Week 11 featured a lot of injury news regarding quarterbacks and big-name players across the NFL.
While COVID-19 remains an issue, there are a few teams getting key players back just in time for a playoff push and six teams are facing a short week prior to their Thanksgiving game.
Here’s where every team stands as we close in on the final month of the regular season:
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals are still without Kyler Murray, who missed his third-straight game with an ankle injury. While Colt McCoy has stepped up and led Arizona to a pair of wins, the Cardinals don’t seem confident Murray will return soon.
Trace McSorley was signed off the Ravens practice squad and added to the Cardinals’ active roster on Monday. However, the Cardinals are entering their bye week, so we won’t have a true update on Murray’s health until next week.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons struggled on Thursday night without Cordarrelle Patterson, who was sidelined due to an ankle injury and Matt Ryan was hobbled by a toe injury.
However, with the elongated rest time before Atlanta plays Jacksonville, the status for both guys seems promising.
Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson is feeling better after missing Week 10 due to a non-COVID illness. Tyler Huntley performed admirably given the circumstances, completing 72 percent of his passes and rushing for 40 yards.
However, Jackson returning could be a boost to an offense that has scored over 17 points just once in their last four games.
On another positive note, linebacker Malik Harrison has been designated to return from the NFI list after being struck by a stray bullet last month.
Buffalo Bills
The Bills were gashed by the Colts rushing attack with defensive tackle Star Lotulelei (COVID-19) and linebacker Tremaine Edmunds (hamstring) both inactive.
The 264 rushing yards allowed were nearly 120 more than Buffalo had allowed in any game this season and 124 of Jonathan Taylor’s 185 yards came on inside runs.
While Sean McDermott was reluctant to discuss Lotulelei’s status, Edmunds was back at practice on Monday and could return to health in time for Buffalo’s game on Thursday.
Carolina Panthers
Dennis Daley suffered a thigh injury in the Panthers’ loss to Washington. He was replaced by rookie Brady Christensen who finished the day as the team’s highest-graded pass blocker on Pro Football Focus. Ironically, and perhaps predictably, Daley received the lowest grade.
Carolina also got John Miller back in the fold and he started at right guard after being activated from the IR. He was credited with allowing a sack.
Chicago Bears
Justin Fields only bruised his ribs on Sunday, but he is expected to be out on Thursday against Detroit.
That means Andy Dalton will get the start for the Bears on Thanksgiving after completing just 47% of his passes on Sunday, albeit for 201 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Cincinnati Bengals
Tyler Boyd wasn’t on the field at the end of the Bengals win in Las Vegas, but it was only due to cramping. Otherwise, Cincinnati’s starters are fully healthy heading into Week 12.
Cleveland Browns
Baker Mayfield is expected to keep playing as long as he’s cleared by the Browns medical staff, according to Kevin Stefanski. The quarterback is dealing with injuries to his non-throwing shoulder, foot, and knee.
The quarterback has struggled in the last two games, posting sub-60 passer ratings in both contests. Case Keenum did start in a Week 7 victory, although that game was more about D’Ernest Johnson’s performance.
In better news, Stefanski is “hopeful” Kareem Hunt and Jack Conklin will return to practice this week. Both players are currently eligible to come off the IR, but neither one has been designated for return yet.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys are gearing up for their annual Thanksgiving game, although CeeDee Lamb seems doubtful after suffering a concussion on Sunday. The Dallas receiving corps is already without Amari Cooper (COVID-19) and the earliest Lamb can progress out of concussion protocol is Thursday, making him at best a game-time decision.
Without their top two receivers, the Cowboys will turn to Michael Gallup and Cedrick Wilson to be their playmakers on the outside.
There is some good news, however, as Tyron Smith is expected to return on Thursday after missing three games due to an ankle injury. Terence Steele struggled at left tackle against Kansas City, giving up three pressures and a sack.
Denver Broncos
Left tackle Garett Bolles was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Monday following the Broncos’ bye week. He was absent in Weeks 9 and 10 as well, due to a high-ankle sprain. Calvin Anderson will remain at left tackle until Bolles is ready to play.
It isn’t all bad news in Denver with Bradley Chubb expected to return to practice this week. The former top-five pick has played just one game this season.
Detroit Lions
Guard Halapoulivaati Vaitai suffered a concussion on Sunday and is doubtful to be ready for Thanksgiving. Undrafted rookie Tommy Kraemer filled in and ended up with the highest-graded pass blocker on the Lions, according to PFF.
