The NFL is approaching the final week of the regular season as 20 teams remain eligible for the Super Bowl heading into Week 18. Five playoff spots remain up in the air, the most heading into the final week since 2020 (seven teams had one more chance in the playoffs).
With four division crowns still on the line and five playoff spots available, the injury report will be even more vital with all the crucial games in the final week of the year. Here’s a first look at this week’s injury report, as these injuries will be worth monitoring throughout the week.
*Odds based on SportsLine Consensus Ratings
The Steelers and Ravens play Saturday, so the Wednesday injury report is essentially the Thursday injury report of a typical Sunday week. For the Steelers, running back Najee Harris (knee) did not participate in practice for the second straight day. Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (knee) and linebacker Elandon Roberts (pectoral) were limited, but practiced for the first time since suffering their injuries.
Defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (ankle), receiver Noah Brown (back), defensive end Jonathan Greenard (ankle) and receiver Robert Woods (hip) did not practice for the Texans. Tackle Laremy Tunsil (groin) has been buffed in limited mode.
For the Colts, center Ryan Kelly (ankle) did not practice. Guard Quenton Nelson (ankle) has been buffed in limited mode. Cornerback Kenny Moore (back), running back Zack Moss (forearm) and tackle Braden Smith (knee) became full participants in practice.
The Buccaneers need a win to wrap up the NFC South on Sunday, but quarterback Baker Mayfield’s status for the game is in question. Mayfield missed Wednesday’s practice with a rib injury. Tackle Tristan Wirfs (shoulder) did not participate in practice and cornerback Carlton Davis (concussion) was limited.
For the Panthers, running back Miles Sanders (illness) did not participate while cornerback Jaycee Horn (toe) was a limited participant. Wide receiver DJ Chark (foot) was also limited.
The Browns have their seed locked in for Week 18, so they could rest quite a few players on Sunday (quarterback Joe Flacco has already been confirmed to sit). Guard Joel Bitonio (oblique, knee), receiver Amari Cooper (heel), kicker Dustin Hopkins (left hamstring), cornerback Greg Newsome II (knee) and tight end David Njoku (knee/illness) were notables who missed training. Cooper and Njoku had days off.
For the Bengals, receiver Tee Higgins (hamstring) was the only one not to practice. Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (shoulder) was limited.
The Vikings do not have a long injury report, as they are still alive for a playoff spot heading into Week 18. Cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. (knee) did not practice while safety Harrison Smith (shoulder) was limited.
For the Lions, receiver Jameson Williams (ankle) and tackle Taylor Decker (groin) did not participate in Wednesday’s practice. Tight end Sam LaPorta (ankle) was limited, as was edge rusher James Houston (ankle). Houston has been out since Week 2. Safety CJ Gardner-Johnson (pectoral) practiced fully.
The Jets won’t have quarterback Zach Wilson this week (concussion), so Trevor Siemian will start. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is still practicing on the active roster as a limited participant. Defensive end John Franklin-Myers (ankle) practiced fully.
The Patriots did not have tackle Trent Brown (illness) and defensive back Myles Bryant (illness) participating in practice. Tight end Hunter Henry (knee) and wide receiver DeVante Parker (ribs) were limited.
The Saints and Falcons need a win and a Buccaneers loss to capture the NFC South. Quarterback Taylor Heinicke (ankle) was the only notable one on the Falcons’ injury report who was limited or missed practice due to rest. Heinicke was limited.
For the Saints, tight end Juwan Johnson (chest) and running back Alvin Kamara (ankle) were the notable ones who did not practice. Wide receiver Chris Olave (ankle) and tight end Jimmy Graham (rest) were limited.
The Jaguars need a win to clinch the AFC South. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence (right shoulder/left finger) is on track to play this week and was a limited participant. Wide receiver Christian Kirk (groin) had his 21-day practice window open because he was limited. Wide receiver Zay Jones (knee/hamstring) was also limited.
For the Titans, quarterback Will Levis (foot) did not practice. If Levis doesn’t go, Ryan Tannehill would be in contention to start Sunday. Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins had the day off.
Analysis to come
The Bears had a few players who did not practice Wednesday, the most notable being tight end Cole Kmet (knee) and wide receiver Darnell Mooney (concussion). Wide receiver DJ Moore (ankle) was limited.
A lengthy injury report for the Packers. Running back AJ Dillon (thumb/neck), guard Elgton Jenkins (knee/ankle) and linebacker Preston Smith (ankle) did not participate. Running back Aaron Jones (knee/finger), wide receiver Jayden Reed (chest), wide receiver Christian Watson (hamstring) and wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (chest) were limited participants.
Wide receiver Keenan Allen (heel) and edge rusher Joey Bosa (foot) were notables who did not practice for the Chargers. Receiver Joshua Palmer (concussion) was a limited participant.
The Chiefs will rest their players on Sunday, as quarterback Patrick Mahomes will not start (Blaine Gabbert will start). Defensive tackle Chris Jones (groin), running back Isiah Pacheco (quad), cornerback L’Jarius Sneed (calf) and wide receiver Rashee Rice (hamstring) did not practice.
Analysis to come
The Eagles are recovering at the right time, as head coach Nick Sirianni said everyone has a chance to play this week. Defensive tackle Jordan Davis (ankle), edge rusher Haason Reddick (illness) and wide receiver DeVonta Smith (ankle) did not participate in practice while linebacker Zach Cunningham (knee), cornerback Avonte Maddox (elbow) and cornerback Darius Slay (knee). ) were limited. Smith and Slay could play this week.
The Giants have had a step-by-step review, so Wednesday’s injury report is just an estimate. Quarterback Tyrod Taylor (back) was limited, as was cornerback Deonte Banks (shoulder). Center John Michael Schmitz (shin) did not participate.
Analysis to come
The Cowboys need a win for the NFC East title, but have a long injury report. Many veterans had days off, but guard Tyler Smith (foot) and safety Malik Hooker (ankle/illness) did not practice. Defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, guard Zack Martin, tackle Tyron Smith, wide receiver Brandin Cooks and cornerback Stephon Gilmore were notables who received veteran days off.
For the Commanders, quarterback Jacoby Brissett (hamstring) was limited during Wednesday’s practice. Brissett was supposed to start in Week 17 before the injury during practice last Friday kept him out Sunday. Cornerback Kendall Fuller (knee) also did not practice while cornerback Benjamin St-Juste (concussion) was limited. Tackle Andrew Wylie (elbow) was also limited.
The Bills have a history of minor injuries heading into Sunday’s AFC East title showdown. Safety Micah Hyde (neck) was limited during Wednesday’s practice while quarterback Josh Allen (neck/right finger) practiced fully. Allen said he was “ready to go” for Sunday.
The Dolphins have a long injury record, as tackle Terron Armstead (knee/ankle/back), running back Raheem Mostert (knee/ankle), edge rusher Bradley Chubb (knee) and cornerback Xavien Howard (foot) were the notables who did not do so. practical. Running back De’Von Achane (toe/rib), wide receiver Tyreek Hill (ankle/staff) and safety Jevon Holland (knee) were limited. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (quad/left shoulder) practiced in full.