Given that it is Week 18, there is extra care and attention that must be taken here. Teams have nothing to play for either because they are preparing for the postseason, or because their season is over. With that being said, there are a great deal of backups we will be seeing and that ultimately has an impact on the quality of football we see. 

 

Week 18 NFL Injury Report for Quarterbacks

Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens (Rest)

With nothing to play for on Sunday, Lamar Jackson will get the week off to ensure he is healthy for the postseason. That means Tyler Huntley will get the start under center. 

Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers (Rest)

The 49ers will be taking this opportunity to ensure that Brock Purdy is healthy and ready to go for the postseason which means Sam Darnold will be getting the start. 

Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs (Ankle)

The Kansas City Chiefs have secured the third seed in the postseason, so that means that Patrick Mahomes and his ankle will not be taking the field on Sunday. Instead, Blaine Gabbert gets the start and we have to plan accordingly although it is a great matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers for the Chiefs’ passing game. 

Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams (Rest)

With Carson Wentz not playing all season, this will be an interesting situation for the Rams as they make sure that Matthew Stafford is ready for the playoffs next week. 

Joe Flacco, Cleveland Browns (Rest)

Who would have thought we would be in this situation where Joe Flacco would be rested in Week 18 for the postseason bound Cleveland Browns. With Jeff Driskel getting the start in his stead, the Cleveland offense is one I will be keeping my distance from. 

Jacoby Brissett, Washington Commanders (Hamstring)

Speaking of offenses to avoid, we introduce the Washington Commanders. Jacoby Brissett is unable to make the start due to a hamstring injury which means the Commanders will be turning back to Sam Howell. 

Will Levis, Tennessee Titans (Foot)

While Will Levis is looking to finish off his rookie season on a high note, but he will not be getting the start on Sunday due to his foot injury. That means Ryan Tannehill will get the start once again to close out the season. 

Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins (Shoulder)

It is a big matchup this week for the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills as the AFC East winner will be determined. The good news for Miami is that Tua Tagovaliloa is that his shoulder injury does not appear to be major or anything that will limit him in Week 18 as he is good to go. 

Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills (Neck)

While Josh Allen did suffer a neck stinger and some residual soreness, it isn’t serious and he will be ready to go to determine the AFC East winner. After a full practice on Thursday, Allen should be ready to go for the primetime battle. 

Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars (Shoulder)

After missing last week’s game while dealing with a shoulder injury, Trevor Lawrence is improving as the Jaguars are on the hunt for the division title. Things are trending in the right direction for Lawrence, but this will be a situation to monitor throughout the week. Lawrence is practicing on a limited basis and it appears Jacksonville is doing everything possible to get him on the field. If he’s unable to go, then C.J. Beathard would get the start once again. 

Taylor Heinicke, Atlanta Falcons (Ankle)

We have established that the Atlanta Falcons offense is a situation to keep our distance from as it is quite frustrating, but there might be another quarterback swap to close out the season. Taylor Heinicke was forced out of last week’s game with an ankle injury, and with the Falcons still in the hunt for a postseason berth, the intention is for him to play if possible. Should that not be the case, Desmond Ridder will get the start even if it is not ideal. Heinicke has been practicing on a limited basis, but this decision will go down to the wire. 

Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Ribs)

While he did finish with over 300 passing yards, it wasn’t the strongest of games for Baker Mayfield in Week 17. There shouldn’t be any issues with his status for Week 18, but it is something to monitor regardless. While he is still on the injury report, Mayfield will be getting the start on Sunday and shouldn’t be limited. 

Week 18 NFL Injury Report for Running Backs

Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders (Quad)

There is no need for the Raiders or Josh Jacobs to take any chances in the last week of the season. In what is likely a sign of things to come for next year, Zamir White will get the start once again as he finishes off the year on a high note. 

Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs (Ankle)

After returning in a monster way last week with 165 yards which included seven catches and a touchdown, Isiah Pacheco has practiced on a limited basis this week. At this point, it is unclear whether or not he will be active on Sunday, and if he is, what his workload will be. Instead, Clyde Edwards-Helaire might be the better option this week. 

Raheem Mostert, Miami Dolphins (Knee)

While he has battled nagging injuries and missed practices all season, last week was the first time Raheem Mostert was inactive for a game. He did practice, albeit on a limited basis, Friday, so the expectation is that he will return to action this week. The problem is that Mostert isn’t playing until Sunday night, so this could be a situation to follow all weekend or simply pivot. The good news is that after a monster Week 17, De’Von Achane isn’t listed on the Injury Report. 

Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints (Ankle)

After being forced out of the second half of last week’s game, Alvin Kamara’s ankle will be a critical situation to keep an eye on this week. The Saints need to win, so they will make every effort to get Kamara out there on the field, but if he is limited or cannot go, Jamaal Willilams certainly warrants our attention. Things are not looking great year, but given the player and the situation, the news on this one will be right under the wire. 

Kenneth Walker, Seattle Seahawks (Shoulder)

The Seattle Seahawks need to win this week to get into the postseason, but it appears they will be managing Kenneth Walker’s shoulder injury once again. After picking up a combined 75 yards and a touchdown last week, he was forced out of the game after aggravating his shoulder. Heading into a must-win game, all systems are a go for Walker as he is off the Injury Report. 

AJ Dillon, Green Bay Packers (Wrist)

Prior to exiting with a stinger, AJ Dillon wasn’t much of a factor on Sunday with just 27 yards on seven carries. Now that Aaron Jones is back, Dillon has faded into the background from a fantasy perspective. That is good news as Dillon has been ruled out for Week 18 which sets up another big week for Jones.  

