Is Brian Thomas Jr. Playing Week 13? What Is the Latest on the Jaguars WR’s Status?

The NFL season is in full swing. As happens every year, injuries are rearing their ugly heads. As fantasy football managers prepare to set Week 13 lineups, it’s important to stay informed on the latest injury news. Brian Thomas Jr. has missed three weeks due to injury. What is his current status and outlook for this week?

Is Brian Thomas Jr. Playing Week 13?

The ankle problem originated during Jacksonville’s Week 9 overtime win against Las Vegas when Thomas went down late in regulation and couldn’t continue into the extra period. ESPN’s Adam Schefter diagnosed it as a low-grade high ankle sprain, though even the “low-grade” classification doesn’t diminish that these injuries demand substantial rest and healing time.

The second-year wideout has demonstrated steady progress throughout his recovery over the past three weeks. He sat out all practice work before the Week 10 divisional matchup with Houston and got ruled out that Friday.

Week 11 marked a turning point when Thomas returned to practice, logging three straight limited sessions leading up to the Chargers game. Despite that encouraging development, Jacksonville opted for caution and kept him out another week.

Last week brought more of the same pattern, with Thomas recording limited participation all three days before the Cardinals contest. The consistency of his limited work suggested he was nearing clearance, but the Jaguars continued their patient approach and held him out for a third straight game.

On Sunday morning, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that Thomas is expected to return in Week 13. Pelissero noted Thomas is getting close to full health after participating in limited fashion throughout last week. The report indicated there’s a “good chance” he suits up against the division-rival Titans.

Thomas was limited on Wednesday to begin this week’s practice sessions. However, he upgraded to full participation on Thursday and remained a full participant on Friday. The progression from limited to full practice represents the breakthrough the coaching staff has been waiting for throughout his recovery.

Thomas carries no injury designation heading into Sunday’s game and will play against Tennessee. After three weeks of limited practice sessions and cautious management, the Jaguars have cleared him for his return to game action.

High ankle sprains notoriously linger and hamper a player’s cutting and acceleration abilities. These injuries undermine the push-off mechanism that’s essential for receivers who depend on explosive breaks and precise route execution. Jacksonville’s measured approach throughout his recovery ensured they waited for complete health rather than risk aggravation by rushing him back prematurely.

Thomas’ Fantasy Football Outlook

An ankle injury has kept Thomas sidelined since he was banged up late in Week 9’s win in Vegas and, at this point, is it possible that him sitting out is saving you from yourself?

I know that’s the case for me.

He’s averaging 6.01 fewer PPR PPG this season than last and he’s just never looked comfortable. As a rookie, he produced 22.3% over expectations, but this season, he sits at 15.8% below.

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The aDOT is up a touch and the slot rate down a little, but not nearly enough to explain away this dismal season. With a 50% catch rate when healthy, I think it’s plenty reasonable to want to see proof of concept before assuming that he’ll return from a near month layoff with the magic production potion in hand.

The only thing concerning about this matchup is that the Jags could elect to run the ball at a high rate and the last thing an inefficient receiver needs is a lack of work. If you’re in a position where you have to swing for the fences and we get word that Thomas will play, you can go this route and hope, but you have to understand that you’re betting against everything we’ve seen up to this point in 2025.

— Kyle Soppe, PFSN Fantasy Analyst