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Formats that are still playing in Week 18 naturally encounter all of the last-week wildness: playoff teams resting starters, eliminated teams playing it safe, and injuries weighing on those who have major stakes in the finale.
Only a handful of games are meaningful for the playoff picture, but managers weighing their Week 18 options will have to contend with injuries to regular fantasy factors like George Kittle, A.J. Brown, Jalen Hurts, and Alvin Kamara, among others.
The free RotoBaller fantasy football mobile app has you covered, as does favoriting the fantasy football player news page. This is the latest as of Saturday, January 4.
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Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, and DeVonta Smith Injury Updates
The Philadelphia Eagles ruled out quarterback Jalen Hurts (concussion, finger) for Week 18 against the New York Giants while listing receivers A.J. Brown (knee, rest) and DeVonta Smith (wrist, rest) as doubtful on their final injury report.
Already locked in as the No. 2 seed, Philadelphia isn't taking any chances. Kenny Pickett (ribs) is questionable, with Tanner McKee up next as quarterback. Jahan Dotson and Parris Campbell are the lone healthy receivers on the roster, with more than five catches this year.
Friday's Injury Report#NYGvsPHI pic.twitter.com/4lEnVc8GUy
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) January 3, 2025
George Kittle, Brock Purdy, and Deebo Samuel Sr. Injury Updates
The San Francisco 49ers already have ruled out quarterback Brock Purdy (elbow) and wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (ribs, wrist) for the Week 18 game against Arizona, but tight end George Kittle (ankle, hamstring) has a questionable tag.
The 49ers don't have anything at stake and exercised caution with some of their roster. Joshua Dobbs will start at quarterback, and Jauan Jennings will be the team's top receiver, while backup Eric Saubert is sitting behind Kittle if he is the latter is ruled out.
49ers status for finale at Cardinals
OUT
QB Brock Purdy
WR Deebo Samuel
CB Deommodore Lenoir
OL Spencer Burford
DE BealDOUBTFUL
LB Flannigan-FowlesQUESTIONABLE
TE Kittle
OT McKivitz
S Brown
CB Yiadom pic.twitter.com/AxGz5k2qiP— Cam Inman (@CamInman) January 3, 2025
Alvin Kamara and Derek Carr Injury Updates
The New Orleans Saints listed Alvin Kamara (groin) as doubtful and ruled out quarterback Derek Carr (hand) for their finale against Tampa Bay.
The Saints tried an injection to Carr's non-throwing hand so he could return for Week 18 but didn't see the results they had hoped. Running back Kendre Miller (concussion) is also out, leaving Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Spencer Rattler as the projected starters at running back and quarterback, respectively.
Darren Rizzi said they tried to inject Derek Carr’s hand but that didn’t work
— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) January 3, 2025
Cade Otton Injury Update
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' final injury report of the week listed tight end Cade Otton (knee) as doubtful to play in the regular-season finale against the Carolina Panthers.
Though Otton is on track to miss a third straight game, backup tight end Payne Durham (quad) is cleared to play. Durham has seven catches and a touchdown while filling in for Otton.
HC Todd Bowles ruled CB Jamel Dean and S Antoine Winfield Jr. out earlier today. TE Cade Otton is also listed as doubtful to play on Sunday. https://t.co/MTiBbRzGpS
— Scott Smith (@ScottSBucs) January 3, 2025
Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears Injury Updates
Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (ankle) is a game-time decision after earning a questionable tag for Week 18 against Houston, while fellow running back Tyjae Spears (concussion) has been ruled out.
Managers will likely have to wait until Sunday to make a determination on Pollard. Julius Chestnut is likely the next man up if the veteran can't play.
Final #Titans injury report and game status for Sunday vs the Texans. Tony Pollard (ankle) and Chig Okonkwo (abdomen) missed practice today and are listed as QUESTIONABLE. pic.twitter.com/qI8wpXChDp
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) January 3, 2025
David Montgomery Injury Update
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (knee) was ruled out in the team's final injury report prior to playing the Minnesota Vikings in Week 18.
