Injury Status: Championship Games

Thu Jan 25 9:02am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

The good news is the injury reports aren’t too long this week. Now there are a few key players hurting, though, which could impact the game. The Chiefs have some injuries along the offensive line and the 49ers could be without one of their best offensive players. So it isn’t all great when it comes to injuries. There are a few to watch.

Here is the latest. . . .

Mark Andrews, TE, Ravens. It is looking more and more like Andrews will make his return this week. He is practicing in full and seems closer to full strength than last week. He has yet to be activated from Injured Reserve but look for that to happen before the week is out. Andrews still might not play his usual role in the game but look for him to be out there and helping the team.

Isiah Pacheco, RB, Chiefs. Pacheco has a toe injury and is out of practice to start the week. He is resting more than anything, though, and it seems the toe injury isn’t too serious. It would be a shock if Pacheco is not active for the big game this week. He should be ready to go.

Marlon Humphrey, CB, Ravens. Humphrey has not played since Week 17 because of a calf strain. He is back at practice this week, though, and trending towards being ready for the game. It would be a big boost to the secondary to have Humphrey back in the lineup for the Ravens.

Skyy Moore, WR, Chiefs. Moore seemed finally close to returning last week, returning to some practice. But he seemed to have a setback late last week with the knee injury. He missed Friday’s practice and has not practiced since. This is not a good sign for a return for Moore. He should miss another week of action.

Deebo Samuel, WR, 49ers. Samuel has the big injury to watch this week. He was knocked from last week’s game because of a shoulder injury. He is out of practice to start this week. He is apparently not dealing with a significant injury but it is serious enough that it could sideline him this week. He is truly up in the air to play. It might come down to a game-time decision for Samuel.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 13

Player Notes
Baker Mayfield Dec 1 3:10pm ET
Baker Mayfield

Tampa Bay Buccaneers left tackle Tristan Wirfs (knee, foot) is officially active for Week 13 against the Carolina Panthers. He had been listed as questionable after logging three limited practices in a row. Wirfs returns from a one-game absence and will be tasked with protecting Baker Mayfield's blindside in this divisional battle on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Austin III Dec 1 3:10pm ET
Calvin Austin III

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (head) is being evaluated for a head injury and is questionable to return on Sunday. The speedy wideout took a few big hits but didn't have to leave the game until the third quarter. Van Jefferson and Mike Williams will have to step up alongside George Pickens to fill in the gap. The backfield could get more involved in the passing game as well.

From RotoBaller

DeVonta Smith Dec 1 3:10pm ET
DeVonta Smith

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring) is officially inactive for Week 13 against the Baltimore Ravens. He had been listed as questionable after practicing in a limited capacity on Friday. Smith went through a thorough pregame workout, and although it was reported that he wanted to play, the Eagles will ultimately hold him out Sunday. Smith's absence should lead to additional opportunities for A.J. Brown, Dallas Goedert, and Jahan Dotson in the passing game.

From RotoBaller

Evan Engram Dec 1 2:40pm ET
Evan Engram

Correcting a previous report, Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram actually remained in the game against the Houston Texans on Sunday. Engram was flagged for retaliating against Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair for delivering a dirty hit on quarterback Trevor Lawrence that knocked him out of the game. Engram was not, however, ejected from the game. Al-Shaair and cornerback Jarrian Jones were ejected instead. Quarterback Mac Jones will be under center while Engram tries to get some revenge in the scoring department.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Dec 1 2:40pm ET
Trevor Lawrence

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (head/concussion) has been ruled out for the rest of Sunday's game against the Houston Texans. As he tried to slide for a first down, Azeez Al-Shaair delivered a cheap shot straight to Lawrence's head. The Jaguars retaliated for the dirty hit while Lawrence had to be carted off the field and will be tested for a concussion. Mac Jones has taken over under center for the rest of the game.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Dec 1 2:30pm ET
Trevor Lawrence

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram has been ejected after he retaliated against Aziz Al-Shaair for a dirty hit on Trevor Lawrence. Al-Shaair delivered a big hit straight to Lawrence's head when he slid for a first down. Engram went after the linebacker and was later ejected for fighting and Lawrence had to be carted off the field. That means he'll finish the game with one catch for three yards, and Brenton Strange will step up as the next tight end.

