Week 16 Fantasy Football Injury Report

Week 16 turned into a major week for injuries, with plenty on the defensive side of the ball. The Lions especially have been wrecked by injuries to the defense, but they also didn’t escape on offense either.

Week 16 Fantasy Football Injury Report 

David Montgomery, RB, Detroit Lions 

It came out on Monday that David Montgomery tore his MCL, which is going to force him out of action for the next couple of weeks at a minimum. It could stretch beyond that depending on the testing, but either way, Jahmyr Gibbs is going to be one of the best backs for fantasy down the stretch. He was already a top-10 option mostly every week, but now he’s going to have additional touches vacated by Montgomery. Craig Reynolds and Sione Vaki will take whatever touches are left, but there is little reason to think they’ll be usable for fantasy. 

Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs keep on winning games, but the high-ankle sprain for Patrick Mahomes could wind up being a significant issue. He’s being listed week-to-week, and normally there wouldn’t be any huge worry that he’d miss time. However, the Chiefs are in a stretch where they play three times in 11 days, so that adds an element of question. We’ll have to see how things unfold, and there are plenty of fantasy managers who are hoping to not see Carson Wentz under center for Kansas City. 

Jaylen Waddle, WR, Miami Dolphins 

It was a tough day at the office for the Dolphins, who lost to the Texans, and Jaylen Waddle suffered a leg injury. He got his leg rolled on during a play, which means it could be a knee issue. The severity is not yet known, but if Waddle misses time, Malik Washington would likely take on a larger role in the Miami offense. The rookie receiver made an impact on Sunday and would have plenty of opportunities in the last couple of weeks.

Alvin Kamara, RB, New Orleans Saints

The Saints might be down to almost their entire second-string offense by next week, at least as it pertains to the skill positions. They’re missing receivers, quarterbacks, their tight end/running back in Taysom Hill, and now Alvin Kamara could miss Week 16. He’s dealing with a groin injury that knocked him out of the game on Sunday. Kendre Miller out-snapped Jamaal Williams 26-6 after that point, so if you’re still alive, Miller is likely going to be the prize of the waiver wire. 

Tommy DeVito, QB, New York Giants 

The Giants are likely not upset about losing games, so they can have a strong draft position in the 2025 NFL Draft. They were down to Tim Boyle at quarterback in the game against the Ravens on Sunday after Tommy DeVito suffered a concussion and Drew Lock was already hurt. Oddly, Malik Nabers still found success for fantasy, but it’s going to be more difficult with a revolving door at quarterback in the next couple of weeks. 

Xavier Legette, WR, Carolina Panthers 

Sunday was a disappointing day for the Panthers. It’s one thing to lose since they have the same organizational goal of draft position. However, the offense took a step backward after a few weeks of playing better. Xavier Legette getting injured didn’t help. He’s dealing with a groin issue, which should open up more chances for Jalen Coker.

Zach Ertz, TE, Washington Commanders

Ertz is in concussion protocol, and is status remains up in the air for the Commanders. Ben Sinnott and John Bates each caught one pass apiece with Ertz out of the picture, but neither are fantasy options moving forward.