Injuries continue to mount throughout the NFL. Plenty of players were banged up in Week 15, 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 16.
Arizona Cardinals
Trey Benson, RB
The Cardinals’ rookie running back missed the first two practices of the week with an ankle injury. Trey Benson remains a distant second behind James Conner, anyway, but it appears as if he won’t play this week.
Atlanta Falcons
Darnell Mooney, WR
The Falcons gave Darnell Mooney a lighter day at this week’s first two practices. The veteran WR is fine.
Baltimore Ravens
Justice Hill, RB
Week 16 status: PLAYING
Justice Hill was absent from Wednesday’s practice due to a personal matter. Since we don’t know what he’s dealing with, there’s certainly a chance it could be something serious enough to keep him away from the team for a week. We will find out more on Thursday.
Rashod Bateman, WR
Week 16 status: QUESTIONABLE
The Ravens added Rashod Bateman to the practice report on Wednesday with a foot issue. He was listed as limited. Normally, this would be of no concern. However, Bateman did not have the injury on Tuesday, which suggests he picked it up at Wednesday’s practice.
Bateman did not practice at all on Thursday, which confirms my suspicions. Bateman has dealt with foot issues in the past, so this could be an aggravation or flare-up of a preexisting injury. Either way, it does not look good for Bateman this Saturday.
Bateman has a boot on his foot in locker room.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) December 19, 2024
Buffalo Bills
Amari Cooper, WR
Despite what the box score may tell you, Amari Cooper did, in fact, play last week. He remains on the weekly practice report with a wrist issue but is practicing in full. Cooper will play on Sunday. Whether that translates into any targets is a completely different question.
Dalton Kincaid, TE
Last week, Dalton Kincaid returned after a multi-game absence due to knee issue. The injury remains listed on the Bills’ practice report, but Kincaid is participating in full. He will play on Sunday.
Carolina Panthers
Chuba Hubbard, RB
As has been the case for several weeks now, the Panthers gave their veteran running back Wednesday off. Chuba Hubbard is fine.
Jalen Coker, WR
Jalen Coker was limited at Thursday’s practice with a quad issue. He’s been dealing with this injury for several weeks. It could just be maintenance, but his absence from Wednesday’s report suggests there’s maybe a chance he aggravated the injury at Thursday’s practice. Friday’s participation level will be key, but I am cautiously optimistic he plays.
Adam Thielen, WR
The oldest wide receiver in the league continues to receive Wednesdays off from practice. Adam Thielen is fine.
Xavier Legette, WR
The Panthers’ rookie WR did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday due to a hip injury. Expect a third DNP on Friday and for him to be ruled out.
Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow, QB
Joe Burrow said he will be dealing with his knee injury for a couple more weeks. The Bengals limited his practice reps on Wednesday and Thursday, but there’s no chance Burrow misses Sunday’s game.
Tee Higgins, WR
Tee Higgins was limited at Wednesday’s practice with a combination of knee and rest. Initially, I dismissed the knee part of the designation, as anytime rest is included, it typically means the player is fine.
Initially, it was concerning that Higgins did not practice on Thursday, either. However, it appears this is all part of a plan, and Higgins is set to participate on Friday and play on Sunday.
Even though Bengals WR Tee Higgins wasn’t at practice during the open portion of practice, he did side work today. Expected to practice tomorrow and should be on track for Sunday vs. Browns.
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) December 19, 2024
Chicago Bears
Roschon Johnson, RB
After missing the past two games with a concussion, Roschon Johnson was listed as a full participant on the Bears’ estimated practice report for Wednesday’s walkthrough. He should be able to return this week.
Cleveland Browns
Jameis Winston, QB
The Browns listed Jameis Winston on the practice report with a shoulder issue. He was limited on Thursday, which is a downgrade from Wednesday’s full practice. Nevertheless, I still expect him to be active as Dorian Thompson-Robinson’s backup this week.
Cedric Tillman, WR
At this point, I am very concerned about Cedric Tillman’s overall health. He’s already missed three games with a concussion and still hasn’t progressed through the protocol. Tillman was limited on Wednesday and Thursday and is once again trending toward missing.
Jerry Jeudy, WR
Jerry Jeudy remains on the practice report every week with a knee injury. He continues to practice in full and will play this week.
David Njoku, TE
Despite pushing his coaches hard to clear him to play last week, David Njoku did not practice to open the week on Wednesday with his hamstring strain. While it’s very clear he wants to play, a second DNP on Thursday heavily suggests he won’t.
Dallas Cowboys
Rico Dowdle, RB
The Cowboys have had Rico Dowdle on the practice report for a couple of weeks now with a knee issue. He continues to practice in full and will play on Sunday.
