Dynasty Injury Report: Week 15

Fantasy football playoffs are upon us, when every pass, catch, and run is hyper analyzed to determine how it affects your team’s score. Every interception, fumble, and tackle could mean the difference between champion and chump. Injuries also can lead to your playoff matchup ending before it ever truly started, keeping you from glory yet again.

My name is Kyle Trimble, I am a Doctor of Physical Therapy, the other half of the injury analyst team here at Dynasty League Football. We are here each and every week to break down the latest injuries and provide perspective on how to navigate the pitfalls that are injuries.

I would also encourage you to tune in to the DLF YouTube channel (make sure to subscribe!) to tune in to helpful content throughout the week.

Let’s look at the various injuries heading into week 16 and any concerns moving forward for your fantasy championships.

Trevor Lawrence, QB JAC

Injury: Concussion

Return to Play: Week 16-17

Following the Jacksonville Jaguars’ loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night, Lawrence was placed in the NFL concussion protocol. This came after delayed symptoms from a hit in the fourth quarter during their final possession. Lawrence must now pass through the five-stage concussion protocol in order to play in week 16 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Looking at his injury history, this is the first concussion he has suffered since 2018 when he was at Clemson when they played Syracuse. He exited that game early but was able to return the next week. Watch how Lawrence progresses through the protocol this week, watching for when he begins throwing and increasing his participation levels. Look for him to get a limited practice by Thursday, otherwise grab any remaining quarterbacks on the waiver wire including Jags backup CJ Beathard.

Ja’Marr Chase, WR CIN

Injury: Right AC Joint Sprain

Return to Play: Week 17-18

Chase suffered a right shoulder injury midway through the fourth quarter on a 24-yard pass early in the fourth quarter. He left with his arm hanging off to the side as he went to the locker room only later to return with the arm in a sling. By video, it appears as though he suffered a right AC joint sprain and this was later confirmed as a separated shoulder by NFL Network. Depending on how severe the shoulder separation is will determine a return to play timeline. Reports indicate that he will miss some time which could be one week or even three depending on the severity. If you’re desperate, Trenton Irwin could see an increase in snaps while Chase misses time as a boom or bust option.

Keaton Mitchell, RB BAL

Injury: Left ACL tear

Return to Play: Mid-2024

Mitchell was the victim of some awful luck on Sunday night when he got tripped around the first down marker in the fourth quarter. His right foot got clipped by the defender which caused Mitchell to overextend his stride when he landed on the left leg, causing the knee to hyperextend. He was unable to place weight through his leg, requiring the cart to exit. He will undergo surgery to repair the ACL and likely other associated structures. Due to the timing of the injury in the season, he has a long road to recovery for the 2024 season that might not see him return until the midway point. Gus Edwards and Justice Hill will carry the rock with an additional signing to bolster depth.

Will Levis, QB TEN

Injury: Left high-ankle sprain

Return to Play: Week 18

Levis suffered a left ankle injury that appeared to be a high-ankle sprain based on how he fell. This is the same ankle that he hurt four weeks prior back in week 11. Fortunately, he did not miss any time then. He underwent an MRI the next day with reports indicating a high-ankle sprain. Despite the Titans being officially eliminated from the playoffs, Levis still has a lot to play for as he is in line to start next season. However, this injury may not be worth playing through. Levis will be an interesting name to watch throughout the week if he practices. If he does try to play, I don’t expect him to be effective.

Hunter Henry, TE NE

Injury: Left knee contusion

Return to Play: Week 16-17

Henry suffered a left knee contusion in the second half while securing a pass on a route out to the right side of the field. He was hit low at the knee by the Kansas City defender and was questionable to return. Henry will be limited all week on the Patriots’ injury report and be questionable heading into the game. He has come off some of his best fantasy performances in the past two weeks but I would expect a regression in production due to the injury. Temper your expectations and if he is ruled out, go grab Pharaoh Brown.

Zach Wilson, QB NYJ

Injury: Concussion

Return to Play: Week 17

Wilson had a curious exit from his week 15 start against the Miami Dolphins, exiting with a head injury. The team PR department noted that he left due to a hydration issue and then did not come out due to a head injury that wasn’t termed a concussion. Later, he was evaluated for a concussion and eventually ruled out. After a superb performance last week that saw him earn AFC Offensive Player of the Week, Wilson takes a step back in what could have been his final performance as a Jet. While Aaron Rodgers was slated to potentially come back if the Jets were in playoff contention, that doesn’t seem to be the case which means Trevor Siemian is up next. This also means you need to look anywhere else possible for a replacement quarterback.

Zack Moss, RB IND

Injury: Right arm contusion

Return to Play: Week 16

Moss was forced to leave Sunday’s win over the Pittsburgh Steelers following a hit to his right arm on his 16-yard touchdown run. He was initially questionable before being downgraded to out with reports stating he had difficulty gripping the football. While a contusion can be played though, having difficulty gripping the football is more of a concern and may signify a bigger underlying issue. This may be a temporary thing due to the pain but if he is unable to practice by Thursday, Trey Sermon could be a great pickup as a backup as Jonathan Taylor is uncertain to return.

Jaylen Waddle, WR MIA

Injury: Chest contusion

Return to Play: Week 16

Waddle suffered a chest injury early in the first quarter of Sunday’s win over the Jets when he fell to the turf after hauling in a pass. He grabbed towards the middle of his chest and briefly required further medical attention before later returning. After the game, he said he had the wind knocked out of him. Despite this, I expect him to still be limited in practice this week but ultimately play. He should continue to be a must-start especially with Tyreek Hill still dealing with his high-ankle sprain.

Michael Pittman, WR IND

Injury: Concussion

Return to Play: Week 17-18

Pittman suffered a vicious hit from the Steelers’ Damontae Kazee in the second quarter that resulted in a concussion on Sunday. Kazee was later ejected and suspended for the rest of the season for his repeated violation of the health and safety rules. Pittman must now pass through the league’s concussion protocol with no guarantee when he returns. DJ Montgomery would be next up on the depth chart but Isaiah McKenzie could also see more work outside with Pittman out, making them intriguing pickups for your fantasy playoffs.