Week 17 was the final fantasy football week for many. However, some dedicated leagues also play in Week 18, despite many teams shutting down veterans due to injuries or rest for the NFL playoffs. This article will track the fantasy-relevant injuries that fantasy managers with a Week 18 championship need to be aware of.
Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills | Questionable
Josh Allen entered Week 17 with a foot injury, but was able to suit up for the Buffalo Bills anyway. Allen played every snap but was clearly hobbling around at various points throughout the game. The veteran quarterback also got an X-ray after the game, which came back negative.
The Bills don’t have much to play for in Week 18, so they very well could rest Allen and give the final game to backup quarterback Mitchell Trubisky. Allen could easily take a ceremonial first snap to extend his games started streak (121) and then be done for the day.
He was not spotted at practice on Thursday, but was upgraded to a limited participant on Friday.
Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson missed Week 17’s victory over the Green Bay Packers due to a back injury. When asked about the injury on Monday, head coach John Harbaugh told reporters that the team would have a better idea of Jackson’s status by Wednesday.
The Ravens have a “win-and-in” playoff scenario against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 18. If Jackson is unable to play, then Tyler Huntley would make his second consecutive start in a must-win game.
Jackson was a limited practice participant on Wednesday and on Thursday, which is a strong indicator that he will be on the field in Week 18. He was officially removed from the injury report on Thursday.
Justin Herbert, QB, Los Angeles Chargers | Out
Head coach Jim Harbaugh wasted no time telling reporters that Justin Herbert would be held out of the Los Angeles Chargers’ Week 18 matchup against the Denver Broncos. Los Angeles has locked themselves into a playoff spot but can’t finish higher than the 5-seed. He ends the season as the QB11 in fantasy points per game (17.9).
Trey Lance will make his first start in 2025 against a Broncos’ defense that will be gunning for the top overall seed (and a bye week) in the AFC.
Jordan Love, QB, Green Bay Packers
Jordan Love missed the Green Bay Packers’ Week 17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens due to a concussion. Thankfully for the Packers, a Detroit Lions loss assured Green Bay a playoff spot. They cannot be higher than the 7-seed.
The veteran quarterback still needs to clear the concussion protocol, but Green Bay could give Love even more time to heal so he can go into the playoffs fresh. However, the team has also lost three straight games and may be looking to get some positive momentum ahead of the playoffs. Love was listed as a limited participant on Wednesday, even though he has not cleared the concussion protocol. Love officially cleared the protocol on Thursday, but is not expected to start.
Jordan Love will practice Wednesday but remains in concussion protocol.
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) December 31, 2025
The Packers signed Desmond Ridder on Wednesday as well, which could be an indicator of the team’s plans at quarterback this week. Clayton Tune would likely be the team’s starter if they choose to rest Love and Malik Willis (shoulder) in a meaningless game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Baker Mayfield, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield was listed as a limited participant for a Tuesday walkthrough practice with knee and right shoulder injuries. These injuries are not expected to be severe or to hold him out, especially in a game where the winner secures a playoff spot.
Mayfield was removed from the team’s injury report on Dec. 31.
J.J. McCarthy, QB, Minnesota Vikings
Second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy missed Week 17’s win over the New York Giants due to a hand injury. On Monday, head coach Kevin O’Connell told reporters that the swelling had gone down on McCarthy’s hand, but would not commit to his playing status. There is a chance he could play after logging a limited practice on Wednesday.
McCarthy was upgraded to a full practice participant on Jan. 2 and will start the Vikings’ season finale against the Green Bay Packers in Week 18.
Geno Smith, QB, Las Vegas Raiders | Doubtful
A fourth-quarter ankle injury knocked Geno Smith out of the Las Vegas Raiders’ loss to the New York Giants. Initially, head coach Pete Carroll told reporters Smith had suffered a high-ankle sprain. On Monday, he walked that back, but still insisted that Smith was dealing with a significant ankle injury. On Wednesday, Carroll told reporters that Smith would not be in line to suit up this week.
Reports indicate that the Raiders could hold a mini quarterback competition between Kenny Pickett and Aidan O’Connell throughout the week to determine the Week 18 starter. Either way, it is hard to imagine that is a player you’ll want to rely on against the Kansas City Chiefs’ defense in Week 18.
Malik Willis, QB, Green Bay Packers | Questionable
Malik Willis was fantastic in his Week 17 start for the Green Bay Packers against the Baltimore Ravens. Unfortunately, he aggravated a shoulder injury toward the end of the game, which forced him to miss the final drives. It is worth noting that the game was out of hand when he was injured.
