It looked like the coast was clear on the injury front, but Monday afternoon brought the news that Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Mallett will miss the rest of the season due to a torn pectoral. Ryan Fitzpatrick will take over. This news should also help wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins a little bit because his numbers were better with Fitz.
Fantasy football waiver wire, Week 13: Injuries and potential replacements
Ryan Mallett is not going to play again this season. We track the rest of the injuries heading into Week 13.
Besides that, we didn’t have any major injuries from Week 12 and there are really no injuries from any game that will have implications heading into Week 13. Of course, there are some surprises in practice with players having a minor ankle tweak. Those tweaks can result in some swelling, so we’re not out of the woods yet.
On the other hand, there are still a lot of players on the sidelines -- mostly running backs. Plus, fantasy owners will have to factor in New England Patriots running back Jonas Gray missing practice last Friday and what it means long-term. Running back LeGarrette Blount didn't skip a beat, but the Patriots could go back to Gray, as well. Fantasy owners of Gray and Blount will want to track their progress leading up to the game against the Green Bay Packers. At this early juncture, it's probably best to bench both.
Here are the injuries you’ll want to keep an eye on for this week, with the new minor injuries on top:
Quarterback
Who: Ryan Mallett, Houston Texans
What: Suffered a pectoral tear but played through it
Impact: Ryan Fitzpatrick is a decent add in two-QB leagues.
Running back
Who: Ryan Mathews, San Diego Chargers
What: Returned to action Sunday after a shoulder injury
Impact: It is minor, but he is Ryan Mathews. Keep Branden Oliver owned.
Who: Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks
What: His back tightened up on him
Impact: No need to worry just yet.
Wide receiver
Who: Cordarrelle Patterson, Minnesota Vikings
What: He had ankle and knee concerns, but there is nothing structurally wrong
Impact: He's fine.
Tight end
Who: Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
What: Left game with a back injury
Impact: The Bucs didn't report on his status, so it's likely minor.
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Old injuries
Quarterback
Who: Nick Foles, Philadelphia Eagles
What: Could miss the rest of the season
Impact: Mark Sanchez has been hit and miss, but he could have a nice game against the the Dallas Cowboys.
Who: Matt Cassel, Minnesota Vikings
What: Out indefinitely with a broken foot
Impact: Teddy Bridgewater has been pretty much useless in fantasy leagues.
Running back
Who: Ahmad Bradshaw, Indianapolis Colts
What: Out for season with a broken ankle
Impact: Dan Herron had more work go his way than Richardson. This is not a surprise.
Who: Ronnie Hillman and Montee Ball, Denver Broncos
What: Hillman suffered a foot injury Sunday and has been dealing with a shoulder problem; Ball is out with a groin strain
Impact: C.J. Anderson is a must-start player right now.
Who: Reggie Bush, Detroit Lions
What: An ankle sprain has been bothering him for much of the season
Impact: Theo Riddick has a couple bad games in a row.
Who: Arian Foster, Houston Texans
What: Dealing with a groin issue and missed the last two weeks
Impact: Alfred Blue should be owned in all leagues.
Who: C.J. Spiller, Buffalo Bills
What: Broke his collarbone and is expected to be out for the season
Impact: Fred Jackson is expected to be 100 percent for Week 13.
Who: Stevan Ridley, New England Patriots
What: Out for season with knee injury
Impact: Shane Vereen is playing well right now, but after that it's a mess.
Wide receivers
Who: Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals
What: Knee sprain kept him out in Week 12
Impact: The Cardinals were a lost cause without him. He's not a must-own player and there's no pickup to make
Who: Brandin Cooks, New Orleans Saints
What: Suffered a broken thumb and is on IR
Impact: Kenny Stills makes sense as a nice add
Who: Brian Quick, St. Louis Rams
What: Shoulder injury will keep him out for the rest of the season
Impact: Kenny Britt time! He's a nice pickup.
Tight ends
Who: Julius Thomas, Denver Broncos
What: Suffered an ankle sprain and missed Week 12
Impact: He should be able to return for Week 13.
Who: Dwayne Allen, Indianapolis Colts
What: Suffered a bad ankle sprain and looks like he'll miss time
Impact: Coby Fleener was a massive letdown.
Who: Jordan Reed, Washington
What: Suffered another hamstring injury
Impact: The hamstring issues are just too annoying and he's impossible to own.
Who: Jordan Cameron, Cleveland Browns
What: A concussion against the Bucs in Week 9 has had him out since
Impact: He's not a must-own player anymore.
Who: Tyler Eifert, Cincinnati Bengals
What: Could be out for the season with an elbow issue
Impact: Jermaine Gresham had a great game Sunday, but he's still not worth owning.
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