Injuries continue to mount throughout the NFL. Plenty of players were banged up in Week 13, 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 14.
Atlanta Falcons
Drake London, WR
Atlanta Falcons Drake London received a rest day on Wednesday. He is not injured.
Darnell Mooney, WR
Falcons WR Darnell Mooney received a rest day on Wednesday. He’s fully expected to play in Week 14.
Buffalo Bills
Keon Coleman, WR
Buffalo Bills rookie wideout Keon Coleman (wrist) was limited for Wednesday’s walkthrough ahead of Week 14.
Coleman was limited for every practice leading up to last week’s game but did not play after being labeled questionable. He injured his wrist near the end of Week 9 and had not practiced until last week.
Head coach Sean McDermott had always indicated that Coleman was facing a multi-week injury. Now that he’s missed a month of action, the second-rounder could be turning the corner.
Amari Cooper, WR
Amari Cooper (wrist) is fully practicing and is expected to play in Week 14.
Dalton Kincaid, TE
Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid was limited on Wednesday. While Buffalo didn’t actually practice, Kincaid’s walkthrough participation was his first action since injuring his knee in Week 10.
Kincaid did not practice leading up to Week 11. The Bills had a bye in Week 12, but Kincaid still couldn’t make it back to practice to prepare for Week 13. Now that he’s back on a limited basis, the 2023 first-round tight end might be ready for this Sunday’s game against the Rams.
Fill-in Buffalo TE Dawson Knox has gone 4-40 and 2-56 as Kincaid’s replacement, finishing as fantasy’s TE18 and TE26.
Carolina Panthers
Jalen Coker, WR
Rookie Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker hasn’t played since injuring his hamstring in a pre-Week 12 practice. On Monday, head coach Dave Canales said the Panthers hope Coker can return for Week 14, noting that this week will involve “a couple of bigs days” of practice for the undrafted free agent.
Coker fully practiced on Wednesday, while Canales said he “looked great.” He appears to be trending toward a Week 14 return.
Coker finished as the fantasy WR17 in Week 8 but has otherwise finished outside the top 40 wideouts each week.
Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE
Canales offered the same optimism on Panthers rookie tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders, who was involved in a frightening collision in Week 12. Fortunately, the fourth-round pick was discharged from the hospital after suffering a neck injury and seemingly has a chance to play this week.
Sanders was a limited practice participant on Wednesday. Canales said the rookie TE is moving toward playing in Week 14.
Sanders averaged four targets per game from Week 5 on, getting more looks in Carolina’s passing game after the team traded wideouts Diontae Johnson and Jonathan Mingo at the deadline.
Last week, fellow Panthers TE Tommy Tremble picked up where Sanders left off, earning eight targets from Bryce Young. There’s clearly room for a fantasy-relevant tight end in this offense.
Chicago Bears
Roschon Johnson, RB
Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson did not practice on Wednesday after suffering a concussion in Week 13.
Most NFL players require at least one week to exit the NFL’s concussion protocol. Johnson shouldn’t be expected to practice this week or play on Sunday. He saw a season-high 10 carries in Week 11 and scored in Weeks 11 and 12.
D’Andre Swift, RB
D’Andre Swift did not participate in Wednesday’s practice due to a quad injury. This is a new injury for Swift, who wasn’t listed on the Bears’ injury report leading up to Week 13.
Swift dealt with a groin issue entering Week 12. Chicago took it easy with its starting running back, allowing him to progress with a DNP-LP-FP practice week. He could follow the same pattern this week, but we won’t know until Thursday.
If Swift and Johnson are both sidelined on Sunday, Travis Homer would step into the Bears’ lead-back role. Chicago would likely also promote a RB from its practice squad.
Keenan Allen, WR
Keenan Allen sat out of Wednesday’s Bears practice with an ankle issue. The veteran wideout wasn’t listed on Chicago’s practice report last week, but he was limited by an ankle injury on the Friday before Week 12.
For now, we’re guessing this was a maintenance day for a 32-year-old wide receiver with a nagging injury. But Thursday’s practice report will give us a better sense of Allen’s status.
DJ Moore, WR
DJ Moore (quad) failed to participate in Wednesday’s practice. Like Allen, Moore could be receiving a de facto rest day, but this is a new injury. If Moore doesn’t practice again on Thursday, he may be trending toward a Week 14 absence.
First-round rookie Bears WR Rome Odunze would be peppered with targets if Moore and Allen both missed Sunday’s game.
Cleveland Browns
Jerry Jeudy, WR
Jerry Jeudy (knee) is fully practicing this week and will play in Week 14.
