Wednesday’s Week 16 NFL Injury Report: Latest Updates on Joe Mixon, Zach Charbonnet, Jaylen Waddle, and Others

Injuries continue to mount throughout the NFL. Plenty of players were banged up in Week 15, while others suffered injuries that could knock them out for several weeks or more.

Let’s round up the most notable injury updates while looking ahead to Week 16.

Arizona Cardinals

Trey Benson, RB

The Cardinals rookie running back missed Wednesday’s practice with an ankle injury. Trey Benson remains a distant second behind James Conner, anyway, but he will need to return to at least a limited session on Thursday to have a chance to play this week.

Atlanta Falcons

Darnell Mooney, WR

The Falcons gave Darnell Mooney a lighter day at Wednesday’s practice. The veteran WR is fine.

Baltimore Ravens

Justice Hill, RB

Justice Hill was absent from Wednesday’s practice due to a personal matter. Since we don’t know what he’s dealing with, there’s certainly a chance it could be something serious enough to keep him away from the team for a week. We will find out more on Thursday.

Rashod Bateman, WR

The Ravens added Rashod Bateman to the practice report on Wednesday with an ankle issue. He was listed as limited. Normally, this would be of no concern. However, Bateman did not have the injury on Tuesday, which suggests he picked it up at Wednesday’s practice. At this point, there’s a chance he may not be able to play. As long as he practices on Thursday, though, he should be good to go.

Buffalo Bills

Amari Cooper, WR

Despite what the box score may tell you, Amari Cooper did, in fact, play last week. He remains on the weekly practice report with a wrist issue but is practicing in full. Cooper will play on Sunday. Whether that translates into any targets is a completely different question.

Dalton Kincaid, TE

Last week, Dalton Kincaid returned after a multi-game absence due to knee issue. The injury remains listed on the Bills’ practice report, but Kincaid is participating in full. He will play on Sunday.

Carolina Panthers

Chuba Hubbard, RB

As has been the case for several weeks now, the Panthers gave their veteran running back Wednesday off. Chuba Hubbard is fine.

Adam Thielen, WR

The oldest wide receiver in the league continues to receive Wednesdays off from practice. Adam Thielen is fine.

Xavier Legette, WR

The Panthers’ rookie WR did not practice on Wednesday due to a hip injury. Xavier Legette is very much at risk of missing this week’s game.

Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Burrow, QB

Joe Burrow said he will be dealing with his knee injury for a couple more weeks. The Bengals limited his practice reps on Wednesday, but there’s no chance Burrow misses Sunday’s game.

Tee Higgins, WR

Tee Higgins was limited at Wednesday’s practice with a combination of knee and rest, but let’s call it like it is — it was more the rest. Higgins is fine and not at risk of missing this week’s game.

Chicago Bears

Roschon Johnson, RB

After missing the past two games with a concussion, Roschon Johnson was listed as a full participant on the Bears’ estimated practice report for Wednesday’s walkthrough. He should be able to return this week.

Cleveland Browns

Jameis Winston, QB

The Browns listed Jameis Winston on the practice report with a shoulder issue. He practiced in full and will be good to go as Dorian Thompson-Robinson’s backup this week.

Cedric Tillman, WR

At this point, I am very concerned about Cedric Tillman’s overall health. He’s already missed three games with a concussion and still hasn’t progressed through the protocol. Tillman was limited on Wednesday and is once again trending toward missing.

Jerry Jeudy, WR

Jerry Jeudy remains on the practice report every week with a knee injury. He continues to practice in full and will play this week.

David Njoku, TE

Despite pushing his coaches hard to clear him to play last week, David Njoku did not practice to open the week on Wednesday with his hamstring strain. It’s not the start we wanted, but the Browns are historically careful with players coming back from injury, particularly at Wednesday practices.

We’ve seen players coming off injury miss the first practice but return on Thursday and Friday and ultimately play. Hopefully, Njoku is able to get in a limited session on Thursday, which would put him on track to play Sunday. It’s very clear he wants to play.

