The Fantasy playoffs are hitting their final two weeks in many leagues, but COVID-19 continues to serve as a major disruptor across the NFL heading into Sunday. The Week 16 injury report is once again replete with key absences due to both conventional injuries and health and safety protocols, with a couple of big-name players being added to the latter as late as Saturday.
Just as with Week 15, there are plenty of moving parts heading into Sunday morning, so let's jump right into the latest:
More from Week 16: Start 'Em & Sit 'Em | Starts, Sits, Sleepers and Busts | RB Preview | QB Preview | WR Preview | TE Preview | Trade Values | Cut List |
Week 16 Injuries
Week 16 Preview
Injury Report Update
Quarterbacks
Lamar Jackson
Baltimore Ravens QB
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| Jackson (ankle) is out for Sunday's game against the Bengals after failing to practice all week. With Tyler Huntley in COVID-19 protocols, Josh Johnson will start for Baltimore in the critical divisional clash versus Cincinnati. |
Tyler Huntley
Baltimore Ravens QB
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| Huntley is in COVID-19 protocols and will miss Sunday's game against the Bengals. With Lamar Jackson (ankle) also out, Josh Johnson will step in to helm the offense for Baltimore versus Cincinnati. |
Teddy Bridgewater
Denver Broncos QB
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| Bridgewater (concussion) is out for Sunday's game against the Raiders after failing to practice all week. Drew Lock, who stepped in for Bridgewater after his injury in Week 15 against the Bengals, will start for Denver versus Las Vegas. |
Jared Goff
Detroit Lions QB
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| Goff is in COVID-19 protocols and is out for Sunday's game against the Falcons. In his absence, Tim Boyle, who completed 15 of 23 passes for 77 yards with two interceptions in a Week 11 start against Cleveland, is slated to helm the offense versus Atlanta. |
Justin Fields
Chicago Bears QB
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| Fields (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Seahawks after missing the last two practices of the week. Even if Fields suits up Sunday, he'll cede the start to veteran Nick Foles with Andy Dalton (hand) already ruled out. |
Andy Dalton
Chicago Bears QB
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| Dalton (hand) is out for Sunday's game against the Seahawks after going from a full Thursday practice to a missed session Friday. If Justin Fields (ankle) is unable to serve as a backup to Week 16 starter Nick Foles, then undrafted rookie Ryan Willis would fill that role. |
Sam Darnold
Carolina Panthers QB
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| Darnold (shoulder) was activated from injured reserve Saturday and is slated to serve as Cam Newton's backup in Sunday's game against the Buccaneers. Saturday reports also indicate Darnold is expected to log some snaps again before the season is over, with the possibility that process begins versus Tampa Bay. |
Running Backs
Dalvin Cook
Minnesota Vikings RB
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| Cook remains in COVID-19 protocols and will not play Sunday against the Rams. Alexander Mattison, who's already excelled in three prior starts for Cook this season, will step in to handle lead-back duties. |
D'Andre Swift
Detroit Lions RB
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| Swift (shoulder) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Falcons after practicing in limited fashion all week. If Swift sits out, Jamaal Williams and Craig Reynolds could serve as the top two backs versus Atlanta. |
Austin Ekeler
Los Angeles Chargers RB
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| Ekeler remains in COVID-19 protocols and will not play Sunday against the Texans. Justin Jackson will handle lead-back duties in his stead. |
Leonard Fournette
Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB
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| Fournette (hamstring) was placed on injured reserve Thursday, ending his regular season. Ronald Jones is expected to serve as Tampa Bay's lead back for the last three games of the season. |
Antonio Gibson
Washington Football Team RB
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| Gibson (toe) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Cowboys after missing practice all week. If Gibson can't suit up versus Dallas, Jaret Patterson and Jonathan Williams would be in line to handle backfield duties. |
J.D. McKissic
Washington Football Team RB
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| McKissic (concussion) was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, ending his regular season. |
Damien Harris
New England Patriots RB
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| Harris (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Bills after practicing in limited fashion all week. If Harris can suit up, he'll likely be in for even more work than usual with Rhamondre Stevenson in COVID-19 protocols. |
Rhamondre Stevenson
New England Patriots RB
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| Harris (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Bills after practicing in limited fashion all week. If Harris can suit up, he'll likely be in for even more work than usual with Rhamondre Stevenson in COVID-19 protocols. |
Brandon Bolden
New England Patriots RB
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| Bolden (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Bills after practicing in limited fashion all week. If Bolden can't suit up, J.J. Taylor could see a significantly expanded role considering Rhamondre Stevenson (COVID-19 protocols) is out. |
David Johnson
Houston Texans RB
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| Johnson (quadriceps) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Chargers after missing practice all week. If he's unable to go, Rex Burkhead should see a bigger workload as Houston's clear lead back, with Royce Freeman serving as his primary backup. |
Wide Receivers
Mike Evans
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR
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| Evans (hamstring) is out for Sunday's game against the Panthers after missing practice all week. Antonio Brown will serve as No. 1 receiver for Tom Brady versus Carolina. |
Chris Godwin
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR
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| Godwin (knee) was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, ending his season. Antonio Brown will move into a starter's role as a result, and Sunday against the Panthers, he'll serve as the No. 1 receiver with Mike Evans (hamstring) also sidelined. |
Adam Thielen
Minnesota Vikings WR
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| Thielen (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Rams after practicing in limited fashion all week. As per early Sunday reports, Thielen will suit up and play for the first time since exiting the Week 13 loss to the Lions after just six snaps with the injury. |
Mike Williams
Los Angeles Chargers WR
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| Williams entered COVID-19 protocols Saturday and will not play Sunday against the Texans. With Jalen Guyton also sidelined for the same reason, Joshua Palmer is slated to serve as the No. 2 receiver behind Keenan Allen. |
Cole Beasley
Buffalo Bills WR
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| Beasley remains in COVID-19 protocols and will not play in Sunday's game against the Patriots. Isaiah McKenzie should bump up to the No. 3 receiver role with Gabriel Davis also in protocols. |
Gabriel Davis
Buffalo Bills WR
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| Davis remains in COVID-19 protocols and will not play in Sunday's game against the Patriots. Isaiah McKenzie should bump up to the No. 3 receiver role with Cole Beasley also in protocols. |
D.J. Moore
Carolina Panthers WR
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| Moore (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers after only managing a limited Friday practice this week. If Moore is unable to suit up, Robby Anderson and Brandon Zylstra would each bump up a notch on the depth chart. |
Allen Robinson
Chicago Bears WR
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| Robinson remains in COVID-19 protocols and will not play Sunday against the Seahawks. If Marquise Goodwin (foot) also sits out, Damiere Byrd would bump up to the No. 2 receiver role behind Darnell Mooney. |
Sterling Shepard
New York Giants WR
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| Shepard (Achilles) was placed on injured reserve Monday, ending his season. Kadarius Toney (oblique) and Darius Slayton are in line for bigger roles for what remains of the season as a result. |
Kadarius Toney
New York Giants WR
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| Toney (oblique) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Eagles but is expected to play after turning in a limited practice Friday. If Toney is able to suit up for the first time since Week 11, he would likely slot right into a No. 2 role behind Kenny Golladay with Sterling Shepard (Achilles) out for the season. |
Breshad Perriman
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR
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| Perriman remains in COVID-19 protocols and will not play in Sunday's game against the Panthers. With Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (IR-knee) also out, Tyler Johnson and Scotty Miller could share No. 2 wideout duties behind Antonio Brown. |
Curtis Samuel
Washington Football Team WR
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| Samuel (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Cowboys after practicing in limited fashion all week. If he's unable to suit up, Cam Sims could see expanded opportunity. |
Nelson Agholor
New England Patriots WR
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| Agholor (concussion) is out for Sunday's game against the Bills after missing practice all week. In his absence, Kendrick Bourne, who was just activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday, will serve as the No. 2 receiver for New England. |
N'Keal Harry
New England Patriots WR
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| Harry (hip) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Bills after three limited practices this week. If he's unable to go, Gunner Olszewski may see more action as a possible No. 3 receiver. |
Jamison Crowder
New York Jets WR
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| Crowder (calf) is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Jaguars after missing practice all week. In his likely absence, Keelan Cole and Denzel Mims will likely slot in as New York's top two receivers versus Jacksonville. |
Tre'Quan Smith
New Orleans Saints WR
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| Smith (shoulder) is questionable for Monday night's game against the Dolphins after practicing in limited fashion all week. If Smith can't suit up, Marquez Callaway will bump up to the role of No. 1 receiver versus Miami. |
Josh Reynolds
Detroit Lions WR
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| Reynolds (thigh) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Falcons after practicing in limited fashion all week. If he's unable to suit up, Kalif Raymond would bump up to the No. 2 receiver role versus Atlanta if he's able to play through his own shoulder issue. |
Marquise Goodwin
Chicago Bears WR
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| Goodwin (foot) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Seahawks but finished the week with two full practices. If both he and Allen Robinson (COVID-19 protocols) were to miss the contest, Damiere Byrd would elevate to the No. 2 receiver role versus Seattle. |
Tajae Sharpe
Atlanta Falcons WR
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| Sharpe (foot) is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Lions after missing practice all week. In his likely absence, Olamide Zaccheaus and Christian Blake could see bigger roles behind top target Russell Gage. |
Kalif Raymond
Detroit Lions WR
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| Raymond (shoulder) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Falcons after practicing in limited fashion all week. If Raymond is unable to suit up, Tom Kennedy could move into the No. 3 receiver role versus Atlanta. |
Devin Duvernay
Baltimore Ravens WR
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| Duvernay (ankle) is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Bengals after missing practice all week. In his likely absence, James Proche should bump up to the role of No. 4 receiver versus Cincinnati. |
Laviska Shenault Jr.
