Author: Special from InsideInjuries.com
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Chargers are in a must-win game, and they need Gordon on the field for their offense to run effectively. Gordon is a High Injury Risk (as he has been for much of the season) and is at great risk of re-aggravating the injury. With a spot in the playoffs on the line, he will do whatever it takes to get on the field. He is a risky Fantasy play for Week 17, but he is also a hard guy to leave on the bench. Play him with caution.
Amari Cooper – ankle
Amari Cooper is a high-risk, high-reward play for Week 17(AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Cooper returned from his ankle injury in Week 16 and avoided a setback. After a week of limited practices, he is expected to suit up again today. Cooper will play, but he is going to be a high-risk high-reward Fantasy option. Ankle sprains are tricky, and even though he did well last week, that doesn’t mean it won’t limit him this week. One wrong move or awkward tackle could force him out of the game.
Samaje Perine – Achilles, shoulder, groin
The injuries continue to pile up for Perine, but he is going to play today. Perine played through a groin strain last weekend but picked up Achilles and shoulder injuries. The Redskins have had horrible luck with their running backs this season, but at least Perine’s haven’t been season-ending. He was able to practice in full this week, an indication that the injuries aren’t too serious. Even so, he remains an Elevated Injury Risk. With a Below Average HPF (Health Performance Factor – a predictor of performance based on injuries plus other factors), it’s best to leave him on the bench today.
Chris Hogan – shoulder
Chris Hogan has made just one forgettable appearance since his Week 8 shoulder injury. That was in Week 14, and he hasn’t played since despite getting in weeks of limited practice sessions. Hogan is once again listed as questionable and is not expected to play. Even if he is active, it’s hard to see him being highly involved in this game. The Patriots want him at 100 percent for their playoff run, so it makes sense to sit him for one more week or use him sparingly. He’s way too risky to have in Fantasy lineups for Week 17. Even if he is active, his snaps could be very limited.
Cameron Brate – knee
Brate worked his way from a DNP Wednesday to a limited session Thursday to a full practice Friday. He is officially listed as questionable but is expected to play today. His back injury sounds relatively minor, but backs are tricky and can flare up easily. Brate will be a touchdown-dependent Fantasy option today, and with concerns over his back, it’s best to look for other tight end options.
DeSean Jackson – ankle
An ankle injury forced Jackson to miss Week 16, but after a week of practice, he is expected to return today. Jackson has had a down year and has a tough matchup this week. Combine those factors with his High Injury Risk and it isn’t worth plugging him into any Fantasy lineups today.
Kyle Rudolph – ankle
Kyle Rudolph hasn’t done much since injuring his ankle in Week 14 and his HPF remains Below Average. He is going to be a risky Fantasy option again today, but the tight end position is thin so it may be worth the risk. The Vikings could also have him on a tight snap count again today, and they want him healthy for the playoffs. Our algorithm shows that he is still a week away from his Optimal Recovery Time.
James White – ankle
The Patriots are thin at running back with Mike Gillislee (knee) and Rex Burkhead (knee) already ruled out for today. James White is now not expected to play but was officially listed as questionable after a week of limited practices. He missed Week 16 due to the injury and remains two weeks away from his Optimal Recovery Time. With an eye on the playoffs, the safe decision is for the Patriots to sit him today. If he is somehow active, he’s a very risky Fantasy option, especially in non-PPR leagues.
DeVante Parker – ankle
Ever since DeVante Parker injured his ankle early in the year, our algorithm has been very down on him. He re-injured his ankle in Week 15 and continues to underperform, in line with our analytics. After his latest re-aggravation, he is once again two weeks away from his Optimal Recovery Time. Keep him out of Fantasy lineups again for Week 17.
Allen Hurns – ankle
Hurns has not played since suffering a high ankle sprain in Week 10. Our algorithm gave him a 7-8 week Optimal Recovery Time, so he is close to hitting that mark. Hurns is expected to return today after two weeks of limited practices. The Jaguars will likely have him on a tight snap count with the third seed locked up. It will be good for him to get a few reps before the playoffs, but they don’t need him out there all game. He’s a very risky Fantasy option due to both injury concerns and playing time uncertainty.
Joe Mixon – ankle
After two limited practices, the Bengals officially listed Joe Mixon as questionable. Even if he is active for Week 17 (and he is expected to play), he isn’t a very intriguing Fantasy option. Giovani Bernard played well when Mixon was inactive for two games in concussion protocol, and they would likely split snaps today. Our algorithm still shows that Mixon is an Elevated Injury Risk with a Below Average HPF.