From RotoBaller

Bryce Young Dec 1 1:40pm ET
Bryce Young

According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, the Panthers are pleased with the recent progression of quarterback Bryce Young. As a result, Carolina isn't expected to select a quarterback "early" in the 2025 NFL Draft. The 23-year-old struggled to begin the 2024-25 campaign. Although he still has a long way to go, he has at least thrown for over 224 yards in two of his previous four appearances. With that in mind, Young's job is far from secure. But as long as he continues to show improvement, it appears he'll remain under center. Still, the signal-caller has work to do before earning a consistent spot in fantasy lineups.

From RotoBaller

Jamal Adams Dec 1 1:20pm ET
Jamal Adams

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, free-agent safety Jamal Adams will sign with the Lions. He'll be added to the practice squad. However, Schefter indicated that there's an "idea he'll be elevated to Detroit's roster." The multi-time Pro Bowler agreed to a contract with the Titans in July. But he played sparingly in Tennessee and was released in October. Adams has appeared in 83 regular-season games for the Jets, Seahawks, and Titans throughout his career, totaling 498 tackles with 21.5 sacks and four interceptions. Granted, he is no longer the player he once was. Still, his presence will at least add another veteran voice for a team looking to win a Super Bowl.

From RotoBaller

D.J. Chark Dec 1 12:30pm ET
D.J. Chark

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver DJ Chark is officially active for Week 13 against the Atlanta Falcons. This is noteworthy given that Chark missed the early portion of the season due to a hip injury and has been a healthy scratch on numerous occasions since being activated from injured reserve. In fact, he has only been on the field for one offensive snap this season and has failed to log a target. Moving forward, he remains buried behind Ladd McConkey, Josh Palmer, Quentin Johnston, and Jalen Reagor on the depth chart.

From RotoBaller

Nick Herbig Dec 1 12:20pm ET
Nick Herbig

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (ankle) is officially inactive for Week 13 against the Cincinnati Bengals. This was widely expected given that he entered the weekend listed as doubtful. Highsmith is now set to miss his third consecutive game and sixth game this season. Through the six contests for which he has been healthy, the 27-year-old has 19 tackles and three sacks. He'll be replaced by Nick Herbig on the defensive side of the ball.

From RotoBaller

Logan Wilson Dec 1 12:10pm ET
Logan Wilson

Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson (knee) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 13 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the wrong direction after missing all three practices leading up to this weekend. Wilson had previously appeared in all 11 games this season, totaling 104 tackles, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. Joe Bachie should earn more defensive snaps for the duration of Wilson's absence.

From RotoBaller

Charlie Jones Dec 1 12:10pm ET
Charlie Jones

Cincinnati Bengals wide receivers Charlie Jones (groin) and Trenton Irwin (coach's decision) are both inactive for Week 13 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jones had been listed as doubtful after being sidelined during practice on Friday, and he's now set to miss his fourth consecutive game. Meanwhile, Irwin had not been on the injury report but is a healthy scratch once again. As a result, Isaiah Williams and Jermaine Burton should earn additional snaps.

From RotoBaller

Sam Eguavoen Dec 1 12:00pm ET
Sam Eguavoen

New York Jets linebacker C.J. Mosley (neck) is officially inactive for Week 13 against the Seattle Seahawks. He had been listed as questionable and was a true game-time decision. Although Mosley logged two full practices Wednesday and Thursday, he was downgraded to a non-participant Friday, casting real doubt on his status for Sunday's game against Seattle. Chazz Surratt and Sam Eguavoen should earn more defensive snaps in Mosley's absence.

From RotoBaller

Tyjae Spears Dec 1 12:00pm ET
Tyjae Spears

Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (concussion) has cleared protocol and is officially active for Sunday's Week 13 contest against the Washington Commanders. The 23-year-old has missed four games due to injury this season, but he gets involved when healthy, playing more than one-third of the Titans' offensive snaps. He should carve out a dual-threat role once again this week, but he's not worth starting in 12-team leagues given the Titans' tendency to lean on Tony Pollard out of the backfield.

