NFL Injuries

The Philadelphia Eagles have officially ruled Jalen Hurts as doubtful for Sunday's matchup against the New Orleans Saints.

Marcus Maye is out. Major situation against this opponent pic.twitter.com/Iecj2Grpg0

— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) December 30, 2022

But according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, Hurts has made major progress in returning from his right shoulder injury this week after missing the team's Week 16 loss against the Dallas Cowboys.

#Eagles QB Jalen Hurts (shoulder) is doubtful to play Sunday, but sources say he made significant strides this week in returning to practice and the team is very confident he’ll return in the short term. Hurts has been pushing to play, but his health and safety comes first. pic.twitter.com/NZKPFkzXCT

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 30, 2022

Per Tim McManus of ESPN, however, the Eagles plan to rest Hurts against the Saints in what may be a precautionary measure given that progression:

The Eagles plan to rest Jalen Hurts against the Saints.

The decision came down to a health and safety issue, a source said, as Sirianni referenced today.

Hurts’ functionality in his shoulder has progressed to a point where the team expects him back on the field soon.

— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) December 30, 2022

The Eagles could clinch both the NFC East crown and the top overall seed in the NFC playoffs with a win Sunday, along with helping to improve the 2023 first-round pick owed to them by the Saints.

Hurts could still see playing time in the regular season if the Eagles handle business Sunday, per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo:

The side note here is the #Giants are the #Eagles’ Week 18 opponent. So they’d be wise to handle their business this week against the #Colts and not have to worry about Jalen Hurts being an obstacle to the postseason.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) December 30, 2022

Hurts' injury has stalled a potential MVP season. The 24-year-old has thrown for 3,472 yards, 22 touchdowns and five interceptions, completing 67.3 percent of his passes while taking 35 sacks. He's also rushed for 747 yards and 13 scores.

The Eagles are 13-1 in his starts.

With Hurts out, Gardner Minshew will start for the second straight week. He offered a mixed bag against the Cowboys, throwing for 355 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.

He's a solid backup option, and the 6-9 Saints are an easier matchup than the Cowboys. It will be up to Minshew to clinch the top overall seed in the NFC, or the Eagles will face a rivalry game against the New York Giants to close out the season with a lot on the line.

Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry is listed as doubtful for Thursday night's game against the Dallas Cowboys because of a hip injury, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Sitting Henry at this point is risk mitigation by Tennessee. The Titans are in a must-win game in Week 18 against the Jacksonville Jaguars if they want to secure the AFC South title, and the outcome of Thursday's clash with the Cowboys won't have any bearing on their pursuit of a postseason berth.

Henry has amassed 319 carries for 1,429 yards and 13 touchdowns through 15 games. The ex-Alabama star is a two-time Pro Bowler who won the Associated Press Offensive Player of the Year award in 2020.

He led the NFL in rushing touchdowns and rushing yards in 2019 and 2020, notably running for 2,027 yards in the latter year. Henry's 2,141 yards from scrimmage also paced the NFL in 2020.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers didn't practice on Wednesday because of a knee injury, though it isn't expected to keep him out of action in Week 17 against the Minnesota Vikings.

#Packers QB Aaron Rodgers is not practicing today. He will be on the injury report after taking a shot to his knee Sunday in Miami. It’s not an issue expected to keep him out Sunday vs. Vikings.

— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) December 28, 2022

Rodgers has dealt with a thumb issue for much of the season and suffered a rib injury during a Week 12 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. His health concerns have played a role what has turned into a disappointing campaign for the 7-8 Packers, though the team's postseason hopes are still alive

The 39-year-old has completed 64.8 percent of his passes for 3,331 yards, 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

That Green Bay is fighting for its playoff life means Rodgers will almost assuredly play unless he's absolutely unable to go. Having to rely on Jordan Love down the stretch wouldn't be ideal for the Packers.

The team surprised many when it selected Love with a first-round pick in the 2020 NFL draft despite having Rodgers. The 24-year-old started just one game as a rookie and is yet to establish himself at the NFL level because of the presence of the veteran.

It seems unlikely that will change despite Rodgers' latest injury.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been placed in the concussion protocol, head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters Monday.

McDaniel said he's not sure when Tua suffered a concussion, but he's in protocol. During the game "nobody recognized anything with regard to" a hit. "It was something he met with doctors today and discussed some symptoms."

— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) December 26, 2022

McDaniel: Not sure when Tua was injured. Mike was alerted to it a couple of hours ago. No one recognized issues during game.

— Hal Habib (@gunnerhal) December 26, 2022

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported the NFL Players Association will review the situation. A source told Florio that it's "standard protocol" to review it.

Previously, Tagovailoa most recently suffered an ankle injury at the end of his team's Week 13 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, although it wasn't believed to be significant, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

Any injury involving the 24-year-old is a concern considering his past durability issues.

Tagovailoa missed two games this season because of a concussion after injuries cost him four games in 2021. A hip issue at Alabama also led to a slow start to his NFL career after being drafted fifth overall in 2020.

