T.J. Hockenson Injury: Welcome to the Fantasy Football IR Injury Update! As the NFL season kicks off, injuries are already making waves in the fantasy football landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned manager or new to the game, staying informed about the status of key players is crucial. In this article, we’ll dive into the latest updates on notable players like T.J. Hockenson, Jonathon Brooks, Nick Chubb, and others currently on Injured Reserve (IR). Let’s take a closer look at how these injuries could impact your fantasy lineup.
Jonathon Brooks: The Rookie RB to Watch
Team: Carolina Panthers
Injury: ACL Tear (November 2023)
Expected Return: Week 5 (Earliest)
Carolina Panthers’ rookie running back Jonathon Brooks is working tirelessly to make his NFL debut after tearing his ACL last November. Although he is set to miss the first four weeks of the season, Brooks could be a game-changer once he returns. Chuba Hubbard will take on the RB1 role in the meantime, but Brooks, as the first RB off the board in the draft, is expected to claim the starting position sooner rather than later.
Fantasy Impact: While Brooks might have a slow start, his potential for a strong finish in the second half of the season makes him a valuable stash on your roster. Keep an eye on Hubbard’s performance, but be prepared to insert Brooks into your lineup once he’s activated.
Nick Chubb: Slow and Steady Recovery
Team: Cleveland Browns
Injury: Torn Knee Ligaments (Week 2, 2023)
Status: On PUP List (Out at least 4 weeks)
Nick Chubb’s recovery from multiple knee ligament tears is progressing well, but the Cleveland Browns have placed him on the PUP list, sidelining him for at least the first month of the season. Jerome Ford is expected to step into the lead back role in Chubb’s absence, but it could take Chubb some time to get back to his usual game speed even after he’s cleared to play.
Fantasy Impact: Chubb is a must-stash in all formats, but managers should be cautious and avoid rushing him back into starting lineups. Ford is a solid handcuff and could provide decent value in the early weeks of the season.
T.J. Hockenson Injury Update: Patience Required
Team: Minnesota Vikings
Injury: ACL and MCL Tear (Week 17, 2023)
Status: On PUP List (Out at least 4 weeks)
T.J. Hockenson remains on the PUP list as he recovers from a significant knee injury sustained in Week 17 last season. Although tight ends generally have an easier time returning from such injuries compared to running backs, Hockenson’s late-season injury makes it unlikely he’ll be fully recovered anytime soon.
Fantasy Impact: Hockenson is worth stashing in your IR spot, but managers should temper expectations for his early-season contributions. The Vikings’ offense will likely look elsewhere for production in his absence, so consider streaming another tight end until Hockenson is back at full strength.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire: Mental Health Matters
Team: Kansas City Chiefs
Injury: PTSD (Non-Physical Ailment)
Status: On IR
Clyde Edwards-Helaire has been open about his struggles with PTSD, leading the Kansas City Chiefs to place him on IR. Mental health is a serious issue, and it’s commendable that CEH is prioritizing his well-being. However, from a fantasy perspective, Edwards-Helaire had already lost his grip on the RB2 role before this development.
Fantasy Impact: With Samaje Perine and Carson Steele emerging in Kansas City’s backfield, CEH is unlikely to regain a significant role, even when he returns. He doesn’t need to be rostered, even in deep leagues.
Keaton Mitchell: A Promising Start Cut Short
Team: Baltimore Ravens
Injury: ACL Tear (Late 2023)
Status: On PUP List (Out at least 5 weeks)
Keaton Mitchell showed promise in his limited appearances last season, but an ACL tear has kept him on the sidelines. Currently on the PUP list, Mitchell’s return is uncertain, and it’s possible he could miss more time than initially expected. In his absence, Justice Hill will serve as the change-of-pace back behind Derrick Henry.
Fantasy Impact: Mitchell’s potential makes him a worthwhile stash in deeper leagues, but be prepared for a longer wait. Hill could offer some fantasy value in the interim, especially in PPR formats.
Kendre Miller: A Sleeper on IR
Team: New Orleans Saints
Injury: Hamstring Strain
Status: On Short-Term IR (Out at least 4 weeks)
Kendre Miller, entering his sophomore season, has landed on short-term IR with a hamstring strain. Playing behind two aging veterans, Miller’s injury history is concerning, but his upside makes him a potential sleeper candidate later in the season.
Fantasy Impact: Miller is a speculative stash in deeper leagues, but don’t hesitate to cut bait if you need the IR spot for a more pressing injury.
Tyler Higbee: Uncertain Return for the Rams’ TE
Team: Los Angeles Rams
Injury: ACL and MCL Tear (Late 2023)
Status: On PUP List (Out at least 4 weeks)
Tyler Higbee’s knee injury was severe, and his return date remains uncertain. In his absence, Colby Parkinson has been taking reps with the first team, and while Parkinson’s fantasy relevance is limited, he could emerge as a deep sleeper in tight end premium leagues.
Fantasy Impact: Higbee’s return is up in the air, and Parkinson’s performance could determine whether Higbee regains his starting role. Keep Higbee stashed in IR, but don’t rely on him as your primary tight end this season.
Conclusion: Managing Your Fantasy Roster Amidst Injuries
Injuries are an inevitable part of fantasy football, but being proactive in managing your roster can help mitigate their impact. Stashing players like Jonathon Brooks and T.J. Hockenson in your IR spots could pay dividends later in the season, while others, like Clyde Edwards-Helaire, may be better off left on the waiver wire. Stay tuned for weekly updates as we navigate the ups and downs of the NFL season, and make sure your fantasy lineup is always in peak condition.
