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
Week 14 status: PLAYING
Atlanta Falcons Drake London received a rest day on Wednesday. He was off the injury report entirely on Thursday and is not injured.
Darnell Mooney, WR
Week 14 status: PLAYING
Falcons WR Darnell Mooney (Achilles) received a rest day on Wednesday but returned to full participation to close the week. He’s fully expected to play in Week 14.
Buffalo Bills
Keon Coleman, WR
Week 14 status: QUESTIONABLE
Buffalo Bills rookie wideout Keon Coleman (wrist) was limited for this week’s practices and is questionable for Sunday’s game against the Rams. He was still wearing a non-contact jersey as of Friday.
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, but it remains unclear if he’s ready to go.
Amari Cooper, WR
Week 14 status: PLAYING
Amari Cooper (wrist) is fully practicing and is expected to play in Week 14.
Dalton Kincaid, TE
Week 14 status: QUESTIONABLE
Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (shoulder) was limited throughout the week and is questionable for Sunday’s game.
He hadn’t practiced at all since injuring his knee in Week 10, so participating in sessions this week — even on a limited basis — was a step in the right direction.
To recap, 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. 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
Week 14 status: DOUBTFUL
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 would involve “a couple of big days” of practice for the undrafted free agent.
However, Coker suffered a setback on Thursday and was listed as limited. He didn’t practice on Friday and is considered doubtful to suit up against the Eagles on Sunday.
Dave Canales on WR Jalen Coker having a setback this week. pic.twitter.com/sJ0skoZKlK
— Steve Reed (@SteveReedAP) December 6, 2024
Coker fully practiced on Wednesday, while Canales said he “looked great.”
Coker finished as the fantasy WR17 in Week 8 but has otherwise finished outside the top 40 wideouts each week.
Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE
Week 14 status: QUESTIONABLE
Panthers rookie tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders 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 is on track to return this week.
Canales said Friday that Sanders is expected to play in Week 14. The first-year TE was a limited practice participant on Wednesday and Thursday before being upgraded to full practice on Friday.
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
Week 14 status: OUT
Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson will not play on Sunday after suffering a concussion in Week 13. He never practiced this week.
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
Week 14 status: QUESTIONABLE
D’Andre Swift did not participate in practice Wednesday or Thursday due to a quad injury. He returned for a limited session on Friday and is considered questionable for Week 14.
This is a new injury for Swift, who wasn’t listed on the Bears’ injury report leading up to Week 13. Interim Bears head coach Thomas Brown said Swift “ran around pretty good” during Friday’s practice, possibly suggesting the RB has a chance to play this week.
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.
If Swift and Johnson are both sidelined on Sunday, Travis Homer would step into the Bears’ lead-back role. Chicago would likely also promote an RB from its practice squad.
Keenan Allen, WR
Week 14 status: PLAYING
Keenan Allen (shoulder) received a maintenance day on Wednesday but was back for full practices on Thursday and Friday. He doesn’t have an injury designation for Sunday’s game.
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. With fellow Bears wideout DJ Moore questionable due to a quad injury, Allen could see more targets than usual.
DJ Moore, WR
Week 14 status: QUESTIONABLE
DJ Moore (quad) failed to participate in practice Wednesday or Thursday. He returned for a limited session on Friday and is considered questionable for Week 14.
Despite his status, Moore indicated on Friday that he was optimistic about playing on Sunday.
DJ Moore is optimistic that he'll play vs. San Francisco despite being listed as questionable. He injured his quad running a wheel route early vs. Detroit and played through it.
Moore: "I play through everything."
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) December 6, 2024
This is a new injury, and unlike Keenan Allen, it appears to be more than a maintenance issue. Moore hasn’t missed a game since 2020. He’s an incredibly durable player, so if he’s sidelined for Sunday’s game, he must be battling a severe injury.
First-round rookie Bears WR Rome Odunze would finally see every-down snaps next to Allen if Moore is out.
Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow, QB
Week 14 status: PLAYING
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow continues to appear on the weekly injury report with the same right wrist ailment he’s been managing throughout the season. He’s in no danger of sitting out Monday night’s game and was a full participant on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Ja’Marr Chase, WR
Week 14 status: PLAYING
Ja’Marr Chase (ankle) appeared on the Bengals’ first injury report of Week 14 as limited with an ankle injury. While it’s a positive sign that Chase was at least able to participate, it was troubling to see him pick up a new injury.
