Week 12 brought another wave of injuries across the NFL, leaving fantasy managers scrambling as the playoff push intensifies. Several key players exited early, while others are now trending toward missing time as we head into a holiday-shortened Week 13 slate.
With crunch time arriving, understanding these injuries and their likely timelines is more important than ever. So grab a plate, carve out some time, and let's dig into the Week 13 injury landscape with a Thanksgiving-sized helping of context and clarity.
Key: Position Player, Team | Injury | Projected Return to Play
QB Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay | Left/Non-Throwing Shoulder Injury | Timeline TBD
During the Buccaneers' Sunday night matchup with the Rams, Baker Mayfield appeared to be favoring his left (non-throwing) shoulder. While it initially looked like he might try to play through the injury, he was ruled out after halftime and did not return. It's unclear whether the score influenced that decision, as the game was essentially out of reach with Tampa Bay trailing 31–7 and struggling to generate any offense.
#Bucs QB Baker Mayfield is in serious discomfort at the end of the first half.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 24, 2025
It's his arm/shoulder. Looks painful. pic.twitter.com/wUhazQ1nuC
For those who may not recall, Mayfield tore the labrum in his left shoulder (the cartilage lining the socket) in 2021. He missed two games that season and ultimately waited until the offseason for surgical repair. While there's no confirmation that he has re-torn the labrum, it is a possibility. Because of that, Mayfield managers should prepare for him to miss time.
Labrum tears in a quarterback's non-throwing shoulder are relatively uncommon in my database, but Trevor Lawrence sustained a similar injury last season and was placed on season-ending IR. Until we receive clarity on whether Mayfield is dealing with a new labral tear, projecting a return-to-play timeline remains difficult.
Update: Mayfield is believed to have an AC joint sprain. Assuming Mayfield has a minor sprain, this greatly improves his chances to play in Week 13.
Pre MRI, the Buccaneers believe Baker Mayfield suffered a sprained AC joint in his left shoulder, per sources. There was no fracture and no structural damage. One source said the Buccaneers “are not ruling out” Mayfield for Sunday’s game vs. the Cardinals. But today’s MRI will… pic.twitter.com/9PGWpH6tue
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 24, 2025
WR Alvin Kamara, New Orleans | MCL Sprain | Projecting Week 17 Return
Alvin Kamara was ruled out in Week 12 due to a knee injury. By video, there was concern of an MCL sprain, and after the game, this injury was confirmed.
Alvin Kamara has an MCL sprain, according to a source. Avoided a major injury, but we'll see how it progresses. He could take a little time, but nothing that's super serious or threatening long term. Hard to know how long. Alvin and his team often beat timelines. https://t.co/qG8LQANY8L
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) November 24, 2025
MCL sprains for NFL RBs average 3 weeks missed, but considering that Kamara has been battling an ankle injury for the majority of the season, it would not be shocking to see New Orleans shut down their veteran RB for an extended absence (possibly even placing him on IR). Kamara has clearly been a shell of himself since Week 6.
Devin Neal should be a priority add if he is available on waivers in your league.
