IDP Dynasty Fantasy Football: Monthly Injury Report
Heading into the final stretch of both the regular season and your fantasy football season, the hope is that you don’t lose a key player down the stretch. What would be even better is if an injured player came back as a late-season reinforcement.
Understanding what players won’t return or if they do, won’t be effective is key to navigating the IDP waiver wire. Furthermore, understanding who could come back and still contribute may allow you to find that player who leads your team to victory.
The weekly injury roundup will be posted on Wednesdays to discuss injuries that just occurred. 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.
The IDP injury analysis is a monthly installment highlighting the biggest injuries around the NFL.
Defensive injuries to monitor
Alex Anzalone, LB DET
Injury: Left forearm fracture
Return to Play: Week 17-18
Anzalone suffered a left forearm fracture when he attempted to help Brian Branch secure a tackle at the end of the first half in Week 11. His arm got caught between the ball carrier and Branch, fracturing his arm in the process.
At the time of injury, he was expected to miss six to eight weeks but not undergo surgery. When he does return even at the early portion of that timeframe, this may be for your fantasy championships if you make it that far. I wouldn’t hold out hope for him but if you’re a Lions fan, he will return at the right time.
Nick Bosa, DE SF
Injury: Left Hip Pointer/Oblique
Return to Play: Week 14-15
Bosa suffered a left hip pointer injury when he collided with a Seattle offensive lineman in Week 11. This occurred when he attempted to tackle the running back and Bosa was taken off his feet, swinging into the lineman and striking his hip. This injury caused him to miss Week 12 and 13 but it didn’t help that he was working through the same injury on the opposite side, suffered back in practice ahead of Week 10.
When he does return, he won’t be 100 percent, no one is at this point, but he will be effective enough to be worth a start during the fantasy playoffs.
Jalen Pitre, S HOU
Injury: Right pectoral strain
Return to Play: Week 15-16
Pitre suffered a right pectoral tear back in Week 12 as he attempted to tackle Titans WR Tyler Boyd. His body weight threw him over Boyd as he tried to hang onto him, causing the muscle to eccentrically contract and partially tear the muscle.
When he does return, he will have to wear a shoulder harness but when he returns will be dictated by how severe the strain is. Upon re-entering the lineup, he will still be a rosterable player, but the waiting game is the worst part of all of this. M.J. Stewart is his backup but I would look elsewhere for his replacement on your fantasy roster until he returns.
Alex Highsmith, LB PIT
Injury: Left ankle sprain
Return to Play: Week 14
Highsmith violently tweaked his left ankle while trying to avoid hitting Commanders QB Jayden Daniels back in Week 10. Looking at the video, the ankle turned 90 degrees inward and the severity of the injury has forced him to miss Week 11-13. This is a low ankle sprain but at least a Grade 2 which explains why he has been out for several weeks.
This is more unfortunate and when he does return, he will still not be at full health. The hope is that he can still be effective enough for your playoff run rather than someone off your bench.
Fred Warner, LB SF
Injury: Right Ankle Fracture
Return to Play: N/A
Warner has been playing on a right ankle fracture that he revealed before the Week 13 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. While he has not missed any time, he has not been playing at his All-Pro level. If you’ve had Warner on your roster, he has likely been playing through an avulsion fracture in which a portion of the bone was pulled off with a piece of ligament or tendon.
He did not miss any games but this is not an injury that will get better until after the season is over. He’s still worth starting as he’s still better than most, but he’s not 100 percent.
CJ Mosley, LB NYJ
Injury: Cervical Disc Herniation
Return to Play: TBD
Mosley has been working through a cervical disc herniation originally suffered in warmups in Week 8 and has not played a snap since then. The team is still attempting to treat the injury conservatively with various treatments including chiropractics and massage, but the issue persists. Looking at the Jets record, it’s surprising that they haven’t shut him down yet.
If he is available on the waiver wire, look elsewhere because he simply won’t be effective even if he does play.
Matt Milano, LB BUF
Injury: Left Biceps tear
Return to Play: Week 13
Milano returned to play in Week 13 against the San Francisco 49ers 15 weeks and five days after tearing his left distal bicep while hitting a tackling bag. He underwent surgery shortly after and returned with a hinged elbow brace and shoulder harness to protect the area. On top of the bicep tear, this was Milano’s first action since Week 5 in 2023 when he suffered a right tibial plateau fracture in London.
He was able to play 77 percent of plays which indicates that he is pretty close to returning to his normal workload. If you’re looking for a depth option or a late replacement, Milano could pay off well for your fantasy playoff run.
- Dynasty Injury Report: Week 16 - December 25, 2024
- Dynasty Injury Report: Week 15 - December 18, 2024
- Dynasty Injury Report: Week 14 - December 11, 2024
