As move get set to move on from Week 11, it’s time to take a look at some of the more pressing injury concerns that are developing for Week 12. For a full list of day-to-day practice reports, check out Roto Wire. These are some of the top injuries in the NFL we are monitoring for Week 12 as we look at the Fantasy Football Thanksgiving Injury Blitz: Ken Walker, Geno Smith, Luke Musgrave & Christian Watson (Week 12).
Injury Outlook
Geno Smith (Elbow) Doubtful for Week 12
In Week 11, Smith sustained an elbow/triceps injury, restricting his practice this week. Absent on Monday, he’s progressed to limited practice—a positive step. However, it’s doubtful he’ll play this week, given the short healing time. Fantasy managers should prepare for his likely absence in the Thanksgiving Day game.
Fantasy Football Impact
Smith’s injury usually doesn’t impede a quarterback’s performance. Although playing is unlikely, if he miraculously starts, he should be at full capacity. The Seahawks, facing the 49ers this week, encounter a less-than-ideal situation with a short week of limited practices against an elite defense.
Waiver Wire Replacements to Target
- Kyler Murray (ARI): 79% rostered
- Sam Howell (WSH): 77% rostered
- Joshua Dobbs (MIN): 76% rostered
Injury Outlook
Ken Walker (Ankle) Doubtful in Week 12
Fantasy Football Impact
It’s highly unlikely that Walker will play in Week 12, and any participation would be a surprising exception. With a 10-day gap before Week 13, his status remains uncertain. Prepare for his absence for at least two weeks, with optimism for a return in a limited capacity in either Week 13 or 14. Expect his workload to be managed upon return, making it ideal for fantasy playoffs if he has a “limited start” in Week 13 or 14. Meanwhile, having Zach Charbonnet stashed on your bench could prove to be a league-winning move.
Waiver Wire Replacements to Target
- Zach Charbonnet (SEA): 65% rostered
- Khalil Herbert (CHI): 63% rostered
- AJ Dillon (GB): 61% rostered
Injury Outlook
Christian Watson (Shoulder) Probable for Week 12
Fantasy Football Impact
Monitoring Watson’s status is crucial on Wednesday; an upgrade to full practice is necessary for reliability. Even with full practice, it’s advisable to avoid him. The injury significantly affected his on-field presence in Week 11, resulting in extended periods on the sidelines. Watson should be steered clear of in this matchup unless notable progress is made toward full health.
Waiver Wire Replacements to Target
- Jerry Jeudy (DEN): 65% rostered
- Romeo Doubs (GB): 56% rostered
- Rashee Rice (KC): 61% rostered
Injury Outlook
Luke Musgrave (Abdomen) Likely IR Candidate for Week 12
Musgrave suffered abdominal injuries in Week 11, leading to hospitalization in Green Bay post-game, as revealed by Coach Matt LaFleur. The injury, deemed “pretty significant,” prompted Musgrave’s discharge on Tuesday.
Given the situation, Musgrave is likely to sit out Thursday’s game and could land on injured reserve this week unless there’s an unforeseen improvement. The possibility of a season-ending problem remains uncertain, but, currently, Musgrave is sidelined for the foreseeable future.
Fantasy Football Impact
Musgrave, displaying recent signs of a rookie breakout, encounters an abrupt halt with a probable absence for the remainder of the fantasy football regular season. In redraft leagues, dropping Musgrave now is advisable, and upon his official placement on Green Bay’s IR, transferring him to dynasty leagues’ IR slots should be considered.
Waiver Wire Replacements to Target
- Dalton Schultz (HOU): 79% rostered
- Trey McBride (ARI): 77% rostered
- Logan Thomas (WSH): 65% rostered
Check back daily at The League Winners for all the up-to-date injury updates.
