Updated 12/5

We’ve officially seen 5 teams eliminated from playoff contention in the NFL, and hopefully, your fantasy teams aren’t eliminated in your leagues. Injuries to some big names could hamper top teams, meaning that getting into the playoffs and competing for the title could come for teams that weren’t necessarily sure they could win. With the final set of bye weeks upon us and fantasy playoffs starting for many leagues, it’s officially crunch time.

Let’s dive in.

Week 14 Byes: Carolina Panthers, New England Patriots, New York Giants, San Francisco 49ers

 

 


 

NFL Week 14 Injury Report: Quarterbacks 

Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers

12/5 UPDATE

Herbert has been limited at practice, not actively taking snaps under center but participating in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills. The team is hopeful he will play Monday, but I would start someone else if you have the option in case he can’t go. Even if he plays, his rushing upside will likely be limited and his overall upside capped. 

Herbert will undergo surgery today to fix a metacarpal fracture in his non-throwing hand. That said, he is expected to be ready to play in week 14 against the Eagles.

J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings

12/5 UPDATE

J.J. McCarthy has fully cleared concussion protocol and will be starting this weekend. Max Brosmer struggled in relief, but McCarthy hasn’t exactly been a world beater this year.  

Kevin O’Connell stated that McCarthy no longer has any concussion symptoms and should return if he has no setbacks and practices fully on Wednesday. 

Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks

Darnold is dealing with an ankle injury. That said, it’s not expected to hamper him heavily, and he will likely be good to go this weekend.

Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals

12/5 UPDATE

It was recently announced that Kyler will not return in the 2025 season. This is a tough break for managers, but Jacoby Brissett will get the remainder of the starts at the position for ARI.

Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders

12/5 UPDATE

Daniels is set to return to action this weekend for the first time since he dislocated his elbow. This is huge news for Commanders fans and fantasy managers, as they get a QB1 back (though Mariota has consistently been a strong performer in his absence). 

 

 


 

NFL Week 14 Injury Report: Running Backs

Aaron Jones, Minnesota Vikings

12/5 UPDATE

Jones has been limited in practice this week, but should be good to go this weekend. That said, Ty Chandler is practicing in full and is likely to return from IR, and Jordan Mason has been serviceable, meaning that Jones’ workload may be limited.

Jones has been dealing with various issues this year and will have his recent shoulder injury evaluated further, per head coach Kevin O’Connell. This evaluation has shown that this is not a serious injury, and he’s currently day-to-day per Adam Schefter.

Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints

12/5 UPDATE

Kamara continues to be absent from practice, meaning Devin Neal is likely to start yet again. Kamara’s absence as a receiving threat is certainly felt for fantasy managers and the Saints alike. 

Kenneth Walker, Seattle Seahawks

12/5 UPDATE

Walker popped up with a glute injury yet again this week. That said, I’m still expecting him to play, and he should still be a serviceable RB2 for teams this week, given he’s not missed practice.

Omarion Hampton, Los Angeles Chargers

12/5 UPDATE

Hampton has been limited in practice this week, leaving his status up in the air. Though he could return this week, Kimani Vidal has earned more work, meaning Hampton may not be returning to a workhorse workload as the Chargers approach the playoffs.

 

 


 

NFL Week 14 Injury Report: Wide Receivers

Marvin Harrison, Arizona Cardinals

12/5 UPDATE

Marv has officially been ruled out this weekend, and he’s not the only Cardinals WR missing action this week. Greg Dortch has also been ruled out. This means it’s full wheels up for Michael Wilson this weekend. 

Marv returned from his appendectomy only to miss time in the second half of the game due to a heel injury. Given that he was unable to return and the team has been removed from playoff contention, this may be used to shut MHJ down for the remainder of the season.

Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions

Head Coach Dan Campbell has stated that he doesn’t have a clear idea of whether ARSB will be available on Thursday against Dallas. He stated he is not expected to have any idea of his status until game day. This ankle injury could be a limiting factor for ARSB as the Lions fight for a playoff push, as they currently are not in the playoffs. 

Drake London, Atlanta Falcons

12/5 UPDATE

London is not practicing on Friday, which signals to me that he will be inactive this weekend. Managers will be without London in the last week of the fantasy regular season. 

London is now being considered “day-to-day” and has a chance to play this weekend, per head coach Raheem Morris. This would be a big addition back for this Falcons offense and for fantasy managers.

Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals

12/5 UPDATE

Higgins has cleared concussion protocol and is set to return this weekend against the Bills. The Bengals' offense is finally back at full strength. 

Higgins is still in concussion protocol per Ben Baby of ESPN. His absence was noticed in Joe Burrow’s return, and the hope is that he can clear protocol and return to the lineup this weekend, though we have seen an increase in multi-week absences from concussions this year.

Rome Odunze, Chicago Bears

12/5 UPDATE

Odunze has been dealing with a heel injury throughout the year, but it has gotten to the point that it sounds like he will be inactive this weekend. Luther Burden should step up in his absence, making him an intriguing flex option. 

Jayden Reed, Green Bay Packers

12/5 UPDATE

Matt LaFleur is hopeful that Reed can be activated this weekend. That said, he did state that he is still in the process of getting fully cleared, meaning there is still a 50/50 chance of whether he’s active or not. Given the late nature of the game, I would be prepared to be without him for another week.

Reed has yet to be medically cleared for game action. That said, head coach Matt LaFleur plans to see where he is at by the end of the week, signifying that he could return to action sooner than expected. 

Parker Washington, Jacksonville Jaguars

12/5 UPDATE

Washington has been limited in practice this week, and I lean towards him playing this weekend. Managers can continue to consider him as a deep flex option.

Washington left this weekend's game against the Titans with a hip injury. He’s been a solid fill-in for managers, but they may be without him moving forward into the playoffs if he misses time.

Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

12/5 UPDATE

Evans has returned to practice, but will not play this weekend. That said, he could return next week for the playoff push, meaning managers should be able to plug him in should he return to action.

Evans is expected to return to practice this week. This is huge news for the Buccs, and while he likely won’t be active this week, managers can hopefully get him back active after this weekend.

CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys

12/5 UPDATE

Lamb left Thursday's game with a concussion and will have to clear protocol to play next week. Ryan Flournoy stepped up in his absence and had a career game, meaning he may be a priority waiver pickup. 

 

 

 

NFL Week 14 Injury Report: Tight Ends

Dalton Kincaid, Buffalo Bills

12/5 UPDATE

Kincaid has picked up a knee injury in his attempt to return from his hamstring injury. He will be officially listed as questionable, but he does have a chance to play this weekend with a brace.

Kincaid has continued to remain inactive with his hamstring injury. He had started to return to practice in a limited fashion, but he will likely need to log full practices prior to returning to game action.