Kraemer has just 37 snaps of NFL experience under his belt.
Tim Boyle was as bad as advertised in his first NFL start, averaging just 3.3 yards per attempt and throwing a pair of interceptions. Jared Goff is improving, according to Dan Campbell, so there is a chance he returns this week. Otherwise, it’s a Dalton v Boyle showdown on Thanksgiving.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers were dealt a major blow on Sunday when Elgton Jenkins tore his ACL. The versatile lineman will miss the rest of the season. David Bakhtiari has been added to the 53-man roster, but hasn’t been active for a game since tearing his ACL in practice last year.
The loss of Jenkins impacts two positions: Yosh Nijman will hold down left tackle until Bakhtiari comes back and Jon Runyan Jr. will get to stay at left guard, Jenkins’s usual spot when Bakhtiari is healthy.
Nijman made three starts at left tackle earlier this season, allowing five pressures and two sacks in 126 pass-blocking snaps.
Houston Texans
Linebacker Jordan Jenkins tore his PCL on Sunday and is expected to miss at least three weeks. The former Jet has played a reserve role on the Texans this season, never playing more than 49 percent of the defensive snaps in any game.
Derek Rivers was signed from the practice squad for depth purposes. Rivers did play 33 snaps on Sunday after being elevated to the gameday roster.
Indianapolis Colts
Quenton Nelson aggravated his ankle injury during the blowout win over the Bills. He’s is currently considered “day-to-day,” although Frank Reich admitted the team might try to convince the All-Pro to sit down and fully heal before returning to action. Chris Reed would be his replacement.
Also of note, the Colts are so enamored with Michael Badgley’s work this season that usual kicker Rodrigo Blankenship is expected to stay on the IR.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars placed offensive weapon Jamal Agnew on the IR Monday after he suffered a hip injury against the 49ers. He is expected to miss the rest of the season.
Agnew’s absence could lead to a revival of Laviska Shenault in the Jaguars offense. The former second-round pick played over 35 snaps per game in the slot earlier in the season, but has moved outside in recent weeks.
Elsewhere, Shaq Griffin is in concussion protocol. He leads the Jags in pass breakups and has yielded the lowest yards per reception among cornerbacks on the team.
As for the rest of the injured Jaguars, Urban Meyer seemed pretty positive Cam Robinson, Andre Cisco, and Tyson Campbell should all be ready to go.
Kansas City Chiefs
Cornerback Rashad Fenton suffered a knee injury on Sunday, however, he is expected to have avoided major injury and could be available when the Chiefs return from their bye week.
Las Vegas Raiders
John Simpson was unable to finish Sunday’s game after suffering a rib injury and was a non-participant in Monday’s practice. Despite being considered “day-to-day,” it could be tough for him to be ready by Thursday.
Jordan Simmons would be the starting left guard if Simpson is inactive. The three-year veteran started six games at left guard for the Seahawks a year ago and has 22 snaps under his belt this season.
Los Angeles Chargers
Asante Samuel Jr. left the Chargers’ game early after suffering a concussion. It’s a worrisome diagnosis for the standout rookie, who missed time earlier this season with a concussion as well.
Tevaughn Campbell could find himself back in the starting lineup if Samuel misses time. He started in Week 9 and was torched by the Vikings for 127 yards on eight targets.
Defensive tackle Linval Joseph was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list after a positive test on Monday. Due to his unvaccinated status, Joseph will have to sit out a minimum of 10 days.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams enjoyed their bye this week and also received good news upon reconvening on Monday. Linebacker Leonard Floyd is expected to be back this week after suffering a concussion in Los Angeles’s Week 10 game against San Francisco.
Miami Dolphins
Brian Flores is unsure whether William Fuller V (broken finger) or DeVante Parker (shoulder) will be activated off the IR this week. The head coach didn’t have an update on linebacker Brennan Scarlett, either.
Despite being listed as a starter in four games, Scarlett has played just 21% of the Dolphins’ defensive snaps.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings won a thrilling game over the Packers on Sunday and remained healthy. There’s nothing new to report in this space today.
New England Patriots
The Patriots didn’t suffer any new injuries this week either.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints’ offense is down another weapon after Adam Trautman sprained his MCL against the Eagles. The rookie tight end is expected to miss at least four weeks.