CeeDee Lamb, WR
CeeDee Lamb continues to battle a sprained AC joint in his shoulder. He was limited at Wednesday’s practice, but upgraded to full on Thursday. He will once again play through the injury on Sunday.
Denver Broncos
Jaleel McLaughlin, RB
Week 16 status: OUT
Evidently, Jaleel McLaughlin’s attempt to practice no Tuesday did not go well, as he went back to a DNP on Wednesday. His quad did not recover enough on the short week. He will not play Thursday night, leaving the backfield to Javonte Williams and Audric Estime.
Detroit Lions
David Montgomery, RB
David Montgomery tore his MCL last week. While the Lions haven’t yet placed him on IR, he is done for the season. Jahmyr Gibbs is set for a heavy workload going forward.
Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR
The Lions’ WR1 got the day off on Wednesday. Amon-Ra St. Brown returned to a full practice on Thursday.
Houston Texans
Joe Mixon, RB
Week 16 status: PLAYING
Joe Mixon was limited the past three days with an ankle injury he sustained on an unflagged hip drop tackle last week. He carries no injury designation and will play on Saturday.
Third practice in a row for #Texans running back Joe Mixon as he gets ready to play against #Chiefs on road @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/BtGqYQybDF
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) December 19, 2024
Indianapolis Colts
Alec Pierce, WR
Alec Pierce suffered a concussion last week. He did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday. It’s safe to say he won’t be playing on Sunday.
Michael Pittman Jr., WR
Michael Pittman Jr. has been dealing with a back injury for most of the season. It flares up every now and then. Last week, he practiced in full all week, but this week, he opened with a DNP.
As expected, Pittman returned to a full practice on Thursday. He will play Sunday.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Brenton Strange, TE
Evidently, all of the targets hurled Brenton Strange’s way took a toll on his body. He was limited at Wednesday’s practice with a shoulder injury. The limited status suggests he should be fine to play on Sunday.
Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes, QB
Week 16 status: PLAYING
For the third consecutive day, Patrick Mahomes practiced in full. He is without a doubt less than 100%, but we can safely say he’s going to play this Saturday.
#Chiefs coach Andy Reid tells reporters that after a full week of practice for QB Patrick Mahomes, “We'll most likely end up playing him.” Mahomes has a high-ankle sprain.
As for Hollywood Brown, who had targeted this week for his debut, Reid said there’s a “good chance.”
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 19, 2024
Hollywood Brown, WR
Week 16 status: N/A, but expect him to be activated from IR Friday afternoon
Just like his quarterback, Hollywood Brown also got in a third straight full practice on Wednesday. All signs point to the speedy WR making his regular-season debut on Saturday against the Texans.
The #Chiefs plan to activate Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown (reserve/injured, shoulder) for Saturday’s game vs. Houston assuming everything continues trending positively this week, per sources.
Brown looks to make his Chiefs debut after missing four months. pic.twitter.com/v88o3qoQPz
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) December 19, 2024
Las Vegas Raiders
Aidan O’Connell, QB
On Tuesday, head coach Antonio Pierce said he expects Aidan O’Connell to return this week from his knee injury. The quarterback practiced in full on Wednesday and is on track to play after a one-game absence.
Desmond Ridder, QB
Desmond Ridder appeared on the practice report with a hip injury. He practiced in full and will be ready to go as Aidan O’Connell’s backup this week.
Sincere McCormick, RB
It’s a really unfortunate end for a player who has overcome so much to carve out an NFL career. Sincere McCormick sprained his ankle in Monday night’s loss to the Falcons. On Wednesday, the Raiders played him on IR, ending his season. Alexander Mattison will be the lead back going forward with Ameer Abdullah as the primary passing-down back.
Alexander Mattison, RB
With Sincere McCormick done for the season, Alexander Mattison is back in the RB1 role. He was listed on Wednesday’s practice report with a neck injury, but practiced in full. He will play on Sunday.
Jakobi Meyers, WR
Jakobi Meyers has been dealing with an ankle issue for a few weeks now. He was limited on Wednesday, but is at no risk of missing this week’s game.
Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert, QB
Week 16 status: PLAYING
The Chargers upgraded Justin Herbert to full at Wednesday’s practice. He is good to go for Thursday night.
Will Dissly, TE
Week 16 status: OUT
The Chargers tight end did not practice all week with a shoulder injury. He will not play on Thursday, leaving Stone Smartt to serve as the primary tight end.
Los Angeles Rams
Demarcus Robinson, WR
Demarcus Robinson has been dealing with a shoulder injury. He practiced in full on Wednesday and Thursday and will play Sunday.
Tyler Higbee, TE
The Rams TE tore his ACL late last season. After a long recovery, Tyler Higbee is tracking toward making his 2024 debut this week. He practiced in full on Wednesday.
