Injuries continue to mount throughout the NFL. With one week left in the season, teams are going to be even more cautious with playing injured players. For one last time in the regular season, let’s round up the most notable injury updates looking ahead to Week 18.
Arizona Cardinals
James Conner, RB
Week 18 status: IR
James Conner tried to push through a knee injury suffered in Week 16. He quickly aggravated the injury and could not finish the Week 17 game against the Los Angeles Rams. On Wednesday, the Arizona Cardinals placed Conner on injured reserve (IR), which is really just a formality to get Michael Carter on the active roster.
Baltimore Ravens
Justice Hill, RB
Week 18 status: OUT
Justice Hill remains absent from practice as he progresses through the NFL’s concussion protocol. The consecutive DNPs are an ominous sign regarding his availability for Saturday’s game against the Cleveland Browns. However, apparently, he is symptom-free but rather has been dealing with an illness that prevented him from practicing.
Harbaugh said Justice Hill is still in concussion protocol because he hasn’t practiced. But it’s an illness that’s keeping him from practicing. He’s no longer experiencing concussion symptoms.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) January 2, 2025
Carolina Panthers
Miles Sanders, RB
With Chuba Hubbard out, the Carolina Panthers were forced to go with Raheem Blackshear and Mike Boone last week. It looks like they will get Miles Sanders back from his ankle sprain this week, though. He was designated to return from IR and practiced in full on Wednesday and Thursday.
Xavier Legette, WR
Xavier Legette remains on the practice report with hip and wrist injuries. The rookie WR played last week and practiced in full on Wednesday and Thursday. He should be fine for Sunday.
Chicago Bears
Rome Odunze, WR
Rome Odunze sat out Wednesday’s walkthrough with an illness and did not practice on Thursday. Nevertheless, he should be fine for Sunday.
Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow, QB
Week 18 status: PLAYING
The Cincinnati Bengals continue to manage Joe Burrow’s practice reps as he navigates a knee injury. He was limited both days to start the week, but there is absolutely no chance he will miss Saturday’s game.
Chase Brown, RB
Week 18 status: QUESTIONABLE
Chase Brown sprained his ankle trying to slide to run out the clock late in the fourth quarter of the Bengals’ overtime win over the Denver Broncos. He is tentatively expected to go this week, given the importance of the game. However, he did not practice on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday and is listed as questionable. If Brown is out, Khalil Herbert will lead the way on Saturday.
Tee Higgins, WR
Week 18 status: PLAYING
Tee Higgins got in three limited practices due to knee and ankle injuries. He is not going to miss Saturday’s game.
Cleveland Browns
Dorian Thompson-Robinson, QB
Week 18 status: PLAYING
Dorian Thompson-Robinson was limited for a third consecutive day with a calf injury. Head coach Kevin Stefanski said both DTR and Bailey Zappe will play on Sunday, with the latter starting. Such is the nature of Week 18.
Cedric Tillman, WR
Week 18 status: OUT
Still battling concussion symptoms, Cedric Tillman was placed on injured reserve, ending his season.
Jerry Jeudy, WR
Week 18 status: PLAYING
Every week, Jerry Jeudy is on the practice report with a knee injury. Every week, he plays. Jeudy practiced in full all week and is fine.
Jerome Ford, RB
Week 18 status: OUT
Jerome Ford suffered a sprained ankle early in last week’s loss to the Miami Dolphins. He did not practice all week and won’t play. With Pierre Strong Jr. (concussion) also out and Nick Chubb (foot) done for the season, Week 18 should see a large dose of D’Onta Foreman as the lead back.
David Njoku, TE
Week 18 status: OUT
We know David Njoku really wants to play football. Unfortunately, he can’t seem to shake this knee injury. With one game left, it’s hard to imagine any injured players playing. Njoku did not practice all week and won’t play Saturday.
Dallas Cowboys
Jalen Tolbert, WR
Jalen Tolbert is dealing with a finger injury but practiced in full on Wednesday and Thursday. He will play on Sunday.
Green Bay Packers
Josh Jacobs, RB
Josh Jacobs was limited at practice on Wednesday and Thursday with a wrist injury. He is fine to play this week but indicated he does not expect a full workload. If the Washington Commanders win, the Green Bay Packers can’t move from the No. 7 seed. It is highly unlikely the starters play a full game.
Christian Watson, WR
Just like last week, Christian Watson is not practicing due to a knee injury. With the Packers’ game this week of minimal importance, expect the team to err on the side of caution and hold Watson out to ensure he is as healthy as possible for the postseason.
Tucker Kraft, TE
Tucker Kraft was limited at Wednesday and Thursday’s practices due to rest. He is fine.
Houston Texans
Joe Mixon, RB
The Houston Texans gave Joe Mixon a light day at Wednesday’s practice. Mixon is not injured and will be fine to play on Sunday but is almost certainly not going to play the entire game with the Texans locked into the No. 4 seed. Mixon practiced in full on Thursday.