From RotoBaller

Alec Pierce Dec 1 11:50am ET
Alec Pierce

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (foot) is officially active for Sunday's Week 13 game against the New England Patriots. Pierce had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction after logging a full practice on Friday. The 24-year-old will take on an expanded role as the Colts' No. 2 wide receiver behind Michael Pittman Jr. given that Josh Downs (shoulder) is inactive. Pierce typically operates as a deep-threat option within Indianapolis' offense, catching eight passes for 194 yards and one touchdown over the last three weeks. He should be viewed as a low-end WR3/FLEX option in fantasy football with Downs sidelined.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Dec 1 11:50am ET
Trevor Lawrence

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) is officially active for Sunday's game against the Houston Texans. He had been listed as questionable, and while head coach Doug Pederson acknowledged Lawrence wouldn't be 100 percent, the expectation was that he would be able to play. His return to the lineup gives the Jaguars a break from Mac Jones, who delivered zero touchdowns and four interceptions as the team's fill-in starter. Lawrence should be treated as a mid-range fantasy QB2 this Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Emari Demercado Dec 1 11:50am ET
Emari Demercado

Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado (shoulder), who was listed as questionable for Sunday's Week 13 contest in Minnesota against the Vikings on Sunday, is officially active. Demercado was limited in practice all week but will be active on Sunday as they Cardinals look to bounce back in a hostile environment after dropping a big game to the division-rival Seattle Seahawks last week. The 25-year-old shouldn't be in any starting fantasy lineups in Minnesota as the RB3 in Arizona behind James Conner and rookie Trey Benson. Demercado has had more than two touches in only four of his 11 appearances in 2024. The former TCU product will only be worth a waiver-wire pickup if one of Conner or Benson gets hurt and misses time. Demercado has only 21 carries for 211 yards and one TD in his second year in the NFL.

From RotoBaller

Keilan Robinson Dec 1 11:50am ET
Keilan Robinson

Jacksonville Jaguars running back D'Ernest Johnson (coach's decision) is a healthy scratch for Week 13, leaving rookie Keilan Robinson in line to make his NFL debut as the team's No. 3 running back. Robinson, a rookie out of the University of Texas, was activated from injured reserve last week. Although he is suiting up for his first time as a Jaguar, Robinson could have trouble earning snaps behind Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby. On the other hand, Johnson's de-activation comes as a bit of a surprise. He had been a valuable contributor in his depth role, totaling 117 rushing yards and 77 receiving yards through 11 games.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Hutchinson Dec 1 11:50am ET
Xavier Hutchinson

Houston Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson (shoulder) is inactive for Week 13 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He had been listed as questionable after logging three limited practices in a row. The 24-year-old has operated in a strictly depth role this season, but he did earn some extra opportunities during the respective absences of Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs (knee). All in all, through 12 games this season, Hutchinson had caught seven of his 18 targets for 70 yards through the air. The second-year receiver is still searching for his first career NFL touchdown. John Metchie III and Robert Woods figure to earn extra snaps with Hutchinson shelved for Week 13.

From RotoBaller

Marshon Lattimore Dec 1 11:50am ET
Marshon Lattimore

Washington Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) will have to wait yet another weak to make his debut with the team, as the Commanders officially ruled him out of Sunday's Week 13 contest against the visiting Tennessee Titans. Lattimore was listed as doubtful to play this weekend, so it doesn't come as a surprise. The 28-year-old veteran defensive back was acquired in a trade from the New Orleans Saints back on Nov. 5 but he has yet to suit up for Washington in a game. The good news is that he put in three limited practices this week, so he could be inching closer to his Commanders debut. The team is on bye in Week 14, so the earliest Lattimore can make his Commanders debut now will come in Week 15 when they take on the New Orleans Saints. Lattimore was acquired to help improve a struggling secondary in D.C.

From RotoBaller