Injuries continue to mount throughout the NFL. Plenty of players were banged up in Week 14, while others suffered injuries that could knock them out for several weeks or more.
Let’s round up the most notable injury updates while looking ahead to Week 15.
Arizona Cardinals
Trey McBride, TE
Trey McBride was limited at both Wednesday and Thursday’s practice with an ankle issue. Given that he was able to practice at all, this is likely nothing to worry about. It would still be preferable if he got in a full session on Friday.
Atlanta Falcons
Darnell Mooney, WR
Darnell Mooney was limited at Thursday’s practice with a foot injury. He should be fine for Monday night.
Baltimore Ravens
Rashod Bateman, WR
After injuring his knee prior to the bye, Rashod Bateman was back at practice on Wednesday, getting in a full session. He practiced in full again on Thursday. He will play this week.
Buffalo Bills
Keon Coleman, WR
It has now been over a month since Keon Coleman last played due to a wrist injury. He’s been able to participate in practice in a limited capacity but has not yet been cleared to return to action.
Coleman practiced in full on Wednesday and Thursday, putting him on track to return on Sunday.
Amari Cooper, WR
The Bills continue to list Amari Cooper on the practice report due to his wrist issue. He practiced in full on Wednesday and Thursday, and is in no jeopardy of missing this week’s game.
Dalton Kincaid, TE
Dalton Kincaid has missed the last three games with a knee injury. Included in his absence was the Buffalo Bills bye week. So, he’s had ample time to rest up.
Kincaid was able to get in limited practices last week but wound up not playing. Clearly, he’s nearing a return, though. Given that he practiced in full on Wednesday and Thursday, we should expect him back in action this Sunday.
Carolina Panthers
Jonathon Brooks, RB
The worst news of the weekend came when Jonathon Brooks took his first carry and went down with no contact, very clearly injuring the same knee that cost him nearly a year. As it turned out, Brooks retore his ACL. He once again faces an uphill battle to be ready for the 2025 season.
Jalen Coker, WR
The Panthers rookie WR has missed the last three games with a quad injury. However, he returned to practice on Wednesday and got in a full session on Thursday, putting him on track to play this week.
Chuba Hubbard, RB
The Panthers held Chuba Hubbard out of practice Wednesday for a maintenance day. He returned to a full session on Thursday.
Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow, QB
Joe Burrow went down awkwardly on his knee during Monday Night Football. He had a sleeve put on his knee and returned to the game, looking no worse for wear.
While Burrow does not appear in any jeopardy of missing this week’s game, he was on the practice report with the knee issue, getting in a limited session on Wednesday and Thursday. Pay no mind to the right wrist designation, as that’s been a weekly staple with him consistently practicing in full. It’s the knee that’s the concern, but he should be good to go this week.
Tee Higgins, WR
Tee Higgins has battled multiple injuries throughout the season. Every injury that’s caused him to miss games has happened at practice. It appears the Bengals have decided to take it easy with him, as he’s been limited both days to start the week. But fear not, it is merely managing his reps. Higgins is not injured and will play on Sunday.
Chicago Bears
D’Andre Swift, RB
As has been the routine, D’Andre Swift did not practice on the first session of the week. The Bears play Monday night, so Thursday is technically their Wednesday. Swift missed practice time last week and ultimately played. He is currently dealing with a groin injury that has not yet reached the level of concern. Even if he doesn’t practice on Friday, we still won’t be there. Swift would need to miss all three days before we sound any alarms.
Roschon Johnson, RB
Still in the concussion protocol, Roschon Johnson did not practice on Thursday. With the Bears playing Monday night, he will have an extra day to get cleared, but this is not a promising start.
Cleveland Browns
Cedric Tillman, WR
On Monday, Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski reported that Cedric Tillman remains in the concussion protocol. While that’s not a great start to the week, Tillman did get in a limited practice on Wednesday, suggesting he made progress over the past two days.
However, Tillman remained limited on Thursday. He needs to get in a full practice before he can gain clearance from the independent neurologist. Friday will be key.
Jerry Jeudy, WR
Jerry Jeudy has been playing through a knee injury for a few weeks now. It has not hindered him in games at all and he practiced in full on Wednesday and Thursday. He is fine.
David Njoku, TE
David Njoku did not practice on Wednesday due to a hamstring issue. It’s unclear exactly what happened or when, but it’s definitely concerning, as this is a new injury for the tight end.
The Browns do have a history of holding players out on Wednesday, only for them to return on Thursday. Typically, players that start the week DNP-LP end up playing.
