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The final week of the NFL regular season has arrived. As time goes on, injury reports get longer and longer (in general) due to the nature of the game and the piling on of more tackles, hits, and falls to the ground from players at every position.
At least many fantasy football managers won't have to worry about ailments any more, as their leagues concluded with the championship games in Week 17. But many leagues, such as ESPN public 10-team groups, include Week 18 in their two-week title matchups.
So we're bringing you another NFL-wide article, where we'll break down all the biggest injury news heading into the last game before the postseason begins.
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James Conner Injury Update
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (knee) attempted to play through a knee issue that he picked up in Week 16, but was then forced out of the Week 17 contest after re-aggravating it. He's now been placed on injured reserve due to the ailment.
#AZCardinals RB James Conner has been placed on the Injured Reserve list after going back down with an injury vs the Los Angeles Rams.
Conner logged his 2nd Career 1,000+ Rush Yard Season with 1,094 Rush Yards this season (a Career High) and was averaging 4.6 Yards per Carry on…
— Mervin (@MervinBustmante) January 1, 2025
After the best and most efficient season (yardage-wise) of his career, where he gained 1,094 rushing yards on 236 carries (over 4.6 yards per carry), scored eight rushing touchdowns, and caught 47 of his 55 targets for 414 yards and one receiving score, his season will come to an end.
Jalen Hurts Injury Update
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (concussion) still didn't return to practice on Thursday. He hasn't participated in any team activities since a concussion knocked him out of his Week 16 matchup against the Washington Commanders.
What an injury report during a rest week looks like.
Jalen Hurts, Kenny Pickett remain sidelined. pic.twitter.com/lnhcEmekEp
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) January 2, 2025
It doesn't look like he'll play in Week 18. The game is meaningless, anyway - the Eagles cannot claim the No. 1 seed, as the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions, who both sit at 14-2, will face off on Sunday Night Football for the last game of the regular season.
At least one of those teams must finish with a 14-2-1 or better record. Hurts will have more time to recover ahead of his team's first postseason game.
Josh Jacobs Injury Update
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (wrist) practiced in a limited capacity on Thursday, as he did on Wednesday. Fantasy managers who have rostered Jacobs should be familiar with his near constant presence on injury reports... and the fact that he still hasn't missed a single game.
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) January 2, 2025
So, once again, we are going to ignore Jacobs' early-week injury statuses and practice reports and just wait until game time. There hasn't been any reporting that any of his injuries this year have been serious, so there's no reason to be concerned right now.
Bucky Irving Injury Update
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (shoulder, shin) was a limited participant in his team's practices on both Wednesday and Thursday. He's dealt with a number of injuries this season, and it's been concerning that he's been listed on the injury reports after most of his big games.
Multiple Bucs players returning to practice today — Antoine Winfield Jr., Cade Otton and Payne Durham. A rest day for Mike Evans (it’s fine, he should be pretty busy Sunday). pic.twitter.com/aNetF5CiZw
— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) January 2, 2025
We'll have to wait and see if he's able to play in Week 18, though his ailments haven't been reported to be serious. He's on such a tear that he deserves rest days, anyway. We expect him to play in this win-and-in game -- if Tampa Bay loses this weekend and the Atlanta Falcons win, the Bucs will be out of the playoffs.
Brock Purdy, George Kittle, Deebo Samuel Sr. Injury Updates
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (right elbow) didn't practice on Thursday due to a malady in the elbow of his throwing arm. He's now listed as "Doubtful" ahead of this weekend's contest. That makes it extremely unlikely that he'll play.
49ers injury report: QB Brock Purdy won’t play Sunday against the Cardinals https://t.co/nF3wYEa65y pic.twitter.com/5vxCwcTdla
— TheCardsWire (@Cards_Wire) January 2, 2025
There's a bit of contradictory information right now, as some sources say he hasn't been ruled out yet, but The Cards Wire reported in a USA Today article (linked in the above X post) that 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan stated that Purdy will be held out of the contest. Between that and the Doubtful designation, we'll believe it.
Meanwhile, tight end George Kittle (ankle, hamstring) is dealing with ankle and hamstring issues, and didn't practice on Wednesday, but upgraded to a limited participant on Thursday. This is obviously a good sign for his availability this weekend.
#49ers Thursday participation report: pic.twitter.com/HamyX5JHYs
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) January 2, 2025
He has a long history of playing through brutal injuries, so it seems like we'll see him suit up for the final game of the regular season, despite the fact that it's a meaningless game. The 9ers have been eliminated from playoff contention already.
In addition, wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (ribs, knee) wasn't able to participate in the 49ers practice on Wednesday due to knee and rib issues. It's unknown exactly how serious they are, but he's been a regular presence on injury reports throughout his career.
