NFL Week 16 Injury Report: All 16 games

A player's injury status can have a significant effect on both real life and fantasy football. So, each week, PFF injury analyst Mario Pilato will comb through the official injury reports for each NFL game and give updates and analysis for fantasy-relevant players.

Injuries are fluid, so make sure to stay up to date by following @PFF_Mario on Twitter.

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KEY
DNP: Did not participate in practice
LP: Limited participation in practice
FP: Full participation
(-): Not listed
OUT: Player will not play
D: Player is unlikely to play
Q: Player is not certain to play
NIR – Rest: Not injury-related or resting veteran

SF @ TEN | CLE @ GB | IND @ ARZ | TB @ CAR | LAC @ HOU | BAL @ CIN | NYG @ PHI | JAX @ NYJ | LAR @ MIN | BUF @ NE | DET @ ATL | CHI @ SEA | DEN @ LV | PIT @ KC | WFT @ DAL | MIA @ NO

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San Francisco 49ers @ Tennessee Titans (+3.5)

The Over/Under for this game is currently 45.5. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.

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Cleveland Browns @ Green Bay Packers (-7.5)

Injury Analysis: QB Aaron Rodgers continues to pop up on the injury report and will do so for the rest of the season. Ignore his DNPs, as the team is managing his toe injury. Rodgers will play in Week 16 without limitations.

RB Aaron Jones has been limited due to his MCL injury. I believe he will get healthier as the weeks go. Expect Jones to look a little more spry than last week.

WR Equanimeous St. Brown has been limited this week with a concussion. Brown looks to be on track to return from his concussion absence.

The Over/Under for this game is currently 46.5. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.

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Indianapolis Colts @ Arizona Cardinals (-2.5)

Injury Analysis: RB James Conner has been a DNP all week. This is the same timeline as Week 15, therefore I expect Conner to play.

WR Moore suffered an ankle injury during Week 15. He has been a DNP all week and do not expect him to play in Week 16.

The Over/Under for this game is currently 48.5 PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Carolina Panthers (+10)

Injury Analysis: WR Antonio Brown his been limited this week and is on track to return from his ankle injury. I expect Brown to play in Week 16 without limitations.

WR Mike Evans has been a DNP all week with a hamstring injury. I do not believe he will play in Week 16.

WR Jaelon Darden illness has been has now been recognized as COVID. He will miss Week 16 due to being put on the Reserve/COVID list.

RB Leonard Fournette was placed on IR this week with a hamstring injury. His regular season is done and will return for the playoffs.

WR Chris Godwin tore his ACL in Week 15. He will undergo surgery and miss the rest of the year. Godwin has a chance to be ready for the start of the 2022 season.

Fantasy Analysis: DFS doesn’t have to be hard people. Jam in Antonio Brown at $4,900 into all 50/50 and double-up lineups because his salary is mind-boggling. Tampa Bay will be without Chris Godwin, which means targets will flow towards Brown in his return from suspension.

Brown was hyper-targeted during the start of the season, recording a 29% target rate per route run. That figure puts 2021 Brown in a tier among fantasy’s elite wide receivers with Cooper Kupp, Davante Adams, Diontae Johnson and Tyreek Hill.

Leonard Fournette is out, which means it’s time for Ronald Jones ($5,100). The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' new starting running back is slated to take over early-down work in a high-scoring offense, which gives him plenty of touchdown equity. Also, the Carolina Panthers are a great matchup for Jones, as Carolina's defense has been a run funnel this season.

Teams run the ball at the third-highest rate against the Panthers, so Jones should see plenty of work on the ground with the Buccaneers' receivers plagued by injuries. Jones last played the Panthers was in 2020, and he rushed for 192 yards on 23 rushing attempts. Carolina ranks 25th in explosive run rate allowed in 2021.

Without Godwin and Mike Evans available in the second half of Sunday Night Football, Tyler Johnson ($3,900) led the team in targets (five), route participation (94%) and slot snap rate (75%) as Godwin’s immediate replacement. Any receiver in a TB12-led offense who plays as much as Johnson is attractive.

