Week 17 was the final fantasy football<\/a> 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<\/a> playoffs. This article will track the fantasy-relevant injuries that fantasy managers with a Week 18 championship need to be aware of.<\/p>\n Josh Allen<\/a> entered Week 17 with a foot injury, but was able to suit up for the Buffalo Bills<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n The Bills don\u2019t have much to play for in Week 18, so they very well could rest Allen<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n Baltimore Ravens<\/a> quarterback Lamar Jackson<\/a> missed Week 17\u2019s victory over the Green Bay Packers<\/a> 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\u2019s status by Wednesday.<\/p>\n The Ravens have a \u201cwin-and-in\u201d playoff scenario against the Pittsburgh Steelers<\/a> in Week 18. If Jackson is unable to play, then Tyler Huntley<\/a> would make his second consecutive start in a must-win game.<\/p>\n Jackson was a limited practice participant on Wednesday, a strong first step toward being on the field.<\/p>\n Head coach Jim Harbaugh wasted no time telling reporters that Justin Herbert<\/a> would be held out of the Los Angeles Chargers<\/a>\u2019 \u00a0Week 18 matchup against the Denver Broncos<\/a>. Los Angeles has locked themselves into a playoff spot but can\u2019t finish higher than the 5-seed. He ends the season as the QB11 in fantasy points per game<\/a> (17.9).<\/p>\n Trey Lance<\/a> will make his first start in 2025 against a Broncos\u2019 defense that will be gunning for the top overall seed (and a bye week) in the AFC.<\/p>\n Jordan Love<\/a> missed the Green Bay Packers\u2019 Week 17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens due to a concussion<\/a>. Thankfully for the Packers, a Detroit Lions<\/a> loss assured Green Bay a playoff spot. They cannot be higher than the 7-seed.<\/p>\n The veteran quarterback still needs to clear the concussion protocol<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n Jordan Love will practice Wednesday but remains in concussion protocol.<\/p>\n \u2014 Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) December 31, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The Packers signed Desmond Ridder<\/a> on Wednesday as well, which could be an indicator of the team\u2019s plans at quarterback this week. Clayton Tune would likely be the team\u2019s starter if they choose to rest Love and Malik Willis (shoulder) in a meaningless game against the Minnesota Vikings<\/a>.<\/p>\n Tampa Bay Buccaneers<\/a> quarterback Baker Mayfield<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n Mayfield was removed from the team\u2019s injury report on Dec. 31.<\/p>\n Second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy<\/a> missed Week 17\u2019s win over the New York Giants<\/a> due to a hand injury. On Monday, head coach Kevin O\u2019Connell told reporters that the swelling had gone down on McCarthy\u2019s hand, but would not commit to his playing status. There is a chance he could play after logging a limited practice on Wednesday.<\/p>\n If McCarthy is ruled out, then Max Brosmer will make his third start of the season against the Green Bay Packers.<\/p>\n A fourth-quarter ankle injury knocked Geno Smith<\/a> out of the Las Vegas Raiders<\/a>\u2019 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.<\/p>\n Reports indicate that the Raiders could hold a mini quarterback competition between Kenny Pickett<\/a> and Aidan O\u2019Connell throughout the week to determine the Week 18 starter. Either way, it is hard to imagine that is a player you\u2019ll want to rely on against the Kansas City Chiefs<\/a>\u2019 defense in Week 18.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n It may benefit the Packers to rest Jordan Love in Week 18, which would mean a start for Willis if his shoulder injury isn\u2019t too severe. Of course, giving Willis a week off in a game with no stakes could be equally important to the team, as they may need him in the playoffs if Love is injured.<\/p>\n In that scenario, veteran quarterback Clayton Tune would be under center.<\/p>\n The San Francisco 49ers<\/a> listed Christian McCaffrey<\/a> 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.<\/a> would be in line for a significant workload increase if McCaffrey\u2019s injury worsens.<\/p>\n General manager John Lynch told reporters on Dec. 31 that McCaffrey was trending toward playing on Saturday against the Seattle Seahawks<\/a>.<\/p>\n Miami Dolphins<\/a> running back De\u2019Von Achane<\/a> was listed as a non-participant in the team\u2019s practice on Wednesday due to a shoulder injury. It is not clear when Achane suffered the injury during Week 17.<\/p>\n If Achane doesn\u2019t suit up in Week 18, expect Jaylen Wright and Ollie Gordon II<\/a> to handle the bulk of the backfield work.<\/p>\n Breece Hall<\/a> suffered a knee injury in the fourth quarter of the New York Jets<\/a>\u2019 loss to the New England Patriots<\/a>. 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\u2019t anticipate needing additional scans or medical attention.<\/p>\n MORE: <\/strong>Free Fantasy Football Start\/Sit Optimizer<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Backup Isaiah Davis also missed time in Week 17 with a concussion, so the Jets\u2019 backfield could consist of Kene Nwangwu and Khalil Herbert<\/a> against the Buffalo Bills in Week 18.