In fantasy football, player news and injuries have a big impact on team strategies, and staying updated is essential for fantasy managers. As the NFL season progresses, injuries, position battles, and coaching decisions constantly shift player values. This article highlights key updates that fantasy managers should be aware of as they prepare for the final weeks of the season.
On December 26, the Dallas Cowboys announced that wide receiver CeeDee Lamb would be shut down for the remainder of the season due to a shoulder injury. Lamb has been dealing with a sprained AC joint in his shoulder since early November, and the injury has worsened despite ongoing treatment. With the Cowboys out of playoff contention, the decision was made to rest Lamb. This leaves Brandin Cooks and Jalen Tolbert as the team’s top wide receivers, with Jonathan Mingo, Ryan Flournoy, and Jalen Brooks also on the roster. The Cowboys could uplift practice squad players like Jalen Moreno-Cropper and Kelvin Harmon to provide additional depth at the position.
In Seattle, the Seahawks will be without starting running back Kenneth Walker III for the third time in four games. With Walker sidelined, rookie Zach Charbonnet will step in as the starting running back. Charbonnet has impressed in his increased role, particularly in Weeks 14 and 15, when he recorded 359 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns on 38 touches. Charbonnet is expected to continue playing a key role in Seattle’s offense, and fantasy analysts are projecting a strong performance for him in Week 17 against the struggling Chicago Bears defense. Charbonnet is expected to be one of the top running backs for the week, making him a valuable pick for fantasy managers looking to maximize their roster potential.
These updates have important implications for fantasy football managers as the season nears its conclusion, with both CeeDee Lamb’s absence and Charbonnet’s increased role shaping key roster decisions.