🏆 Injury Trends For Week 18 And Damar Hamlin Makes 'Substantial Improvement'

News and Notes from around the league  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ [Footballguys Email Updates](=) [Go PRO]( | [View Online](=) [Unsubscribe]( | [Sign Up]() [Footballguys.com](=)Daily Email Update • Vol. 24, #271 • Jan. 5th[,](=) 2023 --------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks To Our Sponsor, [The 2022 Footballguys Playoff Challenge]() Howdy {NAME}, Welcome In and Buckle Up. We've got encouraging news for Damar Hamlin's recovery plus a bunch of News and Notes you need. Let's Go. J --------------------------------------------------------------- [Footballguys Playoff Challenge]() Sponsored by [The 2022 Footballguys Playoff Challenge]() [Raise Your Stake In The NFL Playoffs!]() [The 2022 Footballguys Playoff Challenge]() will feature a $100,000 grand prize and a $476,250 total prize pool. All prizes are fully guaranteed. The contest is capped at 16,000 teams. - No salary cap, no draft, and no free agency to deal with - Stack your team with your favorite players once, then sit back and enjoy the games - Teams are only $35 each - Our playoff contest has sold out every year, so don't miss out [Sign Up Now]() --------------------------------------------------------------- SITE NEWS A. [The Launch Pad - Week 18 Motivation](=) Our Dave Kluge is joined on episode 58 of The Launch Pad with Eric Balkman and Mike Schopp. In this episode, they'll discuss Week 18 matchups and FFPC's Footballguys Playoff Challenge. B. [Thoughts On Deciding League Championships]( I wrote this Tuesday night: Lastly, a request and thought on the logistics of the NFL season and on Fantasy Football seasons: Please show some grace. I believe everyone from your local league Commissioner to the NFL Commissioner is doing their best here to do what's right. Please be patient. If you're playing DFS or one of the contests, they have strong incentives as a business to be as fair as possible. For your local league, please be especially patient. I'd urge you to keep your focus on why you're in the league in the first place. My guess is it's because you enjoy the people. So be kind to your Commissioner and fellow GMs and take your time working this out. There's no need to rush. Above all, I don't think you can go wrong with putting the highest value on unity and harmony, and camaraderie. Hopefully, that's why you're in the league. Don't let arguing over a ruling break up a good thing. Along those lines for local leagues, our Sigmund Bloom put together some thoughts on possible ways to handle things. This isn't a definitive or "must do" list. But it's some options and talking points to maybe kickstart the discussion with your league. [] INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [BUF - S Damar Hamlin makes 'substantial improvement'](#1) 2. [PHI - QB Jalen Hurts limited again](#2) 3. [GB - QB Aaron Rodgers back on the field](#3) 4. [BAL - QB Lamar Jackson does not practice again Thursday](#4) 5. [WAS - RB Antonio Gibson to IR](#5) 6. [ARI - Arizona adds two receivers](#6) 7. [TB - QB Tom Brady rests Thursday](#7) 8. [WAS - Brian Robinson a no-go Thursday](#8) 9. [KC - Skyy Moore to sit out Week 18](#9) 10. [TEN - RB Derrick Henry ready to play](#10) 11. [TEN - Treylon Burks sidelined Thursday](#11) 12. [SF - WR Deebo Samuel may sit out finale](#12) 13. [KC - WR Mecole Hardman listed as questionable](#13) 14. [NO - RB Dwayne Washington lands on reserve list](#14) 15. [ARI - RB James Conner gets some work in Thursday](#15) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 1. [BUF - S Damar Hamlin makes 'substantial improvement']( Source: NFL.com Buffalo Bills S Damar Hamlin (undisclosed) was gripping family members' hands and opened his eyes in the hospital Wednesday, Jan. 4. Dr. William Knight outlined the timeline of care Hamlin received Monday night after he collapsed on the field in the first quarter of Monday's game. "It's been a long and difficult road the last three days. He has been very sick and has made a fairly remarkable recovery and improvement to the point that, as Tim noted, [Hamlin] is now demonstrating that sign of good neurologic recovery, as well as overall clinical improvement as has been previously reported related to not just his vital signs, but his other individual organ recovery." Knight said they do not have "definitive answers" as to the cause of Hamlin's cardiac arrest, and "the tests will continue to be ongoing as he continues to rest." Knight and Dr. Pritts each lauded the work done on the field by the Bills medical staff, which they said enabled Hamlin to be in the condition he is Thursday. "We cannot credit their team enough," Knight said. "There are often, unfortunately, there are injuries that happen on sports fields, be it football or others, but it is incredibly rare to have something be this serious that happens like that. And to be that quickly recognized, what they did was immediately marshal the emergency action plan, meaning the emergency medical services. That prompted the airway physician, the emergency physician that was out on the field to be at his bedside in less than a