Fantasy Injury Updates: Latest news on Antonio Gibson, D’Andre Swift, Damien Harris, more affecting Week 16 start ’em, sit ’em decisions

With a seemingly endless parade of key RBs inactive while on the reserve/COVID list (Dalvin Cook, Austin Ekeler, Rhamondre Stevenson), injuries almost seem like a quaint afterthought, but with fantasy championship berths on the line, every “questionable” player carries extra significance. There are still several important RBs, including Antonio Gibson,  D’Andre Swift, Damien Harris, and David Johnson, who are game-time decisions and will require waiting for the final injury reports. Fortunately, we’ll have the latest updates below throughout the day on Sunday so you can feel confident with your start ’em, sit ’em decisions.

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WEEK 16 FANTASY: Sleepers | Busts | Start ’em, sit ’em

Is Antonio Gibson playing Sunday night?

Gibson (toe) didn’t practice all week, but that could be, in part, due to Washington playing on Tuesday last week. Either way, his availability for Sunday night’s tilt in Dallas is in question.

Even if Gibson plays, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he saw fewer touches than usual. He always has a decent ceiling because of his big-play ability, but with a lower floor than usual, he’ll be tough to wait for even if you have handcuffs Jaret Patterson and Jonathan Williams. Ultimately, given the neutral matchup and usage worries, you’re better off playing it safe with someone other than Gibson, but if you feel the need to wait for him, make sure you have Patterson or Williams, who will likely split touches in Gibson’s absence.

WEEK 16 PPR RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker

is D’Andre Swift playing Week 16?

In perhaps a bit of a surprise, Swift (shoulder) was limited in practice all week and is “questionable” for Sunday’s game against the Falcons. It was Swift’s first action of any kind since injuring his shoulder on Thanksgiving.

If Swift plays, he’ll merely split time with Jamaal Williams, who will return after a two-game absence while on the reserve/COVID list. Surprise breakout Craig Reynolds will also likely mix in, but the Lions wouldn’t activate Swift just to give him five touches. In a highly favorable matchup, Swift would be at least an RB2 in PPR leagues and flex in standard leagues. Williams would be about the same, bumping up to a solid RB2 in both formats if Swift is out. 

WEEK 16 STANDARD RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker

Is Damien Harris playing Week 16?

Harris (hamstring) was limited in practice all week, but it seems like he’s trending toward playing after missing a week. It’s always tough to tell with the Patriots, but in a monster divisional game against Buffalo and with Rhamondre Stevenson (reserve/COVID) already ruled out, Harris would play a much-needed role. 

If he’s active, Harris is an easy “start.” Buffalo’s run defense has been struggling down the stretch, and we know New England isn’t afraid to lean on its backs. Harris could easily see 20 touches in this one, making him a borderline RB1 in standard and solid RB2 in PPR. If he’s out, Brandon Bolden (knee) would see the bulk of the carries with J.J. Taylor also mixing in. Bolden would be a decent RB2 in PPR and flex in standard.

WEEK 16 DFS LINEUPS: DraftKings | FanDuel | Yahoo

Is David Johnson playing Week 16?

Johnson (quad) failed to practice this week, so it’s a bit surprising he’s even listed as “questionable” for Sunday’s game against the Chargers.

MORE WEEK 16 DFS: Best stacks | Lineup Builder

It seems likely Johnson will be out, opening the door for 15-plus touches for Rex Burkhead. While that might not sound exciting, it could yield a decent amount of production against a Chargers’ defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to RBs. Royce Freeman would also get touches, but Burkhead is the only one worth taking a shot on as an RB2.