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While most fantasy football league championships have already been decided, injuries continue to impact grinders who are still vying for a league title in Week 18, as well as those participating in NFL DFS contests or prop betting. Our injury updates and reports for Week 18 as of Sunday, January 7, 2024, will give you the latest updates on key fantasy football assets and help you to make informed roster decisions.
The injury news for Week 18 of the NFL season has featured many notable fantasy football players such as Raheem Mostert, Isiah Pacheco, Baker Mayfield, Alvin Kamara, and more.
To keep close tabs on all of the news across the NFL, make sure to favorite or bookmark the fantasy football player news page, or download the free RotoBaller fantasy football mobile app with push notification alerts on all the latest news. Let's look at the updates for some key fantasy options and see whether they may play in Week 18.
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Raheem Mostert and Jaylen Waddle Injury Updates
UPDATE: Raheem Mostert and Jayden Waddle have both been officially ruled out.
According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert (knee, ankle) is unlikely to play in Sunday's AFC East meeting with the Bills. The 31-year-old didn't practice on Wednesday or Thursday before logging a limited session on Friday, so it appeared there was a chance he'd be back.
Unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be the case, although the question remains if his absence will extend into the postseason. That said, De'Von Achane will operate as the No. 1 option out of the backfield in Week 18.
#Dolphins RB Raheem Mostert (knee/ankle) and WR Jaylen Waddle (ankle) — both listed as questionable — are not expected to play Sunday night vs. the #Bills, per me and @RapSheet.
Both should be ready for the playoffs. But Miami will try to win the AFC East without them. pic.twitter.com/n0ZQVwkPUD
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 7, 2024
According to NFL Media's Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport, Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (ankle) is unlikely to play in Sunday night's encounter with the Buffalo Bills. The wideout has battled a high-ankle sprain since the Week 16 meeting with the Dallas Cowboys.
He didn't suit up for the blowout loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 17, opening the door for Cedrick Wilson Jr. to score his third touchdown of the campaign. Of course, Tyreek Hill (ankle), who was removed from the injury report, should remain the top option for Tua Tagovailoa, considering he drew 12 targets in Week 17.
Isiah Pacheco Injury Update
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (quadricep, shoulder) is not expected to play in Week 18 versus the Los Angeles Chargers, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. He had been listed as questionable. Rapoport's post seemed to indicate that Pacheco may be active but only used on an emergency basis, putting him behind Clyde Edwards-Helaire and La'Mical Perine on the Chiefs' depth chart. The former ranks as a mid-range RB2 option in most fantasy leagues this week.
#Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco (quadricep, shoulder) is not expected to play today, source said. He'd only be used in an emergency, with KC having three other backs up.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 7, 2024
Alvin Kamara Injury Update
UPDATE: Alvin Kamara has been ruled OUT for Week 18
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (ankle) will be a true game-time decision in Week 18, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. He had been listed as questionable after missing all three practices this week. While playing less than two days after missing practice would represent a very quick turnaround, it looks like Kamara at least has a chance to suit up.
#Saints RB Alvin Kamara, who has done very little this week with an ankle sprain, will be given up until game-time to show he can go, sources said. He did very little this week. But they'll hold out hope.
Meanwhile, TE Juwan Johnson (chest) is good to go.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 7, 2024
If he does play, he could do so on a snap count, leading to more opportunities for Jamaal Williams. As of now, Williams ranks as a low-end RB3 whose value would instantly rise if Kamara is ruled out. The Saints will announce their inactive players 90 minutes prior to kickoff.
Baker Mayfield Injury Update
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (ribs) is expected to play in Week 18 versus the Carolina Panthers. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction after he logged a full practice on Friday.
#Bucs QB Baker Mayfield (ribs) is listed as questionable despite being a full participant on Friday.
"He'll be ready to go on Sunday," coach Todd Bowles said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 7, 2024
Furthermore, head coach Todd Bowles showed optimism on the quarterback's status, saying, "He'll be ready to go on Sunday." Fantasy managers and Buccaneers fans alike will hope that Mayfield can bounce back after throwing a pair of interceptions in last week's loss. He ranks as a mid-range QB2 in most fantasy leagues.
Christian Kirk Injury Update
UPDATE: Christian Kirk has been ruled OUT for Week 18
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk (groin) continues to yield skepticism about his availability for Week 18 versus the Tennessee Titans, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. While the Jaguars showed confidence in Kirk by activating him from injured reserve on Saturday, Rapoport notes that his status is far from certain.
#Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence (right shoulder) is trending in the right direction, sources say. It's more about pain tolerance, and it's not certain. But a good chance.
Meanwhile, WR Zay Jones (knee, hamstring) should play today, while WR Christian Kirk (groin) is a less certain.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 7, 2024
If active, he would rank as a low-end WR2 in fantasy football, especially if Trevor Lawrence (right shoulder) suits up. Otherwise, Zay Jones would step up as the Jaguars' No. 2 receiver, putting him in the low-end WR3 tier for fantasy football. The Jaguars will confirm their list of inactives 90 minutes before kickoff.