Cedric Tillman, WR
Cedric Tillman (concussion) did not participate in the Browns’ Wednesday walkthrough ahead of Week 14.
Tillman went down on Nov. 21 (Thursday night in Week 12). He never practiced leading up to Week 13 and did not play on Monday night vs. Denver. Tillman could still suit up for practice on Thursday or Friday if he clears the NFL’s concussion protocol.
The 2023 third-round pick benefitted after Cleveland traded fellow WR Amari Cooper, ranking in the top 20 league-wide in yards per route run and on-field target share from Weeks 7 through 10. Tillman is still an exciting fantasy asset with Jameis Winston under center, but he’ll have to compete with Jeudy and Elijah Moore for targets.
Green Bay Packers
Josh Jacobs, RB
Week 14 status: PLAYING
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs was limited by his ongoing calf injury at every practice this week. However, he was removed from the club’s injury report on Wednesday and will play on Thursday Night Football again at the division-rival Lions.
On Wednesday, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport called Jacobs’ calf issue a “nagging” problem.
From @GMFB: Breaking down the key injuries for the massive #Lions–#Packers showdown on Thursday night. pic.twitter.com/LD6cRaQBu7
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 4, 2024
Jacobs has been battling this same issue for several weeks but hasn’t missed time. Green Bay gave the veteran RB two days’ worth of rest during pre-Week 13 practices. Jacobs has touched the ball 71 times over the Packers’ last three games, so the club was likely exuding caution.
Romeo Doubs, WR
Week 14 status: OUT
Packers wideout Romeo Doubs is still battling a concussion and will not play against the Lions on TNF.
Doubs missed the club’s Thanksgiving Night win against the Dolphins but returned to practice this week. He was officially listed as limited for every practice. Still, the third-year wideout couldn’t recover in time for this week’s contest.
Packers head coach Matt Lafleur said earlier this week Doubs progressed to the point where playing in Week 14 was at least on the table. However, LaFleur also continuously responded with “we’ll see” when asked if Doubs would suit up.
With another week-plus of recovery, Doubs should be ready for Week 15 vs. the Seahawks. Dontayvion Wicks will take his place in the Packers’ three-WR sets on Thursday night.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Trevor Lawrence, QB
Week 14 status: IR
The Jacksonville Jaguars placed quarterback Trevor Lawrence on injured reserve on Wednesday after he suffered a concussion in Week 13.
Technically, Lawrence could return for Week 18. But with the 2-10 Jaguars far from playoff contention, there’s no reason for Lawrence to risk his health in the season finale.
Lawrence took a dirty hit from Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair while attempting to slide Sunday. Al-Shaair was ejected from Sunday’s contest and has been suspended for three games.
Backup quarterback Mac Jones threw for just 249 total yards, no touchdowns, and three interceptions in two previous starts in relief of Lawrence; both were Jags losses. He ranked dead last in passing success rate (31%) and next-to-last in EPA per dropback (-0.30) from Weeks 10 to 11.
Jones was more productive against the Texans on Sunday, completing 20 of 32 attempts for 235 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions.
Las Vegas Raiders
Alexander Mattison, RB
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (ankle) put in a limited practice on Wednesday.
Mattison went down in Week 11 and didn’t practice ahead of Week 12. While he was limited for every session ahead of Week 13, Mattison was listed as questionable for Black Friday and did not play.
Fellow Raiders RB Zamir White (quad) remained out of practice on Wednesday. If both Mattison and White are sidelined again this week, Ameer Abdullah and Sincere McCormick will split the Raiders’ backfield workload.
Los Angeles Chargers
Ladd McConkey, WR
Ladd McConkey never returned after his last reception with 5:39 remaining in the third quarter of Sunday’s win over the Atlanta Falcons. The Los Angeles Chargers announced that the rookie wideout was questionable to return with a knee injury, but he never re-entered the game.
On Monday, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said McConkey was “working through some things,” noting the club needs to see how the receiver progresses during the week.
Fortunately, McConkey practiced on Wednesday. He was officially listed as limited.
Jim Harbaugh said the team is opening up the 21 day activation window for LB Junior Colson today. Not yet opening it for WR Simi Fehoko.
Harbaugh said that he expects LB Denzel Perryman, CB Cam Hart, and WR Ladd McConkey to practice today. pic.twitter.com/RYne1jUpMY
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) December 4, 2024
On Wednesday, Rapoport indicated that McConkey is also dealing with an AC joint sprain in his shoulder and reported that the rookie’s status for Sunday’s game is “up in the air.”
