Will The Gronk return in week 17?
The final week of the 2012 NFL regular season is upon us. Fantasy football isn’t about to go away here at Daily Joust, but things will definitely change a bit with the playoffs coming up in a week. This is the last week to use just about any player you want, so now is the time to take full advantage of your fantasy football skills to win some cold, hard cash.
While you surely have the knowledge to formulate a winning roster, sometimes injuries and roles can slip through the cracks and mess with rosters. Here’s an updated look at this week’s biggest names that could be hindered or ruled out because of injury:
Carson Palmer, QB, Oakland Raiders (Ribs)
Palmer had a good year in Oakland (except for wins), but won’t be available for week 17 due to cracked ribs. Terrelle Pryor will start in his place and is not a recommended play.
Nick Foles, QB, Philadelphia Eagles (Hand)
Foles has been placed on IR with a broken hand. Michael Vick (no, you read that right), will return under center for the Eagles. He’s a nice boom/bust play against the Giants to end the year.
Greg McElroy, QB, New York Jets (Head)
McElroy couldn’t hide his concussion this week and will sit out in favor of Mark Sanchez. Tim Tebow should be fuming.
Arian Foster, RB, Houston Texans (Heart)
Foster had a terrible week 16 and sat for a bit last week due to an irregular heart beat. He seems to be all systems go this week, however, as he and his Texans chase down the AFC’s #1 overall seed.
Chris Johnson, RB, Tennessee Titans (Ankle)
CJ2k suffered an ankle injury last week but seems to be OK for week 17. He’ll face a very beatable Jacksonville defense.
Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars (Foot)
If you hadn’t heard already, MJD’s season has officially been put to an end with the star RB being placed on injured reserve. Montell Owens will continue to start with him out.
Pierre Thomas, RB, New Orleans Saints (Knee)
Thomas piled on 77 yards last week, but apparently his knee injury hasn’t gotten any better and the Saints have put him on IR. New Orelans will use a blend of Darren Sproles, Mark Ingram and Chris Ivory in the finale.
Jonathan Stewart, RB, Carolina Panthers (Ankle)
J-Stew is listed as questionable this week, but apparently isn’t a safe bet to play this week. Look for DeAngelo Williams to continue to hold most of the value in Carolina’s back-field.
Roddy White, WR, Atlanta Falcons (Knee)
White’s sore knee probably won’t keep him out of Atlanta’s week 17 game, but he’s unlikely to play a ton with the Falcons already having the NFC’s #1 overall seed locked up. He’s a very risky play this week.
Jordy Nelson, WR, Green Bay Packers (Hamstring)
Nelson could end up being a game-time call this week, as the Packers would like to get him a little run before the playoffs, but don’t want to risk furthering his injury. He’s not a very safe play to end the regular season.
Mike Wallace, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers (Hip)
60 Minutes has been officially ruled out for the final game of the year, as his hip isn’t 100% and the Steelers have nothing to play for. Antonio Brown should be draped by Joe Haden all day, giving Emmanuel Sanders interesting potential to end the year.
Davone Bess, WR, Miami Dolphins (Back)
Bess will miss more action with a bad back, giving Brian Hartline an even bigger boost with a solid matchup against the Patriots.
Rob Gronkowski, TE, New England Patriots (Arm)
There are mixed signals on whether The Gronk will return this week, but you can’t really bank on a huge workload even if he does play. It’s safe to leave him be for week 17 and wait for the playoffs.
Vernon Davis, TE, San Francisco 49ers (Head)
Davis is questionable for week 17 with concussion symptoms and he himself said he’s not sure he’ll play. The 49ers are already a lock for post-season play, so there’s a good chance he sits this one out. He hasn’t done much in the second half of the year, anyways.
Heath Miller, TE, Pittsburgh Steelers (Knee)
It should be old news by now, but Miller has a torn ACL and is done for the year. David Paulson and Leonard Pope will likely split time in his absence, but neither have real fantasy value.
Owen Daniels, TE, Houston Texans (Hamstring)
Daniels is expected to return this week, but isn’t quite 100% with a sore hammy. Don’t expect him to be used as usual, as Houston already has a playoff spot locked up.
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