While most fantasy football managers met their fates one way or another over the last two weeks, there is still one final slate of regular season action to go. Real life stakes are at their highest, but fantasy implications still exist across the landscape. If your league championship falls in week 17, we've got you covered with another roundup of all the latest injury news around the NFL.
Week 17 Injury Roundup
All eyes are on Aaron Rodgers (calf) in week 17, as the Packers and Lions prepare to square off with the NFC North division title and subsequent first round bye on the line. Rodgers limped through the Pack's week 16 win in Tampa, but his pocket presence clearly took a hit. Rodgers will play this weekend, but expect his mobility to be limited to an extent. His arm remains as good as ever, so expect plenty of shotgun snaps and quick throws designed for Rodgers.
Brian Hoyer appears poised to regain his starting position in Cleveland after Johnny Manziel (hamstring) was ruled out for week 17. However, Hoyer is battling an ailment of his own in the form of a shoulder injury which he sustained after taking a big hit near the end of the Browns' week 16 loss in Carolina. Should Hoyer, who is listed as probable, be unable to go, undrafted rookie Connor Shaw would most likely get the call. Tyler Thigpen was signed on Tuesday just in case, though most signs point to free agent-to-be Hoyer getting the green light. Johnny Manziel's rookie season has been anything but money.
Steven Jackson (quad) is living up to his 'Questionable' tag this week as the perenially slow healer missed Wednesday's practice. Jackson left the Falcons' week 16 win over the Saints with the injury and did not return, meaning Jacquizz Rodgers and Devonta Freeman would be in line to see a major increase in snaps should the veteran be unable to go. Atlanta has a winner-take-all showdown with fellow NFC South contender/struggler Carolina on the cards for week 17. The winner will take the division crown and earn a home field wildcard berth. Should S-Jax miss out, Freeman would be the more recommended play for week 17.
Percy Harvin (rib) was forced from the Jets' week 16 loss to New England and is looking questionable for New York's season finale this weekend in Miami. Harvin played through an ankle injury last week, and with essentially nothing to play for in week 17 but pride, there is a chance the Jets choose to withhold the injury-prone Harvin from risking further damage after another season riddled by nagging ailments. Harvin was not practicing as of Wednesday, meaning further targets in the passing game for Eric Decker and Jeremy Kerley are looking likely. Ryan Mathews' status remains in question for week 17.
Ryan Mathews (ankle) was still not practicing as of Wednesday. The Chargers are still very much in the thick of the AFC wildcard race, but must beat fellow playoff hopefuls Kansas City on Sunday in order to clinch a spot. Mathews has missed the last two games, and his status for week 17 is still very much in question. Branden Oliver, Donald Brown and Ronnie Brown would all chip in for the backfield reps if Mathews sits again, with the latter two more heavily involved in the passing game. San Diego is optimistic that Mathews will be good to go come Sunday, but he will have to get back on the practice field between now and Friday in order to instill confidence in both his team and fantasy owners.
Check back with Fantasy Knuckleheads for all the latest fantasy football news. Best wishes to owners with championships on the line in week 17, and season's greetings to all!