NFL News: Travis Kelce, Dalvin Cook, Other Stars Likely Out For Week 16, Fantasy Football Playoffs

Even though the NFL has changed its testing protocols, players continue to be added to the reserve/COVID-19 list ahead of Week 16 games. A few superstars are in that group, and they are in danger of missing contests with playoff implications.

The Kansas City Chiefs placed tight end Travis Kelce and wide receiver Tyreek Hill on the COVID-19 list Tuesday. Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler joined the list Wednesday. On Thursday, it was Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook who was added to the list.

If those players can’t suit up Sunday, it could have a major impact on both the NFL playoff picture and the fantasy football playoffs. Just about every fantasy football league is in its postseason, and the players on the COVID list are among the most productive players in the NFL.

With 1,347 yards from scrimmage and 17 total touchdowns, Ekeler ranks second in fantasy points among running backs. Cook was just selected to his third straight Pro Bowl, leading the NFC with 1,067 rushing yards.

Kelce has the second-most points among tight ends, and he is the only tight end in history to put together six straight 1,000-yard seasons. Only three receivers have more fantasy points in 2021 than Hill, who ranks in the top five in catches, yards and receiving touchdowns.

Could any of those players return in time for Sunday’s games? It’s possible because of the NFL’s new rules, but there’s a good chance they will all be sidelined in Week 16.

Cook is reportedly unvaccinated, and the rules won’t allow him to return for Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings. Ekeler told Yahoo Sports' Liz Loza that his status for the Chargers’ Week 16 matchup with the Houston Texans is “not looking good.” As Sunday gets closer, it’s more likely that Patrick Mahomes’ favorite targets won’t play when the Chiefs host the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Vikings running back Alexander Mattison just came off the COVID list and should receive the bulk of the carries in Cook’s absence. Mattison has rushed for at least 90 yards three times this season.

Justin Jackson is the Chargers’ No. 2 running back. Jackson had 13 carries for 86 yards in Week 15.

Josh Gordon, Mecole Hardman, Byron Pringle and Demarcus Robinson are Mahomes’ top targets if Kelce and Hill can’t go.

Other Pro Bowl-caliber players could be out in Week 16 because of injuries. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson hasn’t been practicing with the ankle injury that kept him out in Week 15. Detroit Lions running back D’Andre Swift and Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller have been out since Thanksgiving.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers suffered a slew of injuries in Week 15. Receiver Chris Godwin is done for the season with a torn ACL. Receiver Mike Evans could be out with a hamstring strain. Running back Leonard Fournett might be out until the playoffs.