Injuries continue to mount throughout the NFL. Plenty of players were banged up in Week 16, while others suffered injuries that could knock them out for the rest of the regular season.
Let’s round up the most notable injury updates looking ahead to Week 17.
Arizona Cardinals
James Conner, RB
As a reminder to everyone out there, these guys love football. The Arizona Cardinals may be out of the playoff race, but James Conner is going to play if his knee allows him to.
On Tuesday, head coach Jonathan Gannon ruled out two offensive linemen. He did not rule out Conner.
The Cardinals did not hold an official practice on Tuesday, but they did have a walkthrough. Conner was listed as limited on both practice reports to start the week, which is encouraging for his chances of playing.
Trey Benson, RB
After missing time with an ankle sprain, Trey Benson was listed as limited on Tuesday and Wednesday’s practice reports. The Cardinals RB situation is currently as unclear as it gets, with both Benson and James Conner working through injuries. Michael Carter could end up being the starter…or he could end up being completely irrelevant with both Conner and Benson playing.
Atlanta Falcons
Drake London, WR
Last week, Drake London left the game with what was initially described as a hamstring injury. After the game, London said he could have returned if necessary.
London was listed as limited on Wednesday’s estimated practice report, but with a knee injury. Either way, the limited designation suggests London is on track to play this week.
Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen, QB
The Bills listed Josh Allen on Wednesday’s estimated practice report as dealing with right elbow and shoulder issues. However, the QB practiced in full. He is going to play this week.
Dalton Kincaid, TE
Dalton Kincaid remains on the practice report with his knee injury that cost him multiple games earlier in the season. Kincaid was listed as a full participant, though, and will play this week.
Carolina Panthers
Bryce Young, QB
The Panthers listed Bryce Young on the practice report with a hamstring issue, but he practiced in full. Young is fine.
Chuba Hubbard, RB
As has been the case for several weeks now, Chuba Hubbard got the first day of practice off. The Panthers held a walkthrough on Tuesday to give the players Christmas off, but released the estimated report on Wednesday. Hubbard will return to practice on Thursday and play Sunday.
Xavier Legette, WR
Xavier Legette is dealing with hip and wrist injuries, but was listed as a full participant on Wednesday’s estimated practice report. Legette is set to return after a one-game absence.
Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow, QB
The Bengals QB has been playing through a knee injury for a couple of weeks. Joe Burrow was limited on Tuesday and Wednesday’s practice reports, as the team manages his reps. Burrow was also listed with his weekly right wrist issue, which is a non-issue. Either way, Burrow is playing on Saturday.
Tee Higgins, WR
Tee Higgins picked up ankle and knee injuries in last week’s game. He was limited on Tuesday and Wednesday’s practice reports, but should be fine to play on Saturday.
Cleveland Browns
Dorian Thompson-Robinson, QB
Making his first start of the season, Dorian Thompson-Robinson hurt his calf in the Cleveland Browns’ embarrassing offensive performance against the Cincinnati Bengals’ bottom-of-the-barrel defense. Head coach Kevin Stefanski already said DTR will start again if he is healthy enough to go. He was listed as limited on Wednesday’s estimated practice report.
Cedric Tillman, WR
Cedric Tillman continues to remain limited at practice as he works his way through the concussion protocol.
Jerry Jeudy, WR
Jerry Jeudy was listed as limited on Wednesday’s estimated practice report with knee and shin injuries. It’s a downgrade from previous weeks when he was full, likely due to the shin issue. Jeudy should be fine to play this week.
David Njoku, TE
After a one-game absence, David Njoku was able to convince coaches he was healthy enough to play through a hamstring strain despite just one limited practice at the end of the week. The good news is Njoku came out of Sunday’s game with his hamstring no worse for wear. The bad news is he picked up a knee injury of currently unknown severity.
As is always the case with Njoku, if he can play, he will. However, he was listed as DNP on Wednesday’s estimated practice report. Normally, this would be a bad sign. While it’s obviously not a good sign, Njoku can get in one limited practice on Friday and still suit up.
Dallas Cowboys
CeeDee Lamb, WR
CeeDee Lamb has been playing through a sprained AC joint for over a month. Every time he falls on his right shoulder, he aggravates it. Last week, Lamb barely played in the second half as a result.