Higbee missed practice on Thursday, but it has nothing to do with his knee. He was sick and should be fine by the weekend.
Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa, QB
The Dolphins QB was limited at Wednesday and Thursday’s practice with a hip injury. Tua Tagovailoa is not at risk of missing this week’s game.
De’Von Achane, RB
De’Von Achane popped up on Wednesday’s practice report with a groin issue but practiced in full both days to start the week. That suggests the injury is minor and he will play on Sunday.
Tyreek Hill, WR
Tyreek Hill is playing through torn ligaments in his wrist. He got a rest day on Wednesday and is in no jeopardy of missing this week’s game. He practiced in full on Thursday.
Jaylen Waddle, WR
Last week, Jaylen Waddle left the game with a knee injury. While the injury is not considered overly serious, Waddle was not at Wednesday or Thursday’s practice.
Mike McDaniel’s comments notwithstanding, I do not expect Waddle to play this week. Malik Washington will serve as the WR2.
New Orleans Saints
Derek Carr, QB
Derek Carr evidently cleared the concussion protocol, as he’s only listed on the practice report with his left hand injury. However, he still is not practicing. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi did not shut the door on Carrb playing Monday night, but Spencer Rattler is fully expected to start.
Alvin Kamara, RB
Alvin Kamara picked up a groin injury in last week’s game and did not return. Unsurprisingly, he did not practice on Thursday.
With the Saints playing Monday night, Thursday is essentially their Wednesday, making this less of a big deal. However, one of the most reliable and dialed-in beat reporters in the country, Nick Underhill, tells us that Kamara is not expected to play on Monday.
Alvin Kamara’s injury is more significant than believed. He’s week to week and unlikely to play on Monday
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) December 19, 2024
The Saints have three games left in the season. There’s a very strong chance that the next time we see Kamara play football is in September 2025.
Chris Olave, WR
On Thursday, the Saints opened Chris Olave’s three-week window to be activated from IR. He was limited at Thursday’s practice, but with the Saints playing out a lost season, there’s no guarantee Olave will ever be activated. Still, it’s a great sign to see him back on the field after a scary hit that resulted in his second concussion of the season.
Saints coach Darren Rizzi also specified that Chris Olave is unlikely to play as early as Monday night
— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) December 19, 2024
Juwan Johnson, TE
The Saints TE was limited at Thursday’s practice with an ongoing foot injury. Juwan Johnson will play on Monday.
New York Giants
Drew Lock, QB
After a one-week absence, Drew Lock was back at practice on Wednesday. He is dealing with heel and left elbow injuries. He was upgraded to full on Thursday.
With Tommy DeVito hurt and the only other healthy quarterback Tim Boyle, head coach Brian Daboll has already indicated Lock will start against the Falcons this Sunday. The Giants have no good options at quarterback, but Lock does provide this offense with the most upside.
Tommy DeVito, QB
Tommy DeVito was limited at the Giants’ first two practices as he works his way through the concussion protocol. Head coach Brian Daboll expressed optimism that DeVito will be ready to serve as Drew Lock’s backup on Sunday.
Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB
Evidently, Tyrone Tracy Jr. picked up an ankle injury in last week’s game. He was limited at Wednesday and Thursday’s practice, which suggests he will be fine to play on Sunday.
Malik Nabers, WR
Seemingly always dealing with something, Malik Nabers just got over his hip and groin issues. Now, he’s dealing with knee and foot injuries. Nabers was limited at Wednesday’s practice, but upgraded to full on Thursday. He may not be 100%, but he’ll play this week.
Wan’Dale Robinson, WR
Wan’Dale Robinson is dealing with a shoulder injury. He was limited at Wednesday’s practice, but upgraded to full on Thursday. He will be fine to play on Sunday.
New York Jets
Braelon Allen, RB
Braelon Allen is dealing with a back injury that had him in and out of last week’s game. He was limited at Wednesday’s practice, which suggests he will be fine for Sunday’s game.
Isaiah Davis, RB
Isaiah Davis is dealing with a back injury. He was limited at Wednesday’s practice, which suggests he will be fine for Sunday’s game.
Philadelphia Eagles
Jalen Hurts, QB
The Eagles continue to list Jalen Hurts on the practice report with a left finger issue. He continues to practice in full and is at no risk of missing this week’s game.
Saquon Barkley, RB
The Eagles gave several veterans Wednesday off. Saquon Barkley has no injury and practiced in full on Thursday.
A.J. Brown, WR
The Eagles gave several veterans Wednesday off. A.J. Brown returned to a limited practice on Thursday with a combination of knee and rest. Clearly, there’s something minor he’s dealing with, but he will play on Sunday.