Kevin Stefanski said Njoku and Harris are pushing to play Sunday. Emerson working his way through the concussion protocol. https://t.co/f6X2fQDddO

— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) December 18, 2024

Dallas Cowboys

Rico Dowdle, RB

The Cowboys have had Rico Dowdle on the practice report for a couple of weeks now with a knee issue. He continues to practice in full and will play on Sunday.

CeeDee Lamb, WR

CeeDee Lamb continues to battle a sprained AC joint in his shoulder. He was limited at Wednesday’s practice but will once again play through the injury on Sunday.

Denver Broncos

Jaleel McLaughlin, RB

Week 16 status: OUT

Evidently, Jaleel McLaughlin’s attempt to practice no Tuesday did not go well, as he went back to a DNP on Wednesday. His quad did not recover enough on the short week. He will not play Thursday night, leaving the backfield to Javonte Williams and Audric Estime.

Detroit Lions

David Montgomery, RB

David Montgomery tore his MCL last week. While the Lions haven’t yet placed him on IR, he is done for the season. Jahmyr Gibbs is set for a heavy workload going forward.

Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR

The Lions’ WR1 got the day off on Wednesday. Amon-Ra St. Brown is perfectly healthy.

Houston Texans

Joe Mixon, RB

Joe Mixon was limited at Wednesday’s practice with an ankle injury he sustained on an unflagged hip drop tackle last week. He’s fully expected to play in Week 16.

#Texans running back Joe Mixon who was limited Tuesday and said he's definitely playing Saturday against #Chiefs @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/z4rnuTl5El

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) December 18, 2024

Indianapolis Colts

Alec Pierce, WR

Alec Pierce suffered a concussion last week. He did not practice on Wednesday, which puts him on track to miss Sunday’s game against the Titans.

Michael Pittman Jr., WR

Michael Pittman Jr. has been dealing with a back injury for most of the season. It flares up every now and then. Last week, he practiced in full all week, but this week, he opened with a DNP. Pittman will probably return to practice later in the week and be fine.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Brenton Strange, TE

Evidently, all of the targets hurled Brenton Strange’s way took a toll on his body. He was limited at Wednesday’s practice with a shoulder injury. The limited status suggests he should be fine to play on Sunday.

Kansas City Chiefs

Patrick Mahomes, QB

For the second consecutive day, Patrick Mahomes practiced in full. He is without a doubt less than 100%, but we can safely say he’s going to play this Saturday.

Hollywood Brown, WR

Just like his quarterback, Hollywood Brown also got in a second straight full practice on Wednesday. All signs point to the speedy WR making his regular-season debut on Saturday against the Texans.

Las Vegas Raiders

Aidan O’Connell, QB

On Tuesday, head coach Antonio Pierce said he expects Aidan O’Connell to return this week from his knee injury. The quarterback practiced in full on Wednesday and is on track to play after a one-game absence.

Desmond Ridder, QB

Desmond Ridder appeared on the practice report with a hip injury. He practiced in full and will be ready to go as Aidan O’Connell’s backup this week.

Sincere McCormick, RB

It’s a really unfortunate end for a player who has overcome so much to carve out an NFL career. Sincere McCormick sprained his ankle in Monday night’s loss to the Falcons. On Wednesday, the Raiders played him on IR, ending his season. Alexander Mattison will be the lead back going forward with Ameer Abdullah as the primary passing-down back.

Alexander Mattison, RB

With Sincere McCormick done for the season, Alexander Mattison is back in the RB1 role. He was listed on Wednesday’s practice report with a neck injury, but practiced in full. He will play on Sunday.

Jakobi Meyers, WR

Jakobi Meyers has been dealing with an ankle issue for a few weeks now. He was limited on Wednesday, but is at no risk of missing this week’s game.

Los Angeles Chargers

Justin Herbert, QB

Week 16 status: PLAYING

The Chargers upgraded Justin Herbert to full at Wednesday’s practice. He is good to go for Thursday night.

Will Dissly, TE

Week 16 status: OUT

The Chargers tight end did not practice all week with a shoulder injury. He will not play on Thursday, leaving Stone Smartt to serve as the primary tight end.

