Dynasty Injury Report: Week 13

We’re getting closer, oh yes we are! Fantasy football playoffs are approaching and we are coming down to the wire where every point matters as you battle for your playoff positioning. You spend all day Sunday constantly checking your phone and celebrating or cursing when Josh Allen scores four touchdowns on three plays or when a steady contributor goes cold and gives you three points.

Understanding who will still produce and who will be duds can make all the difference in the next two weeks.

I am Kyle Trimble, a Doctor of Physical Therapy and injury analyst at Dynasty League Football. I am here 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 13 and any concerns moving forward for your fantasy championships.

Christian McCaffrey, RB SF

Injury: Right PCL Sprain

Timeline to Return: 2025

McCaffrey broke the hearts of fantasy managers everywhere when he was taken down by a shoestring tackle from Bills S Taylor Rapp on Sunday Night Football. Up to that point, McCaffrey was a machine, peeling off runs left and right and keeping the 49ers in contention. However, when CMC took a run to the right side early in the second, he knew something wasn’t right and went down.

On the shoestring play prior, he had landed hard on his right knee with it flexed, causing a PCL sprain. While most PCL sprains do not require surgery, stability is needed from the ligament to push off the leg and prevent the knee from buckling backward. These injuries typically are not season-ending in isolation, but considering the 49ers are 5-7 with five games remaining, it was best to shut him down and look to 2025z

Add in the news that backup Jordan Mason is also on IR, if someone was dumb enough to drop Isaac Guerrendo, go grab them immediately for your fantasy playoffs.

Taysom Hill, QB/TE/RB NO

Injury: Left Knee ACL tear

Timeline to Return: 2025

Hill suffered a brutal left knee injury when he took a run out to the left side and had a defender take a low hit, taking out his left knee. Reports came out Monday afternoon that he suffered an ACL tear along with additional damage, ending his season.

Considering the versatility that Hill provided for the Saints and fantasy, he will be tough to replace at tight end. Juwan Johnson or Foster Moreau may be serviceable at tight end but won’t be as productive.

Trevor Lawrence, QB JAC

Injury: Concussion

Timeline to Return: Week 15-16

Lawrence was taken out by a truly dirty hit by Houston Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair in the second quarter. The hit was so severe that it saw the star quarterback go down and was posturing like we’ve come to see several quarterbacks do after significant blows to the head. Al-Shaair was ejected from the game and suspended for three games. Lawrence was removed and placed in the league’s concussion protocol.

Considering the season that the Jaguars have had and his previous shoulder injury, the training staff should not be trying to rush Lawrence through the concussion protocol. I expect he will miss Week 14 while Mac Jones gets the start but streaming another quarterback may be better for your chances to win.

Dallas Goedert, TE PHI

Injury: PCL sprain

Timeline to Return: Week 16-18

Goedert suffered what is believed to be a PCL sprain late in the game when he likely landed directly on the knee. He has been described as week-to-week with potential discussion as to place him on injured reserve or not signifying the potential severity of the injury.

When he does return, he will return with a hinged knee brace and may lose some explosiveness and push off his affected leg. Considering how strong the Eagles are this season, they can slow-play Goedert’s return to play. Go grab Grant Calcaterra while Goedert is out but keep in mind DeVonta Smith is returning from his hamstring strain which may cut into his targets.

Rashod Bateman, WR BAL

Injury: Knee

Timeline to Return: Week 14-15

Bateman exited the Week 13 contest against the Eagles due to what was described as a sore knee. He was ruled out fairly quickly which suggests that this knee injury may be more than just soreness which means you need to watch the injury reports closely this week.

Any Bateman absence would mean that Dionte Johnson could see a significant uptick in snaps, but he has been severely underutilized since his trade to Baltimore. Johnson could be available but at a boom or bust risk. Tylan Wallace or Devontez Walker could be in line to get more snaps if Johnson is truly in the doghouse. My money is on Walker to produce if called upon.

Austin Ekeler, RB WAS

Injury: Concussion

Timeline to Return: Week 17

Ekeler was placed on injured reserve ahead of Week 13 after suffering his second concussion in Week 12. Considering the risks associated with multiple concussions within a season, the Commanders are doing right by Ekeler to allow him the time to recover. Jeremy McNichols continues to be an excellent pickup while Ekeler is out.