The left-hander has totaled 3,548 passing yards and 25 touchdowns through 13 games. He leads the NFL with a 105.5 passer rating.

It's been a breakout year after throwing just 27 passing touchdowns in his first two seasons combined, totaling an 88.8 passer rating in that span.

The Dolphins have Skylar Thompson and Teddy Bridgewater behind Tagovailoa on the depth chart, but the offense could suffer a setback without the starting quarterback, especially as Miami (8-7) fights for a postseason berth.

The Tennessee Titans will turn to rookie quarterback Malik Willis as the starting quarterback for Saturday's matchup with the Houston Texans, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Veteran Ryan Tannehill has been ruled out for the game with an ankle injury.

NFL reporter Paul Kuharsky reported Wednesday that Tannehill was likely done for the season, opening up the chance for Willis to make an impression down the stretch.

The 23-year-old has made two starts this season, going 1-1 in those contests. For the year, the third-rounder out of Liberty has thrown for 177 yards and an interception, completing a woeful 44.7 percent of his passes while taking six sacks. He's added 80 rushing yards.

"I think the previous experience helped a lot, as far as just knowing what it takes and knowing what your routine is going to be in order to prepare," Willis told reporters Wednesday. "It's different every week, who we play. But the way you prepare is the same mostly. It's just understanding what it takes and going out there every day. Now I get the reps a little more, and it's just about going out there and getting better."

Malik Willis on being more comfortable in the scheme and keeping a positive mindset. Wise words beyond his years from the #Titans rookie. pic.twitter.com/jrXS3kxIFb

— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) December 21, 2022

It will be a trial by fire for Willis at a crucial juncture in Tennessee's season, with the 7-7 Titans holding onto a tenuous one-game lead in the AFC South over the suddenly hot Jacksonville Jaguars (6-8), winners of four of their last six.

The Titans, meanwhile, have lost four straight.

The Jags won the first matchup between the teams by a 36-22 score, with the division potentially coming down to the final week of the season when the two teams face off in Jacksonville for the second time. The division winner will claim the No. 4 seed in the AFC.

It may be a moot point if the Titans can't get past the Texans and a Week 17 matchup with the Dallas Cowboys. At least this week, Willis finds himself in the spotlight.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is dealing with a sprained shoulder that could jeopardize his status for a Week 16 clash against the Dallas Cowboys, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Schefter added the team doesn't expect this to be a long-term issue for its starting signal-caller, though Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported he could be out for Philly's next two games.

John Clark of NBC Sports Philadelphia added that the injury is "not serious" and that Hurts is expected to be ready for the playoffs.

PhillyVoice.com's Jimmy Kempski initially reported Hurts underwent X-rays for an undisclosed injury following Sunday's 25-20 win over the Chicago Bears.

The Eagles handed Hurts the keys to the offense when they traded Carson Wentz to the Indianapolis Colts. Hurts proceeded to guide Philadelphia into the playoffs, while Wentz's Week 18 performance helped cost Indianapolis a postseason berth.

In his first full season as the starter, Hurts threw for 3,144 yards, 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions and ran for 784 yards and 10 scores.

The 2020 second-round pick proved Philadelphia right in moving on from Wentz and looked like he might be a long-term solution at quarterback.

Hurts' performance in the Wild Card Round (23-of-43 for 258 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions) showed he still has some improvements to make, though, in order to take the next step up.

He appears to have done just that with 3,472 passing yards and 747 rushing yards through 14 games.

The Eagles acquired Gardner Minshew from the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021 to serve as Hurts' backup, and he was pressed into duty twice a season ago.

Minshew has a clear ceiling, hence Jacksonville's decision to select Trevor Lawrence with the No. 1 overall pick in 2021, but the fourth-year signal-caller if needed is a solid stopgap who has performed well enough when given starting opportunities.

Russell Wilson will not be on the field for the Denver Broncos in Week 15.

Wilson was officially listed as out on Friday, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Broncos ruled out Russell Wilson for Sunday’s game.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 16, 2022

The Broncos quarterback passed the concussion protocol, but will not play, per Broncos team reporter Aric DiLalla.

Broncos QB Russell Wilson has passed the concussion protocol, but he will not play against the Cardinals.

Nathaniel Hackett: “As an organization, we’ve decided to give him another week.”

— Aric DiLalla (@AricDiLalla) December 16, 2022

Wilson has been in concussion protocol all week after he suffered the head injury in Week 14.

While Wilson will not be on the field, Tee Higgins is trending in the right direction to play on Sunday.

Higgins was at the center of a controversial circumstance last week, as he played a single snap before leaving the field.

The Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver practiced on Friday in what could be viewed as a positive development ahead of Sunday.

Bengals WR Tee Higgins (hamstring) and WR Tyler Boyd (finger) both practiced in full today and are listed as questionable to play Sunday against the Bucs.

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) December 16, 2022

Below is a look at updates on the other significant fantasy football stars dealing with injuries ahead of Week 15.

