The fantasy football week is about to close and heading into the playoffs in many leagues, teams are looking at players that can help down the stretch and some of the top starters that are banged up and injured includes Julius Thomas, Jordan Reed, Le'Veon Bell and Rashad Jennings.
This week both Jordan Reed and Julius Thomas were out of the lineup for the Washington Redskins and Denver Broncos respectively, while Bell and Jennings were banged up on Thursday on Thanksgiving and could be limited going forward depending on how severe their injuries are. Bell has been very solid for the Steelers and he has rushed for over 70 yards in three of the past five games and has two touchdowns in that span and he also has been a factor in the passing game, making 13 catches over the past three weeks.
Bell was hit hard at the end of the game against the Ravens on Thursday and suffered a concussion and that could keep him out this week or at least limited heading into Week 14. Bell has been solid as the Steelers have crawled back into playoff contention and he finished the game with 16 carries for 73 yards and a touchdown and he also added seven catches for 63 yards in the matchup. Bell had a nice 43 yard run in the game and as long as he doesn't have any lingering issues, he should be in solid position to play next week and in the next couple weeks. Bell has been the main option for the Steelers over Jonathan Dwyer and if he can practice, expect him to play.
Jennings has been the feature back for the Raiders with Darren McFadden banged up and he is coming off of a solid game against the Dallas Cowboys, scoring two touchdowns on Thanksgiving while rushing for 35 yards and adding one catch for eight yards in the game. Jennings dealt with a concussion as well after being hit in the back of the head by accident and as he gets looked at, his playing time and status should get clearer. Jennings is a tough runner and he has been solid in relief and out of the backfield, making nearly 30 catches on the season for 245 yards and now he has five touchdowns over the past five weeks. Jennings is a solid option as long as he is healthy.
Julius Thomas was out for the win against Kansas City on Sunday and while the Broncos were able to win, it was close and now Thomas looks like he could be back in action next week. This season he has been one of the best targets for Peyton Manning and one of the best tight ends in all of football and he has 10 scores on the season, including four in the past five games. Jordan Reed was out on Sunday night against the New York Giants and the Redskins offense suffered a bit and Robert Griffin will get a boost once Reed returns. Reed has been out since the Eagles game on November 17 after making one catch and now he could miss next week as well. Reed has been very solid with 45 catches to rank second on the team and the offense could use his athleticism.