Nathan Peterman starting for the Bears in Week 13.

Damien Harris, RB, Patriots. Harris has already been ruled out for the Week 13 game because of a thigh injury. Rhamondre Stevenson could get a little bigger workload with Harris sidelined.

Mike Williams, WR, Chargers. Williams remains out of practice because of a sprained ankle. He is expected to miss another week of action and could be out a few more weeks. Josh Palmer and DeAndre Carter will continue to get more playing time while Williams is sidelined.

Josh Jacobs, RB, Raiders. Jacobs dealt with a calf injury late last week but played and had his best game as a pro. He did tweak the injury late, though, and has been limited in practice to start the week. The good new is Jacobs is doing some stuff in practice. He should be ready for the Week 13 game.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Nick McCloud Apr 15 8:30pm CT

New York Giants restricted free-agent cornerback Nick McCloud signed his free-agent tender offer on Monday to officially return to the team for the 2024 season. McCloud played in all 17 regular-season games (three starts) but was injured in the regular-season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles. The 25-year-old finished his third year in the NFL with 28 tackles (20 solo), his first career interception, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. He entered the NFL in 2021 with the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent out of Notre Dame. In his three years in the league, McCloud has picked up 71 tackles (55 solo), 1.5 sacks, one interception, nine passes defended, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in 33 games (11 starts).