Fantasy football injuries: the latest on Rob Gronkowski, John Brown and more

Fantasy football playoffs are just over the horizon and unless you’re comfortably atop your division the next couple weeks will be critical for positioning or for clinching a spot. Week 12 did no favors as several marquee fantasy players left games with injuries and an up in the air prognosis.

Here’s the lateston a few of the biggest names on the injured list:

Rob Gronkowski, Patriots

The NFL’s best tight end has been bruised and battered relentlessly this season. After returning from chest injury woes, Gronk tweaked his back against the Jets and did not return in the second half. Mixed reports have filed in from numerous sources, but it sounds like the injury will not be too too serious.

Gronkowski may miss a little time but should be back within a week or so and any time missed will likely be precautionary. In the mean time, fire up Martellus Bennett at the tight end spot.

John Brown, Cardinals

The Arizona pass-catcher left Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury, but it’s not actually a pulled muscle. In actuality, it’s a blood-related issue and his status going forward is yet unknown. The injury is due to a sickle-cell condition that has already bothered Brown in the past.

“That’s the one that’s so baffling,” head coach BruceArians said Monday. “It’s not really a pull. Whatever the blood issue he has the legs tighten up.”

Allen Hurns, Jaguars

Hurns caught one pass Sunday, a touchdown, but left the game and did not return with a hamstring injury. His return status is unknown, but should he fail to suit up in Week 13 the workload for Allen Robinson andMarqise Lee will go up.

DeVante Parker, Dolphins

Like Gronkowski, Miami’s Parker also left the field with a back injury — one that most believe is not serious and will not cost him playing time.

“Just jumped up and landed on my back, my back was just hurting,” Parker said after the game. “I wanted to come back, but I just couldn’t.”