However, the incredibly reliable Mary Kay Cabot said, “Kevin Stefanski said he’s day-to-day, but it seems unlikely he’ll play.” It sounds as though Jordan Akins will get the start in a great matchup against a Chiefs defense that struggles against tight ends.
Dallas Cowboys
Rico Dowdle, RB
Rico Dowdle popped up on the practice report with a knee issue, but practiced in full both days to start the week. There is nothing to be concerned about here.
CeeDee Lamb, WR
CeeDee Lamb has been battling various injuries for a few weeks now. He has a sprained AC joint in his shoulder that he keeps aggravating during games, but continues to play through. Lamb was limited at Wednesday and Thursday’s practices, and will continue to play through the injury.
#Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb playing through an AC shoulder injury.
“Trying to play, play as hard as I can. I'm obviously putting myself out there for the benefit of the team and, of course, myself. I love to compete, but it's bigger than me.’’ pic.twitter.com/nobXvBUfpS— Ed Werder (@WerderEdNFL) December 12, 2024
Green Bay Packers
Romeo Doubs, WR
Romeo Doubs has missed the last two weeks with a concussion. Head coach Matt LaFleur reiterated that Doubs remains in the protocol, but he was able to get in a full practice on Wednesday and Thursday. The full practice suggests he will likely clear on Friday or Saturday.
Houston Texans
Joe Mixon, RB
The Texans gave their veteran running back a lighter workload at Thursday’s practice just to manage his reps. Joe Mixon is fine.
Nico Collins, WR
The Texans removed Nico Collins from the injury report after Wednesday’s rest day.
Indianapolis Colts
Josh Downs, WR
Coming off the bye week, Josh Downs was back at practice on Wednesday. He is dealing with a shoulder injury. Downs was limited to start the week, but upgraded to full on Thursday. He will be ready to go on Sunday.
Michael Pittman Jr., WR
Michael Pittman Jr. has been dealing with a back injury for most of the season. He will probably remain on the practice report all season, as the team manages the injury. However, he practiced in full on Wednesday and Thursday, and will play on Sunday.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Evan Engram, TE
Evan Engram did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday due to a shoulder injury. It’s a new injury for Engram and unclear when exactly it happened. The two DNPs to start the week are concerning. Engram is trending in the wrong direction. Brenton Strange would start if Engram cannot get back on the practice field in some capacity on Friday.
Las Vegas Raiders
Aidan O’Connell, QB
Initially, the Las Vegas Raiders believed Aidan O’Connell suffered a season-ending knee injury, which forced Desmond Ridder into action last week. It was later revealed he was dealing with a bone bruise. While still painful, it is not season-ending, and Adam Schefter reported O’Connell intends to try and play on Monday night. Whether that actually is possible remains to be seen. O’Connell did not practice on Thursday.
Zamir White and Alexander Mattison, RBs
Zamir White has been out since Week 12 with a quad injury. On Tuesday, the Raiders placed him on injured reserve (IR), ending his season.
Alexander Mattison has also missed the past three weeks with a sprained ankle. He was limited in practice all three days last week and appeared close to returning but was ultimately held out.
Mattison returned to a full session on Thursday, putting him on track to play Monday night. However, do not expect him to start, as Sincere McCormick has earned that right.
Jakobi Meyers, WR
Jakobi Meyers has been nursing an ankle injury for a couple of weeks now. He was limited at Thursday’s practice, but is not in any danger of missing this week’s game.
Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert, QB
It seems like Justin Herbert is always banged up. Herbert sustained a leg injury that had him seriously hobbling off the field. One of the toughest players in the league, Herbert returned and finished the game.
Herbert did not practice on Wednesday with what is being described as an ankle/thigh injury. However, he did return to a limited session on Thursday, which puts him on track to play this week.
Ladd McConkey, WR
Another guy who has been taking big his all season is Ladd McConkey. The talented rookie has made many appearances on the practice report, but Sunday was the first game he actually had to miss due to knee and shoulder injuries.
McConkey did appear close to playing, getting in three limited practices. He is probably more likely than not to return in Week 15 after just a one-game absence. However, it would be nice to see him get in a full practice on Friday after two limited sessions to start the week.
Will Dissly, TE
One of the brightest spots for the Chargers this season has been Will Dissly. The veteran tight end had emerged as a top target for Justin Herbert. However, Dissly suffered a shoulder injury in Sunday’s loss to the Chiefs. It is expected to keep him out for multiple weeks. Unsurprisingly, he did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday. It’s safe to say he won’t practice on Friday, either.
Los Angeles Rams
Demarcus Robinson, WR
Week 15 status: Questionable
Demarcus Robinson landed awkwardly on his right shoulder in the Los Angeles Rams’ epic shootout victory over the Bills. Robinson left the game and did not return. He is dealing with a minor sprain to his AC joint, which is something players often play through.