minute. He had a prompt recognition of loss of pulse, which gave him immediate bystander CPR, which rarely if ever happens. The fact that Mr. Hamlin had immediate bystander CPR, in addition to prompt recognition of his arrhythmia to get defibrillated and then back to the return of circulation very quickly, that speaks to that timeline that you're asking about. To get a return of spontaneous circulation with immediate bystander CPR that was performed well. All meeting the standard of what we would expect in that scenario is what has led us to be able to discuss these good outcomes today." Pritts added: "This went as well as something like this could go under very challenging circumstances. And they did a fantastic job, which is why we're here today." Regarding Hamlin's path to recovery, Knight said that Hamlin "has a ways to go with liberation from the ventilator" and it is too early to project a long-term recovery, including if Hamlin could again play professional football. A best-case scenario, according to Knight, is to get Hamlin back to how he was at 8 p.m. ET Monday and "back to who he was before this all happened." [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Fantastic news here as we continue to be optimistic. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 2. [PHI - QB Jalen Hurts limited again]() Source: PhiladelphiaEagles.com Philadelphia Eagles QB [Jalen Hurts](=) (shoulder) was limited for the second-straight day on Thursday, Jan. 5. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Eagles are 0-2 over the last two games without Hurts. He seems to be trending in the right direction, and he should play in Week 18. The Eagles can secure the top seed in the NFC with a victory. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 3. [GB - QB Aaron Rodgers back on the field](=) Source: ESPN.com - Rob Demovsky Green Bay Packers QB [Aaron Rodgers](=) (knee, thumb) returned to practice Thursday, Jan. 5, after he was listed as 'did not practice' on the team's estimated practice report Wednesday, Jan. 4. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Rodgers is battling through a couple of different injuries, but he's going to be out there against the Lions on Sunday night. If the Packers win, they secure a postseason berth. Rodgers will do whatever it takes to get on there in Week 18. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 4. [BAL - QB Lamar Jackson does not practice again Thursday](=) Source: ESPN.com - Jamison Hensley Baltimore Ravens QB [Lamar Jackson](=) (knee) missed his 14th consecutive practice Thursday, Jan. 5. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Jackson is unlikely to play in the season finale. That means QB Tyler Huntley gets the start against the Bengals in Week 18. The Ravens want Jackson healthy for the postseason, so let's see what he can do leading up to their Wild Card Weekend matchup. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 5. [WAS - RB Antonio Gibson to IR]() Source: KPRC.com - Aaron Wilson Washington Commanders RB [Antonio Gibson](=) (foot/knee) was placed on the Reserve/Injured list Thursday, Jan. 5. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Gibson ends this season with 546 rushing yards, 46 receptions for 353 receiving yards, and five total touchdowns. He began the season as the starter, but the Commanders eventually turned those duties over to rookie RB Brian Robinson. In 2023, Gibson will be in the final year of his rookie contract and is in line to be the primary backup to Robinson once again. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 6. [ARI - Arizona adds two receivers]( Source: NFLCommunications.com The Arizona Cardinals signed free-agent WRs Auden Tate (Eagles) and Isaiah Coulter (Bills) to the practice squad on Wednesday, Jan. 4. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Tate and Coulter are both players with skill, so if you play in a crazy deep dynasty format then continue to keep an eye on their progress as they try to make it in the NFL. Both are long shots to do much of anything, but in certain formats you'll be rolling the dice. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 7. [TB - QB Tom Brady rests Thursday](=) Source: Buccaneers.com Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB [Tom Brady](=) (rest) did not practice on Thursday, Jan. 5. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Buccaneers are going to play their starters in Week 18. How much they play their starters in a meaningless game remains to be seen. Brady is getting some rest, but he'll play in Week 18 to warm up for yet another postseason chance. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 8. [WAS - Brian Robinson a no-go Thursday]() Source: ESPN.com - John Keim Washington Commanders RB [Brian Robinson](=) Jr. (knee) did not participate in practice Thursday, Jan. 5. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] That's two days in a row for Robinson. With RB Antonio Gibson shut down for Week 18 (Commanders put him on IR Thursday), the team may be turning to Jonathan Williams for more action on Sunday against the Cowboys. