With one week down in the fantasy football playoffs, let’s hope that everything went according to plan. We know that is never guaranteed, or really even true, but all you need to do, is advance to the next round. Of course, all that means is another set of injury concerns to be aware of. So, let us jump into our NFL injury updates for Week 16. It features and among others.  As news breaks, be sure to update your Week 16 fantasy football rankings and NFL projections either way. This information can also help to focus on important Week 16 start/sit lineup decisions and fantasy football advice surrounding some injured players. The first step though is the NFL injury report as you set Week 16 fantasy football lineups. 

 

Week 16 NFL Injury Report for Quarterbacks

Will Levis, Tennessee Titans (Leg)

It was an ugly game for Will Levis on Sunday. The rookie failed to throw a touchdown pass and threw for just 199 yards in a loss to the Texans. On the last of his seven sacks, Levis did go down with a leg injury, but it appears he has dodged something serious. With that being said, he will likely go through some tests early in the week and it will be something to keep an eye on during the week. Levis has yet to practice with Ryan Tannehill getting the majority of the work in practice which likely is leading to a Week 16 start for the veteran. 

Zach Wilson, New York Jets (Concussion)

Who would have thought that Zach Wilson really was the best option under center for the New York Jets? It was a rough game overall for the Jets, and Wilson exiting with a concussion didn’t help. The play calling and offensive line play didn’t help Wilson before he was forced out of the game. Wilson has been ruled out of Sunday’s game. It is important to note that Aaron Rodgers will not be taking his place, but instead Trevor Siemian will be getting the start. That means we should plan accordingly and downgrade the rest of the Jets’ offense; if you haven’t already. 

Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars (Concussion)

At this point, it doesn’t appear that the ankle is really an issue anymore for Trevor Lawrence other than something to manage and be aware of. Instead, it is Lawrence’s concussion that is causing him issues and kept him out of practice Wednesday and Thursday. It still is not a slam dunk that he is cleared out of protocol for Sunday’s game with means CJ Bethard would get the start under center for the Jaguars. 

C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans (Concussion)

With C.J. Stroud still not practicing on Friday, it appears that the rookie will be sidelined another week. That means Case Keenum will be getting his second straight start for the Houston Texans which only serves to make the quarterback landscape that much cloudier. 

Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks (Groin)

Had the field conditions been better, Geno Smith might have taken the field on Monday night, but instead Seattle held him out. Smith did practice in full on Thursday, and it appears that he will be back on the field Sunday, but be prepared in case something changes and Drew Lock is under center again. 

Week 16 NFL Injury Report for Running Backs

De’Von Achane, Miami Dolphins (Toe)

The good news, is that while De’Von Achane continues to work through some injuries, there are no indications that it will impact his status on Sunday. As has been common practice over the last two months, Raheem Mostert didn’t practice Wednesday and Thursday, but ultimately, there is nothing to see here as the Dolphins are continuing to keep him fresh. 

Zack Moss, Indianapolis Colts (Arm)

Unfortunately, this might be the end of Zack Moss starting for the Colts. Moss injured his arm on a touchdown run last week, and he was unable to return to the game. His status for Week 16 remains unclear, but the fact that he couldn’t return to action wasn’t a good thing. However, Jonathan Taylor appears to be ready to return to action and reclaim his starting job this week. Moss hasn’t practiced all week, and with Taylor ready to go, he will play a large role. 

Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots (Ankle)

While continuing to deal with an ankle injury, Rhamondre Stevenson has yet to return to practice through Friday. At this point, it is difficult to expect him to return to the field this week which means we will continue to Ezekiel Elliot carry the load for the Patriots. 

Kenneth Walker, Seattle Seahawks (Shoulder)

This is a situation to watch as Kenneth Walker did not practice on Thursday as he continues to deal with a shoulder injury. Should this truly impact Walker’s status, Zach Charbonnet will step into the starting role and could have some real fantasy value. 

AJ Dillon, Green Bay Packers (Thumb)

As we saw last week, AJ Dillon practiced on a limited basis once again this week. At this point, it just needs to be confirmed that Dillon can hold onto the ball as that will determine his status this week. Aaron Jones is also limited in practice, but there doesn’t appear that there will be any limitations on his status. 

Alexander Mattison, Minnesota Vikings (Ankle)

With Alexander Mattison yet to return to practice from his ankle injury, it appears that he will be sidelined once again this week. That means another week of Ty Chandler after he turned in a career best day last week. 

Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders (Quadricep)

After there initially was some optimism, Josh Jacobs is still practicing due to his quadricep injuries. It is still possible that something changes leading up to the weekend, but be prepared to fire up Zamir White as the lead back. 

Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs (Shoulder)

After a two-week absence with a shoulder injury, Isiah Pacheco will be back on the field this week and reclaiming his role on Monday as the lead back for the Chiefs. 