That said, Robinson did not practice on Monday or Tuesday, but was able to return on Wednesday. The Rams listed him as questionable, giving him a chance to play Thursday night against the 49ers.
Miami Dolphins
Raheem Mostert, RB
After missing last week’s game, Raheem Mostert was back at practice on Wednesday, albeit in a limited capacity. The Dolphins running back is dealing with a hip injury. At this point, it is too soon to tell whether he will get back on the field Sunday, but a Wednesday practice is a good start.
Tyreek Hill, WR
Tyreek Hill has been dealing with a torn ligament in his wrist for most of the season. He’s committed to playing through it and will continue to do so. However, his practice reps will be managed. He was limited on Wednesday, but upgraded to full on Thursday. He will be good to go this Sunday.
Jaylen Waddle, WR
It seems like Jaylen Waddle is always dealing with some sort of ailment. His most recent malady is a hamstring issue. Given that he was able to get in a limited practice on Wednesday and Thursday, he should be fine for Sunday.
Minnesota Vikings
Aaron Jones, RB
The Vikings listed Aaron Jones as limited on the team’s first official practice report. The limited session on Thursday, which is essentially the team’s Wednesday since they play Monday night, is a positive sign for Jones’ Week 15 availability. He should be fine.
New Orleans Saints
Derek Carr, QB
Someone should tell Derek Carr he’s not Saquon Barkley. You have to respect his tenacity, but protecting himself needs to be the No. 1 priority.
Carr took to the air on a scramble and landed hard on his head. At first, it looked like an obvious concussion. Then, he was shown holding his left hand in serious pain. As it turned out, it was both.
With the Saints on the brink of elimination and Carr both in the concussion protocol and dealing with a broken left hand, his season is almost certainly over. Jake Haener appears likely to start this week. The Saints also signed former Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Sea Dragons quarterback Ben DiNucci, as the QB made sure to let us know.
Unsurprisingly, Carr did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday.
Alvin Kamara, RB
This is now a second consecutive practice missed by Alvin Kamara. Still, it’s hard to believe he’d miss a game with an illness, especially with it coming this far in advance of the game. The greater concern is how his performance will be negatively impacted by the loss of Derek Carr.
Juwan Johnson, TE
The Saints called on Juwan Johnson to play an increased role with Taysom Hill done for the season. The veteran tight end answered the call, catching a touchdown last week. He also evidently picked up an injury, as he was limited on Wednesday and Thursday with a foot issue. Johnson should be fine to play this week.
Chris Olave, WR
Chris Olave remains on IR with his second concussion of the season. He will not play this week.
New York Giants
Drew Lock, QB
Initially, Tommy DeVito lost his starting job to Drew Lock due to injury. It appears turnabout is fair play.
Lock has not practiced this week with heel and left elbow issues. We wish DeVito the best of luck as a 16-point home underdog against the Ravens this week.
Malik Nabers, WR
Last week, Malik Nabers played through a hip injury he sustained at practice. He was reportedly going to be limited, but wound up playing his usual complement of snaps. Nabers opened this week with a limited practice on Wednesday and Thursday, which puts him on track to play this Sunday against the Ravens.
New York Jets
Breece Hall, RB
The New York Jets starting running back missed last week’s game with a knee injury that is reportedly some sort of MCL sprain. Adam Schefter reported that despite their season being over, the Jets have no plans of shutting down Breece Hall. He will play when he is healthy enough to do so. Will that be this week? We will find out.
Hall did not practice at all last week and was initially listed as doubtful before being ruled out on Saturday. This week started out the same way, with Hall not practicing on Wednesday or Thursday. I fully expect him to not practice on Friday either. The difference this week is I don’t expect the Jets to play around with a doubtful tag on Friday — I expect him to be ruled out. Despite the Schefter report, I don’t expect Hall to play again this season.
Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis formed an even timeshare in his absence and will continue to do so until Hall returns.
Davante Adams, WR
The Jets gave their veteran wide receiver a day off on Thursday.
Philadelphia Eagles
Jalen Hurts, QB
Jalen Hurts was listed on the practice report with a left finger injury. He practiced in full and there is absolutely no way a minor issue with a finger on his left hand is going to keep him out of a game.
A.J. Brown, WR
The Eagles gave their veteran wide receiver Wednesday off. A.J. Brown returned to practice on Thursday, getting in a full session.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Najee Harris, RB
For the past few weeks, due to the rigors of the season, Najee Harris has been getting Wednesdays off. That trend continued this week with Harris not practicing. He returned to his usual full practice on Thursday.