#49ers with a LONG injury list today coming off a Monday game:
DNP: QB Brock Purdy (elbow), DE Leonard Floyd (shoulder), DE Nick Bosa (knee), WR Deebo Samuel (rib/knee), TE George Kittle (ankle/hamstring), CB Deommodore Lenoir (shoulder), OL Spencer Burford (calf), LB Demetrius…
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) January 1, 2025
San Francisco has been eliminated from playoff contention. It's unknown if head coach Kyle Shanahan will be more cautious about starting his best players in a meaningless game -- typically, he has them playing through serious injuries if at all possible, but then again, usually the team is in contention for a playoff spot.
Chase Brown Injury Update
Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown (ankle) didn't practice at all this week. He's now officially listed as "Questionable" for the team's Saturday night game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. It's a must-win game for the Bengals, who still technically have a chance to make the playoffs.
Final #CINvsPIT injury report (Chase Brown DNP this week, Hubbard out again)... pic.twitter.com/Xq3OwUHWWW
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) January 2, 2025
He suffered a pretty nasty looking ankle injury and was pulled from Week 17 because of it. We don't think he'll play in Week 18 -- it seems like a long shot.
A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith Injury Update
Philadelphia Eagles wide receivers A.J. Brown (knee, rest) and DeVonta Smith (wrist, rest) are dealing with knee and wrist injuries, respectively. Each was held out of both Wednesday and Thursday practice, and their statuses for Week 18 are in doubt.
#NYGvsPHI Thursday injury report... pic.twitter.com/pekImo5NBT
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) January 2, 2025
It's unclear what their statuses are for Week 18. We don't know if they'll be held out due to the meaningless nature of the game for their playoff seed, but it seems that if the team wants to roll them out, it would be only for a limited amount of drives, anyway.
Malik Nabers Injury Update
New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (toe) is dealing with a toe issue, and while he practiced in full on Wednesday, he was added to the injury report and practiced in a limited fashion on Thursday. The issue isn't reportedly serious, though. It seems unlikely as of now that he'll be held out of his team's final game of 2024.
Giants WR Malik Nabers (toe) was added to the injury report Thursday but is expected to play in Week 18. He’s four receptions shy of the rookie record held by Brock Bowers. pic.twitter.com/OOBUlVCv9L
— Triple Sports News (@TripleSportsNew) January 2, 2025
This is another issue of minimal concern. Nabers has played through a number of injuries this season, and just put up an absolutely monster game in Week 17, with 36.1 PPR fantasy points from seven receptions for 171 yards and two touchdowns on eight targets.
Ladd McConkey Injury Update
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (toe) ended up on his team's injury report after his monster game in Week 17, when he caught eight of his 10 targets for 94 yards and two touchdowns. He's dealt with a number of injury issues this season, but has still played in 15 games so far.
Ladd McConkey (toe) and Poona Ford (elbow) both back at practice today. Khalil Mack was also back after his regular rest day yesterday. Did not see Gus Edwards (ankle) or Joshua Palmer (heel).
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) January 2, 2025
McConkey's return to practice seems to signify he has a good chance of playing. There haven't been indications that his ailment is serious, either. Fantasy managers shouldn't be overly concerned with this one.
Tua Tagovailoa, Jaylen Waddle, Tyreek Hill Injury Updates
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (hip) practiced in a limited capacity on Thursday, just like he did on Wednesday. He didn't play at all in Week 17 due to the same issue, and backup QB Tyler Huntley started in his place.
Thursday injury report for Dolphins-Jets
Another limited practice for Tua Tagovailoa pic.twitter.com/OesizUYN6V
— Marcel Louis-Jacques (@Marcel_LJ) January 2, 2025
The Week 18 game isn't relevant for the Dolphins, who have been eliminated from playoff contention. Meanwhile, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (knee) logged a second straight limited practice and WR Tyreek Hill (wrist) was upgraded to a full participant.
Hill likely will play, and Waddle seems to be getting on the right track, but we're not sure about his status yet.
Aaron Jones Injury Update
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (quadriceps) had his reps capped in practice on both Wednesday and Thursday. He's a long-time veteran, so it's not surprising that he's seeing lower workloads in practice. He's been used heavily this season, and accumulated plenty of injuries along the way.
Thursday's #Vikings injury report pic.twitter.com/wGQ1MSXhqh
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) January 2, 2025
There probably isn't much to worry about here. His injury hasn't been reported as serious.
Drake London, Darnell Mooney Injury Update
The Atlanta Falcons have a pair of wide receivers, Drake London (knee) and Darnell Mooney (shoulder) that were placed on the team's injury report on Thursday. Both of them logged limited sessions, so they're worth monitoring as the week goes on.
Falcons' Drake London, Darnell Mooney added to injury report, both limited at practice https://t.co/R6TdywjvWz pic.twitter.com/83OZsehoz3
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) January 2, 2025
We don't know whether they'll play in Week 18 yet, but it's a must-win game for the team that's on the verge of missing the postseason, so we have to imagine they'll try their best to push through their ailments and suit up.
Anthony Richardson Injury Update
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (back) wasn't able to play in Week 17 due to a back issue. Additionally, he hasn't practiced yet this week, and it's looking like he won't be able to suit up for Week 18.
