Week 17 Injuries: Tua Tagovailoa, Christian McCaffrey, Alvin Kamara, DeVonta Smith and More

The fantasy football owners that play their championship in week 18 already have to deal with several of the top players being out because their teams have prioritized health over a win. At this late point of the season, there’s also a ton of injuries to deal with.

This season has been brutal for injuries, and they continued to pile up in week 17. Let’s look at some of the injuries that occurred last week and that could hamper you if you were hoping to start them in week 18.

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Quarterback Injuries

Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Baker Mayfield is dealing with an injury to his ribs, but is expected to play in week 18 against the Carolina Panthers. Mayfield was 22-of-33 for 309 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions in week 17.

Even though Kenny Pickett is ready to play, the Pittsburgh Steelers will roll with Mason Rudolph in week 18 against the Baltimore Ravens. Rudolph was 18-of-24 for 274 yards and no touchdowns or interceptions in week 17.

Tennessee Titans’ Will Levis suffered a foot injury and was replaced by Ryan Tannehill in the team’s week 17 loss to the Houston Texans. The fantasy outlooks for the Titans’ offensive players take a negative hit if Levis cannot play in week 18 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

Miami Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa left the team’s loss to the Ravens with a shoulder injury. If he can’t go in week 18, it’ll be Mike White that gets a start against the Buffalo Bills. That would definitely hurt the fantasy outlooks for the Dolphins’ other offensive weapons.

Running Backs that went Down

The big blow this weekend was the San Francisco 49ers losing star back Christian McCaffrey with a calf injury. It’s not expected to be a serious injury, but he might not play in week 18 with the Niners already having the top seed locked up. Elijah Mitchell looks like he’s the San Fran back you’d want to own if McCaffrey can’t play.

The New Orleans Saints lost Alvin Kamara to an ankle injury. Jamaal Williams took over as the lead back and went for 71 total yards on 23 touches. Kamara is believed to  have suffered a high ankle sprain, which puts his week 18 status in serious jeopardy. You’ll want to prioritize Williams on the waiver wire.

Several Wide Receivers Go Down

Philadelphia Eagles’ DeVonta Smith went down with an ankle injury of his own in the team’s surprising loss to the Arizona Cardinals. It’s believed to be a mild ankle sprain, and he left the stadium with a boot on his right ankle. A.J. Brown would be even more involved if Smith is out, and tight end Dallas Goedert and receiver Julio Jones could also be more involved in the passing game in week 18 against the New York Giants.

Green Bay Packers’ Jayden Reed left the team’s win over the Minnesota Vikings with a chest injury. He’s been dealing with the injury for several weeks, but his status will be one to monitor as the week progresses. Christian Watson and Dontayvion Wicks could replace Reed’s production - if they can return from injuries of their own. Romeo Doubs, Tucker Kraft and Bo Melton are also options if Reed cannot go.

New England Patriots’ DeVante Parker left the team’s loss to the Bills with a rib injury. Demario Douglas, Mike Gesicki, Jalen Reagor and Tyquan Thornton are options in the passing game if Parker can’t play in week 18, while running back Ezekiel Elliott would probably get a few more touches too.

Houston Texans’ Noah Brown and Robert Woods both left the team’s win over the Titans with hip injuries. Nico Collins, Dalton Schultz, John Metchie, Xavier Hutchinson and Brevin Jordan are all pass-catching options if either of those guys cannot play in week 18 against the Indianapolis Colts.

Other Big Injuries

Not only did Miami lose Tagovailoa in their blowout loss, but also top defenders Bradley Chubb and Xavien Howard. Chubb is expected to miss the rest of the season with a significant knee injury, while Howard left with a foot injury. Their defense had a tough test already in week 18 against the Bills, but possibly down those two guys makes them a defense to avoid starting.

Houston also lost offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil in their win against the Titans. If he can’t go in week 18, that could hurt the team’s pass protection and running game.