Delusional Injury Update: Latest Deebo Samuel, Tee Higgins, Sterling Shepard news impact Week 14 start calls

It’s been good news/a week of bad news for many people. Elijah Moore (quad) and Keenan Allen (COVID) have been ruled out, but Mike Williams (substitute/COVID roster) and Julio Jones (hamstring) are expected to compete. The good/bad news theme could continue on Sunday, as major crypto catchers Deebo Samuel, Tee Higgins, Brandin Cooks and Sterling Shepard all “have problems”. Week 14 fantasy start decisions can’t be locked in until we get the latest injury updates, which is why we’ll be here around the clock delivering breaking news most below.

For updates on RB spike Joe Mixon, Tony Pollard, Melvin Gordon, and JD McKissic, click here; give Weather forecast for week 14, click here. For all the latest fantasy news, follow us on Twitter @SN_Fosystem.

WEEK 14 IMPACT: Sleepers | Selling body | Start with ’em, sit’ em

Is Deebo Samuel playing Week 14?

After DNP on Wednesday and Thursday, Samuel (groin) has to do limited training on Friday. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Saturday that Samuel is a “legitimate”chance to play“against the Bengali on Sunday.

If Samuel is playing, it’s hard to tell if he’ll get the full complement of touches. The 49ers had space in the backcourt after Elijah Mitchell (head, knee) was dropped, but chances are they won’t overuse Samuel as soft tissue injuries can easily flare up. However, it was clear that they would want to use him if he was active, so it would be difficult for the imaginary possessors to get him to sit. Get him on your team and hope for the best. If Samuel is absent, George Kittle and Brandon Aiyuk will receive more targets, allowing both to function as solid starting options.

WEEK 14 STANDARD RANKING:
Midfielder | Run back | Wide receiver | Tight ending | VND / ST | Kicker

Is Tee Higgins playing Week 14?

Higgins (ankle) limited in practice on Thursdays and Fridays, but Bengals coach Zac Taylor said he “expectation“Highest to fight the 49ers.

Given his high production over the past two weeks (252 yards, twice TD), Higgins is a virtual start if he’s on the field. If he’s out, Tyler Boyd will be active as #2 receiver and bubble starter, though he’ll have more value in PPR tournaments.

WEEK 14 PPR RANKING:
Midfielder | Run back | Wide receiver | Tight ending | VND / ST | Kicker

Does Sterling Shepard play Week 14?

Shepard (quad) hasn’t played since Week 8, but after a week of limited practice, he’s on track to take on the Chargers.

If Shepard is active, he will see a healthy amount of targets. He averaged 10 looks at a game in the four games he had ample playing time in. Despite the bad game, Shepard is a solid WR3 in PPR tournaments and versatile in standard tournaments. If he’s absent, no one on New York’s anemic team passing sin is even worth considering but TE Evan Engram in the deep leagues.

WEEK 14 USE DFS: DraftKings | FanDuel | Yahoo!

Is Brandin Cooks playing Week 14?

Cooks (return) was restricted from training on Friday, but it’s not clear how serious his injury is. He has “problems” for Sunday’s early game against the Seahawks.

MORE WEEK 14 DFS: The best stack | Best value | Squad Builder

If Cooks is active, he’s still a boom or bust WR2/3. If he’s out, Davis Mills’ lead attack is too unpredictable to wager in fantasy leagues.