Thursday's practice report for #JAXvsIND: pic.twitter.com/3YT1LG0foR
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) January 2, 2025
When speaking to the media, Richardson stated that it was a chronic issue that he's had since he was younger, and it "flared up over the past two weeks", according to the linked article. Colts head coach Shane Steichen may be unwilling to send his starter out, as the team has been eliminated from playoff contention.
It looks like we'll see backup QB Joe Flacco in action again.
Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears Injury Updates
Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (ankle) didn't play at all in Week 17, but was able to log a limited practice on Thursday. He's been a regular staple of his team's injury report for weeks now, having dealt with a foot issue in addition to his ankle problem, but he played in all but one contest this season.
Titans injury report: Amani Hooker out, Tony Pollard limited https://t.co/bKBl91Dmax pic.twitter.com/DymIvpNSjV
— The Titans Wire (@TheTitansWire) January 1, 2025
He has some interesting incentives he wants to hit on his contract -- he needs two more rushing touchdowns for a nice cash bonus. And he'll be playing against the Houston Texans, who are likely to rest many of their starters to prepare them for the playoffs.
We believe he's likely to play -- it's his last game of the season, and he'll have the full offseason to recover. Meanwhile, fellow RB Tyjae Spears didn't practice on Thursday. He's dealing with a concussion, and it seems like he won't play in the team's finale, as he's still in the NFL's concussion protocol.
Chig Okonkwo Injury Update
Tennessee Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo (abdominal) popped up on the team's injury report on Thursday after being absent from it just a day earlier. He could have picked up the malady in the team's practice on Wednesday, or it could have been something he aggravated.
#Titans injury report Wednesday:
(Estimated report, as it was a walk-through practice) pic.twitter.com/FaR6vc3F9t— John Glennon (@glennonsports) January 1, 2025
It's good for his potential availability that he was able to practice at least. It will be worth monitoring Friday's practice report to see if Okonkwo will enter Sunday's game with an injury designation, but it seems like he'll play anyway.
Ameer Abdullah Injury Update
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (foot) didn't practice on Wednesday. He's been a big surprise for fantasy managers this season, especially through the playoffs -- he scored 19.6, 19.5, and 17.7 PPR fantasy points in Weeks 15, 16, and 17.
Injury Reports to watch today: #FantasyFootball
Chase Brown - two-straight DNPs, Khalil Hebert trending towards a start
Ameer Abdullah - DNP on Wednesday, left Sunday's game early as well
Christian Watson - Remained sidelined on WED, Romeo Doubs could be in store for another…
— Andy Smith (@A_Smith_FS) January 2, 2025
He wasn't able to finish the game in Week 17, either, so it's possible this injury could hold him out of Week 18. There are still two more practice reports upcoming for the team, though, so there's time for him to get healthier. And we won't know until later in the week if he'll play.
Patrick Mahomes II, Isiah Pacheco Injury Update
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes II (ankle) was limited at practice on Thursday, just as he was on Wednesday. But Chiefs head coach Andy Reid stated that he won't start in Week 18, anyway. He'll also have a bye week to rest up.
Meanwhile, running back Isiah Pacheco (ribs) didn't practice on Wednesday or Thursday due to a rib issue. However, the team is expected to rest its starters, so even if he gets healthy before the contest, he probably won't play anyway. Fantasy managers with him on their rosters will have to look elsewhere for production this weekend.
#Chiefs injury roundup: Chris Jones, Jawaan Taylor and Isiah Pacheco won't practice on Thursday.
— Jordan Foote (@footenoted) January 2, 2025
Cade Otton Injury Update
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton (knee) finally returned to practice on Thursday after not participating in any team activity in an official capacity since after his Week 15 game. This bodes well for his availability on Sunday.
Good news all around on Tampa Bay’s injury report — as reported, Antoine Winfield Jr., Cade Otton and Payne Durham all practiced. Jamel Dean remains a non-participant. pic.twitter.com/K2G3x0F5RQ
— River Wells (@riverhwells) January 2, 2025
It's a must-win matchup for the team, and it would be strange if the team chose this day to bring him back to practice if they didn't think he'd have a chance to suit up. So we imagine it's more likely than not that he plays, but future practice reports will obviously bring more clarity to the situation.
Christian Watson Injury Update
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) is dealing with a knee issue, and wasn't able to suit up for Week 17. The Packers currently hold the 7th seed in the NFC, and have the same 11-5 record as the Washington Commanders. So their game won't be pointless.
No changes to the Packers' injury report from yesterday. Still no Christian Watson, Evan Williams, or Quay Walker.
— Jason B. Hirschhorn (@by_JBH) January 2, 2025
Watson won't be able to give fantasy football managers more clarity until Friday. If he's not able to practice tomorrow, we should assume he probably won't play in Week 18. But even if he returns on a limited basis, there will be a solid chance. Though we expect his status to come down to the wire before the team's game on Sunday.
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