Perriman would have reclaimed a starting role, but he will not be activated off the COVID/reserve list before Week 16.

The Over/Under for this game is currently 43. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.

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Los Angeles Chargers @ Houston Texans (+10.5)

Injury Analysis: RB David Johnson has been a DNP all week with a quad injury. I do not expect him to play in Week 16.

RB Austin Ekeler is in on the Reserve/COVID list Wednesday. The new rules give him a  possibility of playing in Week 16 because he is vaccinated but I am not optimistic.

Fantasy Analysis: Justin Jackson ($4,200) is a free square in DFS this week with Ekeler unable to return off the COVID/reserve list. Jackson has helped carry the load the past two weeks, out-snapping Ekeler 62-60 and handling 24 touches to Ekeler’s 30.

At worst, Jackson would immediately provide fantasy RB2 value while working in tandem with other Chargers running backs. At best, Jackson could take on the high-value Ekeler role in a plus-matchup versus the Texans in Week 16. He leads the Chargers in red-zone carries (nine) over the last two games.

Josh Palmer shined with more playing time in Week 14. The rookie receiver ran a route on 94% of Justin Herbert’s dropbacks — same as Mike Williams — while commanding a team-high seven targets for 66 yards and a touchdown. He could see another big spike in playing time as the clear-cut No. 2 receiver without Guyton or Williams playing on Sunday.

WR Brandin Cooks was placed on the Reserve/COVID list Wednesday. He has not been cleared for Week 16.

No. 2 Texans WR Nico Collins ($3,400) is just one week removed from 10 targets and 69 receiving yards. The rookie has also routinely popped in my weekly high-value opportunities article because the team likes to force balls to him in the end zone.

The Over/Under for this game is currently 46. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.

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Baltimore Ravens @ Cincinnati Bengals (-4.5)

Injury Analysis: QB Lamar Jackson has been a DNP all week with his ankle injury. I expect Jackson to miss his second straight week.

WR Sammy Watkins was place on the Reserve/COVID list Sunday. he new rules give him a  possibility of playing in Week 16.

RB Joe Mixon is dealing with an ankle injury but I expect him to play in Week 16 without limitations.

Fantasy Analysis: QB Josh Johnson will start for Baltimore and he can be turned to in deep Super Flex leagues. He scored 24 fantasy points in his one full game played this season with the New York Jets.

The Over/Under for this game is currently 44.5. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.

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New York Giants @ Philadelphia Eagles (-10)

Injury Analysis: QB Jalen Hurts has been limited with an ankle injury. The team is just managing his injury and I expect him to play in Week 16.

RB Miles Sanders has been a DNP all week with a quad injury. I am concerned about his availability for Week 16.

RB Jordan Howard has been dealing with a knee injury but I expect him to play in Week 16.

RB Saquon Barkley has been limited all week due to his nagging ankle injury. He will play in Week 16.

TE Kyle Rudolph has been limited all week with an ankle injury but I expect him to play in Week 16.

WR Sterling Shepard tore his Achilles in Week 15. He will undergo surgery and has a chance of being ready for the 2022 season.

QB Daniel Jones has been shutdown for the year with a neck injury. He will be ready for the 2022 season.

The Over/Under for this game is currently 40.5. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.

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Jacksonville Jaguars @ New York Jets (-1.5)

Injury Analysis: RB James Robinson has been managing his knee issue in the past weeks. I expect him to play and continue to see an expanded role.

WR Laviska Shenault Jr. was placed on the Reserve/COVID list on Friday. He will miss Week 16.

WR Jamison Crowder has been a DNP all week with a calf injury. I do not expect him to play in Week 16.

Fantasy Analysis: Fade Braxton Berrios chalk in DFS. Playing extremely fringy Jets WRs that are popular on DraftKings is a recipe for disaster. In Berrios' one game this season with a 70% or higher snaps share he scored 3.8 fantasy points.