Los Angeles Rams

Demarcus Robinson, WR

Demarcus Robinson has been dealing with a shoulder injury. He practiced in full on Wednesday and will play Sunday.

Tyler Higbee, TE

The Rams TE tore his ACL late last season. After a long recovery, Tyler Higbee is tracking toward making his 2024 debut this week. He practiced in full on Wednesday.

Miami Dolphins

Tua Tagovailoa, QB

The Dolphins QB was limited at Wednesday’s practice with a hip injury. Tua Tagovailoa is not at risk of missing this week’s game.

De’Von Achane, RB

De’Von Achane popped up on Wednesday’s practice report with a groin issue but practiced in full. That suggests the injury is minor and he will play on Sunday.

Tyreek Hill, WR

Tyreek Hill is playing through torn ligaments in his wrist. He got a rest day on Wednesday and is in no jeopardy of missing this week’s game.

Jaylen Waddle, WR

Last week, Jaylen Waddle left the game with a knee injury. While the injury is not considered overly serious, Waddle was not at Wednesday’s practice.

No Jaylen Waddle at practice today. McDaniel said it'll be a "day to day situation."

— Adam Beasley (@AdamHBeasley) December 18, 2024

Mike McDaniel’s comments notwithstanding, I do not expect Waddle to play this week. Whether he is able to practice on Thursday or Friday will confirm. Malik Washington would serve as the WR2 if Waddle doesn’t play.

New York Giants

Drew Lock, QB

After a one-week absence, Drew Lock was back at practice on Wednesday. He is dealing with heel and left elbow injuries.

With Tommy DeVito hurt and the only other healthy quarterback Tim Boyle, head coach Brian Daboll has already indicated Lock will start against the Falcons this Sunday. The Giants have no good options at quarterback, but Lock does provide this offense with the most upside.

Tommy DeVito, QB

Tommy DeVito was limited at Wednesday’s practice as he works his way through the concussion protocol. Head coach Brian Daboll expressed optimism that DeVito will be ready to serve as Drew Lock’s backup on Sunday.

Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB

Evidently, Tyrone Tracy Jr. picked up an ankle injury in last week’s game. He was limited at Wednesday’s practice, which suggests he will be fine to play on Sunday.

Malik Nabers, WR

Seemingly always dealing with something, Malik Nabers just got over his hip and groin issues. Now, he’s dealing with knee and foot injuries. Nabers was limited at Wednesday’s practice. He may not be 100%, but he’ll play this week.

Wan’Dale Robinson, WR

Wan’Dale Robinson is dealing with a shoulder injury. He was limited at Wednesday’s practice but should be fine to play on Sunday.

New York Jets

Braelon Allen, RB

Braelon Allen is dealing with a back injury that had him in and out of last week’s game. He was limited at Wednesday’s practice, which suggests he will be fine for Sunday’s game.

Isaiah Davis, RB

Isaiah Davis is dealing with a back injury. He was limited at Wednesday’s practice, which suggests he will be fine for Sunday’s game.

Philadelphia Eagles

Jalen Hurts, QB

The Eagles continue to list Jalen Hurts on the practice report with a left finger issue. He continues to practice in full and is at no risk of missing this week’s game.

Saquon Barkley, RB

The Eagles gave several veterans Wednesday off. Saquon Barkley has no injury and will be back at practice on Thursday.

A.J. Brown, WR

The Eagles gave several veterans Wednesday off. A.J. Brown has no injury and will be back at practice on Thursday.

DeVonta Smith, WR

The Eagles gave several veterans Wednesday off. DeVonta Smith was listed as DNP with both rest and a back injury, but the rest designation is carrying the day here. Smith is fine.

Pittsburgh Steelers

George Pickens, WR

It’s been two weeks since we saw George Pickens play football after straining his hamstring at practice. With two straight DNPs to open the week, it’s safe to say Pickens is headed toward a third missed game.

San Francisco 49ers

Isaac Guerendo, RB

Last Thursday, Isaac Guerendo was able to gut out a foot sprain on a short week, handling 100% of the 49ers running back carries. The foot is no longer an issue, but now the rookie is dealing with a hamstring issue. He did not practice on Wednesday.

