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
Week 17 status: QUESTIONABLE
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. The veteran RB has been limited at practice all three days this week, but he does not look anywhere near 100%.
There’s still two days to go, but I don’t think James Conner plays this Saturday.
Unsure on Trey Benson. https://t.co/Q5rLIGjFC4
— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) December 26, 2024
Even if Conner does suit up, he will be a risky play, as limited usage or an aggravation is possible.
Trey Benson, RB
Week 17 status: QUESTIONABLE
After missing time with an ankle sprain, Trey Benson has been limited at practice all week. 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. On Thursday, London was limited once again. He told reporters he is playing this week, and I believe him.
Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen, QB
Josh Allen continues to practice in full with right elbow and shoulder issues. 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 Carolina 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 returned to practice on Thursday but was listed as limited with a knee injury. I have some concerns that this injury happened at practice. If Hubbard is participating on Friday, though, that would assuage any fears about him missing Sunday’s game.
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 was downgraded to limited on Thursday, but that is likely just managing his reps as he returns from injury. Legette is set to return after a one-game absence.
Adam Thielen, WR
Adam Thielen was limited at Thursday’s practice with a hamstring issue. It’s a new injury for Thielen, who dealt with a lengthy hamstring strain earlier this season. Friday’s practice will be key in determining whether the injury happened at practice or is just maintenance.
Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow, QB
Week 17 status: PLAYING
The Bengals QB has been playing through a knee injury for a couple of weeks. Joe Burrow was limited all three days at practice this week 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
Week 17 status: QUESTIONABLE
Tee Higgins picked up ankle and knee injuries in last week’s game. He was limited at practice all week and drew a questionable tag. I tentatively expect Higgins to play.
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 limited on Thursday and is reportedly feeling good.
Cedric Tillman, WR
Cedric Tillman remains limited at practice as he works his way through the concussion protocol. It is quite curious that he continues to be able to practice but is not yet able to progress to full contact. Either way, it’s looking like Tillman will miss yet another game.
Jerry Jeudy, WR
Jerry Jeudy has been on the practice report for weeks with a knee injury that hasn’t really been an issue. He’d been practicing in full. Now, he’s been limited the past two days with an additional shin injury. Jeudy should be fine to play on Sunday.
David Njoku, TE
After a one-game absence, David Njoku convinced 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 and did not practice on Thursday, either. 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
Week 17 status: OUT
For the first time since injuring his shoulder weeks ago, CeeDee Lamb was unable to practice both days to open the week. The Cowboys were eliminated from playoff contention last week and Lamb aggravated his shoulder sprain when he fell on it in the second quarter. On Thursday, the team decided to shut its star WR down for the remainder of the season.
Denver Broncos
Jaleel McLaughlin, RB
Week 17 status: PLAYING
Last week, Jaleel McLaughlin tried to practice through a quad injury but was ultimately unable to go. This week, McLaughlin got in two full practices and is off the injury report.
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. He did not practice on Thursday, either. Dontayvion Wicks would be set for an increased 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 and Thursday’s practice. 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 and did not practice on Thursday either. However, the team expects the young QB to suit up on Friday and play on Sunday. Whether that actually happens remains to be seen.
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 has been full on the practice report all week. He is on track to return this Sunday.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Brenton Strange, TE
The Jaguars interim TE1 remains limited at practice with a shoulder injury. Brenton Strange played through it last week and is likely to do so again this week.
Los Angeles Chargers
J.K. Dobbins, RB
Week 17 status: QUESTIONABLE
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
Week 17 status: OUT
Coming off the best game of his career, Gus Edwards apparently tweaked his ankle last week. It appears the injury is more serious than initially believed, as Edwards was ruled out for Saturday’s game.
Will Dissly, TE
Week 17 status: QUESTIONABLE
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
Jaylen Waddle, WR
Jaylen Waddle missed last week’s game with a knee injury. This week started the same as last, with a DNP. However, Waddle returned to a limited session on Thursday, which tentatively puts him on track to play this week.
Tyreek Hill, WR
Tyreek Hill continues to play through torn ligaments in his wrist. He was limited at both practices to start the week but is not at any risk of missing this week’s game.
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 has not practiced yet this week. 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. He has yet to practice this week and 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. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi described him as “day-to-day.” There is a legitimate chance we see Olave again this season, perhaps as soon as Sunday.
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. MVS was again limited on Thursday.
Juwan Johnson, TE
Juwan Johnson has been listed on the practice report with a foot injury for several weeks. He was limited on Wednesday and Thursday, 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 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 and was also absent on Thursday. It seems incredibly unlikely the rookie would be able to go DNP-DNP-LP and play. Devin Singletary will start if Tracy is unable to go.
Malik Nabers, WR
Malik Nabers was listed as a DNP on Wednesday’s estimated practice report with a toe issue. It’s a new injury for Nabers, who also did not practice on Thursday. In the past, head coach Daboll was pretty optimistic about Nabers playing through injury. This time, he was a bit more noncommittal.
WR Malik Nabers (toe) and C John Michael Schmitz (ankle) among those not practicing Thursday, per Brian Daboll.
Wouldn’t rule them out for Sunday just yet but not a great sign.
“See where we’re at (Friday),” Daboll said.
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) December 26, 2024
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 was full again on Thursday and 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. He was absent again on Thursday. I can’t help but wonder if Adams is ready to shut it down for the season.
Philadelphia Eagles
Jalen Hurts, QB
Jalen Hurts is currently in the NFL’s concussion protocol. He did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Eagles signed Ian Book to the practice squad. It sure sounds like Hurts is not going to play this week.
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 and upgraded to full on Thursday. Pickett is dealing with a rib injury but is on track to start this Sunday.
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 on Wednesday but was limited on Thursday with a combination of rest/knee. I think A.J. Brown is fine, but he’s battled knee issues this year, so Friday’s practice will be key.
San Francisco 49ers
Isaac Guerendo, RB
After missing last week’s game with a hamstring strain, Isaac Guerendo was back on the practice field Thursday, getting in a limited session. The rookie is expected to return to the RB1 role on Monday night.
Seattle Seahawks
Kenneth Walker III, RB
Week 17 status: IR
The Seahawks placed Kenneth Walker III on IR with his new ankle injury. Even if Seattle makes the playoffs, the earliest we can see Walker would be the conference championship game.
With everything on the line in Week 17, fantasy managers will 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
Mike Evans was limited on Wednesday and did not practice on Thursday due to rest. He is fine.
Cade Otton, TE
Last week, Cade Otton opened with two DNPs before returning to 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 or Thursday. He is trending toward another absence.
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. He did not practice on Thursday, either.
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 Washington 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. He returned to a limited session on Thursday, which confirms my suspicions that this was likely just maintenance. McLaurin should be fine for Sunday Night Football.
Zach Ertz, TE
The “rest” designation has been removed from Zach Ertz. He is now listed exclusively with a shoulder issue. Fortunately, the veteran tight end practiced in full and will play on Sunday night.