George Pickens, WR
Completely healthy to start the Week 14 slate of practices, George Pickens tweaked his hamstring at Friday’s practice. He drew a questionable tag but wound up not playing.
On Monday, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Pickens is dealing with a grade 2 hamstring strain. On Tuesday, head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed Pickens is very likely not going to play this week for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Pickens did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday, as expected.
Mike Williams, WR
In addition to George Pickens, Mike Williams also did not practice on Wednesday. However, it was merely a maintenance day for the veteran wide receiver. He returned to a full session on Thursday.
San Francisco 49ers
Isaac Guerendo, RB
Week 15 status: Questionable
Already down Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason, the San Francisco 49ers had to turn to Isaac Guerendo in Week 14. The rookie performed extremely well, running the ball 15 times for 78 yards and two touchdowns while catching two passes for 50 yards.
Unfortunately, Guerendo sprained his foot late in the second half. He was listed as a non-participant in Monday’s estimated practice report and did not practice on Tuesday either. Despite the short week, though, Guerendo was able to get in a limited session on Wednesday, drawing a questionable tag.
If Guerendo can’t go, Patrick Taylor Jr. would get the start on Thursday night in a very favorable matchup against a soft Rams run defense.
Seattle Seahawks
Kenneth Walker III, RB
Last week, Kenneth Walker III was listed on the injury report with ankle and calf issues. He wound up not playing, leading to Zach Charbonnet having the best game of his career.
After the game, head coach Mike MacDonald reported it was the calf that was the real problem. Initially, there was optimism Walker’s absence would be minimal. Currently, he is undergoing more tests to determine the severity of the injury. We will know more within the coming days, but it does not sound promising in the short term. Walker did not practice for a second straight day on Thursday. A third absence on Friday would almost certainly trigger an “out” designation, resulting in fantasy managers once again asking the bartender to pour them the tallest glass of Zach Charbonnet.
DK Metcalf, WR
DK Metcalf has been navigating a nagging shoulder injury, but it’s nothing that will keep him out of games. Metcalf downgraded from a full to limited practice on Thursday, but it’s nothing to be concerned about. This has been the routine. Consider the limited tag more maintenance than anything else. Metcalf will play this week.
Tyler Lockett, WR
The 32-year-old Tyler Lockett was given a veteran rest day on Wednesday. He returend to a full practice on Thursday.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Bucky Irving, RB
The talented rookie running back has endured his fair share of injuries this season. Bucky Irving has appeared on the practice report with toe, knee, back, and hip issues at various points. He tried to play through his latest injuries last week, but it was his back that tightened up on him.
Irving reportedly has no structural damage, so it will come down to how he feels. Head coach Todd Bowles said whether Irving plays will depend on if the back can loosen up. The added concern is even if Irving’s back feels good enough for him to go, there’s no way to guarantee it won’t tighten up on him again during the game. Rachaad White would serve as the RB1 if Irving can’t go or is limited, with Sean Tucker backing him up.
Irving did not practice on Wednesday due to the hip and back injuries. He hasn’t been practicing on Wednesdays anyway, but the lack of practice on Thursday is concerning. Irving has played earlier this year on a DNP-DNP-LP practice path. So, I’m not willing to declare him out just yet. He will need to practice on Friday to have a chance to play, though.
Mike Evans, WR
Still battling his lingering hamstring issue, Mike Evans was held out of practice on Wednesday and Thursday. He played through the injury last week and did not appear to suffer a setback. This is likely just veteran maintenance. He should return on Friday. If he doesn’t, then we will know something is wrong.
Tennessee Titans
Will Levis, QB
Earlier in the season, Will Levis missed a couple of games with a right shoulder issue. He remains on the practice report with the injury, but is practicing in full. He is at no risk of missing this week’s game.
Tony Pollard, RB
Tony Pollard did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday due to an ankle injury. He’s missed a bunch of Wednesday practices this season with foot/ankle concerns, but has yet to miss a game. The second missed practice is not ideal, but Pollard did play earlier this year with a triple DNP. Hopefully, we get some positive news from the coaching staff.
Washington Commanders
Noah Brown, WR
It’s bad news for Noah Brown, who is dealing with a serious internal injury. Head coach Dan Quinn said the wide receiver will be out “a while.” He was listed on the practice report with a kidney issue and obviously did not practice.
Zach Ertz, TE
Coming out of the bye week, Zach Ertz did not practice on Wednesday with a combination of a hamstring injury and rest. It’s almost certainly more the rest that was the reason he didn’t practice. Ertz practiced in full on Thursday and will be fine for Sunday.