However, Chase alleviated any concerns when he returned for a full practice on Friday, telling reporters that his ankle “feels smooth.”
Ja’Marr Chase said he practiced fully today, ankle is OK pic.twitter.com/l1dXfnhM40
— Kelsey Conway (@KelseyLConway) December 6, 2024
Chase also practiced in full on Saturday and has no injury designation heading into Monday night’s game against the Cowboys.
Chase played 97% of the snaps vs. the Steelers last week and didn’t exit with any news of an injury. Assuming he doesn’t suffer a setback, Chase will play against the Cowboys on Monday night and, as usual, be in contention to finish as fantasy’s overall WR1.
Tee Higgins, WR
Week 14 status: PLAYING
Tee Higgins continues to receive some load management from the Bengals. He was limited on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, but all were rest days. Higgins will suit up Monday night vs. the Cowboys.
Cleveland Browns
Jerry Jeudy, WR
Week 14 status: PLAYING
Jerry Jeudy (knee) is fully practicing this week and will play in Week 14.
Cedric Tillman, WR
Week 14 status: OUT
Cedric Tillman (concussion) did not participate in the Browns’ practices this week and will not play against the Steelers on Sunday.
Tillman went down on Nov. 21 (Thursday night in Week 12) and hasn’t practiced since. Concussions affect some players differently than others, but most are able to return after a one-week absence. Tillman will attempt to suit up in Week 15 when the Browns face the Chiefs.
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.
Elijah Moore, WR
Week 14 status: PLAYING
Elijah Moore was limited in Wednesday’s practice with a shoulder injury but upgraded to full on Thursday and Friday. He will play in Week 14.
This is a new injury for Moore, who still played 76.2% of the snaps in Monday’s loss to the Broncos (right in line with his 74.5% season average). With Cedric Tillman (concussion) sidelined again for Week 14, Moore could see plenty of target from Jameis Winston.
Dallas Cowboys
Cooper Rush, QB
Week 14 status: PLAYING
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush (knee) showed up on the first injury report of the week on Thursday but was a full practice participant. He fully practiced again on Friday and Saturday.
Rush was listed with this same injury ahead of Week 13 but was limited the first two practices before finishing with a full practice. He’s already ahead of that trend for Week 14 and should be good to go for Monday night against the Bengals.
Brandin Cooks, WR
Week 14 status: PLAYING
Brandin Cooks received a veteran’s day off to begin the week on Thursday, as he was limited with a “rest/knee” designation. The veteran wideout fully practiced on Friday and Saturday, and has no injury designation heading into Monday night’s game.
The load management makes sense, as Week 13 was Cooks’ first since Week 4 after an extended stint on injured reserve. He made an immediate impact, catching three passes for 16 yards and a touchdown, including the game-sealing first down.
CeeDee Lamb, WR
Week 14 status: PLAYING
CeeDee Lamb was a DNP in the first practice of the week on Thursday with a shoulder injury. However, it doesn’t sound like anything to be concerned about, which Lamb stated himself after practice.
Indeed, Lamb returned for a limited practice on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. He was removed from the injury report and has no injury designation heading into Monday night’s game against the Bengals.
Lamb was limited to all three practices ahead of Week 13, but he was also listed with a back injury, which has since been removed. This is simply his lingering AC joint sprain that has hampered him since he originally suffered it in Week 9 vs. the Falcons.
Jake Ferguson, TE
Week 14 status: PLAYING
Jake Ferguson has been out the last two games after suffering a concussion in Week 11 vs. the Houston Texans. A pair of short weeks didn’t help Ferguson’s availability, but it appears the tight end will return after clearing the protocol to begin Week 14.
Ferguson was a full participant in practice on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. He has no injury designation heading into Monday night’s game.
The Bengals allow the second-most PPR points per game to tight ends, which could make Ferguson a sneaky sleeper despite a disappointing season to date.
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.
Parker Washington, WR
Week 14 status: PLAYING
Parker Washington was limited on Thursday and Friday because of a shoulder injury. This was a new injury for Washington, who was not listed on the practice report at all last week or on Wednesday and has played every game this season.
Fortuantely, the Jags removed Washington from their injury report on Friday. He will play in Week 14.