The Packers have already announced that veteran quarterback Clayton Tune will be the starting quarterback in Week 18.
Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers listed Christian McCaffrey as a non-participant in their Tuesday practice due to a back injury. McCaffrey is not expected to miss Week 18 with playoff seeding on the line for the 49ers. Brian Robinson Jr. would be in line for a significant workload increase if McCaffrey’s injury worsens.
General manager John Lynch told reporters on Dec. 31 that McCaffrey was trending toward playing on Saturday against the Seattle Seahawks. McCaffrey does not appear on the team’s final injury report.
De’Von Achane, RB, Miami Dolphins | Questionable
De’Von Achane did not practice at all ahead of Week 18 for the Miami Dolphins. Head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters that he considered Achane an actual game-time decision.
If Achane doesn’t suit up in Week 18, expect Jaylen Wright and Ollie Gordon II to handle the bulk of the backfield work.
Josh Jacobs, RB, Green Bay Packers | Questionable
Josh Jacobs was a limited practice participant for the Green Bay Packers on Jan. 1 due to a knee and ankle injury. The Packers are locked into the seven seed in the NFC, so they may choose to keep Jacobs sidelined to get healthy.
Emanuel Wilson would be the starter if Jacobs is ruled out.
Kyren Williams, RB, Los Angeles Rams | Questionable
Los Angeles Rams’ running back Kyren Williams was listed as a limited practice participant on Thursday due to an ankle injury. Williams was dinged up in Monday’s loss to the Atlanta Falcons, but was able to return to finish the game.
The Rams cannot finish higher than the five seed or lower than the six seed for the NFC playoffs. Head coach Sean McVay told reporters on Friday that Williams is likely to play against the Cardinals in Week 18, although he may not play the same number of snaps.
Chase Brown, RB, Cincinnati Bengals | Questionable
Cincinnati Bengals’ running back Chase Brown was listed as a non-participant during practice on Jan. 1 due to illness. He was able to return to practice on Jan. 2.
Brown should be able to suit up on Sunday without restriction.
Breece Hall, RB, New York Jets | Questionable
Breece Hall suffered a knee injury in the fourth quarter of the New York Jets’ loss to the New England Patriots. After the game, Hall told reporters that he was held out of the end of the game as a precaution for landing on his knee hard during the game and that he didn’t anticipate needing additional scans or medical attention.
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Hall should be good to go for Week 18, but the Jets have nothing to play for, so time will tell. Hall did not practice on Wednesday, but did return to the field on Thursday.
Backup Isaiah Davis also missed time in Week 17 with a concussion, so the Jets’ backfield could consist of Kene Nwangwu and Khalil Herbert against the Buffalo Bills in Week 18.
Omarion Hampton, RB, Los Angeles Chargers | Questionable
Omarion Hampton was listed as a non-participant in the Los Angeles Chargers’ practice on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 due to an ankle injury. Hampton missed most of his rookie season due to an ankle injury, but there was no indication that he re-injured it during Week 17’s loss to the Houston Texans.
Keep an eye on Hampton’s practice status throughout the week. He could be a player who is held out in Week 18 so that he could enter the playoffs closer to 100 percent.
Javonte Williams, RB, Dallas Cowboys | Questionable
Javonte Williams missed most of the Dallas Cowboys’ Week 17 matchup against the Washington Commanders due to a shoulder injury. He has been a non-participant in both of the Cowboys’ practices heading into Week 18.
Malik Davis has also posted back-to-back DNP’s for Dallas this week, which would leave Hunter Luepke and rookie Jaydon Blue as the team’s lone healthy ball carriers heading into Week 18.
Aaron Jones Sr., RB, Minnesota Vikings | Out
Aaron Jones Sr. was listed as a non-participant in the Minnesota Vikings’ practice on Wednesday. Jones has been battling injuries in recent weeks, so it’s not surprising that he got a day off on Wednesday. He also missed Thursday’s practice, which raises concerns about his availability this weekend. Jones was officially ruled out on Friday.
Jordan Mason was able to log a limited practice on Wednesday as well, a signal that he could be working his way back to the field after missing Week 17. He could form a backfield duo with Ty Chandler in Week 18.
Alvin Kamara, RB, New Orleans Saints | Out
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara has not played since Week 12 due to knee and ankle injuries. Kamara has also failed to practice during that time, despite not being placed on injured reserve by the team. He continued the trend by not participating in practice on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 before ultimately being ruled out for Week 18.
