Injury Status: Wild Card Weekend
Thu Jan 15 11:15am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Unfortunately, we had a few big injuries last week, including one of the top tight ends in the game going down with a season-ending injury. This is going to be a huge loss for the 49ers, trying to replace George Kittle. We also had a big-time receiver suffer a concussion. You hate to see injuries at any point of the season but especially the playoffs. It would be great if all these remaining teams were full strength for the games this weekend. We can all wish, right?
Here is the latest. . . . .
Nico Collins, WR, Texans. Collins suffered a concussion last week and was forced from the game. He is out of practice to start the week. He still has a chance to play but will need to make a lot of progress in the coming days. At this point, we think he misses, but keep an eye on the player notes for the latest. His loss would be huge for the Texans offense.
Ricky Pearsall, WR, 49ers. Pearsall has missed the last two games because of knee and ankle injuries, but is feeling good about returning this week. Nothing is certain with all the time he has missed this season but things are trending up for him. As long as he keeps practicing, look for Pearsall to return to action this week.
Josh Allen, QB, Bills. Allen got all beat up in his game last week, suffering foot, knee and finger injuries. He is already practicing in full this week, so he should be just fine for this week. He might not be quite 100 percent, but who is at this time of the season?
Ty Johnson, RB, Bills. Johnson missed last week because of an ankle injury and remains out of practice. He is not expected to return this week, barring some huge turnaround late in the week. Ray Davis should handle most of the backup duties for the Bills once again this week.
Hunter Henry, TE, Patriots. Henry has a new injury, suffering some sort of knee injury last week. He did practice on a limited basis Wednesday, though, which is a good sign. Henry should be ready to go this weekend but keep an eye on the player notes to be sure.
Jawhar Jordan, RB, Texans. Jordan was held out last week because of an ankle sprain. He is practicing some to open the week, though. Jordan is making progress and has a chance to play this week. But even if active, look for him to play a limited role in the game as the likely No. 3 back for the Texans.
Terrance Ferguson, TE, Rams. Ferguson has missed the last two games because of a hamstring injury. He was a full participant in the first practice of the week on Wednesday, though, putting him back on track to play this week. He should be set to make his return for the Rams second playoff game.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
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Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (concussion) has returned to the Super Bowl. Smith-Njigba exited the contest in the third quarter after being evaluated for a concussion. However, in the early stages of the game's final frame, the team's top wideout cleared protocol and returned to action. Before exiting, the 23-year-old caught three of his nine targets for 24 yards. He is expected to remain the team's top wideout over the final quarter of the season.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (concussion) is questionable to return to the Super Bowl due to being evaluated for a concussion. The team's star wideout was seen jogging to the locker room in the game's third quarter after taking a hit. Before suffering the injury, New England held the 23-year-old to just three catches for 24 yards on nine targets. While he remains on the sidelines, veteran wideout Cooper Kupp should operate as the top option in the Seattle passing game.
From RotoBaller
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From RotoBaller
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From RotoBaller
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From RotoBaller
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From RotoBaller
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From RotoBaller
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Fantasy Spin: Cousins is expected to be released this offseason, but fantasy players should monitor the situation to see if the Falcons decide to keep him. He could compete with Michael Penix Jr. for the starting job if he returns but will only be a No. 2 fantasy quarterback if he plays.
From TheHuddle
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Fantasy Spin: Brissett played in 14 games this past season and threw for 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions during that span. He would likely receive interest from a few teams if he became available but will only be a No. 2 fantasy quarterback if he starts for a team in 2026.
From TheHuddle
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Fantasy Spin: Fantasy players will need to monitor the situation over the next month to see if Evans will consider retirement this offseason. He will be a free agent if he continues to play, but he is likely to return to the Buccaneers if he plays. He has lost some of his fantasy value but can be at least a No. 3 receiver in most fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
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Fantasy Spin: Hill suffered a serious injury during the 2025 season, so fantasy players will need to monitor Hill's recovery over the next several months. He has been a starting fantasy option during his career when healthy but will be a risky option in fantasy leagues next season because of his uncertain status.
From TheHuddle
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Fantasy Spin: Jackson is scheduled to count $74.5 million against the salary cap next season, so an extension will benefit both sides if they can reach an agreement. He will be working in a new offensive system in 2026 but should be a No. 1 quarterback in fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
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From TheHuddle
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From TheHuddle
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From RotoBaller
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From RotoBaller
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Fantasy Spin: The 38-year-old Stafford led the league in passing yards (4,707) and passing touchdowns (46) in 2025, narrowly edging out New England Patriots QB Drake Maye for MVP honors. Even if he doesn't duplicate those numbers next season, he will continue to have a strong supporting cast surrounding him in 2026 and can be viewed as a QB1 option in all fantasy numbers.
From TheHuddle
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Fantasy Spin: If Rodgers decides to return for a second season in Pittsburgh, the 42-year-old veteran could be viewed as a midrange QB2 option in most 2026 fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
Atlanta Falcons rookie defensive end James Pearce Jr. was arrested on Saturday on two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking, and fleeing/eluding police. The arrest came in Florida after Pearce crashed his car, following a police chase. Pearce, whom the Falcons traded their 2026 first-round pick to acquire in the 2025 draft, was in San Francisco days earlier for the NFL Honors, where he was nominated for Defensive Rookie of the Year. The Falcons have issued a statement, saying, "We are aware of an incident involving James Pearce Jr., in Miami. We are in the process of gathering more information and will not have any further comment on an open legal matter at this time." In addition to the criminal charges he faces, Pearce is now subject to investigation under the NFL's personal conduct policy that will likely lead to suspension.
From RotoBaller
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From RotoBaller
