The fantasy playoff home stretch is upon us! For those of you who survived a first round of playoff action, congratulations. For those of you in the middle of a multi-week playoff round, this may be the week that tips you towards a victory. And for those of you who find yourselves in a consolation bracket, there are still some bragging rights to be earned. I find myself in two championship matches this week (having beaten the TMR in a two-week playoff in one of our expert leagues) as well as one loser bracket (as a result of losing a potential playoff spot in a matchup with the TMR, which I suppose makes us even) so I sympathize with the full range of playoff emotions that everyone is feeling. Lineups are more critical than ever, and there is always the fear that some NFL teams that have secured a playoff spot will hold key players out to keep them healthy for the postseason. But what about the players who really are dealing with a current injury? Here's what we know about several key players midway into Week 16.
Running Backs
Justin Fargas, Raiders: The Contra Costa Times is reporting that Raiders coach Lane Kiffin has announced that he expects Fargas to miss the final two regular season games with a sprained right medial collateral ligament (MCL). This confirms the diagnosis that Fargas pronounced for himself after the game and, although we do not know the severity of the injury, we can safely assume that it is a multiple-week recovery. The cutting demands on a running back, not to mention the forces imparted during lateral contact, place significant stress on the MCL, the ligament that reinforces the inner aspect of the knee joint. Unless the sprain is particularly mild, two weeks is rarely enough to return to this skill position. You probably want to bank on another running back for your fantasy playoffs, because even if Fargas manages to return for Week 17, he would be a risky play.
Reggie Bush, Saints: The New Orleans Times-Picayune is reporting that Saints coach Sean Payton is "optimistic" that Bush could return in Week 16. Despite earlier reports that Bush would miss the remainder of the regular season, Payton indicates that Bush is ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation and that he plans to practice this week. Despite Payton's observations that Bush appears to be moving around better and is feeling stronger, there is a big gap between feeling better in rehab activities and returning to practice. Bush, who is recovering from a torn PCL, will need to further stress the knee with the rigor of accelerating, decelerating and cutting motions before he returns to the playing field. At this point, it seems a stretch to expect him back Sunday. Even if Bush were to return, Payton has already indicated that his work would be limited, especially given that Aaron Stecker has performed so ably in Bush's absence. From a fantasy perspective, it would not be wise to count on Bush for either of the remaining two weeks of the season, even if he sees the field.
Larry Johnson, Chiefs: Another running back with an injury that appeared season-ending, another hint from the team that said running back may, in fact, return before the season ends. Most importantly, this is another running back to avoid in your fantasy playoffs. In Herm Edwards' Monday news conference, accessible on the Chiefs' official Web site, he indicates that Johnson's status for this week is questionable, which is an upgrade over the doubtful status of last week. The hope is that Johnson, who is recovering from a mid-foot sprain, will be able to increase his activity in practice and increase the number of days that he practices, which would depend on his level of post-practice soreness. There is still a long way to go between the individual drills that Johnson has participated in thus far and the ability to return to a competitive game situation. Even if Johnson is able to get back to the field before the season ends, it will no doubt be on a limited basis. Nonetheless, it is a situation worth keeping an eye on if you are counting on Kolby Smith to score for you, as Johnson's presence could affect Smith's numbers. Johnson's return does not appear to be a big threat at this point.
LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers: Scary moment for Chargers fans and Tomlinson fantasy owners on Sunday when Tomlinson was seen having a lengthy conversation with the Chargers' head athletic trainer. No official injury was reported for Tomlinson after the game, causing some to breathe a sigh of relief. The San Diego Union-Tribune is reporting that Tomlinson felt a "twinge" in his hamstring Sunday, which explains why he was sat out a good portion of the game, considering the score. The twinge, however, is not a concern to Tomlinson or coach Norv Turner according to the report, and there is every indication that Tomlinson will be fully ready to go in Week 16.
Quarterbacks:
Kellen Clemens, Jets: This just in: The Jets are being evasive about an injury. According to a report in the New Jersey Star-Ledger, when coach Eric Mangini was asked whether Clemens' injury was to his shoulder or to his rib, Mangini responded, "Right now, just rib." (Read: This information could change at any time.) The bottom line is that Clemens is limited by some rib and/or shoulder injury right now and his status is questionable. Right now he should not be counted on for your fantasy playoffs.
