5 NFL Injury Storylines to Watch in Week 16

Will Jonathan Taylor Be Available For Fantasy Playoffs?

Running back Jonathan Taylor sprained his ankle for the third time this season on his lone touch early in the Colts’ wild loss on Saturday.

Because of his previous ankle sprains that cost him three games and the 4-9-1 Colts’ bleak playoff hopes, Taylor is unlikely to play in Week 16 against the Chargers, according to the Pro Football Docs. 

The third-year back rushed for 399 yards and three scores in the last four games while his backup, Deon Jackson, has 49 rushes for 182 yards and one touchdown in his four games in relief. 

Five Starting QBs Hurt, Who Will Play Week 16?

The Ravens’ Lamar Jackson, Titans’ Ryan Tannehill, Broncos’ Russell Wilson, Cardinals’ Colt McCoy and Jets’ Mike White were all out or suffered an injury this weekend and are not certain to play in Week 16.

Jackson has missed two games with a PCL sprain and has a chance to play against the Falcons, as does Tannehill vs. the Texans, although he already missed two games earlier in the season for a right ankle sprain.

McCoy would have to pass concussion protocols and Wilson was held out for precaution this week. Both Arizona and Denver are eliminated from the playoffs, while White will likely miss Thursday’s game because of his ribs issue. 

When Will Tyler Lockett Return From Fractured Hand?

Seahawks’ wide receiver Tyler Lockett suffered a fractured first metacarpal in his right hand in Thursday’s loss to the 49ers and will undergo surgery.

He will more-than-likely miss Week 16 and reportedly could return against the Jets, although the Pro Football Docs expect him back in the season finale. 

The 30-year-old has 964 yards and eight touchdowns this season and will need 36 yards to notch his fourth-consecutive 1,000-yard season as Seattle pushes for the playoffs.

How Concerning Is Leighton Vander Esch’s Neck Issue?

The Cowboys had to play much of their overtime loss to the Jaguars without linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, who suffered an apparent neck injury in the first quarter.

Dallas’ leading tackler underwent non-invasive neck surgery in January 2020 for chronic spinal stenosis and is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason. 

How Much Time Will Cam Robinson Miss?

Jaguars’ left tackle Cam Robinson was carted off after he suffered what looked to be an MCL sprain, according to the Pro Football Docs, although there is concern for a torn ACL as well. 

He will likely miss next week’s game but could return this season, depending on the results of the MRI and the severity of his sprain.