Lamb did not practice to open the week. It doesn’t mean he won’t play, but he’s been getting in limited sessions to start the week. With the Cowboys now eliminated from the playoffs, it’s possible they shut Lamb down.
Denver Broncos
Jaleel McLaughlin, RB
Last week, Jaleel McLaughlin tried to practice through a quad injury, but was ultimately unable to go. He got off to a better start this week with a limited practice and upgraded to full on Wednesday, putting him on track to return to action this Saturday.
Green Bay Packers
Christian Watson, WR
The oft-injured WR injured his knee in Monday night’s shutout victory over the Saints. Fortunately, Christian Watson avoided serious injury, but was still listed as DNP on Wednesday’s estimated practice report. Dontayvion Wicks would be set for an incresed role if Watson cannot play.
Tucker Kraft, TE
The Packers starting tight end is apparently dealing with a hip injury. He was listed as limited on Wednesday’s estimated practice report. Tucker Kraft should be good to go this week.
Indianapolis Colts
Anthony Richardson, QB
Anthony Richardson apparently got a bit banged up in last week’s game. He was listed as DNP on Wednesday’s estimated practice report.
Colts QB Anthony Richardson was listed as a non-participant in practice today with back and foot injuries.
The team did NOT practice today so this is an estimation of what participation would have been. Richardson admitted to some soreness yesterday but missed no snaps vs TEN.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) December 25, 2024
At this juncture, I am not concerned about Richardson’s status for this week’s game.
Michael Pittman Jr., WR
Dealing with his season-long back injury, Michael Pittman Jr. remains on the practice report, but was listed as a full participant. He is not at any risk of missing this week’s game.
Alec Pierce, WR
Working his way through the concussion protocol, Alec Pierce was listed as a full participant on Wednesday’s estimated practice. He is on track to return this week.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Brenton Strange, TE
The Jaguars new TE1 was listed as limited on Wednesday’s estimated practice report with his shoulder injury. Brenton Strange should be fine to play this week.
Los Angeles Chargers
J.K. Dobbins, RB
On Monday, the Los Angeles Chargers designated J.K. Dobbins to return from injured reserve. He’s been out the last four games with a knee injury. There’s a chance Dobbins can return for this week’s game. He was limited again at Wednesday’s practice.
Gus Edwards, RB
Coming off the best game of his career, Gus Edwards apparently tweaked his ankle last week. He was limited on Tuesday and should be good to go on Saturday.
Will Dissly, TE
After not practicing for multiple weeks, Will Dissly was back on the field Tuesday for a limited session. This puts him on track to return on Saturday.
Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa, QB
Tua Tagovailoa was listed as limited on Wednesday’s estimated practice report with a hip injury. He will be fine for Sunday.
Tyreek Hill, WR
Tyreek Hill continues to play through torn ligaments in his wrist. He was limited on Wednesday’s estimated practice report, but is not in any jeopardy of missing this week’s game.
Jaylen Waddle, WR
Jaylen Waddle missed last week’s game with a knee injury. This week started the same as last, with Waddle listed as DNP at practice. He is trending toward a second consecutive absence.
New Orleans Saints
Derek Carr, QB
Interim head coach Darren Rizzi stopped short of ruling Derek Carr out for this week’s game. However, the Saints starting QB remains listed as a DNP on the estimated practice report due to his left hand injury. Spencer Rattler will start if Carr is unable to return.
Alvin Kamara, RB
The Saints lead running back missed last week’s game with a groin injury. Alvin Kamara remains listed as a DNP on the estimated practice report. He is trending toward missing a second consecutive game.
Chris Olave, WR
Last week, Chris Olave returned to practice for the first time since sustaining his second concussion of the season. Olave was never going to play in that game, but he is now listed as a full participant. There is a legitimate chance we see Olave again this season.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR
Marquez Valdes-Scantling missed last week’s game with a chest injury. He was listed as limited on Wednesday’s estimated practice report, though, which suggests he may be able to return this week.
Juwan Johnson, TE
Juwan Johnson has been listed on the practice report with a foot injury for several weeks. He was limited on Wednesday, which has been the routine. Johnson will play this week.
New York Giants
Drew Lock, QB
Drew Lock returned to the starting lineup after a one-week absence but evidently hurt his shoulder. He underwent an MRI on Monday. It appears the results were good, as head coach Brian Daboll announced Lock would start this week. He was listed as limited on Wednesday’s estimated practice report.
Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB
Tyrone Tracy Jr. was limited at all three practices last week with an ankle injury. Head coach Brian Daboll said Tracy aggravated the injury in last week’s game. It’s still very early, but it does not sound too promising for the talented rookie for Week 17. Tracy was listed as DNP on Wednesday’s estimated practice report. Devin Singletary will start if Tracy is unable to go.
Malik Nabers, WR
Malik Nabers was listed as DNP on Wednesday’s estimated practice report with a toe issue. It’s a new injury for Nabers, which raises some concern. We will see if he can get back on the field on Thursday.
New York Jets
Aaron Rodgers, QB
Aaron Rodgers hurt his knee in last week’s game with what he described as a little MCL issue. Rodgers was listed as a full participant on Wednesday’s estimated practice report. He will play this week.
Davante Adams, WR
The Jets listed Davante Adams as DNP on Wednesday’s estimated practice report due to a hip injury. With the Jets’ season long over, it’s entirely possible this is the start of them shutting down Adams for the final two games.
Philadelphia Eagles
Jalen Hurts, QB
Jalen Hurts is currently in the concussion protocol. With the Philadelphia Eagles not one of the many teams playing on a short week, there remains a chance he can clear by the time they play again on Sunday. However, he was listed as DNP on Wednesday’s estimated practiced report, which is not a good start.
Kenny Pickett, QB
With Jalen Hurts trending in the wrong direction, the Eagles need Kenny Pickett available. Fortunately, he was listed as limited on Wednesday’s estimated practice report. Pickett is dealing with a rib injury, but is on track to either start or serve as Hurts’ backup.
Saquon Barkley, RB
The NFL’s leading rusher got Wednesday off from practice. Saquon Barkley is fine.
A.J. Brown, WR
The Eagles WR1 got a day off Wednesday. A.J. Brown is fine.
Seattle Seahawks
Kenneth Walker III, RB
Week 17 status: OUT
The Seattle Seahawks were required to release an estimated practice report on Monday. Kenneth Walker III was listed as DNP with a new ankle injury. On Tuesday, The News Tribune’s Gregg Bell reported that Walker was “hobbling around the locker room.” He has not practiced all week and is out. With everything on the line in Week 17, fantasy managers will likely be able to order one final glass of Zach Charbonnet.
Zach Charbonnet, RB
Week 17 status: PLAYING
Evidently, Zach Charbonnet’s oblique injury was a bit more significant than we realized. That explains his strange usage, plus Kenny McIntosh entering the game before him.
This latest update from Mike Macdonald is a positive development. Charbonnet did appear on Monday’s practice report as limited, but he was listed as dealing with an elbow injury. The oblique wasn’t even noted, which implies it is no longer an issue. An elbow injury for a running back is far less concerning. He practiced in full on Tuesday and Wednesday.
With Walker out, it sounds like it will be business as usual for Charbonnet as the lead back.
Noah Fant, TE
Week 17 status: PLAYING
The Seahawks’ starting TE was listed as limited on Monday’s estimated practice report with a knee injury. Fant missed a month earlier this season with a knee issue, so this is likely the team just managing his reps. He should be fine to play on Thursday.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Mike Evans, WR
It was a light day for Mike Evans at Wednesday’s practice. He was limited, but is not injured — just maintenance for the veteran WR.
Cade Otton, TE
Last week, Cade Otton opened with two DNPs before returning to a limited practice due to a knee injury. He did not play. This week, it’s more of the same, with Otton not practicing on Wednesday.
Tennessee Titans
Tony Pollard, RB
As has been the case for most of the season, Tony Pollard was listed as DNP on Wednesday’s estimated practice report due to his lingering ankle injury. Pollard has yet to miss a game, including twice playing after not practicing all week. I refuse to believe Pollard will sit until I see him listed as inactive 90 minutes before kickoff.
Washington Commanders
Terry McLaurin, WR
The Commanders WR1 was listed as DNP on Wednesday’s estimated practice report due to an ankle injury. It’s unclear what exactly happened as Terry McLaurin played the entire game last week. This is likely more maintenance than anything else.
Zach Ertz, TE
The Commanders have been giving Zach Ertz rest days all season. He is listed on the practice report as having a shoulder issue as well, but attribute the DNP mostly to rest. Ertz should be fine.