With Week 12 just hours away and the playoffs around the corner for most fantasy leagues, here’s a last-minute injury update that could be crucial to an IDP team’s success or demise.

Sean Weatherspoon, Atl LB – A nagging ankle injury has kept the 24-year-old out since Week 8 when he injured it in the Falcon’s win over the Eagles. The flu bug has also hindered Weatherspoon this week as he was expected to return to action this Sunday at Tampa Bay. His status is still iffy as a game-time decision and it would be wise to have a backup plan if he cannot play.

Even if Weatherspoon can go, it wouldn’t be wise to start him because his production will likely be limited following a three-week layoff.

Tyvon Branch, Oak S – The Raiders will have their starting strong safety back in action this week as they travel to Cincinnati to take on the Bengals. Branch was sidelined last week with a neck injury and backup Mike Mitchell got the start.

Branch is listed as probable on the team’s injury report heading into Sunday so IDP owners should feel free to plug him into their starting lineups. He figures to have a pretty good game as the Bengals should be able to move the ball relatively well against the Raiders’ defense.

Reggie Nelson, Cin S – On the flip side, free safety Reggie Nelson, is also probable for Sunday’s meeting between the Bengals and Raiders. Nelson missed the past two weeks with a hamstring injury. The former Florida Gator has played well when healthy this season and it is very good news for IDP owners to get him back in their lineups. Expect him to play well the rest of the year.

Calais Campbell, Ari DE – The former Miami Hurricane is listed as questionable heading into tomorrow’s tilt versus the St. Louis Rams and is expected to play without issue. Campbell was out last Sunday with a calf injury. He hasn’t had a great season with only 3.5 sacks, but makes for a good play against the Rams.

Haloti Ngata, Bal DT – Ngata had a strong performance last week with five total tackles and a sack after hardly playing in Week 10 against the Raiders with a bum shoulder. He is listed as probable and should be a great play this week if your league requires a defensive tackle in the starting lineup. As long as he’s on the field, Ngata remains an elite interior defensive lineman.

IDP Week 12 Injury Updates - Clay MathewsCharles Woodson, S and Clay Matthews, GB LB – The Packers will be without both Woodson and Matthews as the team travels to New York to play the Giants on Sunday night. Woodson has been out the past three games and Matthews the last two. IDP owners should have already made plans to replace both All-Pro players and it could be a situation that continues in the coming weeks.

Other IDP Injuries for Week 12

Bruce Carter, Dal LB – In other injury news, Carter dislocated his elbow and is done for the season on Thanksgiving in Dallas’ loss to the Washington Redskins. The bad news came after Carter replaced starter Sean Lee who also won’t be back this year due to injury. Carter had been playing well as of late with 34 total tackles in the past four weeks so IDP owners will have to look elsewhere for production.

Look for the former Detroit Lion, Ernie Sims, to get the start next week as the Cowboys take on the Eagles in an NFC East showdown. Sims should prove serviceable in deep IDP leagues along with teammate Dan Conner.

Chandler Jones, NE DE – The young, up-and-coming defensive end missed the Thanksgiving game against the Jets with an injured ankle. IDP owners will want to monitor his situation going forward as he has proven very valuable with his great play so far this season.

Richard Seymour, Oak DT remains out with a hamstring injury and will miss his third straight game.

Troy Polamalu, PIT S – The All-Pro safety is doubtful to play this week and will likely miss his seventh straight game. Unfortunate news for the Steelers mostly as he doesn’t typically possess a whole lot of value in IDP leagues.

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