Week 18 NFL Injury Report for Wide Receivers

Courtland Sutton, Denver Broncos (Concussion)

After missing last week’s game with a concussion, Courtland Sutton has been cleared and enters Week 18 removed from the Injury Report. It has been a strong season for Sutton and he looks to continue that with Jarrett Stidham.

Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins (Ankle)

After suffering a high ankle sprain, Jaylen Waddle has been progressing quite well and even practiced on a limited basis this week. It’s possible this goes down to the wire, and with the Dolphins playing Sunday night, there is heightened concern. Keep an eye on this one over the weekend. 

Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers (Heel)

At this point, there is no reason to rush Keenan Allen back, so he will close out the season on the sidelines. It was a great, albeit shortened season for Allen. The good news for the Chargers is that Joshua Palmer will be returning after missing last week’s game with a concussion. 

Devonta Smith, Philadelphia Eagles (Ankle)

While it is early in the week, I’m not sure that a mild ankle sprain lines up with being in crutches and a walking boot, but that is the current situation for Devonta Smith. It is not surprising, but Smith will be out this week.  

Jayden Reed, Green Bay Packers (Ribs)

After catching six passes for 89 yards and two touchdowns in the first half, Jayden Reed was forced out of action with a rib injury. Reed failed to return, but the good news is that X-Rays were negative. Right now, soreness seems to be the biggest concern and we will have to keep an eye on it as Reed’s role in the Green Bay offense continues to increase. Reed’s status will go down to the wire, but the good news is that Christian Watson and Dontayvion Wicks are trending in the right direction in practice. 

Jameson Williams, Detroit Lions (Ankle)

The Lions are taking the prudent approach here, and holding Jameson Williams out of action with his ankle injury to prepare for the postseason. 

Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals (Hamstring)

After just one catch on Sunday, Tee Higgins was forced out of action with a hamstring injury. Heading into Week 18, we will have to keep an on Higgins in practice and how he progresses to determine his availability. At this point, things are trending to Higgins being out of action this week. 

Robert Woods, Houston Texans (Hip)

John Metchie was forced into a large role on Sunday as Robert Woods was forced out of action with a hip injury. Woods’ status for this week will go a long towards to determining what the Texans’ receiving tree looks like on Sunday. While Woods has yet to practice this week, there is still the possibility that he does take the field. 

Noah Brown, Houston Texans (Hip)

As he deals with a hip injury that forced Noah Brown out of action last week, the receiver has not been able to practice and will unable to play in Week 18. 

DeVante Parker, New England Patriots (Ribs)

It is tough for DeVante Parker this week both from a weather (snow) and matchup (New York Jets) perspective. The good news at least is that his health shouldn’t keep off the field after practicing on a limited basis. 

Christian Kirk, Jacksonville Jaguars (Core)

After missing the last four weeks following core muscle surgery, Christian Kirk has been practicing on a limited basis this week. His return is still unclear for this week, but we should have clarity Saturday afternoon as Jacksonville would have to activate him prior. Additionally, it is possible that Zay Jones also returns to action after missing the last two games.

Darnell Mooney, Chicago Bears (Concussion)

A concussion will ultimately keep Darnell Mooney on the sidelines to close out what has been a disappointing season for the Chicago receiver. 

Rashee Rice, Kansas City Chiefs (Hamstring)

It has been a strong season for Rashee Rice and the focus on him will only be heightened in the postseason. For that reason, it makes sense that Rice would be held out of action in Week 18. With Kadarius Toney also out to close out the regular season, it will be tough for Blane Gabbert to find options to throw the ball to. 

Amari Cooper, Cleveland Browns (Heel)

With the Browns locked into the playoffs, it makes sense for them to hold Amari Cooper out of action this week. Additionally, Elijah Moore is dealing with a concussion and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him held out of action as well for Week 18. 

Zay Flowers, Baltimore Ravens (Calf)

While Zay Flowers is dealing with a calf injury, it shouldn’t be surprising that the Baltimore Ravens are holding the rookie receiver out this week. Odell Beckham has also been ruled out for Saturday’s game for rest purposes which means Nelson Agholor should have a busy day. 

Week 18 NFL Injury Report for Tight Ends

Michael Mayer, Las Vegas Raiders (Toe)

A large part of their future plans, the Las Vegas Raiders are holding Michael Mayer out of action for the third straight game with a toe injury. 

Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs (Neck)

With Mahomes and Rice being held out of action for the Chiefs, it is surprising to see Travis Kelce ready to go for Sunday’s game. However, with Kelce needing just 16 yards to reach 1,000, I would expect it to be an early day for him. 

Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions (Calf)

We have a similar situation here with Sam LaPorta as with Kelce, with the difference being that he needs one catch to set the rookie record catches by a tight end. Detroit should be looking to be careful with regards LaPorta’s calf, so it shouldn’t be a full day for the rookie. 

Hunter Henry, New England Patriots (Knee)

To close out the season, Hunter Henry will miss his third straight game with a knee injury. That means Mike Gesicki will take on a leading role again for New England, but it’s a tough matchup against the Jets. 

Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints (Chest)

After scoring touchdowns in three straight games, it is a good sign to see Juwan Johnson in position to play in a critical game for the Saints this week. In Week 17, Johnson caught eight of his 12 targets for 90 yards and he should be busy once again. 

David Njoku, Cleveland Browns (Knee)

Even though David Njoku isn’t on the Injury Report heading into Sunday’s game, I wouldn’t expect to see him with a full workload. This is a situation to avoid. 

Cole Kmet, Chicago Bears (Knee)

After playing just 13 snaps last week, I’m not sure much has changed with relation to Cole Kmet and his knee. With that being said, it’s hard to trust him for this week.