With Gabe Davis and Christian Kirk both out for the season, Washington has been elevated to the third pass catcher role behind Brian Thomas Jr. and Evan Engram. He had a career-high 103 yards on 13 targets in Week 13, nearly doubling his yardage for the season.
Devin Duvernay, Tim Jones, or the newly acquired Josh Reynolds would start if Washington can’t play. With Mac Jones under center, though, this isn’t an offense fantasy managers should want to pursue.
Las Vegas Raiders
Aidan O’Connell, QB
Week 14 status: PLAYING
Aidan O’Connell appeared on Thursday’s injury report as a DNP with an illness. While likely not a fun time, it doesn’t appear the Las Vegas Raiders starting QB is in any danger of missing time.
O’Connell fully practiced on Friday and has no injury designation for Sunday. Desmond Ridder is the backup in case O’Connell’s illness lingers.
Ameer Abdullah, RB
Week 14 status: PLAYING
The veteran running back Ameer Abdullah appeared on Thursday’s injury report after not being listed on Wednesday. It doesn’t look like anything to be alarmed about, though, as he was a full participant with a foot injury.
Abdullah was fully practiced again on Friday and was removed from the Raiders’ injury report. He’s a full-go for Week 14.
Abdullah led the Raiders backfield in snaps the last two weeks with Alexander Mattison out but saw Sincere McCormick take a larger share of the carries in Week 13. With Mattison on the verge of a return, Abdullah could go back to his passing back role, but he’ll have to keep fighting McCormick for touches.
Alexander Mattison, RB
Week 14 status: QUESTIONABLE
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (ankle) put in limited practices all week and is questionable for Week 14.
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. As such, it’s difficult to be certain about Mattison’s Week 14 status, despite his three limited practices.
Fellow Raiders RB Zamir White (quad) remained out of practice all week. Mattison might still be Las Vegas’ lead back if he plays this week, but head coach Antonio Pierce has repeatedly said he wants to get Sincere McCormick more touches.
The Raiders signed McCormick to their active roster this week after he took 12 carries for 64 yards and scored a receiving touchdown as a Week 13 practice-squad election.
Jakobi Meyers, WR
Week 14 status: QUESTIONABLE
Jakobi Meyers appeared on Thursday’s injury as a DNP with an ankle injury. He returned for a limited practice on Friday and is considered questionable for Week 14.
This is a new injury for Meyers, who was not listed on Wednesday’s report at all. Midweek downgrades are never a great sign, but the Raiders are not ruling Meyers out. He did miss two games earlier this season with an ankle injury, but it’s unclear if this is related.
Meyers has quietly thrived as the Raiders’ top wide receiver in the wake of the Davante Adams trade. He’s logged at least 90 yards in three of five games since returning in Week 8 and ranks as the WR12 by PPR points per game over that span.
Los Angeles Chargers
Ladd McConkey, WR
Week 14 status: QUESTIONABLE
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (knee/shoulder) is questionable for Sunday night’s game against the Chiefs after putting in limited practices every day this week.
The second-round rookie never returned after his last reception with 5:39 remaining in the third quarter of Sunday’s win over the Atlanta Falcons. L.A. announced that McConkey wideout was questionable to return with a knee injury, but he never re-entered the game.
McConkey said Thursday that his knee was “getting there,” indicating that he will “be out there” if he’s cleared to play.
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
Week 14 status: PLAYING
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’ practices this week and has no injury destination for Sunday’s game against the Bills.
Cooper Kupp, WR
Week 14 status: PLAYING
Cooper Kupp received a rest day on Wednesday. He returned to full participation on Thursday and is not injured.
Demarcus Robinson, WR
Week 14 status: PLAYING
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. Sure enough, Robinson was back to a full practice on Thursday and Friday, indicating that this is a minor issue.
Miami Dolphins
Raheem Mostert, RB
Week 14 status: QUESTIONABLE
Miami Dolphins running during Raheem Mostert was limited by a hip injury at every practice this week. He’s considered questionable for Week 14.
Mostert had not been listed on Miami’s injury reports since Week 12 when he was battling a hip issue. Even then, he fully practiced throughout the week.
With De’Von Achane dominating touches and rookie Jaylen Wright also in Dolphins’ backfield mix, Mostert isn’t a viable fantasy asset.
