Key: Position Player, Team | Injury | Projected Return to Play
RB James Conner, Arizona | Knee Re-Injury | Projecting to miss Week 18
I was worried about James Conner heading into Week 17. Video is never conclusive, but when Conner's Week 16 had the potential to be a bone bruise – a painful and typically limiting injury for athletes. Although Conner was able to start in Week 17, he left early after re-injuring his knee. He only managed to score 2.8 fantasy points.
Arizona is out of the playoff hunt and it is clear that Conner is not 100%. I would expect his season to be over.
RB Chase Brown, Cincinnati | Ankle | Projecting to miss Week 18
Chase Brown played the majority of Saturday's game, but not before he sustained an ankle injury. Early reports out of Cincinnati are that Brown's ankle injury is not considered serious.
Ian Rapoport on Chase Brown:
— Goodberry (@JoeGoodberry) December 29, 2024
"This is not considered to be a major injury and he has a chance to play next week."
However, I have real concerns that Brown's sprain is of the high ankle variety. Very rarely do NFL RBs not miss time with this injury. It's possible Brown could return in the playoffs (assuming the Bengals are participating), but in my opinion, Week 18 seems unlikely.
RB Tyjae Spears, Tennessee | Concussion | Projecting to miss Week 18
Tyjae Spears nearly eclipsed 100 yards Sunday before exiting with a concussion – his season this year. Spears thrived with the backfield to himself, but it appears his opportunity will be short-lived.
Typically, players missed at least one week with a concussion, but there is always a shot for them to return the following week. However, this year's trend has been that once a second concussion is documented, the average time missed bumps is up to four weeks. Plan to be without Spears in Week 18.
RB Jerome Ford, Cleveland | Ankle | Projecting to miss Week 18
Jerome Ford is another RB this week who potentially fell victim to the dreaded high ankle sprain. Ford exited in the first half with an ankle injury.
Jerome Ford -
— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) December 29, 2024
Right high ankle concern, and hope for no fracture.
He’s walking slowly into the locker room now. Likely out week 18. pic.twitter.com/9peyyldDT1
He tried to return in the second half, re-entered the game for one play, and then left for good. Similar to Chase Brown, I'd expect Ford to miss time and am currently projecting him to sit out in Week 18.
RB Kendre Miller, New Orleans | Concussion | 50/50 chance to play in Week 18
Kendre Miller also will be in the concussion protocol this week. As I mentioned above, most players miss at least 1 week, but he could clear post-concussion testing in a week. It might not matter, as Alvin Kamara could also return next week after missing two games with a groin strain.
QB Kenny Pickett, Philadelphia | Ribs | Projecting to play in Week 18
Kenny Pickett took a blow to the midsection and needed to visit the locker room for a rib injury. Pickett was able to return. Assuming he had X-rays, the results were negative for a fracture. Pickett should be active next week but likely in a backup role, as I expect Jalen Hurts to return.
RB Aaron Jones, Minnesota | Quadriceps Contusion | Projecting to play in Week 18
The 6th and final RB discussed this week is Aaron Jones, who played sparingly in the second half with a quadriceps contusion. Quadriceps contusions are painful, and although they have caused missed time for NFL players, they can be played through. Although Jones may be less effective, I expect him to play next week as the winner of Vikings vs. Lions will have the No. 1 seed in the NFC.