As fantasy football managers prepare for their upcoming matchups, it’s crucial to keep track of inactive and injuries to make informed lineup decisions. Here’s a breakdown of key player status updates for Week 16, including impacts for each game:
For the 4 p.m. ET games, Curtis Samuel, WR for the Buffalo Bills, is inactive due to ribs, which won’t affect his fantasy value much given his limited impact this season. On the Miami Dolphins side, Tyreek Hill, WR, is active despite concerns over his wrist injury, which means he will remain a reliable option for Tua Tagovailoa. However, Jaylen Waddle, WR, is out with a knee issue, leaving Hill as the clear top target. In the San Francisco 49ers backfield, Isaac Guerendo is out with a foot injury, but Patrick Taylor Jr. and Israel Abanikanda will step in to handle carries.
In the Sunday night game, Cade Otton, TE for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is out with a knee injury, meaning backups Payne Durham or Ko Kieft will need to fill the role. Kameron Johnson, WR, also remains out, allowing Sterling Shepard to take on a larger role in 3-WR sets.
For the 1 p.m. ET games, Matt Prater, K for the Arizona Cardinals, is out with a knee injury, meaning Chad Ryland will handle kicking duties. Trey Benson, RB, is also out, leaving James Conner as the primary healthy RB. DeeJay Dallas, RB, is active, though his carries may be limited with Michael Carter also elevated from the practice squad. On the Atlanta Falcons side, Drake London, WR, is active despite a late-week knee issue, though there is a slight risk to starting him. Younghoe Koo, K, is out, with Riley Patterson stepping in.
In Cleveland, Jameis Winston, QB, is out with a shoulder injury, which means Dorian Thompson-Robinson will start. Meanwhile, David Njoku, TE, is active despite a hamstring injury. The Detroit Lions will be without David Montgomery due to a knee issue, putting the focus on Jahmyr Gibbs as the lead RB.
For the Indianapolis Colts, Matt Gay, K, is active, and in New York, Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB, is active, though his fantasy value will be limited by Devin Singletary. The New York Jets’ Braelon Allen is active, but Breece Hall will start, limiting Allen’s potential. In Tennessee, Will Levis, QB, is active, while Tony Pollard, RB, remains a key piece despite his ankle issue. Lastly, Zach Ertz, TE for the Washington Commanders, is active after dealing with a concussion.
This roundup of player updates will help fantasy managers stay ahead of lineup changes and make the best decisions heading into Week 16.