Tyreek Hill, WR
Week 14 status: QUESTIONABLE
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. He returned to a limited practice with that same designation on Thursday.
On Friday, Hill fully practiced and was formally removed from the Dolphins’ injury report. He will play against the Jets in Week 14.
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 struggled in Tua Tagovailoa’s first three games after returning from IR in Week 8, Hill has been a top-12 fantasy receiver in two of the past three weeks.
New Orleans Saints
Juwan Johnson, TE
Week 14 status: PLAYING
New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson (foot) was limited at practice all week. It was a new injury for Johnson, who was not on last week’s report at all.
Fortunately, Johnson was removed from the Saints’ injury report on Friday and will not carry a designation into Week 14.
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
Head coach Brian Daboll announced on Wednesday that Drew Lock will make his second consecutive start for the New York Giants in Week 14. Fellow quarterback Tommy DeVito (forearm) was a full participant at Thursday and Friday’s practices after being limited on Wednesday. Still, it appears DeVito will be a backup after missing Week 13.
Malik Nabers, WR
Week 14 status: QUESTIONABLE
Malik Nabers was added to Thursday’s injury report as limited with a groin injury. The following day, the Giants announced that the first-round rookie wideout received an MRI and would not practice on Friday.
Nabers is officially considered questionable for Sunday’s game against the Saints.
During New York’s last full week of practice ahead of Week 12, Nabers was a DNP on Friday with the same groin issue, only to play 95% of the team’s snaps that week. He also played 95% of the snaps on a short week on Thanksgiving in Week 13.
Still, this series of events is incredibly ominous for Nabers. We’ll need to watch for a Giants update over the weekend.
Nabers hasn’t found the end zone since Week 3 but continues to see elite volume. The switch to Drew Lock didn’t do him any harm in Week 13, as he saw 13 targets and had 69 receiving yards (his most in a game since Week 8).
New York Jets
Breece Hall, RB
Week 14 Status: OUT
New York Jets running back Breece Hall (knee) is doubtful for Week 14 after failing to practice during the week.
Gang Green also gave Hall practice off last Wednesday. However, he returned for a limited session on Thursday, fully practiced on Friday, and played on Sunday despite being listed as questionable. This week represented a stark regression, as Hall didn’t participate in a single session.
Hall’s usage suffered in Week 13 while playing through the knee injury, as he played fewer than 70% of the Jets’ snaps for the first time this season, while he received just 13 touches.
As a result, backup 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.
If Hall sits on Sunday, Allen should receive the lion’s share of New York’s running back touches, but the Dolphins are a tough opponent. Miami has allowed just one opponent to rush for 100 yards since Week 8.
Allen Lazard, WR
Week 14 status: PLAYING
Allen Lazard is ready to return to action for the first time since injuring his chest in Week 7. The Jets officially activated Lazard from injured reserve on Friday. He fully practiced all week and is expected to suit up against Miami in Week 14.
Lazard surprisingly offered two top-five fantasy WR finishes before going down, but that was prior to the Jets acquiring Davante Adams. While Gang Green is still using three-WR sets on nearly 75% of its offensive snaps, Lazard is well behind Adams and Garrett Wilson in terms of targets.
Moreover, Lazard will be a cut candidate in 2025. A rebuilding New York team might be more interested in seeing what younger receivers like Malachi Corley and Xavier Gipson can do down the stretch at the expense of Lazard’s playing time.
Philadelphia Eagles
Saquon Barkley, RB
Week 14 status: PLAYING
Philadlephia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley was given a rest day on Wednesday. He is not injured and will play in Week 14 after fully participating to close the week.
DeVonta Smith, WR
Week 14 status: PLAYING
After missing the Eagles’ last two games with a hamstring injury, wideout DeVonta Smith fully practiced on Wednesday and Thursday.
He was back on the field on Friday and told reporters after practice that he will play in Week 14.
"Count me in." – DeVonta Smith on his status vs. Panthers. pic.twitter.com/PMkaEhJiFV
— Olivia Reiner (@ReinerOlivia) December 6, 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 was an excellent sign for Smith and a decent indicator that he would be available on Sunday.
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
Week 14 status: OUT
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 will 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 won’t play this week, to start. Goedert never practiced this week and has been ruled out for Week 14.