The Saints have nothing to play for except pride and draft position in Week 18’s matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. Expect the backfield to be once again led by Audric Estime with contributions by Evan Hull and Taysom Hill.
Jordan Mason, RB, Minnesota Vikings
Jordan Mason was not available to the Minnesota Vikings in their win against the Detroit Lions in Week 17 due to an ankle injury. Head coach Kevin O’Connell told reporters that Mason was one of several players who would be evaluated throughout the week to have an opportunity to play in the team’s final game. He was listed as a limited participant on Wednesday and was removed from the injury report on Thursday.
Mason could have a sizable role in Week 17 with Aaron Jones missing practices throughout the week, although he would likely end up in a split with veteran Ty Chandler.
Kimani Vidal, RB, Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers did not have veteran running back Kimani Vidal in Week 17’s loss to the Houston Texans due to a neck injury. He was called “day-to-day” by head coach Jim Harbaugh coming into the week.
The Chargers have already said they will rest their players who “have the most bruises” heading into Week 18. Vidal could very well fall under that umbrella as the team works to get to full strength for the playoffs. The veteran running back logged a limited practice on Wednesday before being removed from the injury report on Thursday.
Vidal could lead the backfield in Week 18, especially if the team decides to rest rookie Omarion Hampton heading into the playoffs.
Kareem Hunt, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt was listed as a non-participant in the team’s Thursday practice due to illness. Hunt has plenty of time to recover before Sunday, but Isiah Pacheco and rookie Brashard Smith would have larger roles if he misses.
Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville Jaguars’ rookie running back Bhayshul Tuten was able to return to practice on a limited basis after missing the team’s Week 16 game following finger surgery. Tuten was ultimately ruled out in Week 17. He does not appear on the Jaguars’ initial injury report for Week 18.
Blake Corum, RB, Los Angeles Rams | Questionable
Kyren Williams and Blake Corum have split the Los Angeles Rams’ backfield throughout the 2025 season. That plan was disrupted in Week 17 when Corum went down with an ankle injury in the second quarter of the Rams’ loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Corum did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday. He is expected to return to practice on Friday.
The Rams will either be the fifth or the sixth seed in the NFC for the playoffs, so there isn’t much incentive for the team to play Corum (or other valuable starters) in Week 18. That means we should see more Ronnie Rivers and possibly rookie Jarquez Hunter against the Arizona Cardinals.
Malik Davis, RB, Dallas Cowboys | Questionable
Malik Davis had a strong game for the Dallas Cowboys in relief of Javonte Williams (shoulder) in Week 18. Unfortunately, Davis did not emerge from the game unscathed. The Cowboys’ backup running back has missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday due to eye and calf injuries.
If Davis can’t play Week 18, expect Hunter Luepke and Jaydon Blue to man the backfield in the team’s season finale.
Isaiah Davis, RB, New York Jets | Out
Isaiah Davis has functioned as the complement to Breece Hall in the New York Jets backfield for most of 2025. Unfortunately, the second-year running back suffered a concussion in Week 17 against the New England Patriots. He did not practice on Wednesday and was ruled out on Friday.
Breece Hall was also banged up in the game, but told reporters afterward that he was fine. The Jets could roll into Week 18 with Hall, Kene Ngwanu, and Khalil Herbert against the Buffalo Bills if Davis is unable to clear through the concussion protocol.
Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, Detroit Lions | Questionable
Amon-Ra St. Brown suffered an apparent knee injury in the closing seconds of the Detroit Lions’ loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 17. Head coach Dan Campbell told reporters on Monday that St. Brown was pushing to play against the Chicago Bears in Week 18 despite the injury (and the lack of stakes for the Lions).
He did not participate in practice on Wednesday but was upgraded to a limited participant on Thursday. On Friday, Campbell told reporters that his veteran receiver was “trending the right way” to playing on Sunday.
Drake London, WR, Atlanta Falcons | Questionable
Atlanta Falcons’ wide receiver Drake London was listed as a limited participant for the team’s practice on Dec. 31. London returned from a knee injury two weeks ago, but did not seem to suffer a setback in Week 17.
Head coach Raheem Morris told reporters that the team is optimistic that London will play against the New Orleans Saints in Week 18.
Jaylen Waddle, WR, Miami Dolphins | Questionable
Jaylen Waddle was listed as a non-participant for the Miami Dolphins’ practice on Dec. 31 due to an injury to his ribs. Waddle suffered the injury early in Week 17, but was able to return to the field on a limited basis in the second half. He was upgraded to a limited participant on Jan. 1.