A hamstring injury is far more concerning than a foot issue. We’ll see if Guerendo can practice on Thursday. If not, it may be Patrick Taylor as the lead back on Sunday.

Seattle Seahawks

Geno Smith, QB

Geno Smith hurt his knee in last week’s loss to the Packers. He tried to return to the game but was visibly frustrated on the bench that he couldn’t. Somehow, Smith appears to have avoided a long-term injury. He got in a full practice on Wednesday and reportedly feels good.

It would be a major surprise if Smith went from fully practicing on a Wednesday to missing a game, which is essential for the fantasy values of the entire offense. I can’t remember the last time I saw anything as disastrous as Sam Howell’s attempt at playing quarterback, and we all watched half a season of Deshaun Watson this year.

Kenneth Walker III, RB

Kenneth Walker III has missed the last two games with a calf injury. Head coach Mike MacDonald was noncommittal on Walker’s status for this week’s game. He suggested Walker would do something at Wednesday’s walkthrough, but Walker was listed as a DNP. If he misses Thursday’s practice as well, that would put him on track to sit for a third consecutive game.

Zach Charbonnet, RB

The Seahawks are really hurting at running back as Zach Charbonnet also did not practice on Wednesday. He is apparently dealing with an oblique issue. Hopefully, Charbonnet’s absence is more maintenance than anything that might actually cause him to miss a game, especially if Walker ends up not being able to go.

Zach Charbonnet and Kenneth Walker III do not practice. Could be load management with Charbonnet.

Geno Smith was a full participant. pic.twitter.com/C6d4MJM3Za

— Brian Nemhauser (@hawkblogger) December 18, 2024

DK Metcalf, WR

DK Metcalf is on the practice report more often than not but rarely misses games. He did not practice on Wednesday with a shoulder injury, which is almost certainly more maintenance than anything else. I would not worry about his game status.

Tyler Lockett, WR

The veteran WR has been getting Wednesdays off every week. Tyler Lockett is not injured, but is a distant third receiver behind D.K. Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Baker Mayfield, QB

Frequently on the injury report, but rarely actually missing games, Baker Mayfield did not practice on Wednesday with a knee injury.

Mayfield said he’s excited to return to his home state and play at AT&T Stadium on Sunday. Won a high school state championship there, won a Big 12 championship there and won in his only NFL trip there in 2020. Said the nostalgia won’t matter if the Bucs can’t win the game.

— Greg Auman (@gregauman) December 18, 2024

This doesn’t sound like a man worried about his game status. Expect Mayfield to return to practice on Thursday and play on Sunday.

Bucky Ivring, RB

Bucky Irving has dealt with a medley if injuries in his rookie season. He was limited at Wednesday’s practice with back and hip issues. That may seem concerning, but it’s a huge step forward after he did not practice at all last week. Irving will play this week.

Mike Evans, WR

Mike Evans has battled a hamstring strain for nearly two months now. However, on Wednesday, he did not practice due to rest — there was not a hamstring issue listed, which is a great sign. Evans will play on Sunday.

Cade Otton, TE

For the first time in a while, perhaps all season, Cade Otton did not practice due to a knee injury. It’s too early to draw any conclusions, but if he doesn’t practice on Thursday, he will likely miss this week’s game.

Tennessee Titans

Tony Pollard, RB

As has been the case much of the season, Tony Pollard did not practice on Wednesday. This is a combination of maintenance and his lingering ankle issue.

Pollard is coming off his lowest snap share of the season, by far, at 44%. It’s unclear whether that had to do with game script or his injury. Either way, Pollard hasn’t missed a game this season and I don’t expect him to start missing this week.

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, WR

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine did not practice on Wednesday due to an ankle issue. It’s unclear exactly what happened. But regardless of NWI’s status, he is not on the fantasy radar.

Washington Commanders

Terry McLaurin, WR

The Commanders gave their veteran WR the day off on Wednesday. Terry McLaurin is fine.

Zach Ertz, TE

Zach Ertz is in the concussion protocol after suffering the injury last week. He did not practice on Wednesday and is unlikely to play this Sunday.