Nico Collins, WR
The Texans gave Nico Collins a light day at Wednesday’s practice. Collins is not injured and will be fine to play on Sunday but is almost certainly not going to play the entire game with the Texans locked into the No. 4 seed. Collins practiced in full on Thursday.
Indianapolis Colts
Anthony Richardson, QB
Head coach Shane Steichen said Anthony Richardson is dealing with back spasms but will start if he is healthy enough to do so. However, this doesn’t sound like a great situation. Richardson did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday. Joe Flacco is probably going to start on Sunday.
Michael Pittman Jr., WR
Michael Pittman Jr. has been dealing with a back injury for most of the season. He remains on the practice report but participated in full. He will play this week.
Josh Downs, WR
Josh Downs popped up on the practice report with an ankle injury. He dealt with a high-ankle sprain earlier in the season, but it hasn’t been an issue for a while now. Since he’s been practicing in full, this is nothing to worry about.
Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes, QB
The Kansas City Chiefs listed Patrick Mahomes as limited on Wednesday and Thursday’s practice report with his ankle injury. Mahomes is perfectly fine to play, but we won’t see him again until the Divisional Round. Carson Wentz will start on Sunday.
Isiah Pacheco, RB
On Christmas, Isiah Pacheco left the game with a rib injury. He is likely healthy enough to play this week, but the Chiefs will not be playing any starters with the No. 1 seed locked up. Pacheco did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday.
He will have two weeks off before the Chiefs host a Divisional Round game. It remains to be seen if Kareem Hunt will be rested this week as well, resulting in Samaje Perine and Carson Steele manning the backfield.
Las Vegas Raiders
Ameer Abdullah, RB
Ameer Abdullah did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday due to a foot injury. He may sit out a meaningless Week 18 game, which would put Alexander Mattison in the lead back role.
Los Angeles Chargers
Gus Edwards, RB
Gus Edwards did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday due to his ankle injury. He did not play last week and is unlikely to play this week either.
Ladd McConkey, WR
Ladd McConkey did not practice on Wednesday due to a toe injury but returned to a limited session on Thursday. The rookie WR is probably all right, but with the Chargers possibly having nothing to play for, there’s definitely a chance he might sit this week.
Joshua Palmer, WR
Joshua Palmer did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday due to a foot injury. It seems like he is trending toward not playing this week.
Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa, QB
Tua Tagovailoa pushed very hard to play last week but was shut down by the medical team due to his hip injury. On Monday, head coach Mike McDaniel remained uncertain regarding his quarterback’s status. The Dolphins need to win to have any shot at making the playoffs this week, but reading the early tea leaves, it sounds like it will be Tyler Huntley once again. Tagovailoa was limited at Wednesday and Thursday’s practice.
Jaylen Waddle, WR
Jaylen Waddle has missed the past two weeks with a knee injury. On Monday, McDaniel expressed optimism that Waddle could return this week. The WR was limited at practice on both days to start the week.
Tyreek Hill, WR
Tyreek Hill continues to play through torn ligaments in his wrist. He was limited at Wednesday’s practice, but this is just veteran maintenance. Hill is playing this week.
Minnesota Vikings
Aaron Jones, RB
The Minnesota Vikings’ star RB suffered a quad contusion late in Minnesota’s win over the Packers. Head coach Kevin O’Connell said Aaron Jones should be able to practice this week, and that came to fruition with the running back getting in a limited session on Wednesday and Thursday. With the No. 1 seed on the line Sunday night against the Detroit Lions, I expect Jones to play.
New England Patriots
Drake Maye, QB
Drake Maye was limited at practice on Wednesday and Thursday with a right-hand injury. Head coach Jerod Mayo already said Maye will start if he’s healthy enough to do so. On Thursday, it was officially announced that Maye will start.
Kayshon Boutte, WR
Kayshon Boutte did not practice on Wednesday due to an illness. He was back in full on Thursday and will be fine for Sunday.
Hunter Henry, TE
Hunter Henry was limited at practice on Wednesday and Thursday with a foot injury. He is probably fine to play this week.
New Orleans Saints
Derek Carr, QB
Interim head coach Darren Rizzi did not rule out Derek Carr returning from his left-hand injury this week. The New Orleans Saints QB has not practiced this week. I would be stunned if Carr played.
Alvin Kamara, RB
Alvin Kamara missed his second straight game with a groin injury. He has not practiced this week. It’s unlikely he will return for a final meaningless game.
Kendre Miller, RB
Kendre Miller is currently in the concussion protocol and has not practiced this week. It seems highly improbable that he will play this week. Clyde Edwards-Helaire may very well be the lead back in Week 18.
Chris Olave, WR
Chris Olave has not yet been activated from IR as he returns from a concussion. Olave practiced in full on both days this week. While he is healthy enough to play, it is unlikely he will return for one meaningless game. He is simply here to be around and practice with his teammates.
Juwan Johnson, TE
Juwan Johnson has been limited at the start of each week’s practices for a month now due to a knee injury. Johnson is fine and will play this week.
New York Giants
Malik Nabers, WR
After not appearing on the practice report at all on Wednesday, Malik Nabers was limited on Thursday with his lingering toe issue. He will probably play, though.