The Over/Under for this game is currently 41.5. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.

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Los Angeles Rams @ Minnesota Vikings (+3.5)

Injury Analysis: WR Adam Thielen has been practicing on a limited basis this week with his high-ankle sprain. He has missed two weeks, typical timeline is two to three weeks. It would be reasonable for Thielen to return this week but I would be careful. I expect the injury to limit his ability to be himself on the field.

RB Dalvin Cook has been placed on the Reserve/COVID list Thursday which means he is out for Week 16.

Fantasy Analysis: Cook ranks fourth in expected fantasy points (21.1) and actual fantasy points per game (20.8) since Week 10 and stands out the most among this week’s group of expensive running backs. Nonetheless, his matchup versus the Los Angeles Rams as a rusher is as brutal, as Los Angeles owns PFF’s No. 1-ranked run defense. Nevertheless, when Los Angeles does allow big games to opposing running backs, it comes through the air, so that’s the reason behind paying up for Cook in tournaments.

He should be a strong bring-back option in Rams offensive stacks due to his 29 touches per game over the last two weeks. However, Cook seems uncertain to suit up due to being placed on the COVID/reserve list, which could thrust Alexander Mattison ($6,800) into the starting role. Mattison has averaged 26 DraftKings points in his three spot-starts this season, but they have been against the Seahawks and Detroit Lions (twice).

Mattison is probably a strong fade at his hefty price if he becomes overly chalky.

Adam Thielen is expected to play – and should be viewed as upside fantasy WR2 in a high-scoring environment. Matchup is not ideal, but Jalen Ramsey can't cover both he and Justin Jefferson.

The Over/Under for this game is currently 49. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.

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Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots (-2)

Injury Analysis: RB Rhamondre Stevenson has been a DNP all week with a non-COVID illness. He has been ruled out for Week 16

WR Nelson Agholor has been a DNP all week with a concussion. I do not expect him to be ready for Week 16.

RB Brandon Bolden has been limited with a knee injury. I expect him to be ready for Week 16.

WR Emmanuel Sanders has been dealing with a knee issue. I am optimistic he returns from his injury in Week 16.

WR Cole Beasley was placed on the Reserve/COVID list on Tuesday but he is not vaccinated. He will not play in Week 16.

WR Gabriel Davis was place on the Reserve/COVID Friday and will miss Week 16.

Fantasy Analysis: With Gabriel Davis and Cole Beasley both ruled out due to COVID, we can expect to see Isaiah McKenzie play a full-time role in the slot for the Bills. DFS gamers will remember McKenzie famously from his Week 17 performance from last season when he last started.

The long-time backup caught six of nine targets for 65 yards with two touchdowns on a 91% snap share. He obviously has upside in Josh Allen-led offense, but the matchup dictates he is a pure desperation play even on DraftKings at $3,000. 

The Patriots have allowed the league’s lowest passer rating on targets to opposing slot WRs. 

If anything, the loss of WR talent lends itself to Buffalo establishing the run where New England is more vulnerable. The Pats ranks fourth-worst in rushing yards allowed to running backs over the past four weeks and fourth-worst in receiving yards allowed to running backs in 2021. Start Devin Singletary. 

Same goes for Damien Harris who should inherit full bell-cow duties without Stevenson in the lineup.

The Over/Under for this game is currently 43.5. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.

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Detroit Lions @ Atlanta Falcons (-6.5)

Injury Analysis: RB D'Andre Swift return to practice for the first time since injuring his shoulder. I am optimistic he plays in Week 16.

WR Josh Reynolds has been limited with a thigh injury. I believe he will be ready for Week 16.

QB Jared Goff has been placed on the Reserve/COVID list after starting to experience symptoms Sunday night and Monday morning. I am not optimistic he gets cleared for Week 16.

Fantasy Analysis: Fantasy football revelation Amon-Ra St. Brown needs to be downgraded with Tim Boyle under center. In his one start this season, ASB saw just four targets.