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- FOOTBALLGUYS PICKS SIGNUPS NOW OPEN - 2022 FOOTBALLGUYS PLAYOFF CHALLENGE - Raise your stake in the NFL Playoffs. Stack your team with your favorite players once, then sit back and enjoy the games. There's no salary cap, no draft, and no free agency to deal with. The $100,000 grand prize and the $476,250 total prize pool are fully guaranteed. But don't miss out -- our playoff contest has sold out every year. [Sign Up Now]() --------------------------------------------------------------- DOMINATE YOUR FRIENDS WITH A FOOTBALLGUYS PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTION - Consistently winning at Fantasy Football is hard. And losing sucks. We have the secret weapon you need in a Footballguys Premium Subscription. We do the work so you can do the winning. And as always, we have a 30-day Moneyback Guarantee so there's zero risk. 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[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Moore was injured against the Broncos last week. The rookie has flashed just a bit this season, but injuries and inconsistencies have plagued his game. Good thing the Chiefs have weapons like Kadarius Toney and Mecole Hardman (now officially activated) to turn to behind JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 10. [TEN - RB Derrick Henry ready to play]() Source: TennesseeTitans.com - Jim Wyatt Tennessee Titans RB [Derrick Henry](=) (hip) fully participated in practice Thursday, Jan. 5, and is not on the injury report for Week 18. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Henry is going to be the battering ram he normally is for the Titans in a must-win game. If they win against the Jaguars on Saturday, the Titans win the AFC South and head to the playoffs. That means Henry is going to be involved as much as possible in Week 18. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 11. [TEN - Treylon Burks sidelined Thursday]() Source: TennesseeTitans.com - Jim Wyatt Tennessee Titans WR [Treylon Burks](=) (groin) did not participate in practice Thursday, Jan. 5. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Titans are going with QB Josh Dobbs as their starter in a must-win game against the Jaguars in Week 18. The game is on Saturday, and Titans' head coach Mike Vrabel "thinks" Burks will be out there. If Burks has to miss that game, WR Robert Woods and rookie TE Chigoziem Okonkwo will get more looks in the passing game. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 12. [SF - WR Deebo Samuel may sit out finale]( Source: NFL.com - Grant Gordon San Francisco 49ers WR [Deebo Samuel](=) (ankle, knee) said he will not play in the Week 18 game if is not fully recovered from his injuries. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The 49ers are looking to make some noise in the postseason. There's no need to rush Samuel out there if they can give him another week of rest so he's closer to 100 percent for the playoffs. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 13. [KC - WR Mecole Hardman listed as questionable](=) Source: Chiefs.com Kansas City Chiefs WR [Mecole Hardman](=) (pelvis) was limited during practice Thursday, Jan. 5, and is listed as questionable for Week 18. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Hardman was officially activated this week, but the team may choose to ease him back into action. They have WR Kadarius Toney, who plays a similar role to Hardman in the offense, so there's no need to rush Hardman. Instead, they should get him ready for a postseason run. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 14. [NO - RB Dwayne Washington lands on reserve list]( Source: NFLCommunications.com New Orleans Saints RB [Dwayne Washington](=) (illness) was placed on the Reserve/Non-Football Illness list on Wednesday, Jan. 4. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Washington has not played or practiced since Week 13. He has only 12 touches this year on offense, and Washington has not really flashed since his first season with the Saints (2018). [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 15. [ARI - RB James Conner gets some work in Thursday]() Source: ESPN.com - Josh Weinfuss Arizona Cardinals RB [James Conner](=) (knee, shin) was spotted at practice Thursday, Jan. 5. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Conner is trending in the right direction. The Cardinals should lean on him as much as possible against a tough 49ers defense in Week 18. We like Conner in the RB2 range (RB15-20) for Fantasy GMs playing in the season finale. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- That'll do it for today, Folks. Thanks for reading and thanks for being part of the Footballguys Family. We'll see you tomorrow with the Update. Peace, J [Win More At Fantasy Football With A Premium Subscription From Footballguys.com]( Footballguys Rewards - Be A Hero - Share The Love - Get Cool Swag - Share the Footballguys Daily Update -> Earn Rewards Have friends who'd love our newsletter too? Want free stuff? Give them your unique referral link (below) and get an awesome reward when they subscribe and confirm their email. 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