• Russell Wilson, QB, DEN: out (concussion)
• Tee Higgins, WR, CIN: questionable (hamstring)
  
• Tyler Boyd, WR, CIN: questionable (finger)
  
• Jakobi Meyers, WR, NE: returned to practice Friday (concussion), per NESN's Zack Cox
  
• Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, NE: returned to practice Friday, per Cox
  
• Damien Harris, RB, NE: limited in practice (thigh), per NFL.com.
  
• Marquise Brown, WR, ARI: questionable (illness)
  
• Pat Freiermuth, TE, PIT: not listed on injury report (foot)
  
• Diontae Johnson, WR, PIT: not listed on injury report (hip)
  
• David Montgomery, RB, CHI: not listed on injury report (Illness)
  
• Dameon Pierce, RB, HOU: out (ankle)
  
• Jeff Wilson, RB, MIA: questionable (hip)
  
• Kenny Pickett, QB, PIT: doubtful (concussion)
  
• DJ Moore, WR, CAR: questionable (ankle)
  
• Chase Claypool, WR, CHI: out (knee)

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Russell Wilson Practices Friday

Russell Wilson will not play on Sunday.

He will be replaced by Brett Rypien for the clash with the Arizona Cardinals.

Rypien threw a touchdown pass in relief of Wilson, but he only had 16 yards and completed four of his eight pass attempts in Week 14.

Rypien had 225 passing yards and no touchdown passes in his lone start this season in Week 7 against the New York Jets.

Jeudy and Greg Dulcich are most affected by Wilson's absence. Courtland Sutton is out for Sunday. Running back Latavius Murray carries a bit more fantasy value.

Taylor Heinicke, Desmond Ridder and Andy Dalton are among the potential waiver-wire candidates to add at quarterback.

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Tee Higgins Listed as Questionable

Tee Higgins is officially listed as questionable for the Cincinnati Bengals' matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Higgins is dealing with a hamstring injury that kept him out for most of last week's game against the Cleveland Browns.

He did practice on Friday, as well as teammate and fellow wide receiver Tyler Boyd, which is a positive sign for his hopes to play on Sunday.

Higgins played one snap last week and then did not feature in the AFC North to the ire of fantasy football players.

There may be some lost trust between fantasy players and the Bengals regarding Higgins' status for Week 15.

Higgins produced back-to-back 100-yard games in Weeks 11 and 12 and scored three times in five weeks leading up to Week 14.

Higgins could play a large role in the Cincinnati offense, as usual, if he does see the field against Tampa Bay.

If he can't play, Michael Gallup, Elijah Moore and Mack Hollins are among the players to pick up off the waiver wire.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd had an understandable reaction to the dislocated finger he suffered during Sunday's win over the Cleveland Browns.

"I kind of went in shock," Boyd said Thursday, per Ben Baby of ESPN. "I never really had any major injuries, thank god, let alone being able to see a bone. So, it kind of threw me off."

The bone broke through his skin and forced him to miss most of the contest, but Baby noted he has practiced in a limited capacity this week with a game against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the schedule.

Fellow wide receiver Tee Higgins, who missed all but one snap during the win over Cleveland, has been limited with a hamstring injury, so having Boyd available will be critical.

Otherwise, more of the responsibility will fall on the shoulders of Ja'Marr Chase, who is as well suited to thrive in such a situation as almost any wide receiver in the league. He posted 10 catches for 119 yards and one touchdown against the Browns and appears to be fully healthy after missing time earlier in the season.

Trenton Irwin also caught a touchdown against the Browns and could see more time if Boyd or Higgins is out.

Cincinnati is one of the hottest teams in the NFL with five wins in a row and a 9-4 record. It is tied with the Baltimore Ravens with a head-to-head showdown in Week 18 looming, and the team is in championship-or-bust mode after reaching the Super Bowl last season.

One reason the Bengals are so dangerous is their wide receiver group of Chase, Higgins and Boyd, and having them all on the field is their best chance to win the Lombardi Trophy.

It seems as if Boyd is trending toward playing against the Buccaneers even if he is battling through a shocking injury.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray will miss the rest of the season after an MRI confirmed he tore his ACL during Monday's 27-13 loss to the New England Patriots, head coach Kliff Kingsbury confirmed Tuesday.

Murray was carted off with a non-contact injury during Arizona's Week 14 game. It was another difficult break in a season that has been filled with them for the Cardinals.

The 25-year-old is one of the league's best dual-threat playmakers at quarterback when healthy and has an Offensive Rookie of the Year and two Pro Bowl selections on his resume.

The Oklahoma product has completed 66.4 percent of his passes for 2,368 yards, 14 touchdowns and seven interceptions while adding 418 yards and three scores on the ground in 11 games this season.

Colt McCoy entered the game against the Patriots after Murray exited and figures to be the Cardinals' quarterback while the starter is sidelined. He is best known for his collegiate career at Texas, but he is an experienced backup who can keep the offense afloat if needed.

The 36-year-old has played for the Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers, Washington, New York Giants and Cardinals during a career that started in 2010.