Postseason Shootout | RealTime Fantasy Sports

Injury Status: Championship Games

Thu Jan 26 10:10am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Unfortunately, this injury list is a lot longer this week. And one of the players on the list might be the most important in all of the playoffs. It is a shame. You really want to see these teams at full strength for games of such importance. It is the NFL, though, so it shouldn’t come at a surprise. Injuries never come at a good time. Regardless, let’s hope the games are good ones this weekend. They sure are set up to be.

A.J. Brown, WR, Eagles. Brown injured his hip in last week’s game. He is should be good to go for the game this weekend, though. Brown might be limited in practice most of the week, but should be ready to go this weekend. The Eagles don’t seem too concerned about the injury.

Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs. Mahomes has the big injury situation of the week. He suffered a high-ankle sprain during last week’s game and clearly looked hobbled in the game. He missed some time but was able to return last week. He is already practicing in full this week, though, which is a great sign. Practice reports for Mahomes were very encouraging, saying he looked good on his injured ankle. Mahomes might not be 100 percent for the game, but will be ready to play. And from early reports, he might not be quite as limited as first thought.

Christian McCaffrey, RB, 49ers. McCaffrey is being held out of practice to start the week because of a calf injury. He might do very little in practice all week as the 49ers manage the injury. He should be ready to go for the game Sunday. And he shouldn’t be too limited, dealing with the injury the least few weeks. He has been able to play and produce near his normal numbers.

Jimmy Garoppolo, QB, 49ers. Garoppolo is close to a return from his broken foot, but it won’t be this week. He is expected to sit out once again after getting X-rays on the injury Wednesday. But if the 49ers win, he could be ready to play the Super Bowl.

Deebo Samuel, WR, 49ers. Samuel has been dealing with an ankle injury the last few weeks, but has been playing and playing well. He has been limited in practice this week, but it is good to see him at least practicing some. He might not be quite 100 percent for this week, but should be good to go for the big game. We wouldn’t worry too much about this injury.

Elijah Mitchell, RB, 49ers. Mitchell has a new injury, hurting his groin during last week’s game. The 49ers claim it is minor, though. He has not practiced to start the week. But as long as he gets in a little work before the week is out, Mitchell should be ready to go for the game. We expect him to be active and get his normal workload.

Mecole Hardman, WR, Chiefs. Hardman has been out since Week 9 because of a pelvis injury. He is making good progress, though, and could be ready for the game this weekend. If he can get in a few more full practices before the week is out, look for Hardman to make his return. The problem is you aren’t sure how much he plays with the Chiefs having a host of options making plays in recent weeks. This makes Hardman a risk for fantasy teams even if he is active for the game.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, Chiefs. Edwards-Helaire is another Chief that could make his return this week after missing several games. He has been out with an ankle injury, but could be activated from Injured Reserve in the coming days. But even if he is active, look for him to be No. 3 on the depth chart, playing behind Isiah Pacheco and Jerick McKinnon.

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.

Injury Status: Championship Games

The Paur Report