<\/p>\n Omarion Hampton<\/a> was listed as a non-participant in the Los Angeles Chargers practice on Dec. 31 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\u2019s loss to the Houston Texans<\/a>.<\/p>\n Keep an eye on Hampton\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Aaron Jones<\/a> Sr. was listed as a non-participant in the Minnesota Vikings\u2019 practice on Wednesday. Jones has been battling injuries in recent weeks, so it\u2019s not surprising that he got a day off on Wednesday. Tomorrow\u2019s practice report will be far more telling for his health.<\/p>\n 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<\/a> if Jones is ultimately ruled out.<\/p>\n New Orleans Saints<\/a> running back Alvin Kamara<\/a> 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 as well.<\/p>\n The Saints have nothing to play for except pride and draft position in Week 18\u2019s matchup against the Atlanta Falcons<\/a>. Expect the backfield to be once again led by Audric Estime with contributions by Evan Hull and Taysom Hill<\/a>.<\/p>\n 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\u2019Connell 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\u2019s final game. He was listed as a limited participant on Wednesday.<\/p>\n The Vikings will face a Green Bay Packers team locked into playoff seeding that will likely rest key contributors. Aaron Jones Sr. and Ty Chandler led the backfield in Week 17, although the team could use Zavier Scott more if Jones is also given the week off (or a reduced role in a meaningless game) for Minnesota.<\/p>\n The Los Angeles Chargers did not have veteran running back Kimani Vidal<\/a> in Week 17\u2019s loss to the Houston Texans due to a neck injury. He was called \u201cday-to-day\u201d by head coach Jim Harbaugh coming into the week.<\/p>\n The Chargers have already said they will rest their players who \u201chave the most bruises\u201d heading into Week 18. Vidal could very well fall under that umbrella as the team works to get to full strength for the playoffs. However, he did log a limited practice on Wednesday.<\/p>\n Omarion Hampton and Hassan Haskins (if healthy) could handle the backfield in Week 18.<\/p>\n Jacksonville Jaguars<\/a>\u2019 rookie running back Bhayshul Tuten was able to return to practice on a limited basis after missing the team\u2019s Week 16 game following finger surgery. Tuten was ultimately ruled out in Week 17. He does not appear on the Jaguars\u2019 initial injury report for Week 18.<\/p>\n Jacksonville is locked into the playoffs but can be any seed except the fourth seed (AFC North winner). Time will tell if the team plans to play their starters or rest them to enter the playoffs as healthy as possible.<\/p>\n Kyren Williams<\/a> and Blake Corum<\/a> have split the Los Angeles Rams<\/a>\u2019 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\u2019 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Corum did not practice on Wednesday.<\/p>\n The Rams will either be the fifth or the sixth seed in the NFC for the playoffs, so there isn\u2019t 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Amon-Ra St. Brown<\/a> suffered an apparent knee injury in the closing seconds of the Detroit Lions\u2019 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<\/a> in Week 18 despite the injury (and the lack of stakes for the Lions). He did not participate in practice on Wednesday.<\/p>\n If St. Brown is ultimately held out, then the Lions\u2019 passing attack will flow through Jameson Williams<\/a>, Isaac TeSlaa, and Kalif Raymond<\/a> in Week 18.<\/p>\n Atlanta Falcons\u2019 wide receiver Drake London<\/a> was listed as a limited participant for the team\u2019s practice on Dec. 31. London returned from a knee injury two weeks ago, but did not seem to suffer a setback in Week 17. He should be on the field for the Falcons against the New Orleans Saints in Week 18.<\/p>\n Jaylen Waddle<\/a> was listed as a non-participant for the Miami Dolphins\u2019 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.<\/p>\n The Dolphins may decide to just shut Waddle down with nothing to play for in Week 18. Malik Washington<\/a>, Greg Dulcich<\/a>, and Theo Wease Jr. would be the biggest beneficiaries in the passing attack if Waddle is held out.<\/p>\n Davante Adams<\/a> did not practice at all for the Los Angeles Rams ahead of Week 17\u2019s matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. However, he was seen testing out his injured hamstring before the game.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n That will mean continued roles for Konata Mumpfield, Xavier Smith, and Jordan Whittington against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 18.<\/p>\n Marvin Harrison Jr<\/a>. has been playing through a heel injury the last two weeks. Unfortunately, the Arizona Cardinals\u2019 second-year receiver suffered an injury to his other foot in the team\u2019s Week 17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals<\/a>.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Expect Michael Wilson<\/a> to operate as the secondary option in the passing attack, alongside Trey McBride<\/a>, with Xavier Weaver and Elijah Higgins having deep league upside.<\/p>\n Chicago Bears\u2019 wide receiver Rome Odunze<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n It would not be surprising to see Odunze practice this week, but it would be somewhat shocking if he suited up with the playoffs right around the corner. Chicago\u2019s passing attack has featured DJ Moore<\/a>, Luther Burden III<\/a>, and Colston Loveland<\/a> in Odunze\u2019s absence.