This week’s injury report features an extremely long list of both new and continued injuries. There’s more on the line now than ever, both for the NFL playoffs and fantasy playoffs. Make sure to pay close attention and set your lineups accordingly. Stay posted for part two coming later today.
Colts @ Falcons Injury Report
Indianapolis Colts
Braden Smith: A knee injury will hold out the Colts’ right tackle. Backup Blake Freeland will be forced into the starting lineup. Freeland has had some good moments but is much less talented than Smith. Thankfully for Freeland, Atlanta’s pass rush is ranked 28th in the league. He should be able to hold up most of the time and keep a fairly clean pocket for Gardner Minshew II.
Atlanta Falcons
No notable injuries.
Commanders @ Jets Injury Report
Washington Commanders
Brian Robinson Jr.: Washington will be without their most productive running back for a second straight week as he recovers from a hamstring injury. Since the Jets’ have an elite defensive line, look for the offense to be pass-based. Expect few carries for Antonio Gibson, but plenty of catches for him.
Charles Leno Jr.: Leno Jr., will be inactive this week due to a calf injury. He’s been Washington’s best offensive lineman at left tackle this year. Replacing him is Cornelius Lucas who’s not terrible, but is a couple of steps down from Leno Jr. With how good the Jets’ pass rush is, expect Sam Howell to feel consistent pressure from his blind side.
Tyler Larsen: A knee injury will ensure Washington’s starting center doesn’t suit up. He’s been one of if not the worst starting centers in the league, with an overall pass-blocking grade of 28.7. Backup Nick Gates is slightly better, but it won’t mean much when going against some of the best run stuffers in the league. Expect Washington to struggle to establish the run.
New York Jets
Zach Wilson: The Jets will be missing their main backup Wilson while he recovers from a concussion. Trevor Siemian will get the start. He has not been playing well at all in the last couple of games and that should continue, even against a soft Washington defense. Expect New York to score 10-13 points and lose a close-ish game.
Browns @ Texans Injury Report
Cleveland Browns
Juan Thornhill: A calf injury will make sure the Browns’ starting free safety misses a second straight week. Duron Harmon will again start in his place. He graded decently well in tackling, although not that great in coverage. He should be able to hold up just fine with Case Keenum in for C.J. Stroud this week.
Anthony Walker Jr.: Cleveland will also be without their starting middle linebacker Walker Jr., as he recovers from a knee injury. He’s been a consistent tackler for Cleveland with six weeks of at least a 70+ tackling grade. Backup Tony Fields II is not terrible but is a bad starter. Expect Tennessee to struggle tackling in the middle of the field, particularly on running back Devin Singletary.
Houston Texans
C.J. Stroud: Stroud is unable to get out of concussion protocol and will therefore be inactive. Backup Case Keenum played decently well and got the win last week against Tennessee. Keenum should keep the game relatively close in the first half, but the Browns’ dominant defense will eventually catch up to him.
Will Anderson Jr.: An ankle injury will keep the No. 3 overall pick out this week. Anderson Jr. hasn’t been lighting up the stat sheet but has enjoyed a good rookie season. Backup Derek Barnett recorded a sack in Anderson Jr’s absence last week and should keep that streak going against two Browns’ backup tackles.
Blake Cashman: A hamstring injury will ensure the best-tackling linebacker for Houston doesn’t play. He’s been great this year and currently ranks as the 6th best linebacker in terms of defensive grade. With Jake Hansen starting, expect worse open-field tackling from Houston.
Lions @ Vikings Injury Report
Detroit Lions
Jerry Jacobs: Detroit will be without their starting No. 2 corner as he deals with a hamstring injury. He’s been struggling as of late, but Khalil Dorsey isn’t much better. Expect a huge day from Jordan Addison, who has the most favorable matchup in Minnesota’s receiving core.
Minnesota Vikings
Byron Murphy Jr.: A knee injury will ensure one of Minnesota’s top corners also doesn’t play this week. Murphy Jr. has been terrible this year after coming over from Arizona. Backup Mekhi Blackmon has outplayed him in every facet. He should provide a harder matchup for Jameson Williams.
Packers @ Panthers Injury Report
Green Bay Packers
Christian Watson: Watson’s hamstring injury continues to keep him doubtful. While he is a great asset to Jordan Love, they might not need him against a bad Panthers team. Expect a larger target share for Jayden Reed, Dontavion Wicks and Romeo Doubs.
De’Vondre Campbell: Green Bay will be without their best middle linebacker as he recovers from a neck injury. They have a great backup in Eric Wilson, who could dominate against the weak combination of blocking and running backs from Carolina.
Darnell Savage: A shoulder injury will keep Green Bay’s starting free safety out. He’s had a below-average season so far. Jonathan Owens is barely a downgrade compared to Savage. It won’t even matter since they’re playing the Panthers, who have a bottom-five offense.
Carolina Panthers
No notable injuries.