The Over/Under for this game is currently 42.5 PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.

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Chicago Bears @ Seattle Seahawks (-6.5)

Injury Analysis: QB Justin Fields injured his ankle in Week 15. He has been ruled out for Week 16.

QB Andy Dalton has been ruled out of Week 16 with hand/groin injuries.

RB Alex Collins has been limited with an abdomen injury. I expect him to be ready for Week 16.

WR Marquise Goodwin has been limited with a foot injury but I expect him to play in Week 16.

WR Allen Robinson was put on the Reserve/COVID list last Thursday but it is unclear if he will be activated.

The Over/Under for this game is currently 41.5. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.

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Denver Broncos @ Las Vegas Raiders (+1)

Injury Analysis: RB Javonte Williams has been limited with a knee injury but I expect him to play in Week 16.

WR Courtland Sutton is dealing with a wrist injury but will play in Week 16.

RB Melvin Gordon III is dealing with thumb/hip injuries. I am optimistic he plays in Week 16.

WR Zay Jones is dealing with a toe injury. He was a DNP early in the week and followed it up with a limited session. He is on the right track to play in Week 16.

QB Teddy Bridgewater has been a DNP all week due to being in the five-step concussion protocol. I do not believe he will play in Week 16.

TE Darren Waller has been a DNP all week with knee/back issues. I do not believe he returns in Week 16.

Fantasy Analysis: Foster Moreau is the prime example of why analyzing routes run is crucial to finding viable fringe tight ends. Even after he dudded out in Week 14, his 20% increase in routes from Week 13 were a sign of future production. That production came to fruition in Week 15 against the Browns when Moreau caught seven of nine targets for 65 yards with 7.4 yards after the catch per reception.

Play him if you need a Waller or Kelce fill-in for Week 16.

The Over/Under for this game is currently 41. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.

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Pittsburgh Steelers @ Kansas City Chiefs (-8.5)

Injury Analysis: QB Ben Roethlisberger has been dealing with pectoral/shoulder issue but he will play in Week 16.

TE Pat Freiermuth has been a DNP all week due to being in the five-step concussion protocol. I do not expect him to get cleared for Week 16.

TE Travis Kelce was placed on the Reserve/COVID list Monday. The new rules give him a  possibility of playing in Week 16 but it will be tough to be cleared.

WR Tyreek Hill was placed on the Reserve/COVID list Tuesday. The new rules give him a  possibility of playing in Week 16 but it will be tough to be cleared.

Fantasy Analysis: Hill has been cleared from the concussion protocol, but Kelce has not. Fantasy waiver TEs I like to replace Kelce include: Cole Kmet
Jared Cook, CJ Uzomah and Gerald Everett.

The Over/Under for this game is currently 45. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.

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Washington Football Team @ Dallas Cowboys (-10)

Injury Analysis: RB Antonio Gibson is dealing with a toe injury similar to what caused him to miss time last season. He has been a DNP all week and I am not optimistic he plays in Week 16.

RB Tony Pollard has been limited all week with a foot injury. I expect him to be ready to go for Week 16.

WR Curtis Samuel has been limited all week with a hamstring issue. I am optimistic he plays in Week 16.

Fantasy Analysis: Stash Jaret Patterson amid Gibson's ligering foot issues and have a back-up plan in place for Sunday Night if AG is a no-go.

The Over/Under for this game is currently 47. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.

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Miami Dolphins @ New Orleans Saints (+2.5)

Injury Analysis: WR Tre'Quan Smith has been limited with a shoulder injury but I expect him to play in Week 16.

QB Taysom Hill and Trevor Siemian were both placed on the Reserve/COVID list and will miss Week 16.

TE Adam Shaheen has been limited with a knee injury but is expected to play.

RB Phillip Lindsay has been limited with an ankle injury. I am optimistic he plays in Week 16.

 

The Over/Under for this game is currently 37.5. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.