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
Week 14 status: PLAYING
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris received a rest day on Wednesday. He is not injured and was a full participant to close the week.
George Pickens, WR
Week 14 status: QUESTIONABLE
The Steelers added wide receiver George Pickens to their injury report on Friday. He was limited with a hamstring injury and is now considered questionable for Week 14.
Midweek downgrades are never a good sign. Typically, they indicate that a player was injured during practice. If Pickens hurt his hamstring on Friday, he’ll only have 48 hours to get ready for Sunday’s game against the Browns.
Of course, if Pickens only tweaked his hamstring, he may be in no danger of missing this week’s contest. But hamstring injuries can be tricky and often linger. This is a difficult situation for fantasy managers, who will need to have a backup plan in place in case Pickens sits.
Mike Williams, WR
Week 14 status: PLAYING
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
Week 14 status: PLAYING
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters that quarterback Brock Purdy would fully practice on Wednesday. Purdy did indeed participate in full on Wednesday and over the rest of the week. He has no injury designation for Sunday’s game against the Bears.
Purdy played in Week 13 after a right shoulder injury sidelined him in Week 12.
Seattle Seahawks
Zach Charbonnet, RB
Week 14 status: PLAYING
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 or out.
Kenneth Walker III, RB
Week 14 status: QUESTIONABLE
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, then downgraded to a DNP on Thursday and Friday. Walker is officially listed as questionable for Sunday’s game.
Head coach Mike Macdonald didn’t sound overly optimistic about Walker on Friday.
Mike Macdonald says “I just don’t know right now” when asked about Ken Walker III’s status for Sunday. Ken is listed with ankle and calf injuries. So Ken is TBD for Sunday.
— Dugar, Michael-Shawn (@MikeDugar) December 6, 2024
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.
Charbonnet handled nearly every RB touch when Walker was sidelined near the beginning of the season. He’d be in line for plenty of work, but the Cardinals aren’t an ideal opponent. Arizona has allowed 80 or fewer rushing yards in five of its last six games.
Tyler Lockett, WR
Week 14 status: PLAYING
Veteran wideout Tyler Lockett received a rest day on Wednesday. He is not injured and was a full participant on Thursday and Friday.
DK Metcalf, WR
Week 14 status: PLAYING
DK Metcalf (shoulder) was limited on Wednesday but regressed to a DNP on Thursday. Fortunately, he was removed from Seattle’s injury report after fully practicing on Friday. Metcalf is good to go against for a critical NFC West battle against the Cardinals.
Last week, Metcalf went DNP-DNP-FP before being removed from Seattle’s injury report and playing on Sunday. From that standpoint, this week’s LP-DNP-FP was actually an improvement for the 26-year-old pass catcher.
Metcalf has been steadily involved in the Seahawks’ 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 three weeks, resulting in fantasy finishes outside the top 25 wide receivers.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Baker Mayfield, QB
Week 14 status: PLAYING
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 practice all week and has no injury destination for Sunday.
Bucky Irving, RB
Week 14 status: QUESTIONABLE
Bucs running back Bucky Irving (hip/back) is officially questionable for Sunday’s game against the Raiders. He sat out of practice on Wednesday and Thursday before managing a limited session on Friday.
Irving went down in the first half of Week 13. While he returned later in the third quarter, the fourth-round rookie was “laboring” after Sunday’s game.
Irving told reporters on Monday that he felt better, but two missed practices told a different story. A limited practice on Friday at least gives Irving a chance to play on Sunday, but we’ll need to wait for more updates. He could become a game-time decision.
Hard to tell if Irving will be limited by his hip Sunday — I'd think going in it's still a close split between him and Rachaad White. Tucker didn't get an offensive snap last week, and Raiders aren't bad in run defense, so still likely between those two. https://t.co/xrdq4bm07F
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) December 6, 2024
Irving 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.
If Irving sits on Sunday, White will become a usable fantasy starter, while fellow Bucs RB Sean Tucker could also get into the mix. Even if Irving does play, he may not see the sort of massive workload he handled in Week 13.
Mike Evans, WR
Week 14 status: PLAYING
Veteran Bucs receiver Mike Evans did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday due to hamstring and calf injuries. Fortunately, he returned for a limited session on Friday and was removed from Tampa Bay’s injury report. Evans is good to go for Week 14.
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.
