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
James Conner tried to push through a knee injury suffered in Week 16. He quickly aggravated the injury and could not finish the game. There’s no way he plays in Week 18. If Trey Benson can’t go, it will be Michael Carter as the lead back.
Carolina Panthers
Miles Sanders, RB
With Chuba Hubbard out, the 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.
Canales says Miles Sanders (ankle) was cleared to play late last week. Indicated they're excited to get him back.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) December 30, 2024
Cincinnati Bengals
Chase Brown, RB
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 Broncos. He is tentatively expected to go this week. Khalil Herbert is the next man up.
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.
Kansas City Chiefs
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 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, potentially resulting in Samaje Perine and Carson Steele manning the backfield.
Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa, QB
Tua Tagovailoa pushed very hard to play last week, but he 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.
Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa status Sunday vs. Jets is “gray area, firmly in the unknown,” per HC Mike McDaniel.
Tua’s hip injury recovery is “all about time.” Snoop Huntley will get more practice reps than Tua this week.
Dolphins make playoffs with win + Broncos loss to Chiefs.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) December 30, 2024
Jaylen Waddle, WR
Jaylen Waddle has missed the past two weeks with a knee injury. On Monday, head coach Mike McDaniel expressed optimism that Waddle could return this week.
Minnesota Vikings
Aaron Jones, RB
The Vikings’ star RB suffered a quad contusion late in the Vikings’ win over the Packers. Head coach Kevin O’Connell said Aaron Jones should be able to practice this week. With the No. 1 seed on the line on Sunday night against the Lions, I expect Jones to play.
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. I would be stunned if Carr played.
Alvin Kamara, RB
Alvin Kamara missed his second straight game with a groin injury. It’s unlikely he returns for a final meaningless game.
Kendre Miller, RB
Kendre Miller is currently in the concussion protocol. It seems highly improbable that he will play this week. Clyde Edwards-Helaire may very well be the lead back in Week 18.
Philadelphia Eagles
Kenny Pickett, QB
Starting in place of a concussed Jalen Hurts, Kenny 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%. Tanner McKee is likely going to start in a game that does not matter this week against the Giants.
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.