<\/p>\n San Francisco 49ers\u2019 wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was listed as a limited participant for the 49ers\u2019 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.<\/p>\n RELATED: \u2018Offensive Juggernaut\u2019 49ers Receive Major Compliment After Thrilling Win Over Bears: \u2018Can Beat Just About Any Team\u2019<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 2025 undrafted rookie Jahdae Walker has seen an increased role in recent weeks and would be fantasy viable if Burden (and Rome Odunze) are held out.<\/p>\n Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed<\/a> 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\u2019s return.<\/p>\n Shaheed was listed as a limited participant for Tuesday\u2019s 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. If Shaheed cannot clear the protocol, then expect Cooper Kupp<\/a> and AJ Barner to have expanded roles in the passing attack.<\/p>\n Pat Byrant took a massive hit at the end of the Denver Broncos\u2019 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s primary slot receiver when he was injured.<\/p>\n The rookie did log a limited practice on Wednesday, giving him a chance to suit up in Week 18.<\/p>\n San Francisco 49ers\u2019 tight end George Kittle<\/a> was unable to play against the Chicago Bears in Week 17 due to an ankle injury he suffered against the Indianapolis Colts<\/a> in Week 16. Kittle was a game-time decision, but unfortunately, the tight end\u2019s ankle was too swollen to go.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Kyle Pitts<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n Dalton Kincaid<\/a> has battled his way through a lingering knee issue for most of 2025. The Buffalo Bills\u2019 tight end missed Week 17\u2019s matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles<\/a> due to the problem and has played a limited role even when healthy.<\/p>\n The Bills don\u2019t 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\u2019s quest for a Super Bowl. That would lead to expanded roles for Dawson Knox<\/a> and rookie Jackson Hawes in the final regular season.<\/p>\n Kincaid was listed as a limited participant on Wednesday.<\/p>\n Minnesota Vikings veteran tight end T.J. Hockenson<\/a> missed Week 17 due to a shoulder injury. Head coach Kevin O\u2019Connell 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.<\/p>\n If Hockenson can\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n Harold Fannin Jr.<\/a> suffered a groin injury late in practice last week, but was able to suit up for the Cleveland Browns<\/a>\u2019 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.<\/p>\n The Browns have nothing to play for in Week 18, so don\u2019t be surprised if they opt to shut down Fannin to try and secure a better draft position. He did not practice on Wednesday.<\/p>\n Jake Ferguson<\/a> aggravated a calf injury in the Dallas Cowboys<\/a>\u2019 win over the Washington Commanders<\/a> on Christmas Day. The injury limited him to just 27 snaps in the victory.<\/p>\n Ferguson has a chance to tie (or surpass) the Cowboys\u2019 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.<\/p>\n![\"Football](\"https:\/\/statico.profootballnetwork.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/27090037\/start-sit-optimizer-06-27-25.png\")
<\/a>Football Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills<\/h2>\n
Football Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens<\/h2>\n
Football Justin Herbert, QB, Los Angeles Chargers | Out<\/h2>\n
Football Jordan Love, QB, Green Bay Packers<\/h2>\n
\n
Football Baker Mayfield, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers<\/h2>\n
Football J.J. McCarthy, QB, Minnesota Vikings<\/h2>\n
Football Geno Smith, QB, Las Vegas Raiders<\/h2>\n
Football Malik Willis, QB, Green Bay Packers<\/h2>\n
Football Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco 49ers<\/h2>\n
Football De\u2019Von Achane, RB, Miami Dolphins<\/h2>\n
Football Breece Hall, RB, New York Jets<\/h2>\n
Football Omarion Hampton, RB, Los Angeles Chargers<\/h2>\n
Football Aaron Jones Sr., RB, Minnesota Vikings<\/h2>\n
Football Alvin Kamara, RB, New Orleans Saints<\/h2>\n
Football Jordan Mason, RB, Minnesota Vikings<\/h2>\n
Football Kimani Vidal, RB, Los Angeles Chargers<\/h2>\n
Football Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars<\/h2>\n
Football Blake Corum, RB, Los Angeles Rams<\/h2>\n
Football Isaiah Davis, RB, New York Jets<\/h2>\n
Football Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, Detroit Lions<\/h2>\n
Football Drake London, WR, Atlanta Falcons<\/h2>\n
Football Jaylen Waddle, WR, Miami Dolphins<\/h2>\n
Football Davante Adams, WR, Los Angeles Rams<\/h2>\n
Football Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Arizona Cardinals | Out<\/h2>\n
Football Rome Odunze, WR, Chicago Bears<\/h2>\n
Football Ricky Pearsall, WR, San Francisco 49ers<\/h2>\n
Football Luther Burden III, WR, Chicago Bears<\/h2>\n
Football Rashid Shaheed, WR, Seattle Seahawks<\/h2>\n
Football Pat Bryant, WR, Denver Broncos<\/h2>\n
Football George Kittle, TE, San Francisco 49ers<\/h2>\n
Football Kyle Pitts, TE, Atlanta Falcons<\/h2>\n
Football Dalton Kincaid, TE, Buffalo Bills<\/h2>\n
Football T.J. Hockenson, TE, Minnesota Vikings<\/h2>\n
Football Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Cleveland Browns<\/h2>\n
Football Jake Ferguson, TE, Dallas Cowboys<\/h2>\n
Football David Njoku, TE, Cleveland Browns<\/h2>\n