Travis Kelce Injury Update
There was some uncertainty surrounding Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce's (neck) status against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 18 due to a neck injury, but he was cleared from Friday's injury report after a week of limited practice sessions. Sunday represents a meaningless game in relation to K.C.'s playoff positioning -- they are locked into the AFC's No. 3 seed -- but Kelce is still 16 yards away from attaining his eighth consecutive 1,000-yard campaign.
Chiefs’ TE Travis Kelce needs 16 receiving yards today vs. the Chargers to record his eight straight season of at least 1,000 receiving yards. Chiefs are expected to give Kelce a chance to get it today even though their playoff seed and spot is locked in.
No other tight end ever… pic.twitter.com/JRngQNp46G
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 7, 2024
The 34-year-old eight-time Pro Bowler will be catching passes from backup quarterback Blaine Gabbert in the regular-season finale, and it would seem unlikely that Kelce plays a full complement of snaps in this contest. Kelce is still the type of fantasy player who deserves must-start treatment in season-long leagues whenever he is active, but his DFS expectations particularly need to be tempered under these circumstances. Treat him as a risk/reward TE1 proposition.
Hunter Henry Injury Update
New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (knee) won't suit up for the Week 18 matchup against the New York Jets. The veteran tight end will see his 2023 campaign come to an end with the Pats not in playoff position. He finished with 42 receptions, 419 yards, and six touchdowns in 2023. Henry will come short of his fifth straight 500-plus yard campaign. The 29-year-old looked much better once Bailey Zappe took over under center. His absence on Sunday should mean that Mike Gesicki gets more looks as the No. 1 tight end.
DeVonta Smith Injury Update
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (ankle) has been ruled out for the Week 18 matchup against the New York Giants. Smith hasn't been able to practice at all this week due to a lingering ankle injury. The Eagles have secured a playoff spot, but could still win the division with a victory and the Cowboys losing to the Commanders. That seems unlikely, so the Eagles are going to play it safe and rest Smith. Julio Jones figures to have an increased role without Smith available. He could be worth a look as a possible dart throw in DFS contests.
Eagles ruled out CB Darius Slay (knee) and WR DeVonta Smith (ankle) for Sunday’s regular-season finale vs. the Giants.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 5, 2024
D'Andre Swift Injury Update
UPDATE: D'Andre Swift has been ruled OUT for Week 18
Philadelphia Eagles running back D'Andre Swift (illness) is listed as questionable for the Week 18 matchup against the New York Giants. Swift was a late addition to the injury report as he popped up there on Friday with an illness. Usually, players tend to play through illnesses, but the Eagles do already have a postseason spot locked up. Fantasy managers will need to check back for another update, but most likely Swift will play. Otherwise, the Eagles will likely use a committee approach to fill the void.
Friday injury report #PHIvsNYG pic.twitter.com/DIinJY9b91
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) January 5, 2024
Christian Watson Injury Update
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (hamstring) did not practice with the team on Friday and is questionable to play in a must-win Week 18 regular-season finale against the visiting Chicago Bears on Sunday.
#Packers coach Matt LaFleur rules RB AJ Dillon out because of a stinger and considers WR Christian Watson (hamstring) as questionable despite not practicing.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 5, 2024
Head coach Matt LaFleur said Watson was basically given the day off on Friday after two good practices on Wednesday and Thursday, so despite the DNP, the 24-year-old could be ready to return to the fold after missing the last four contests. Still, he could be a game-time decision for the later slate of games this Sunday, which makes him extremely risky for fantasy purposes in single-year leagues and in DFS
Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks Injury Updates
Green Bay Packers rookie wide receivers Dontayvion Wicks (chest) and Jayden Reed (chest) are both questionable to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the Chicago Bears. Christian Watson (hamstring), who has missed the last four games, is also questionable, but he appears to have a better shot at returning in a must-win game for the Packers.
Game statuses for Sunday:
OUT: AJ Dillon, Rudy Ford
DOUBTFUL: Isaiah McDuffie
QUESTIONABLE: Elgton Jenkins, Luke Musgrave, Jayden Reed, Preston Smith, Luke Tenuta, Christian Watson, Dontayvion Wicks.
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) January 5, 2024
Before getting hurt in the Week 17 win over the Minnesota Vikings, Reed had six catches for 89 yards and two touchdowns with both Watson and Wicks out. Even if Watson returns to action this weekend, Reed, who we expect to play, will be the most expensive and attractive DFS play. The 23-year-old has been a touchdown machine in the second half of his first NFL season and has found the end zone seven times in the last seven games. On the flip side, Chicago isn't friendly to opposing wideouts, so all of Green Bay's receivers have some level of bust potential as well.
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