Montgomery avoided surgery and could return in the playoffs, but this week was a long shot. Craig Reynolds (back) is questionable to play behind starter Jahmyr Gibbs.
CB Emmanuel Moseley (illness) and RB David Montgomery (knee) have been ruled out.
WR Kalif Raymond (foot) and RB Craig Reynolds (back) is questionable. https://t.co/dziWeAxid6
— Nolan Bianchi (@nolanbianchi) January 3, 2025
Chris Olave Injury Update
New Orleans Saints receiver Chris Olave (head) is questionable on the team's final Week 18 injury report against Tampa Bay.
The Ohio State product has not played since Week 9 but logged full practices ahead of Sunday's game. The Saints will start Spencer Rattler at quarterback with Derek Carr (hand) unavailable.
I'd be pretty surprised if Chris Olave plays
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) January 3, 2025
Jaylen Waddle and Tua Tagovailoa Injury Updates
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (hip) is doubtful for the regular-season finale against the New York Jets, while Jaylen Waddle (knee) is questionable after practicing in full Friday.
Tagovailoa told reporters he could play next week, but the Dolphins have to get there first. Backup Tyler Huntley is on track to start again, with rookie Malik Washington set to fill in for Waddle if needed.
Tua on whether he could play in a Dolphins playoff game next week:
“I’ll be available next week — no ifs, ands or buts”
— Marcel Louis-Jacques (@Marcel_LJ) January 3, 2025
Darnell Mooney Injury Update
The Atlanta Falcons gave a questionable tag to wide receiver Darnell Mooney (shoulder) for their regular-season finale against Carolina.
Mooney appeared on the injury report Thursday and did not practice Friday, which are typically not encouraging signs. Ray-Ray McCloud III is likely to take Mooney's spot if the latter can't play, with Drake London serving as the team's clear No. 1 receiver.
Raheem Morris says Falcons WR Darnell Mooney is questionable for Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers.
Mooney has 992 yards this season - 8 shy of reaching 1,000 yards for the second time in his career.
— Will McFadden (@willmcfadden) January 3, 2025
Aaron Jones Injury Update
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (quad) is off the team's final injury report for Sunday's showdown at Detroit.
Fellow running back Cam Akers finished the game for Minnesota last week against Green Bay, but Jones will start the battle to determine the NFC's No. 1 seed.
#Vikings RB Aaron Jones (quad) is off the injury report and will play against the #Lions.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 3, 2025
Drake Maye Injury Update
The New England Patriots listed Drake Maye (hand) as questionable to play the Buffalo Bills on their final Week 18 injury report.
The rookie from North Carolina has had an encouraging first season and seems likely to play, but anyone aiming to play Maye in a Week 18 format should look out for the Pats' inactive list on Sunday, just in case.
The #Patriots list QB Drake Maye (hand) as questionable.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 3, 2025
Anthony Richardson Injury Update
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Joe Flacco will get another shot under center, with starter Anthony Richardson (back) ruled out by the team to play Sunday against Jacksonville.
The Colts aimed to take a long look at Richardson at the end of the season, but the second-year quarterback attempted only 11 passes in Week 16 and now will miss a second straight. Fortunately, the team doesn't think surgery will be necessary.
Steichen does not believe AR will need surgery to deal with back/disc.
— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) January 3, 2025
David Njoku Injury Update
The Cleveland Browns placed tight end David Njoku (knee) on injured reserve Friday.
Jordan Akins figures to be the replacement when Cleveland finishes the season at Baltimore, but anybody on the Browns' offense is a risk, as Bailey Zappe is on track to be the fourth quarterback to start for Cleveland this season.
#Browns have placed David Njoku, Pierre Strong Jr. and Jerome Ford on IR for the finale vs #Ravens.
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) January 3, 2025
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