Week 11 handed fantasy managers another gut punch, delivering a fresh wave of injuries right as the playoff race starts tightening. A handful of big names hit IR, several more are staring at uncertain timelines, and suddenly the waiver wire looks a lot more important than it did a week ago. From Aaron Rodgers’ fractured wrist to Calvin Ridley’s season-ending leg injury, the landscape has shifted fast. Here’s everything you need to know heading into Week 12.
Quarterbacks
Aaron Rodgers, QB – Pittsburgh Steelers
Injury: Left wrist fracture
Projected Return: Week-toWeek
Rodgers suffered a small fracture in his non-throwing wrist and exited Sunday’s game early. The team is deciding between minor surgery or playing through it with a splint, which puts his recovery window anywhere from 1–6 weeks. The biggest concerns will be taking snaps cleanly and absorbing contact. Mason Rudolph starts if Rodgers can’t go.
Fantasy Take: Plan for a temporary replacement. Rudolph is a superflex-only option, and the whole Steelers passing game — including D.K. Metcalf — takes a slight hit.
Dillon Gabriel, QB – Cleveland Browns
Injury: Concussion
Projected Return: Week 12–13
Gabriel entered concussion protocol after a hard fall, and with delayed symptoms, it’ll be tough for him to get cleared in time for Week 12. Shedeur Sanders likely draws the start if needed.
Fantasy Take: Bench Gabriel this week. Sanders is a desperation superflex play only.
Michael Penix Jr., QB – Atlanta Falcons
Injury: Left knee (ACL/PCL damage, aggravated bone bruise)
Projected Return: Season-ending
Penix re-injured the same knee that sidelined him earlier this year, and imaging confirmed significant ligament damage. Atlanta placed him on IR, officially ending his rookie season. Kirk Cousins will start the rest of the way.
Fantasy Take: Cousins becomes a viable streamer in Atlanta’s pass-heavy offense. London, Mooney, and Pitts retain stable roles.
Running Backs
J.K. Dobbins, RB – Denver Broncos
Injury: Lisfranc surgery (left foot)
Projected Return: 2026
Another brutal setback for Dobbins, who now faces recovery from three major lower-body surgeries. His 2025 season is over.
Fantasy Take: Drop in all redraft leagues. Dynasty managers can consider a cheap stash if he lands a new opportunity next season.
Josh Jacobs, RB – Green Bay Packers
Injury: Left knee (possible PCL sprain/contusion)
Projected Return: Week 13–16
Jacobs left early after jamming his knee, and while imaging showed no major structural damage, a mild PCL sprain is still on the table. He’s unlikely to go in Week 12.
Fantasy Take: Emanuel Wilson becomes the top waiver pickup of the week with real RB2 potential if he handles lead duties.
Bhayshul Tuten, RB – Jacksonville Jaguars
Injury: Right ankle sprain
Projected Return: Week 12–13
Tuten appeared badly hurt before later standing on the sideline with his helmet, suggesting he wasn’t ruled out for structural reasons. Still, ankle swelling could limit him.
Fantasy Take: If Tuten sits, Etienne and LeQuint Allen get bumps in usage. Tuten remains a worthwhile bench stash.
De’Von Achane, RB – Miami Dolphins
Injury: Back strain
Projected Return: Week 13
Achane briefly exited before finishing the game. With Miami on a Week 12 bye, he should return fully healthy afterward.
Fantasy Take: Locked-in RB1 when active. Ollie Gordon remains a valuable insurance stash.
Emari Demercado, RB – Arizona Cardinals
Injury: High ankle sprain
Projected Return: Week 13–15
Demercado suffered a high ankle sprain and was quickly ruled out, signaling a multi-week absence that could land him on IR.
Fantasy Take: Bam Knight holds short-term value, especially if Trey Benson isn’t ready. Expect a timeshare, but Knight should lead the touches.
Jaylen Warren, RB – Pittsburgh Steelers
Injury: Left lateral ankle sprain
Projected Return: Week 12–13
Warren left briefly, returned, and then gave way to Kenneth Gainwell late. Expect limited practices all week and a real chance he sits.
Fantasy Take: Gainwell is a high-priority pickup with RB2 upside if Warren misses time.
Wide Receivers
Calvin Ridley, WR – Tennessee Titans
Injury: Right fibula fracture
Projected Return: Out for season
Ridley fractured his fibula on his first catch of the day and will undergo surgery this week. A brutal end to his season.
Fantasy Take: Drop him in all formats. Xavier Restrepo is an interesting speculative add in deeper leagues.
Drake London, WR – Atlanta Falcons
Injury: Left knee (PCL sprain)
Projected Return: Week 13–16
London suffered a textbook PCL sprain and was ruled out quickly. With Atlanta out of the playoff picture, they may not rush him back.
Fantasy Take: Mooney and Pitts should see increased volume while London recovers.
Tight Ends
Sam LaPorta, TE – Detroit Lions
Injury: Lumbar ligament sprain
Projected Return: Week 15 (IR)
LaPorta was placed on IR and will miss at least four weeks, but the team expects him back for a playoff push.
Fantasy Take: Worth stashing if you can afford the bench spot. Brock Wright is only a desperation streamer.
Tyler Higbee, TE – Los Angeles Rams
Injury: Ankle sprain
Projected Return: Week 12–14
Another lower-body injury for Higbee, who has struggled to stay healthy this year.
Fantasy Take: Leave him on benches until he’s practicing. Terrance Ferguson is a deep-league TE2 flier.
Quick Notes
C.J. Stroud (concussion): Out for Week 12; Davis Mills starts again.
Jaxson Dart (concussion): Still in protocol; questionable for Week 12.
Dalton Kincaid (hamstring): Did not practice Monday; likely out through Week 12.
Final Thoughts
We’re officially in the fantasy playoff race, and injuries are forcing managers to pivot fast. Players like Emanuel Wilson, Kenneth Gainwell, and Bam Knight could be short-term league-winners, while long-term absences from stars like Calvin Ridley and Sam LaPorta open doors for new waiver heroes. Stay proactive, stay aggressive, and stay one move ahead.