Nick Vannett is the next tight end on the depth chart. He caught his first pass of the season on Sunday.
Elsewhere on the offense, the Saints listed Alvin Kamara (knee) and Ryan Ramczyk (knee) among the non-participants in Monday’s practice. Left tackle Terron Armstead was limited.
New York Giants
Kadarius Toney suffered a quad contusion in the Giants’ loss on Monday night. The rookie has dealt with ankle injuries for much of the season, but was the Giants’ leading receiver against the Buccaneers, catching seven passes for 40 yards.
Tight end Kyle Rudolph also exited the game early, although he was dealing with an ankle injury. Rudolph’s 28-yard reception was the Giants’ longest play of the game and fellow tight end Evan Engram managed just 12 yards on two catches.
New York Jets
Rookie running back Michael Carter suffered a high-ankle sprain against the Dolphins. He is expected to miss 2-3 weeks. Carter had ascended to the top of the running back depth chart in recent weeks, averaging 13 carries per game since Week 4.
Tevin Coleman should get the bulk of the carries while Carter is out. The veteran’s five carries against the Dolphins is the most he’s had in a game since Week 1.
Linebacker C.J. Mosley was also absent from the end of the game after suffering a head injury. He was in concussion protocol on Monday, but there hasn’t been an update on his condition.
Philadelphia Eagles
Davion Taylor is expected to land on the IR this week after suffering a sprained knee against the Saints. The second-year linebacker has played well since his promotion into the starting lineup, forcing a pair of fumbles.
Alex Singleton should start alongside T.J. Edwards in the meantime. Singleton was a starter for the Eagles earlier in the season before he was replaced in the lineup by Taylor.
Running back Jordan Howard also has a knee sprain and should miss at least Week 12, although an IR stint doesn’t seem to be in his future. Miles Sanders returned from the IR this week and led the running backs with 16 carries and 94 rushing yards.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Eric Ebron missed the end of the Steelers game after suffering a knee injury. Ebron’s absence opened the door for rookie Pat Freiermuth to score the game-tying touchdown.
Mike Tomlin didn’t have an update on Ebron’s condition on Sunday night. The Steelers also didn’t have T.J. Watt (hip) or Minkah Fitzpatrick (COVID-19) on Sunday, but their status for next week’s game against Cincinnati.
San Francisco 49ers
Special teamer Davontae Harris was ruled out of the 49ers’ win over the Jaguars after suffering a knee injury. This was the cornerback’s first action of the season and Kyle Shanahan didn’t sound too concerned with his prognosis.
With no Elijah Mitchell out on Sunday, the 49ers relied on Jeff Wilson and Deebo Samuel to lead the rushing attack and San Francisco ran for a season-high 171 yards on 42 carries.
Seattle Seahawks
Rashaad Penny suffered a hamstring injury on his first carry of the game and was limited to just seven snaps in the Seahawks loss on Sunday. Pete Carroll called his injury “slight” and he should have a chance of playing this week.
Cornerback Tre Brown suffered a patellar tendon injury and will undergo season-ending surgery. With Brown out and D.J. Reed sidelined with a groin injury, the Seahawks turned to Sidney Jones on Sunday.
If Reed is unable to return this week, it will be Jones and Bless Austin starting at cornerback for Seattle. Jones has played relatively well in recent weeks, allowing 10 completions on 18 targets, but none over 15 yards.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Guard Ali Marpet suffered an oblique injury on Monday Night Football and missed the entire second half of the game. He was replaced by Aaron Stinnie, who had played just 50 NFL snaps in his four years in the NFL.
Bruce Arians did not have an update on Marpet’s condition following the game.
Tennessee Titans
X-rays of A.J. Brown’s chest injury came back negative and the wide receiver is expected to have avoided a major injury. That’s welcome news for a team that has 15 players currently on the IR, including the other top receiver on the team, Julio Jones.
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine caught seven passes for 107 yards against Houston on Sunday. He might be the Titans’ top receiver if Brown and Jones are both absent.
Washington Football Team
Washington is expecting Logan Thomas to rejoin the team at practice this week as he rehabs from a hamstring injury that landed him on the IR last month.
While his return isn’t exactly imminent, Thomas would fill a huge void in the Washington offense that is down to John Bates and Sammis Reyes at tight end. Bates had three catches for 23 yards against Carolina and Reyes hasn’t received a target this season.
