NFL Week 12 Injury Report: Forecasting Impact on Fantasy Football

Scared to play Julio Jones this week because of his ankle injury?

Not sure what Dallas Cowboys running back you should start?

Don't worry, fantasy football owners, there are plenty of replacements available.

With the Thanksgiving games getting underway, here is how the Week 12 injury report is going to affect fantasy football.

Aaron Hernandez, New England Patriots

With no Rob Gronkowski in the New England Patriots' lineup, Aaron Hernandez is arguably the best fantasy football tight end in the league now if he is playing at 100 percent.

Hernandez has missed most of the season due to an ankle injury, but he is set to play on Thanksgiving against the New York Jets. Expect him to be one of Tom Brady's most targeted receivers as long as Gronkowski is out of the lineup.

I would put Hernandez down for 100 receiving yards and a touchdown this week.

Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons

After playing less than 50 percent of the snaps this past week, Julio Jones' playing status for Week 12 is still uncertain.

Jones aggravated his sprained ankle in the Atlanta Falcons' last game and was unable to play in the fourth quarter. Even if Jones is able to suit up, I would not expect him to put up great numbers. His playing time is going to be limited just like it was last week.

Fantasy football owners should definitely be starting Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez. Also, look to pick up Harry Douglas as another fantasy receiver. Douglas will see a significant amount of playing time and should make for a decent flex this week.

Justin Blackmon, Jacksonville Jaguars

With Chad Henne taking over as the Jacksonville Jaguars starting quarterback for the injured Blaine Gabbert, it looks like he is finally going to get Justin Blackmon involved in their offense.

After being nonexistent for the first 10 weeks of the NFL season, Blackmon went off in Week 11 and had over 200 receiving yards and a touchdown.

The Jaguars are playing the Tennessee Titans this week, who have the 26th-ranked pass defense. With wide receiver Laurent Robinson out for the season also, Blackmon should have another big day.

Lance Dunbar, Dallas Cowboys

With DeMarco Murray likely missing another game and Felix Jones being a game-time decision, Lance Dunbar should see a significant amount of playing time this week.

Dunbar hasn't seen the field much this season because he is the Dallas Cowboys' No. 3 running back, but if both Murray and Jones are out, he is going to have terrific fantasy value. Expect Dunbar to get 15 to 20 touches, and look to make him your flex starter.

Ronnie Hillman, Denver Broncos

With Willis McGahee out with a knee injury, Ronnie Hillman is going to be the new starting running back for the Denver Broncos.

If you haven't picked him up in your fantasy league's waiver wire, then you better get on it fast.

Hillman should definitely be considered a fantasy starter in PPR leagues. Not only will he see at least 15 carries per game, but Hillman has the ability to catch passes out of the backfield.

Going up against the Kansas City Chiefs this week, Hillman should find the end zone.