Back for another week of chasing those wins. We are in Week 12, guys, and it has been a wild ride. These next couple of weeks are the final push to make the playoffs. This week, like any other, brings us a long list of injuries to talk about and navigate. I’ll try to keep it brief, so let’s talk about the most notable injuries, and I’ll list the rest at the bottom of the article.
Michael Penix is out for the remainder of the fantasy season, and quite possibly the NFL season, with a bone bruise and possible damage to his left ACL–the one he’s had repaired twice. Drake London has a PCL sprain and is week-to-week, most likely missing Week 12 at the very least. Josh Jacobs suffered a knee injury that will NOT require surgery, but we have no other information at this time. He is also most likely out for Week 12, and possibly longer. Aaron Rodgers has a broken left wrist, but he is attempting to play in Week 12. I am not optimistic, so keep a close watch on him.
CJ Stroud remains in concussion protocol, but the team announced today that he is expected to play in Week 13. Jaylen Warren has an ankle injury, but is attempting to play in Week 12. This will be another one to keep tabs on during the week. Emari Demercado has a high ankle sprain and is unlikely to play in Week 12. Dalton Shultz is dealing with a shoulder injury, but that’s been an issue for the past month. He should continue to play through it, barring any further aggravation. And last, but not least, Ja’Marr Chase has been suspended one game for spitting on Jalen Ramsey.
We’ve also got another Byemagedon, with the Chargers, Commanders, Dolphins, and Broncos all out. That is a long list of players to replace, not to mention all the injuries we have to account for, so let’s get to it!
Quarterbacks
Jacoby Brissett (QB – ARI): 12.8% Rostered | Last Week: QB10
Jacoby Brissett has catapulted Arizona’s offense to new heights (if only their defense could follow suit). Over the past 3 weeks, he’s been averaging 22 points per game, not to mention the fact that he’s thrown for 2 touchdowns in EVERY game he’s started this season. He threw for a record high 47/57 completions for 452 yards against a 49ers defense that was the healthiest they’ve been in weeks. He has been a game changer for everyone on the offense, and I thing it’s safe to say Jacoby Brissett is matchup proof at this point. Up next, the Cardinals get a Jaguars defense that is averaging 222.3 passing yards per game. Sounds like a winning play to me.
Davis Mills (QB – HOU): 4.8% Rostered | Last Week: QB9
Davis Mills. Where did this guy come from? With CJ Stroud sidelined with a concussion, Mills has been thrust into the starting QB role. Over the last two weeks, he has two passing touchdowns and a rushing touchdown with over 16 fantasy points each week. With no guarantee Stroud returns in Week 12, you could do much worse than Davis Mills. The Texans face the Bills this week, and that defense has been banged up and looks easily exploitable.
Running Backs
Sean Tucker (RB – TB): 20.4% Rostered | Last Week: RB2
Sean Tucker has emerged from behind Rachaad White. If you’re like me, you’ve been anticipating his arrival. With Bucky Irving still out, Tucker and White have been in a timeshare. White has been the front man for Tampa, but Tucker has been the better back and finally had his breakout moment. He had 19 carries for 106 yards with two rushing touchdowns, PLUS two receptions for 34 yards and a receiving touchdown. Even when Bucky returns, Tucker should still have enough of a role to be rostered. If Bucky is out this week, this might be his last chance at monster numbers. He should be heavily targeted on the waiver wire, so have a backup plan because he is extremely overvalued.
Kenneth Gainwell (RB – PIT): 42.6% Rostered | Last Week: RB5
Kenny Gainwell stepped up with Jaylen Warren leaving the game with an ankle injury. He only ran for 24 yards, but he also had seven receptions for 81 yards and a touchdown. Gainwell already has stand-alone value, but if Warren misses time he is a must-add. It’s also worth mentioning that with Aaron Rogers dealing with a broken wrist, Mason Rudolph could be the starting Quarterback for the Steelers this week. If that’s the case, he should be looking to dump the ball off his running back early and often.
Emanuel Wilson (RB – GB): 9.2% Rostered | Last Week: RB19
Josh Jacobs left Sunday’s game with a knee injury, which left Emauel Wilson and Chris Brooks to carry the load. Wilson ended up stepping into the RB1 role, finishing the day with 11 carries for 40 yards and a touchdown. If Jacobs misses any time, Wilson with be the RB1 without question. This will be a situation to monitor throughout the week.
Bam Knight (RB – ARI): 28.7% Rostered | Last Week: RB18
With Emari Demercado leaving with a high ankle sprain, Bam Knight and Michael Carter took over the backfield. Knight had five carries for 24 yards and a touchdown, and four receptions on four targets for 21 yards to Carter’s two carries for six yards and five receptions on seven targets for 22 yards. It doesn’t look like Demercado will be ready to suit up for Week 12, so Knight should have the majority of the workload. With Arizona’s offense humming under Jacoby Brissett, I’d be comfortable starting Knight this week.
Wide Receivers
Kayshon Boutte (WR – NE): 28.1%% Rostered | Last Week: N/A
Kayshon Boutte left the game with a hamstring injury in Week 10, and did not play last week. He is expected to practice on Wednesday, so keep an eye on his progress. If Boutte does end up playing, he’s got a tasty matchup this week. We don’t need to talk about how bad the Bengals defense is, but it just got worse. Cam Taylor-Britt is expected to miss the rest of the season, which is an added bonus for Boutte this week (as if he needed it).
Christian Watson (WR – GB): 21.9% Rostered | Last Week: WR7
The Packers seem to be leaning heavily on Christian Watson now that Tucker Kraft is done for the season, Jayden Reed is still on IR, and Matthew Golden remains day-to-day with a shoulder injury. Watson has been stepping up, getting 78.2% of snaps this week with four receptions on five targets for 46 yards and two touchdowns. Even with low yardage numbers, he is still getting the redzone targets to bump his stock up.
Alec Pierce (WR – IND): 33.2% Rostered | Last Week: BYE
I don’t think we need to say much about Alec Pierce at this point. If you’re not sold on him at this point in the season, I don’t know what would do it for you. He has emerged as one of Daniel Jones’ favorite targets, and they’ve got the Chiefs this week who haven’t looked like themselves at all. If Pierce is available in your leagues, he should be your priority waiver wire add this week.
Tight Ends
AJ Barner (TE – SEA): 11.7% Rostered | Last Week: TE4
AJ Barner is on a solid Seahawks offense who just went up against a tough Rams defense and he still manage to get 70 yards and his highest target share so far. Over the season, Barner has had 31 catches on 37 targets for 306 yards and four touchdowns. The Seahawks have the Titans defense in Week 12, so you should feel confident plugging in Barner.
Other Players to Consider
Isaiah Hodgins (if Slayton is still out); Andrei Iosivas (while Ja’Marr Chase is suspended); Tyrell Shavers (since Coleman is on the outs); Chris Rodriguez (he’s the current RB1, outperforming McNichols and JCM)
Other Injuries to Watch
Dillon Gabriel (still in concussion protocol); Bhayshul Tuten (ankle, but expected to play Week 12); Joshua Palmer (knee); Kimani Vidal (thigh injury, but on a bye this week); Calvin Ridley (broken fibula, done for the season)