DeVonta Smith, WR
The Eagles gave several veterans Wednesday off. DeVonta Smith was listed as DNP with both rest and a back injury, but the rest designation is carrying the day here. Smith is fine, as evidenced by his return to a full practice on Thursday.
Pittsburgh Steelers
George Pickens, WR
Week 16 status: OUT
It’s been two weeks since we saw George Pickens play football after straining his hamstring at practice. He did not practice at all this week and won’t play on Saturday.
San Francisco 49ers
Isaac Guerendo, RB
Last Thursday, Isaac Guerendo was able to gut out a foot sprain on a short week, handling 100% of the 49ers running back carries. The foot is no longer an issue, but now the rookie is dealing with a hamstring issue. He did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday, and Adam Schefter reported that Guerendo is not expected to play.
The 49ers are now down to their RB5. Patrick Taylor Jr. is set to start with Ke’Shawn Vaughn somehow likely to actually see the field in the year 2024.
Seattle Seahawks
Geno Smith, QB
Geno Smith hurt his knee in last week’s loss to the Packers. He tried to return to the game but was visibly frustrated on the bench that he couldn’t. Somehow, Smith appears to have avoided a long-term injury. He got in two full practices on Wednesday and Thursday and reportedly feels good.
Geno Smith says he’s feeling better every day and expects to play Sunday. pic.twitter.com/NEy5ZsusCc
— Bob Condotta (@bcondotta) December 19, 2024
It would be a major surprise if Smith went from fully practicing on Wednesday and Thursday to missing a game, which is essential for the fantasy values of the entire offense. I can’t remember the last time I saw anything as disastrous as Sam Howell’s attempt at playing quarterback, and we all watched half a season of Deshaun Watson this year.
Kenneth Walker III, RB
Kenneth Walker III has missed the last two games with a calf injury. Head coach Mike MacDonald was noncommittal on Walker’s status for this week’s game. He suggested Walker would do something at Wednesday’s walkthrough, but Walker was listed as a DNP.
Fortunately, Walker returned to practice on Thursday and got in a full session. I fully expect him to play and be the clear lead back this week.
Zach Charbonnet, RB
After missing Wednesday’s practice, Zach Charbonnet returned to a limited session on Thursday, which puts him on track to play this Sunday. However, with Kenneth Walker III back, Charbonnet is not startable in fantasy.
DK Metcalf, WR
DK Metcalf is on the practice report more often than not but rarely misses games. He did not practice on Wednesday with a shoulder injury, which I thought was maintenance. Metcalf’s return to a full practice on Thursday confirms that. Metcalf will play on Sunday.
Tyler Lockett, WR
The veteran WR has been getting Wednesdays off every week. Tyler Lockett is not injured, but is a distant third receiver behind D.K. Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Baker Mayfield, QB
Frequently on the injury report but rarely actually missing games, Baker Mayfield did not practice on Wednesday with a knee injury, but it was merely maintenance. He practiced in full on Thursday and will be ready to go on Sunday.
Bucky Irving, RB
Bucky Irving has dealt with a medley of injuries in his rookie season. He was limited at Wednesday’s practice with back and hip issues. That may seem concerning, but it’s a huge step forward after he did not practice at all last week. Irving was limited again on Thursday and will play this week.
Mike Evans, WR
Mike Evans has battled a hamstring strain for nearly two months now. However, on Wednesday, he did not practice due to rest — there was not a hamstring issue listed, which is a great sign. On Thursday, Evans was limited, again due to rest.Evans will play on Sunday.
Cade Otton, TE
For the first time in a while, perhaps all season, Cade Otton did not practice due to a knee injury. The second missed practice on Thursday heavily suggests he won’t play this week.
Tennessee Titans
Tony Pollard, RB
As has been the case much of the season, Tony Pollard did not practice on Wednesday. This is a combination of maintenance and his lingering ankle issue.
Pollard is coming off his lowest snap share of the season, by far, at 44%. It’s unclear whether that had to do with game script or his injury.
Pollard logged another DNP on Thursday. For most players, this would be concerning, but Pollard has already played twice after not practicing all week. I will believe he is going to miss a game when the team actually lists him out.
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, WR
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday due to an ankle issue. It’s unclear exactly what happened. But regardless of NWI’s status, he is not on the fantasy radar.
Washington Commanders
Terry McLaurin, WR
The Commanders gave their veteran WR the day off on Wednesday. Terry McLaurin is fine.
Zach Ertz, TE
Zach Ertz is in the concussion protocol after suffering the injury last week. He did not practice on Wednesday, but returned to a limited session on Thursday. If he can shed the no-contact jersey and get in a full practice on Friday, Ertz could very well clear on Saturday and play on Sunday.
