Injury Roundup From Week 16

'Twas the week before playoffs, when all through the field, players were stirring with injuries, the details no longer concealed. 

Key: Position Player, Team | Injury | Projected Return to Play

Josh Allen, Buffalo | Elbow Injury | Projecting Week 17 Return

Josh Allen, who has been playing through most of the season with left hand fracture, was seen fussing with his right (throwing) hand during Sunday's game. 

Josh Allen appears to be dealing with discomfort in his throwing hand. He’s testing it on the sideline. #Bills #Patriots pic.twitter.com/FFwnyGWT9V

— Henry McKenna (@henrycmckenna) December 22, 2024

Allen's injury actually occurred when he injured his right elbow. Following  this injury Allen told CBS reporter Evan Washburn that he "had not feeling in his hand." 

"Got a helmet to the funny bone. I went to throw the next one, and I had no feeling in the hand. Came out a little wobbly."

- Josh Allen to @EvanWashburn on what happened to his throwing hand pic.twitter.com/bA312VmkU9

— NFL on CBS ? (@NFLonCBS) December 23, 2024

It's likely Allen irritated his ulnar nerve. When serious this can result in time missed, but in Allen's case, it does not appear to be an issue. I expect him to play next week. Fantasy managers can rest easy.

Drake London, Atlanta | Hamstring  | Projecting Week 17 Return 

Drake London was removed from Sunday's game due to a hamstring injury but by all accounts, it appears to be minor. Post-game London told reporters he could have re-entered the game if needed. It sounds like London plans to play next week but his practice participation heading into Week 17 will tell the real story. 

CeeDee Lamb, Dallas | Shoulder Re-Injury |  Projecting Week 17 Return

Ken Walker III, Seattle | Ankle Injury | 

WR Tank Dell, Houston | Knee / Patellar Dislocation | Season-Ending

One of the more scary injuries this season occurred this past Saturday in Kansas City. While completing a TD catch a teammate of Tank Dell's collided with his left knee, resulting in a patellar (knee cap) dislocation. We are still waiting for all the information regarding Dell's injury but for fantasy purposes, his season is over.

Looking ahead to 2025, the full extent of Dell's injury will be important.  Dell was kept overnight in a Kansas City hospital – atypical for patellar dislocations. If Dell avoided ligament damage and surgery then will likely be ready for 2025.

James Conner, Arizona | Knee Injury |  Possibly Season-Ending

James Conner suffered a knee hyperextension injury. By video, the injury did seem minor but it caused the veteran RB to leave the game and he was unable to return.

James Conner #cardinals

Brief hyperextension moment of the right knee here, not likely enough to put major stress on any key ligaments. We’ll see if he can return pic.twitter.com/CFmsdEpCSB

— Tom Christ, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT (@FantasyInjuryT) December 22, 2024

Based on the mechanism of injury, I think there is concern of a bone bruise. If confirmed, a bone bruise would likely end Conner's season as they can take anywhere from 2-8 weeks to recover from. 

Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia | Concussion | Timeline TBD

Early in the Eagles and Commanders matchup, Jalen Hurts was pulled for a concussion evaluation. On the broadcast Hurts appeared to give an official a thumbs up, signaling he was good to go but ultimately medical professional stepped in and Hurts was later ruled out.

Hurts' status for next week is really up in the air. On average NFL QBs miss 1.4 weeks due to concussions, but of that sample, 40% of QBs were able to miss 0 additional games. For whatever reason, when it comes to concussions, QBs average less time missed compared to RBs, TEs, and WRs. I think there is a chance Hurts can play in Week 17 but it will likely come down to the wire. 

Aaron Rodgers, NY Jets | Ankle Injury |  Possibly Season-Ending

By video Aaron Rodgers appeared to sustain a high ankle sprain during Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Rams. NFL QBs average 4 weeks missed when they suffer high ankle sprains.

We will have to follow the Jets' injury report this week. If a high ankle sprain is confirmed, it would be surprising to see Rodgers play in Week 17.

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