New York Jets
Tyler Conklin, TE
Tyler Conklin did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday with a calf injury. Given that it’s Week 18, any DNP could easily mean a player gets held out. Conklin is probably out this week.
Philadelphia Eagles
Jalen Hurts, QB
Head coach Nick Sirianni said Jalen Hurts remains in the concussion protocol. Regardless of his status, Hurts was never going to play this week. It remains to be seen if it will be Kenny Pickett or Tanner McKee starting in a meaningless game for the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. Concussions are tricky, but it would be pretty surprising if Hurts wasn’t able to return for the Eagles’ Wild Card game.
Kenny Pickett, QB
Starting in place of a concussed Hurts, Pickett aggravated his preexisting rib injury. Reportedly, Pickett is playing through broken ribs. Despite being the backup, there’s no incentive for the Eagles to push Pickett to play at anything less than 100%. He did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday. Tanner McKee is likely going to start in a game that does not matter this week against the New York Giants.
Saquon Barkley, RB
The Eagles gave Saquon Barkley Wednesday and Thursday off from practice. He is not injured but will not play in a meaningless game on Sunday, despite the fact he’s in striking distance of the all-time single-season rushing yardage record.
A.J. Brown, WR
The Eagles’ WR1 did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday due to a combination of his knee injury and rest; A.J. Brown is fine but won’t play in a meaningless game on Sunday.
DeVonta Smith, WR
The Eagles’ WR2 did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday due to a combination of his wrist injury and rest. DeVonta Smith is fine but won’t play in a meaningless game on Sunday.
Dallas Goedert, TE
On Wednesday, the Eagles designated Dallas Goedert to return from IR. Goedert won’t play this week, but he is fully expected to return for the Eagles’ Wild Card game next week.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Russell Wilson, QB
Week 18 status: PLAYING
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ QB1 was limited at Tuesday’s practice. However, Russell Wilson is not injured but merely getting a light day. He practiced in full on Wednesday and Thursday.
Jaylen Warren, RB
Week 18 status: PLAYING
Jaylen Warren was limited at Tuesday’s practice with a rib injury but upgraded to full on Wednesday and Thursday. He will be fine to play on Saturday.
Seattle Seahawks
Tyler Lockett, WR
Tyler Lockett was limited at Wednesday’s practice due to rest. He will play on Sunday.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Bucky Irving, RB
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ lead running back was limited for both days of practice with shoulder and shin injuries. Bucky Irving is not at risk of missing this week’s game.
Mike Evans, WR
The Bucs’ WR1 was limited on Wednesday and did not practice on Thursday. Mike Evans is not injured. He will play on Sunday, and Baker Mayfield will do everything he can to get Evans the 85 yards he needs to continue his 1,000-yard streak.
Cade Otton, TE
Cade Otton has missed the past two weeks with a knee injury. He did not practice on Wednesday but returned to a limited session on Thursday. That tentatively puts him on track to play this Sunday.
Tennessee Titans
Tyjae Spears, RB
Tyjae Spears suffered a concussion last week. He has already been ruled out for Week 18. After a one-week absence, Tony Pollard should be back to chase contract incentives. If not, Julius Chestnut would serve as the lead back.
Tony Pollard, RB
For the first time in weeks, Pollard actually practiced, getting in a limited session on Wednesday and Thursday. He’s been dealing with a sprained ankle for most of the season. With contract incentives at play, I expect Pollard to suit up this Sunday and handle as much work as he can.
San Francisco 49ers
Brock Purdy, QB
Week 18 status: OUT
Late in the fourth quarter of the San Francisco 49ers’ Monday night loss to the Lions, Brock Purdy injured his elbow and was visibly concerned on the sideline. While it does appear the 49ers QB avoided serious injury, the team has nothing to gain by putting him at further risk in Week 18. Joshua Dobbs will start.
Deebo Samuel Sr., WR
The oft-injured Deebo Samuel Sr. did not practice on Wednesday due to apparent rib and knee injuries. Samuel looked fine coming out of Monday night’s game but has now missed two days of practice. He’s probably not going to play.
George Kittle, TE
George Kittle did not practice on Wednesday with ankle and hamstring injuries but returned to a limited session on Thursday. Kittle will probably play this week, but with a meaningless Week 18 game remaining, it’s possible the 49ers hold out anyone who isn’t 100% healthy.
Washington Commanders
Austin Ekeler, RB
On his way back from a concussion, the Washington Commanders designated Austin Ekeler to return from IR on Wednesday and he practiced in full both days. It’s unclear if he will play in a regular-season finale that isn’t that important with the Commanders already locked into a playoff spot, but Ekeler will definitely be back for Washington’s Wild Card game next week.
Terry McLaurin, WR
Terry McLaurin did not practice on Wednesday. While his ankle is listed as half of the reason he’s on the report, the other half — rest — is what carries the designation here. McLaurin is fine and returned to a full session on Thursday.
Zach Ertz, TE
The Commanders continue to give their veteran TE Wednesdays off. Zach Ertz is fine.