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.
Michael Wilson, WR
Week 18 status: QUESTIONABLE
After having no injury designation for the first two practices, Michael Wilson showed up on Friday’s report as limited with a hamstring injury.
This likely indicates that Wilson suffered the injury at some point in practice. Even if it’s minor, there’s no sense in pushing it with Arizona already eliminated from playoff contention.
Atlanta Falcons
Drake London, WR
Week 18 status: PLAYING
Drake London was limited on Thursday before returning for a full practice on Friday with a knee injury. He carries no injury designation into the regular season finale and will play with the Atlanta Falcons still having a shot at the NFC South title.
Darnell Mooney, WR
Week 18 status: QUESTIONABLE
Darnell Mooney popped up on Thursday’s injury report as limited with a shoulder injury, then did not practice at all on Friday. This isn’t a case of injury management, as head coach Raheem Morris called Mooney a game-time decision.
If Mooney can’t go, Ray-Ray McCloud III would join London as the starting wide receiver, though the Falcons would likely lean on more multi-tight end sets.
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.
Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen, QB
Week 18 status: PLAYING
Josh Allen practiced in full all week with right shoulder and right elbow injuries. Notably, he’s no longer listed with the left hand injury which was reportedly a fracture. He’ll play briefly on Sunday, but Mike White was signed to the active roster to serve as the de facto backup with Mitch Trubisky playing most of Week 18.
Amari Cooper, WR
Week 18 status: PLAYING
Amari Cooper is not listed with an injury designation after being limited on Thursday and Friday with a back injury. Cooper should suit up but will likely see a short day.
Dalton Kincaid, TE
Week 18 status: PLAYING
Dalton Kincaid practiced in full all week with a knee injury. Like Buffalo’s other offensive stars, he’s healthy but will play sparingly with the Bills locked into the No. 2 seed.
Carolina Panthers
Miles Sanders, RB
Week 18 status: QUESTIONABLE
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 Friday around a limited session on Thursday. He carries a questionable designation for what would be his first appearance since Week 10.
Xavier Legette, WR
Week 18 status: QUESTIONABLE
Xavier Legette remains on the practice report with hip and wrist injuries. The rookie WR played last week and practiced in full on Wednesday but was limited on Thursday and Friday. He should be fine for Sunday despite being listed as questionable.
Chicago Bears
Rome Odunze, WR
Week 18 status: PLAYING
Rome Odunze sat out Wednesday’s walkthrough with an illness and did not practice on Thursday. Nevertheless, he is fine for Sunday after returning to a full practice on Friday.
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. Even if he does play, his effectiveness could be limited.
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: IR
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. Before Saturday’s game, Ford was one of three players placed on injured reserve to free up active roster spots, formally ending his season.
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: IR
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. Before Saturday’s game, Njoku was one of three players placed on injured reserve to free up active roster spots, formally ending his season
Dallas Cowboys
Jalen Tolbert, WR
Week 18 status: PLAYING
Jalen Tolbert is dealing with a finger injury but practiced in full all week. He will play on Sunday and has no injury designation.
Detroit Lions
David Montgomery, RB
Week 18 status: OUT
David Montgomery continues to be out after suffering a knee injury in the Week 15 loss to the Buffalo Bills. While there’s hope Montgomery could return for the playoffs, he did not practice this week and was unsurprisingly ruled out on Friday.
Green Bay Packers
Josh Jacobs, RB
Week 18 status: PLAYING
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 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
Week 18 status: QUESTIONABLE
Just like last week, Christian Watson began the week not practicing due to a knee injury. He did return for a limited practice on Friday and is listed as questionable for the Week 18 contest.
However, with the Packers facing the lowly Bears and only playing for seeding, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Green Bay hold out its injury-prone receiver ahead of the Wild Card round.
Tucker Kraft, TE
Week 18 status: PLAYING
Tucker Kraft was limited at Wednesday and Thursday’s practices due to rest. He practiced in full on Friday and carries no injury designation.
Houston Texans
Joe Mixon, RB
Week 18 status: PLAYING
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 and was off the injury report entirely by Friday.
Nico Collins, WR
Week 18 status: PLAYING
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 and was off the injury report entirely by Friday.
Indianapolis Colts
Anthony Richardson, QB
Week 18 status: OUT
Head coach Shane Steichen said Anthony Richardson is dealing with back spasms, which kept him out of the Colts’ playoff-eliminating loss in Week 17. Richardson did not practice at all this week and is officially done with his second season. Joe Flacco will play out the string for the Colts.
Michael Pittman Jr., WR
Week 18 status: PLAYING
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
Week 18 status: PLAYING
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. He practiced in full all week and carries no injury designation into the season finale.
Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes, QB
Week 18 status: DOUBTFUL
The Kansas City Chiefs listed Patrick Mahomes as limited all week 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.
Travis Kelce, TE
Week 18 status: DOUBTFUL
Mahomes’ top target is also listed as doubtful due to rest. We’ll see Travis Kelce return for the Divisional Round as well.
Isiah Pacheco, RB
Week 18 status: OUT
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 all week and was formally declared out.