Kareem Hunt, Cleveland Browns (Groin)

In what is a continuation of the past few weeks, Kareem Hunt is limited in practice once again. It doesn’t appear to be anything that will slow him down for Week 16. Jerome Ford did practice in full and they should be back in place sharing the load once again in Cleveland’s backfield. 

Brian Robinson, Washington Commanders (Hamstring)

With Brian Robinson still sidelined from practice, his absence will continue for a second week. Just like last week, Antonio Gibson will remain in his role while Chris Rodriguez will fill Robinson’s role. 

Tony Pollard, Dallas Cowboys (Leg)

While not truly on the Injury Report, Tony Pollard’s recovery from last year’s leg surgery appeared to take some time. Pollard said this week that things are finally back to where they should be which should reflect on his performance to close out the season. 

Keaton Mitchell, Baltimore Ravens (Knee)

Baltimore Ravens rookie running back Keaton Mitchell suffered a serious knee injury and was carted off the field during the Sunday Night Football game. Afterwards, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said that Mitchell is likely out for the rest of the season with this knee injury. Stay tuned for any MRI results or more clarity on Mitchell's status, but we can assume he won't return until next year. With Mitchell out now, the Ravens will likely use Gus Edwards and Justice Hill as the 1-2 rushing punch. 

 

Week 16 NFL Injury Report for Wide Receivers

Jayden Reed, Green Bay Packers (Toe)

The Green Bay Packers are shorthanded at receiver, so it wasn’t a great sign to see Jayden Reed exit with a toe injury. At least it came late in the game after Reed already had six catches for 52 yards and a touchdown. We will have to keep an eye on Reed’s toe leading into Week 16 as he has yet to practice as of Thursday. With Christian Watson’s status also in doubt (he didn’t practice on Thursday), Green Bay’s receiver depth could be on display this week.

Ja'Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals (Shoulder)

Ja'Marr Chase was forced out of action late on Saturday with a sprained AC joint. It has already been determined that Chase will be sidelined for Week 16 which means we will see more of Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd. 

Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins (Ankle)

Even though he didn’t practice last week, Tyreek Hill still had, or at least it was portrayed that way, a chance to play. The fact that he is practicing on a limited basis means that things are trending at least more favorably towards him taking the field on Sunday. 

Devonta Smith, Philadelphia Eagles (Knee)

At this point, it is unclear whether it will keep him out of action on Sunday, but Devonta Smith didn’t practice on Thursday while dealing with a knee injury. With one extra day of prep as the Eagles are playing on Sunday, this is something to keep an eye on. 

Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers (Heel)

For the second straight week, Keenan Allen will be out with a heel injury. That means we will see more of Joshua Palmer leading the Chargers’ receiving corps. 

Michael Pittman, Indianapolis Colts (Concussion)

A concussion forced Michael Pittman out of action on Saturday and he didn’t return after catching four passes for 78 yards. While he is in the concussion protocol, Pittman does appear to be at least progressing well initially towards returning in Week 16, as he has been cleared from concussion protocol and is ready to return. 

Marquise Brown, Arizona Cardinals (Heel)

Marquise Brown has been dealing with a heel injury for a few weeks now, but he did return to action in Week 15. The problem for Brown is that he was once again forced out of action once again before having a catch. Brown has been ruled out for Week 16.

Zay Jones, Jacksonville Jaguars (Hamstring)

Zay Jones has already been ruled out of action for Week 16 with a hamstring injury. Calvin Ridley should see a larger workload as the main receiving threat in Jacksonville’s offense with Parker Washington seeing increased volume. 

Zay Flowers, Baltimore Ravens (Foot)

As Baltimore’s leading receiver, Zay Flowers is practicing on a limited basis this week and is in position to play on Sunday. That is good news as the rookie doesn’t’ appear to have any restrictions. 

Nico Collins, Houston Texans (Calf)

After not practicing at all last week while dealing with a calf injury, Nico Collins is back on a limited basis. While we don’t have official clarity, things are trending in the right direction. 

Noah Brown, Houston Texans (Knee)

After catching eight passes for 82 yards last week, Noah Brown has been limited in practice to begin the week. There doesn’t appear to be any issues with his status heading into Week 16. 

Week 16 NFL Injury Report for Tight Ends

Hunter Henry, New England Patriots (Knee)

It was a busy afternoon for Hunter Henry on Sunday as he caught seven passes for 66 yards and a touchdown. However, it did come to an early conclusion as Henry was forced out of action with a knee injury. Should Henry be unable to go take the field in Week 16, Mike Gesicki would take on a larger role. Seeing Henry on the practice field Friday is a positive step towards his availability for this week. 

Michael Mayer, Las Vegas Raiders (Toe)

The Raiders do have an extra do to work with, but there is some initial concern with Michael Mayer not practicing on Thursday with a toe injury. Heading into the weekend, this is something we’ll have to keep an eye on.