By Moses Joshua 
Injury turbulence shakes the fantasy landscape as playoff hopes hang in the balance
As fantasy managers face the final week of the regular season in many leagues, the timing couldn’t be more dramatic—or more stressful. Several marquee players exited Thanksgiving weekend with injuries, creating last-minute uncertainty for teams still fighting for postseason berths. The silver lining? Some reinforcements may be arriving just in time.
Below is a comprehensive look at the most important injury updates heading into Week 14 and what they mean for your roster decisions.
Amon-Ra St. Brown’s Status Clouds Lions’ Short Week
Amon-Ra St. Brown’s Week 13 outing ended almost as soon as it began. The Lions star suffered an ankle injury in the first quarter of Detroit’s loss to Green Bay and did not return, leaving managers with a painful Thanksgiving goose egg.
Head coach Dan Campbell offered early reassurance, noting he didn’t believe the issue would be “long, long term,” but he also acknowledged St. Brown could still miss “a week or two.” With Detroit set for a Thursday matchup against Dallas, the shorter recovery window makes his return far from guaranteed.
If he’s sidelined, Detroit’s passing attack shifts dramatically. Jameson Williams—fresh off a breakout performance of 144 yards and a touchdown—becomes the focal point. Rookie Isaac TeSlaa, meanwhile, profiles as a deep-league sleeper with the potential for expanded usage.
Justin Herbert Battles a Fractured Hand Ahead of MNF
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert played through a fractured bone in his non-throwing hand after being fitted with a hard cast and glove, but surgery early in the week has made his availability more uncertain than it initially appeared.
Herbert told reporters he expects to be “fine” for the Monday night showdown against the Eagles, though he also admitted gripping the football was difficult after the injury. That concern alone has prompted head coach Jim Harbaugh to prepare Trey Lance for “under-center goal-line scenarios.”
Herbert’s recent dip in fantasy production—even before the injury—makes him a risky Week 14 start. Lance, while a fascinating developmental talent, would only be an emergency option versus Philadelphia’s imposing defense.
Aaron Jones’ Lingering Shoulder Issue Continues to Complicate Vikings’ Backfield
Minnesota running back Aaron Jones aggravated an existing AC joint sprain during the team’s lopsided loss to Seattle. Though head coach Kevin O’Connell said Jones did “not seem to have made it any worse,” he remains day-to-day entering Week 14.
If Jones can’t go, Jordan Mason would once again lead the committee. His efficiency—47 yards on six carries last week—was encouraging, but the Vikings’ overall offensive struggles limit his ceiling. Still, he’s worth adding in leagues where running back depth is thin.
Marvin Harrison Jr. Faces Uncertain Week After Heel Injury
After returning from appendicitis, Marvin Harrison Jr. found himself dealing with a new setback—this time a heel injury that forced him out of the second half against Tampa Bay. Head coach Jonathan Gannon said the team is still evaluating him and expects to update his status later in the week.
Gannon’s comparison of Harrison’s issue to the injury that sidelined cornerback Max Melton is a subtle red flag and could jeopardize Harrison’s chances of playing the Rams.
Should Harrison sit, Michael Wilson—who accumulated 303 yards during Harrison’s previous absence—regains WR1 duties. Greg Dortch also becomes a viable deep-league add after producing double-digit targets and two touchdowns over that span.
Tyrone Tracy Jr. Avoids Major Injury After Scare
New York Giants rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. was carted off with a hip injury during Monday Night Football, but early fears eased when he later described it as a contusion/stinger. With the Giants on a Week 14 bye, he is trending toward a return in Week 15.
In the interim, Devin Singletary becomes a worthwhile speculative add—especially for managers already playoff-bound—since he’s the only running back on the roster with meaningful touches behind Tracy.
Quick Hits: Other Injuries to Monitor
- Dylan Sampson (Browns, calf): Considered day-to-day. If he sits, Jerome Ford backs up Quinshon Judkins—though that role holds little fantasy value.
- Parker Washington (Jaguars, hip): His absence boosted Jakobi Meyers (6/90/1), who would again be the top option if Washington misses time. Brenton Strange is a potential tight end streamer for managers replacing George Kittle.
- Kyle Juszczyk (49ers, ribs): Not fantasy-relevant himself, but his absence could reduce efficiency for Christian McCaffrey in the run game.
Possible Week 14 Returns Worth Tracking
Tee Higgins Nearing Clearance
Tee Higgins remained in concussion protocol to start the week, but his participation in the team’s walkthrough suggests he could be cleared in time for a high-stakes matchup against Buffalo.
Omarion Hampton Could End His Absence
There is growing optimism that Chargers running back Omarion Hampton will return after missing seven games. Given Herbert’s hand issue, Los Angeles may rely heavily on Hampton and Kimani Vidal.
Jayden Daniels and J.J. McCarthy Making Progress
Both rookie quarterbacks are inching closer to returning from their respective injuries. Daniels has yet to be cleared for contact, while McCarthy could exit concussion protocol soon. Their potential availability adds volatility to both offenses.
Packers’ Receiving Corps Could Get Reinforcements
Head coach Matt LaFleur indicated that both Jayden Reed and Matthew Golden may return this week. While Dontayvion Wicks exploded in their absence, Christian Watson appears to offer the most stable fantasy profile moving forward.
Trey Benson’s Season Hangs in the Balance
After knee surgery earlier this year, Benson has yet to return to full activity. If Arizona doesn’t activate him by the end of the week, his season will officially come to an end.