Tony Romo, Cowboys: Romo, who sustained what is now (post-MRI) being called a thumb contusion (fancy word for a bruise), was very limited in practice Tuesday in order to protect the thumb. Sporting a significant tape job to help support the thumb in a position that minimizes stress on the joint, Romo threw very lightly and only took snaps in the shotgun formation according to ESPN's Ed Werder. Whether or not Romo can throw the ball, the accuracy with which he does so will be dependent on how the thumb feels. Taking snaps and making handoffs can also be hampered by a swollen, painful thumb. The Cowboys appear to be resting Romo's thumb in the hopes that he will be able to play this Saturday, but all will depend on how his activity progresses this week.
Kyle Boller, Ravens: The Baltimore Sun is reporting that Boller is expected to return to practice Wednesday after suffering a concussion during Week 15. Coach Brian Billick says Boller remains the starter for the Ravens and sounds confident that he will return this week. Remember that players are monitored as they increase activity to ensure that no post-concussion symptoms return (as was the case with Rams QB Marc Bulger, who then was downgraded for a week). If Boller returns to practice as expected, we will update his status later in the week.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Sidney Rice, Vikings: Rice left Monday night's game on a cart with what the team is calling a sprained ankle. The Pioneer Press however is reporting that Rice may have fractured a bone (no more specifics given). Either way, the apparent seriousness of the injury suggests that Rice will not be available for the remaining fantasy season. We will update his injury details as more information becomes available.
Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals: Still in pain after dislocating his second toe on his left foot, Boldin managed six catches in Sunday's contest. As the East Valley Tribune reports, Boldin was able to override the pain to participate Sunday, but expected to pay the price the next day. This is likely to be the scenario for the remaining two weeks of the season. Boldin will likely be limited in practice, and will not be 100 percent before the season ends, but will likely try to go Sundays if the pain does not worsen. Fitzgerald, who was reported to be feeling better during the week, did not have a spectacular game. No official setback has been reported by the team, but his subpar performance is a cause for concern. We will monitor his practice throughout the week, and it would be a surprise if he did not suit up in Week 16, but his effectiveness could be a question. But who knows? The five million dollar salary increase the Arizona Republic reports Fitzgerald will receive as a result of getting selected for the Pro Bowl could be just what the doctor ordered.
Laveranues Coles, Jets: The New Jersey Star-Ledger reports that coach Eric Mangini will not rule out Coles for the remainder of the season because Coles continues to want to play. Coles, who has been fighting the effects of a high ankle sprain, suffered a non-football related setback this week (see Monday blog). Coles, known for his toughness and competitive desire, clearly wants to contribute if he can, and is typically effective when he takes the field. Keep an eye on what he is able to do in practice this week though before plugging him into your fantasy playoff lineup.
D.J. Hackett, Seahawks: Hackett may return to practice this week (he has been out since re-injuring his ankle). This is according to coach Mike Holmgren in Monday's Tacoma News Tribune. Holmgren would like Hackett back as soon as possible, but given the fact that he is out as a result of a re-injury to his ankle, the Seahawks are unlikely to rush him back and risk losing him again for the playoffs. It does not seem likely that Hackett will be ready for Week 16, but he could conceivably make a difference in Week 17. Stay tuned.
Marvin Harrison, Colts: The Canadian Press reports that Colts general manager Bill Polian has announced that Harrison will definitely not play in Week 16. Polian says that Harrison's knee has "healed" but now, it is a matter of conditioning, adding that until Harrison could be out there for 60 plays a game, the Colts would not put him in. Given how limited his practice has been, this sure sounds like we will not see Harrison before the postseason (which really, by now, is what everyone has come to expect). Coach Tony Dungy however has indicated that he would like to see all his players get into a regular game to get some work in before a playoff situation. That may mean that Harrison makes a brief appearance in Week 17, but by now, if you're in the fantasy playoffs, you certainly got there without Harrison. You can finish the job without him too.
Don't see your player here? Be sure to check back later in the week when we check further Week 16 updates, including some individual defensive players. We will also quickly touch on any Thursday game injuries at that time.
Stephania Bell
