Fantasy News

T.J. Hockenson (thumb) is out for the remainder of 2021, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Hockenson is undergoing season-ending thumb surgery, but he’ll be back in time for offseason activities, which is a good sign as Detroit gears up for a leap in 2022. The former first-round pick ends his age-24 campaign with 61 receptions, 583 yards, and four touchdowns in 12 games, as he again showed star ability at tight end, though usage was inconsistent at times for a struggling offense. The team adding more playmakers on the outside should take the pressure off Hockenson, who should be drafted as a borderline top-five fantasy option next summer.

Via: Adam Schefter 12/16/21 - 01:26 PM ET

Jaylen Waddle has been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Waddle joins the entire backfield of Miami with issues continuing to hit the team/league, and unless it turns out to be some sort of false positive, he won’t be able to play on Sunday. It’s obviously unfortunate with fantasy playoffs beginning, but DeVante Parker should already be rostered and gets elevated to WR2 status for Week 15 (with Mike Gesicki also getting a boost as a borderline top-five option at tight end). Hopefully Waddle is feeling OK and can return in Week 16.

12/16/21 - 11:33 AM ET

DeAndre Hopkins is undergoing knee surgery.

Hopkins has a torn MCL, and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that he’s undergoing surgery and will be out for “likely six weeks.” So, Hopkins’ regular season is officially over and he’ll be placed on injured reserve soon. The hope for the Cardinals is now that Hopkins will be able to return if they get deep into the postseason.

Via: Ian Rapoport 12/16/21 - 07:25 AM ET

DeAndre Hopkins (knee) is expected to miss the rest of the regular season.

It didn’t sound great when Hopkins was getting another opinion on his leg, and now the veteran receiver appears done for the regular season with the hope of returning for the postseason. The former All-Pro’s 2021 campaign ends with 42 receptions for 572 yards and eight touchdowns in ten games.

Via: Adam Schefter 12/15/21 - 03:22 PM ET

DeAndre Hopkins is getting a second opinion on his leg injury.

Hopkins was injured late in the Week 14 Monday night loss to the Rams, and it sounds like he’s expected to miss more time with this knee/leg issue. We’ll see if there’s a timeline for Hopkins’ return to the field, but it looks like he’ll miss Week 15 against the Lions as of now.

12/15/21 - 11:53 AM ET

Sam Darnold (shoulder) has been designated to return from injured reserve.

After former league MVP Cam Newton was added following Darnold’s injury, the quarterback situation is very complicated for the struggling Panthers offense. But Darnold can now practice for 21 days before he must be cleared or spend the year on injured reserve. We’ll see if Darnold is able to see more action for Carolina ahead of 2022 and a potential big decision on the quarterback position moving forward.

12/15/21 - 11:47 AM ET

Washington is placing Kyle Allen on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Allen saw limited action in Week 14 while Taylor Heinicke was banged up and showed flashes of his upside, but now he lands on the COVID list. Heinicke is expected to be fine for Week 15, but hopefully Allen is feeling OK and gets taken off the COVID list soon.

Via: Mike Garafolo 12/15/21 - 11:45 AM ET