Jacksonville Jaguars WR
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| Shenault remains in COVID-19 protocols and is out for Sunday's game against the Jets. |
John Ross
New York Giants WR
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| Ross remains in COVID-19 protocols and is out for Sunday's game against the Eagles. |
Jakeem Grant
Chicago Bears WR
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| Grant (concussion) is out for Sunday's game against the Seahawks. |
Tight Ends
Travis Kelce
Kansas City Chiefs TE
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| Kelce remains in COVID-19 protocols going into Sunday morning and will not play against the Steelers. Journeyman Blake Bell would likely take on starting tight end duties versus Pittsburgh. |
Darren Waller
Las Vegas Raiders TE
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| Waller (knee) is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Broncos after failing to practice all week. In his likely absence, Hunter Renfrow and the rest of Las Vegas' pass-catching corps should see extra targets to varying degree, while Foster Moreau will once again step in as the top tight end for Derek Carr. |
Pat Freiermuth
Pittsburgh Steelers TE
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| Freiermuth (concussion) is out for Sunday's game against the Chiefs after failing to practice all week. Zach Gentry is expected to serve as the starting tight end versus Kansas City. |
Donald Parham
Los Angeles Chargers TE
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| Parham (concussion) was placed on injured reserve Saturday, ending his season. Stephen Anderson should serve as the top backup to Jared Cook for Los Angeles' remaining games. |
Adam Trautman
New Orleans Saints TE
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| Trautman remains in COVID-19 protocols going into Sunday ahead of Monday night's game against the Dolphins. The second-year tight end will have until Sunday afternoon to gain clearance. If neither he nor fellow COVID-19 designee Juwan Johnson are able to suit up, Nick Vannett should handle starting tight end duties for New Orleans. |
Juwan Johnson
New Orleans Saints TE
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| Johnson remains in COVID-19 protocols going into Sunday ahead of Monday night's game against the Dolphins. The second-year tight end will have until Sunday afternoon to gain clearance. If neither he nor fellow COVID-19 designee Adam Trautman are able to suit up, Nick Vannett should handle starting tight end duties for New Orleans. |
Will Dissly
Seattle Seahawks TE
|
| Dissly remains in COVID-19 protocols and will not play Sunday against the Bears. Gerald Everett should see a bump in targets as the top tight end. |
Key defensive players
Cornerbacks
- The Seahawks' D.J. Reed remains in COVID-19 protocols and will not play in Sunday's game against the Bears.
- The Jets' Bryce Hall (illness) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Jaguars.
- The Texans' Lonnie Johnson remains in COVID-19 protocols and will not play in Sunday's game against the Chargers.
Safeties
- The Broncos' Kareem Jackson (back) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Raiders.
- The Raiders' Johnathan Abram (shoulder) was placed on injured reserve Saturday, ending his season.
- Washington's Landon Collins (foot) was placed on injured reserve Friday, ending his season.
- The Chargers' Derwin James (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Texans.
- The Patriots' Adrian Phillips (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game versus the Bills.
- The Buccaneers' Antoine Winfield (foot) is out for Sunday's game against the Panthers.
- The Jets' Ashtyn Davis remains in COVID-19 protocols and will not play in Sunday's game against the Jaguars.
- The Saints' Malcolm Jenkins remains in COVID-19 protocols going into Sunday ahead of Monday night's game against the Dolphins.
- The Texans' Eric Murray remains in COVID-19 protocols and will not play in Sunday's game against the Chargers.
Defensive linemen
- The Bears' Akiem Hicks (ankle) remains in COVID-19 protocols and will not play Sunday against the Seahawks.
- The Ravens' Calais Campbell (thigh) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Bengals.
- The Broncos' Dre'Mont Jones (foot) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Raiders.
- The Jets' Quinnen Williams (shoulder) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Jaguars.
Linebackers
- The Chargers' Joey Bosa remains in COVID-19 protocols and will not play Sunday against the Texans.
- The Jaguars' Josh Allen remains in COVID-19 protocols and will not play Sunday against the Jets.
- The Steelers' Devin Bush remains in COVID-19 protocols and will not play Sunday against the Chiefs.
- The Buccaneers' Lavonte David (foot) was placed on injured reserve Thursday, ending his regular season.
- The Buccaneers' Jason Pierre-Paul (shoulder) is out for Sunday's game against the Panthers.
- The Jets' C.J. Mosley (back) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Jaguars.
- The Raiders' Denzel Perryman (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Broncos.
- The Bengals' Logan Wilson (shoulder) is out for Sunday's game against the Ravens.
- Washington's Cole Holcomb remains in COVID-19 protocols and will not play Sunday against the Cowboys.
- The Texans' Eric Wilson remains in COVID-19 protocols and will not play Sunday against the Chargers.
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