The Georgia product has quickly become Justin Herbert’s favorite receiver and put up another productive day in Los Angeles’ 17-13 win over Atlanta. McConkey posted nine catches on 12 targets for 117 yards before departing. No other Chargers pass catcher earned more than four targets or two receptions.
McConkey leads all Los Angeles receivers in targets (81), catches (58), and receiving yards (815) and is second in receiving touchdowns (four).
Los Angeles Rams
Matthew Stafford, QB
Matthew Stafford exited Week 13 with a minor ankle sprain, but the Los Angeles Rams quarterback is not expected to be affected going forward.
“Pretty good,” Stafford said Wednesday when asked about his condition. “I’ll be good to go.”
Stafford fully participated in the Rams’ first practice of the week. Barring a setback, he will be ready for Sunday’s game.
Cooper Kupp, WR
Cooper Kupp received a rest day on Wednesday. He is not injured.
Demarcus Robinson, WR
Demarcus Robinson was limited by a hand injury during Wednesday’s practice. However, Rams head coach Sean McVay said Monday that he expects Robinson to suit up against the Bills on Sunday.
Miami Dolphins
Raheem Mostert, RB
Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert was limited by a hip injury during Wednesday’s practice.
Mostert had not been listed on Miami’s injury reports since Week 12 when he was battling a hip issue but fully practiced throughout the week. Unless he’s downgraded to a DNP on Thursday or Friday, Mostert should be fine for Sunday’s game. Still, with De’Von Achane dominating touches and rookie Jaylen Wright also in Dolophns’ backfield mix, Mostert isn’t a viable fantasy asset.
Tyreek Hill, WR
Tyreek Hill didn’t participate in Wednesday’s practice, but his absence is nothing to be concerned about. Hill is still battling the wrist injury that’s been nagging him in recent weeks. Miami listed his DNP as “wrist/rest” on Wednesday.
The Dolphins don’t appear to have any long-term concerns about Hill’s wrist issue. He was considered a game-time decision for Week 10 but ultimately suited up. Hill has been limited for certain practice sessions since but hasn’t missed any game action.
Hopefully, Hill’s improving health should lead to increased production. While he’d struggled since Tua Tagovailoa returned as under center in Week 8, Hill has been a top-12 fantasy receiver in two of the past three weeks.
New Orleans Saints
Juwan Johnson, TE
New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson (foot) was limited on Wednesday.
With Taysom Hill done for the season after tearing his ACL in Week 13, Johnson should have an opportunity to produce down the stretch before becoming a free agent in 2025. New Orleans’ injury-marred offense is missing Hill, Chris Olave, and Rashid Shaheed, opening plenty of targets for tertiary contributors like Johnson.
New York Giants
Tommy DeVito, QB
Drew Lock will make his second consecutive start for the New York Giants in Week 14, as head coach Brian Daboll announced on Wednesday. Fellow quarterback Tommy DeVito (forearm) remained limited at Wednesday’s practice after missing Week 13.
New York Jets
Breece Hall, RB
New York Jets running back Breece Hall (knee) will not practice on Wednesday ahead of Week 14.
Gang Green also gave Hall practice off last Wednesday. He returned for a limited session on Thursday, fully practiced on Friday, and played on Sunday despite being listed as questionable. However, his usage suffered, as Hall played fewer than 70% of the Jets’ snaps for the first time this season, while he received just 13 opportunities.
We’ll need to see if Hall participates in practice over the course of the week, but backup New York RB Braelon Allen is a must-own player at this point in the year. With the Jets firmly out of playoff contention, they could continue to reduce Hall’s workload or shut him down altogether.
Philadelphia Eagles
Saquon Barkley, RB
Philadlephia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley was given a rest day on Wednesday. He is not injured and will play in Week 14.
DeVonta Smith, WR
After missing the Eagles’ last two games with a hamstring injury, wideout DeVonta Smith fully practiced on Wednesday.
Devonta Smith practicing today pic.twitter.com/kMfQtUcsO1
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) December 4, 2024
Last week, Smith did not practice on Wednesday before logging limited sessions on Thursday and Friday. To go from that sort of participation to a full practice ahead of Week 14 is an excellent sign for Smith and a decent indicator that he’ll be available on Sunday.
If Smith can play, he’ll be a top-flight fantasy option against a Panthers defense that ranks second worst in pass-defense efficiency. Eagles TE Dallas Goedert is not expected to play in Week 14 due to a knee injury, opening up more targets for Smith.