The Dolphins may decide to just shut Waddle down with nothing to play for in Week 18. Malik Washington, Greg Dulcich, and Theo Wease Jr. would be the biggest beneficiaries in the passing attack if Waddle is held out.
Chris Olave, WR, New Orleans Saints | Out
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave was ruled out for Week 18 due to a blood clot that was discovered in his lung on Thursday. The Saints’ passing attack will lean heavily on Juwan Johnson at tight end and hopefully get contributions from Dante Pettis and Kevin Austin Jr at wide receiver.
Davante Adams, WR, Los Angeles Rams | Questionable
Davante Adams did not practice at all for the Los Angeles Rams ahead of Week 17’s matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. However, he was seen testing out his injured hamstring before the game.
The Rams have no reason to play Adams in Week 18 with a playoff spot locked up. Sean McVay also told reporters on Dec. 31 that the Rams had no reason to play Adams against the Cardinals in Week 18.
That will mean continued roles for Konata Mumpfield, Xavier Smith, and Jordan Whittington against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 18.
Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Arizona Cardinals | Out
Marvin Harrison Jr. has been playing through a heel injury the last two weeks. Unfortunately, the Arizona Cardinals’ second-year receiver suffered an injury to his other foot in the team’s Week 17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Head coach Jonathan Gannon told reporters that if Harrison was healthy enough to play, then he would be on the field in Week 18. On Wednesday, he told reporters that Harrison would not play in the final week of the season.
Expect Michael Wilson to operate as the secondary option in the passing attack, alongside Trey McBride, with Xavier Weaver and Elijah Higgins having deep league upside.
Rome Odunze, WR, Chicago Bears | Questionable
Chicago Bears’ wide receiver Rome Odunze has missed three straight games with a stress fracture in his foot. Odunze was seemingly ready to return in Week 16, but aggravated the injury in pregame warmups.
The Bears are locked into the two- or three-seed in the NFC playoffs, depending on the result of their Week 18 matchup against the Detroit Lions. Head coach Ben Johnson has suggested that the Bears would play their starters in the matchup. However, Oduzne was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday and Thursday, making him a long shot to play Week 18. He is listed as questionable heading into Week 18.
Chicago’s passing attack has featured DJ Moore, Luther Burden III, and Colston Loveland in Odunze’s absence.
Ricky Pearsall, WR, San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers’ wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was listed as a limited participant for the 49ers’ Tuesday practice. Pearsall has struggled with knee injuries throughout the season, but was able to log an 80.6% snap share against the Bears in Week 17 without suffering a setback.
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The 49ers can clinch the 1-seed in the NFC with a win against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 18. Expect all hands to be on deck in that game. Pearsall does not appear on the team’s final injury report.
Xavier Worthy, WR, Kansas City Chiefs | Questionable
Xavier Worthy was listed as a non-participant in the Kansas City Chiefs’ Thursday practice due to illness. When head coach Andy Reid was asked about Worthy’s availability on Sunday, he told reporters, “We’ll see.”
He should be good to go for Sunday, but if he isn’t, then expect Hollywood Brown, Juju Smith-Schuster, and Jalen Royals to play bigger roles at receiver.
Wan’Dale Robinson, WR, New York Giants | Questionable
Fantasy managers have benefited from Wan’Dale Robinson’s role as a high-volume pass catcher for the New York Giants in 2025. Unfortunately, Robinson was not spotted at practice on Thursday due to a rib injury.
If Robinson is forced to miss time, then Darius Slayton, Isaiah Hodgins, and Gunner Olszewski will have bigger roles in the regular season finale.
Luther Burden III, WR, Chicago Bears
Luther Burden III had a breakout performance for the Chicago Bears against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 17. Unfortunately, the rookie receiver suffered a quad injury on the final play of the game that required him to be helped off the field.
Burden was available to reporters after the game, which is a good sign. Head coach Ben Johnson also mentioned in his Monday press conference that Burden had seemingly avoided a significant quad injury and should be fine.
The Bears could choose to rest players with injuries in a mostly meaningless Week 18 game (they will either be the 2-seed or 3-seed), which would put Burden’s status in question. Burden was able to log a limited practice on Wednesday, a signal that he could be healthy enough to play Week 18. Burden was officially removed from the injury report on Thursday.
