Fantasy Football Week 13: Latest Updates on Injured Stars

Well, folks, it's crazy how quickly it's flown by, but we've just about reached the end of another fantasy football regular season, as Week 13 brings with it the end of the line in many fantasy leagues.

That means that for many fantasy squads, this is the biggest game of the year, as a win brings with it a trip to the playoffs, while a loss brings with it the beginning of another long, dark offseason.

With this week a must-win for those teams, it's essential that fantasy owners stay up to date with the latest injury news, and to help you do just that, here's the latest updates on the health status of some banged-up fantasy stars.

Desean Jackson to Injured Reserve

Well, things just keep getting better and better for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Mired in the midst of a seven-game losing streak and with starting quarterback Michael Vick and running back LeSean McCoy both on the shelf with concussions, the team was dealt another huge blow on offense in its loss to the Carolina Panthers.

Martin Hill of the Cherry Hill Courier-Post reports that wide receiver DeSean Jackson, who has 45 catches for 700 yards and two touchdowns this season, will miss the remainder of the season after fracturing his ribs in the game.

The Eagles have placed Jackson on injured reserve, and he can safely be dropped in all redraft formats.

LeSean McCoy Not Close to Returning

As I mentioned in the previous slide, Philadelphia Eagles running back LeSean McCoy missed the game with the Carolina Panthers due to a concussion, and it doesn't appear that he'll be coming back any time soon.

The fourth-year tailback, who has gained 985 total yards in 2012, is still in Stage 1 of his concussion protocol, according to Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer, and with the Eagles going nowhere fast at 3-8, there's no reason for the team to rush McCoy back onto the field.

Rookie Bryce Brown will all but certainly start this week against the Dallas Cowboys, and it wouldn't be at all surprising to see the Eagles shut McCoy down altogether.

'Door Open for Ben Roethlisberger's Week 13 Return

After two straight losses, the Pittsburgh Steelers are reeling heading into a huge matchup with the Baltimore Ravens, but it appears that the team may have to do without its starting quarterback for at least one more week.

Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that head coach Mike Tomlin is "leaving the door open" for Ben Roethlisberger to start Sunday, but a source close to Roethlisberger told Dulac that he would be "shocked" if Roethlisberger's injured ribs allow him to play.

Instead, look for Charlie Batch to make a second straight start, and Tomlin said the team is "working on a plan to complement his strengths."

No, really, he said that. Out loud.

Jalen Parmele Done for the Year

Well, so much for Jacksonville Jaguars running back Jalen Parmele being a late-season sleeper, fantasy-waiver gem, Week 13 matchup play or anything else for that matter.

The third-year pro, who had supplanted Rashad Jennings as the primary back for the Jaguars, injured his groin in Sunday's win over the Tennessee Titans and has been placed on season-ending injured reserve.

With Maurice Jones-Drew still nursing an injured foot, Jennings will draw the start this week against the Buffalo Bills, making him a serviceable desperation play for fantasy owners whose backfield has been blown up.

Matt Forte's Ankle Injury 'Not Serious'

The biggest fantasy injury of Week 12 likely took place in the Windy City, but it appears that fantasy owners of running back Matt Forte may have dodged a bullet.

Forte suffered an ankle injury in the Chicago Bears' victory over the Minnesota Vikings, but according to the NFL Network's Jason LaCanfora, the fifth-year pro isn't believed to have suffered a high ankle sprain that could potentially sideline him long-term.

However, Forte's status for Week 13 is still very much in question, which would leave Michael Bush to shoulder the load when the Bears host the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.