Dallas Goedert, TE
While the Eagles were hoping for good news on tight end Dallas Goedert after he departed Sunday’s game with a late knee injury, Goedert appears likely to miss time.
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane, Goedert is considered week to week ahead of Sunday’s game against the Panthers. Although Goedert’s knee injury is not season-ending, he could be placed on injured reserve. He didn’t practice on Wednesday.
Goedert has been banged up this year, missing Weeks 7-9 with a hamstring injury before later dealing with an ankle issue. Fellow Eagles tight end Grant Calcaterra posted at least three catches or 50 yards in three games as Goedert’s replacement, finishing as a top-25 fantasy TE in all three contests.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Najee Harris, RB
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris received a rest day on Wednesday. He is not injured.
Mike Williams, WR
Steelers wideout Mike Williams received a rest day on Wednesday. He’s fully expected to play in Week 14.
San Francisco 49ers
Brock Purdy, QB
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters that quarterback Brock Purdy would fully practice on Wednesday. Purdy played in Week 13 after a shoulder injury sidelined him in Week 12. Barring a setback, he should be ready to face the Bears on Sunday.
Seattle Seahawks
Zach Charbonnet, RB
Seattle Seahawks running Zach Charbonnet (elbow) is fully practicing. Barring a setback, he’s expected to play in Week 14 and could have an expanded role if starting RB Kenneth Walker III (ankle/calf) is limited.
Kenneth Walker III, RB
Kenneth Walker III is back on the Seahawks’ injury report for the first time since September. Seattle’s starting RB was limited on Wednesday with ankle and calf issues.
Walker missed Weeks 2 and 3 with an oblique injury but has remained healthy since. While he’s edged out backup Zach Charbonnet for more than 75% of Seattle’s running back touches since returning, Walker has remained a streaky fantasy asset. He managed a fantasy RB2 performance three times over the past five weeks, finishing outside the top 35 fantasy RBs in his other two games.
Tyler Lockett, WR
Veteran wideout Tyler Lockett received a rest day on Wednesday.
DK Metcalf, WR
DK Metcalf (shoulder) was limited on Wednesday, which marked an improvement over his pre-Week 13 participation. Last week, Metcalf went DNP-DNP-FP before being removed from Seattle’s injury report and playing on Sunday.
Metcalf has been steadily involved in the Seahjawks’ passing attack, receiving 23 targets in three games since returning from a knee injury. However, he hasn’t found the end zone over the past weeks, resulting in fantasy finishes outside the top 25 wide receivers.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Baker Mayfield, QB
Baker Mayfield was stepped on during the third quarter in Week 13 and initially believed he suffered a season-ending injury. Fortunately, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback only missed two snaps on Sunday.
“Honestly, it scared the daylights out of me,” Mayfield said. “I’ve seen some people pop their Achilles before, and they say it feels like you got cleated. Obviously, not knowing what exactly happened, that’s what I thought I did. It was a little painful, but I got taped again and went back out there.”
Head coach Todd Bowles said Monday that Mayfield’s leg is sore but expects his quarterback to start in Week 14. Mayfield fully participated in Wednesday’s practice.
Bucky Irving, RB
Bucs running back Bucky Irving suffered a knee injury on Sunday and missed Tampa Bay’s first second-half drive. While he returned later in the third quarter, Irving was “laboring” after Sunday’s game.
Irving told reporters on Monday that he felt better, but the rookie RB did not practice on Wednesday. Tampa Bay only held a walkthrough, so Thursday’s injury report should give us a better sense of Irving’s status.
The fourth-round pick finished Week 13 with a career-high 25 carries for 152 yards and a touchdown. The Buccaneers had been threatening a hot-hand approach at running back, and on Sunday, Irving received 28 opportunities to Rachaad White’s 12. While the backs essentially played the same number of snaps, Irving was the clear lead runner.
Irving has developed into a fantasy league-winner down the stretch (health provided). Entering Week 14, he leads all qualified running backs in yards after contact per attempt and yards per route run as a receiver.
Mike Evans, WR
Veteran Bucs receiver Mike Evans did not practice on Wednesday due to hamstring and calf injuries.
Evans’ hamstring injury is old news. It cost him three games earlier this year before Evans returned in Week 12. But the calf injury is new. At this point in the season, teams are more than willing to give their older stars rest days, and Evans certainly fits that bill.
Evans finished as fantasy’s WR3 in Week 13 after posting eight catches on 12 targets for 118 yards and a touchdown in Tampa Bay’s win over Carolina.