Rashid Shaheed, WR, Seattle Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed suffered a concussion in Week 17 and will need to clear the concussion protocol to have a chance to play against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 18. The game is on Saturday, which complicates Shaheed’s return.
Shaheed was listed as a limited participant for Tuesday’s walk-through practice, which is a positive first step toward clearing the protocol. He will need to continue to progress to be on the field. Shaheed does not appear on the team’s injury report heading into Week 18.
Pat Bryant, WR, Denver Broncos | Questionable
Pat Byrant took a massive hit at the end of the Denver Broncos’ Week 16 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars that required the rookie to be carted off the field and taken to the hospital. Testing showed that Bryant avoided a significant injury, but he was diagnosed with a concussion.
The Broncos need a win to lock down the 1-seed in the AFC, but it remains to be seen if the team will give Bryant another week to recover from his severe hit. He was the team’s primary slot receiver when he was injured.
The rookie did log a limited practice on Wednesday, giving him a chance to suit up in Week 18.
George Kittle, TE, San Francisco 49ers | Questionable
San Francisco 49ers’ tight end George Kittle was unable to play against the Chicago Bears in Week 17 due to an ankle injury he suffered against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 16. Kittle was a game-time decision, but unfortunately, the tight end’s ankle was too swollen to go.
The extra time off should have Kittle in a position to play against the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday with a chance to earn the top seed in the NFC. Jake Tonges would be a priority waiver add for fantasy managers if Kittle is unable to play.
Kyle Pitts, TE, Atlanta Falcons | Questionable
Kyle Pitts has been navigating a knee injury in recent weeks. On Wednesday, he was listed as a limited participant in practice due to that issue. There is no reason to believe that Pitts will not be available in Week 18 at this time.
Dallas Goedert, TE, Philadelphia Eagles | Questionable
Dallas Goedert did not practice for the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday due to a knee injury. The Eagles are expected to shut down most of their starters in Week 18 to prepare for the playoffs, which means fantasy managers may need to pivot off Goedert in the final week of the season.
Grant Calcaterra would be next in line to replace Goedert.
Dalton Kincaid, TE, Buffalo Bills | Questionable
Dalton Kincaid has battled his way through a lingering knee issue for most of 2025. The Buffalo Bills’ tight end missed Week 17’s matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles due to the problem and has played a limited role even when healthy.
The Bills don’t have much to play for in Week 18, so it would make sense for the team to keep him on the sideline to try to maximize his effectiveness in the team’s quest for a Super Bowl. That would lead to expanded roles for Dawson Knox and rookie Jackson Hawes in the final regular season.
Kincaid was listed as a limited participant on Wednesday and Thursday.
T.J. Hockenson, TE, Minnesota Vikings | Questionable
Minnesota Vikings veteran tight end T.J. Hockenson missed Week 17 due to a shoulder injury. Head coach Kevin O’Connell listed Hockenson as one of the injured Vikings players who would be evaluated throughout the week, with a chance to play in Week 18 depending on his health. The veteran tight end did not practice on Dec. 31.
If Hockenson can’t play, then fantasy managers would be better served rolling the dice on an increased role for Jalen Nailor than trying to pick up another tight end option from the team.
Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Cleveland Browns | Out
Harold Fannin Jr. suffered a groin injury late in practice last week, but was able to suit up for the Cleveland Browns’ matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17. Unfortunately, Fannin aggravated the injury on a touchdown reception in the first half and was ruled out.
The Browns have nothing to play for in Week 18, so don’t be surprised if they opt to shut down Fannin to try and secure a better draft position. He did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday and was officially ruled out on Friday.
Jake Ferguson, TE, Dallas Cowboys | Questionable
Jake Ferguson aggravated a calf injury in the Dallas Cowboys’ win over the Washington Commanders on Christmas Day. The injury limited him to just 27 snaps in the victory.
Ferguson has a chance to tie (or surpass) the Cowboys’ single-season touchdown mark for tight ends in Week 18. However, calf injuries are notoriously prone to aggravation. Even if he plays, there will be an elevated risk of re-injury.
He did not practice on Wednesday, but was upgraded to a limited participant on Thursday.
David Njoku, TE, Cleveland Browns | Out
Cleveland Browns’ tight end David Njoku has missed three games since suffering a knee injury. Njoku has not logged a single practice since going down with the injury. He logged a DNP on Wednesday and Thursday as well. Njoku was ruled out on Friday.
Harold Fannin Jr. is also banged up coming into this week, which means fantasy managers may want to explore options outside of the Browns’ tight end room for their Week 18 game.