He will have two weeks off before the Chiefs host a Divisional Round game. Kareem Hunt is also doubtful this week, which will leave the backfield to Samaje Perine and Carson Steele.
Kareem Hunt, RB
Week 18 status: DOUBTFUL
Hunt is healthy but was listed as doubtful due to rest. Kansas City will rest its leading rusher this season with its starter Pacheco dealing with a rib injury.
Las Vegas Raiders
Ameer Abdullah, RB
Week 18 status: OUT
Ameer Abdullah did not practice all week due to a foot injury. He’s out for Week 18, which would put Alexander Mattison in the lead back role.
Los Angeles Chargers
Gus Edwards, RB
Week 18 status: OUT
Gus Edwards did not practice all week due to his ankle injury. He will miss his second straight game, and it remains to be seen if this is simply for rest or if Edwards will return for the Wild Card Round.
Ladd McConkey, WR
Week 18 status: PLAYING
Ladd McConkey did not practice on Wednesday due to a toe injury but returned to a full session on both Thursday and Friday. The rookie WR is fine and will play after being listed without an injury designation.
Joshua Palmer, WR
Week 18 status: OUT
Joshua Palmer did not practice all week due to a foot injury. He was declared out on Friday and it remains to be seen if he’ll be healthy enough to play in the Wild Card Round.
Los Angeles Rams
Matthew Stafford, QB
Week 18 status: DOUBTFUL
Matthew Stafford is not injured but was listed as doubtful due to a coach’s decision. The Los Angeles Rams have locked up the NFC West, and Sean McVay appears to be punting on the opportunity to earn the No. 3 seed, staying at No. 4.
Kyren Williams, RB
Week 18 status: DOUBTFUL
Kyren Williams is not injured but was listed as doubtful due to a coach’s decision. The Rams have locked up the NFC West, and Williams has carried the ball a career-high 316 times this season. He’ll get some well-earned rest ahead of the Wild Card Round.
Puka Nacua, WR
Week 18 status: DOUBTFUL
Puka Nacua is not injured but was listed as doubtful due to a coach’s decision. The Rams have locked up the NFC West, and Nacua has already missed five games this season with persistent knee injuries. There’s no sense in risking losing him right before the playoffs.
Cooper Kupp, WR
Week 18 status: DOUBTFUL
Cooper Kupp is not injured but was listed as doubtful due to a coach’s decision. The Rams have locked up the NFC West, and Kupp has already missed four games this season with an ankle injury. There’s no sense in risking losing him right before the playoffs.
Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa, QB
Week 18 status: DOUBTFUL
Tua Tagovailoa pushed very hard to play last week but was shut down by the medical team due to his hip injury. It appears he’s still not ready to go, as he was listed as doubtful after being limited in practice all week.
The Dolphins need to win to have any shot at making the playoffs this week, but it sounds like it will be Tyler Huntley once again.
Jaylen Waddle, WR
Week 18 status: QUESTIONABLE
Jaylen Waddle has missed the past two weeks with a knee injury. However, he has a chance to return after logging a full practice on Friday. Waddle is listed as questionable on the final injury report.
Tyreek Hill, WR
Week 18 status: QUESTIONABLE
Tyreek Hill continues to play through torn ligaments in his wrist. He was limited at Wednesday’s practice and a DNP on Friday, but this is just veteran maintenance. Hill is playing this week regardless of the questionable tag.
Minnesota Vikings
Aaron Jones, RB
Week 18 status: PLAYING
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.
Jones returned to a full practice on Friday and carries no injury designation heading into Sunday Night Football. With the NFC North and No. 1 seed on the line versus the Lions, it’s no surprise to see Minnesota’s starting running back in the lineup.
New England Patriots
Drake Maye, QB
Week 18 status: QUESTIONABLE
Drake Maye was limited at practice all week 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, though he carries a questionable designation on the final injury report
Kayshon Boutte, WR
Week 18 status: PLAYING
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
Week 18 status: QUESTIONABLE
Hunter Henry was limited at practice this week with a foot injury. He is probably fine to play this week despite being listed as questionable on the final injury report.
New Orleans Saints
Derek Carr, QB
Week 18 status: OUT
Interim head coach Darren Rizzi did not rule out Derek Carr returning from his left-hand injury earlier this week. However, the Saints’ starting QB did not practice all week and was formally ruled out on Friday.
Alvin Kamara, RB
Week 18 status: DOUBTFUL
Alvin Kamara missed his second straight game with a groin injury last week. He did not practice all week and seems unlikely to return for a final meaningless game.
Kendre Miller, RB
Week 18 status: OUT
Kendre Miller ended his season in the concussion protocol and did not practice at all this week. He was formally ruled out on Friday. Clyde Edwards-Helaire may very well be the lead back in Week 18.
Chris Olave, WR
Week 18 status: QUESTIONABLE
Chris Olave has not yet been activated from IR as he returns from a concussion. However, Olave practiced in full every day this week. While he is healthy enough to play, it’s possible this was simply an opportunity for him to return to the practice field. Having suffered multiple concussions in his career, it might not be wise for the Saints to trot him back out for a meaningless season finale.
