Most fantasy football leagues have ended but that does not mean the injuries stop. This weekend, there were a few injuries to some NFL players who were key to our fantasy football rosters, along with a major storyline that carries 2025/26 implications. I discuss in more detail below.
Key: Position Player, Team | Injury | Timeline
WR Jayden Reed, Green Bay | Shoulder | Timeline TBD
During the Packers’ loss Sunday, Jayden Reed exited with a shoulder injury, effectively ending his day. Reed’s injury occurred late in the 3rd quarter due to a Reed Blankenship tackle. I am speculating based on the video of his injury, but it is possible that Reed suffered an AC joint sprain. An uncommon mechanism for this type of injury. Other possibilities include a clavicle fracture or a shoulder dislocation.
None of these injuries should affect Reed’s 2025 outlook, and with the Packers eliminated from the playoffs, the specifics likely will not be released.Jayden Reed drafters/managers should expect a healthy WR for next season.
WR Romeo Doubs, Green Bay | Concussion | Projected 1-2 Week Injury
Much like his teammate Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs was injured during the 3rd quarter. Doubs hit the back of his head against the turf while extending for a Joran Love pass. Doubs was pulled for a concussion evaluation, and later, his injury was confirmed.
Typically, wide receivers miss 1-2 weeks, but given that the Packers' season has concluded, Doubs will have ample time to recuperate.
QB Deshaun Watson, Cleveland | Achilles Repair Surgery | Projecting Late 2025 Return
The most notable injury from this weekend was not the result of an NFL playoff game. Friday, news surfaced that Deshaun Watson underwent a revision procedure after he tore his surgically repaired Achilles tendon.
This second surgical procedure essentially resets Watson’s recovery timeline which is traditionally anywhere from 9-12 months. Cleveland and the medical staff could be very conservative with his rehabilitation the second time. As a result, Watson could miss most, if not all, of the 2025 season.
Regarding Watson's fantasy football outlook, in the past, his contract insulated his starting job. However, per Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, Watson's contract could be voided if there is evidence that he re-injured himself outside of team facilities.
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reports that Deshaun Watson rerupturing his Achilles off-site could void his guarantees, leaving the Browns with a decision on his $92 million contract. pic.twitter.com/b0EJygqN12
— Triple Sports News (@TripleSportsNew) January 13, 2025
Injury aside, this is a murky situation. More details will likely come as the offseason progresses.
RB Ray Davis, Buffalo | Concussion | Projected 1-2 Week Injury
Ray Davis was pulled from Sunday’s contest against the Denver Broncos after he sustained a concussion.
Examining average return-to-play timelines for traditional fantasy-relevant NFL players (QBs, RBs, WRs, and TEs) in the concussion protocol, RBs rank 2nd when it comes to time missed. Dating back to 2017, 70% of RBs missed at least one game.
Based on this information, Davis feels like a long shot to play against Baltimore next week. Ty Johnson would slot into the Bills' RB2 role should Davis miss Sunday's game.
TE Ben Sinnott, Washington | Shoulder | Timeline TBD
Ben Sinnott was unable to finish Sunday night’s game in Tampa Bay due to a shoulder injury. As of Monday night we still do not have the specifics of the rookie tight end’s injury, however even non-specific shoulder injury typically results in time missed. The Commanders also play on Saturday, meaning the rookie TE has one less day to recover.
Even without specific details, I lean towards Sinnott missing the Divisional Round game.
LB Nakobe Dean, Philadelphia | Knee Injury | Season-Ending
Typically, this article focuses on fantasy-relevant/offensive players. However, with fewer teams playing in the playoffs, every injury is fantasy-relevant.
Eagles’ linebacker Nakobe Dean was carted off the field Sunday with a knee injury. Monday, we learned his injury was a patellar tendon tear. This is a season-ending injury that requires surgery.
#Eagles LB Nakobe Dean, at the tail end of a breakout season, suffered torn patellar tendon in his knee and is out for the playoffs, per me and @MikeGarafolo.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 13, 2025
A tough blow for Philly and for Dean, who has a long road to recovery. He’ll likely miss the start of next season. pic.twitter.com/xtNdv5ttEQ
Patellar tendon repairs carry a 6-12 month recovery timeline. Given the timing of this injury, this could affect Dean’s 2025 season as well.
DT Daron Payne, Washington | Finger Dislocation | Projecting to Play Next Week
Washington DT Daron Payne dislocated his thumb Sunday and was kind enough to share the X-ray of his injury on social media. (Do not worry, I will not show the picture here, but if you're a real fan of medical imaging or just a curious soul, you can find it on his Instagram).
Finger dislocations can be painful, but unlike fractures, the bone is typically intact. External bracing can provide support to reduce the risk of the injury happening again. Payne should be able to play in the Commander's Divisional Round matchup in Detroit.