Juwan Johnson, TE
Week 18 status: QUESTIONABLE
Juwan Johnson has been limited at the start of each week’s practices for a month now due to a knee injury. Johnson should play this week despite being listed as questionable.
New York Giants
Malik Nabers, WR
Week 18 status: PLAYING
After not appearing on the practice report at all on Wednesday, Malik Nabers was limited on Thursday with his lingering toe issue. He returned to a full practice on Friday and will play in the New York Giants’ season finale.
New York Jets
Tyler Conklin, TE
Week 18 status: QUESTIONABLE
Tyler Conklin did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday with a calf injury, though he returned for a limited session on Friday and is questionable. Given that it’s Week 18, Conklin could sit out a meaningless final game.
Philadelphia Eagles
Jalen Hurts, QB
Week 18 status: OUT
Head coach Nick Sirianni said Jalen Hurts remains in the concussion protocol. Regardless of his status, Hurts was never going to play this week. He was formally listed as out on Friday’s report.
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
Week 18 status: QUESTIONABLE
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 all week and is still listed as questionable.
Tanner McKee will likely get his first career start with many of the top Eagles resting with Philly locked into the No. 2 seed.
Saquon Barkley, RB
Week 18 status: DOUBTFUL
The Eagles gave Saquon Barkley Wednesday and Thursday off from practice. He was limited on Friday but will not play in a meaningless game on Sunday, despite the fact he’s in striking distance of Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing yardage record.
A.J. Brown, WR
Week 18 status: DOUBTFUL
The Eagles’ WR1 did not practice all week 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
Week 18 status: DOUBTFUL
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
Week 18 status: PLAYING
On Wednesday, the Eagles designated Dallas Goedert to return from IR. Goedert wasn’t listed on the final injury report after practicing in full on Friday. Don’t expect the Eagles’ starting tight end to play very long, though, as this might simply be an opportunity to get some work in ahead of the Wild Card Round.
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.
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.
Isaac Guerendo, RB
Week 18 status: PLAYING
Isaac Guerendo has been on the injury report with the foot sprain that caused him to miss the 49ers’ Week 16 matchup. However, the rookie has been a full participant in every practice this week and carries no injury designation into the Week 18 matchup. He’ll play and likely lead the backfield in the team’s season finale.
Deebo Samuel Sr., WR
Week 18 status: OUT
The oft-injured Deebo Samuel Sr. did not practice at all this week due to rib and knee injuries. Samuel appeared fine coming out of Monday night’s game but will see his season end with a career-low 44.7 receiving yards per game.
George Kittle, TE
Week 18 status: QUESTIONABLE
George Kittle did not practice on Wednesday with ankle and hamstring injuries but returned to a limited session on Thursday and Friday. Kittle was listed as questionable on the final injury report, but with a meaningless Week 18 game remaining, it’s possible the 49ers hold out anyone who isn’t 100% healthy.
Seattle Seahawks
Geno Smith, QB
Week 18 status: PLAYING
Geno Smith popped up on Friday’s injury report with a right biceps injury as limited. However, he carries no injury status into the game and will end up starting all 17 games for the Seattle Seahawks this season.
Tyler Lockett, WR
Week 18 status: PLAYING
Tyler Lockett was limited for multiple practices this week, but solely due to rest. He will play on Sunday.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Bucky Irving, RB
Week 18 status: PLAYING
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ lead running back was limited for the first two days of practice with shoulder and shin injuries. Bucky Irving is not at risk of missing this week’s game and does not carry an injury designation into Sunday’s game.
Mike Evans, WR
Week 18 status: PLAYING
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
Week 18 status: DOUBTFUL
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. However, he was listed as doubtful on the final injury report on Friday after a second straight limited practice.
It’s encouraging to see Otton improving. However, this could be a calculated risk by Tampa Bay, which may believe it can beat the New Orleans Saints without Otton and have him closer to full strength for the Wild Card Round.
Tennessee Titans
Tyjae Spears, RB
Week 18 status: OUT
Tyjae Spears suffered a concussion last week. He has already been ruled out for Week 18. After a one-week absence, Tony Pollard could be back to chase contract incentives but is limited as questionable himself. If not, Julius Chestnut would serve as the lead back.
Tony Pollard, RB
Week 18 status: QUESTIONABLE
For the first time in weeks, Pollard actually practiced, getting in a limited session on Wednesday and Thursday before sitting out on Friday. He’s been dealing with a sprained ankle for most of the season. With contract incentives in play and Spears ruled out, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Pollard get an opportunity to make some extra dough.
Washington Commanders
Austin Ekeler, RB
Week 18 status: QUESTIONABLE
On his way back from a concussion, the Washington Commanders designated Austin Ekeler to return from IR on Wednesday.
Ekeler practiced in full all week, but 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. Regardless, it appears Ekeler will be available when Washington plays in the Wild Card round next week.
Terry McLaurin, WR
Week 18 status: PLAYING
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 and Friday.
Zach Ertz, TE
Week 18 status: PLAYING
The Commanders continue to give their veteran TE Wednesdays off. Zach Ertz is fine and isn’t even on the final injury report.