Injury Roundup from Week 16

As the season grinds toward its final stretch, injuries continue to reshape the fantasy football landscape at the worst possible time. Week after week, key contributors are exiting games early, leaving managers scrambling for answers and contingency plans. As the NFL playoffs near finalization across the league, teams may begin prioritizing long-term health over short-term availability. 

Below is a breakdown of the most impactful injuries from the weekend and what they could mean moving forward.

Key: Position Player, Team | Injury | Projected Return to Play

QB Lamar Jackson, Baltimore | Back | Timeline TBD

During Sunday night’s loss to the New England Patriots, Lamar Jackson was injured and later listed as questionable by the Baltimore Ravens with a back injury. After halftime, head coach John Harbaugh was coy when asked about Jackson’s status and wouldn't give a straight answer on whether his veteran quarterback would return. Shortly after, Jackson was ruled out. 

By video, the injury appeared more consistent with a rib issue. It has been an injury-riddled season for Jackson. While Baltimore is not officially out of the playoff hunt, the team may take a cautious approach and consider shutting him down if his health continues to trend in the wrong direction.

RB TreVeyon Henderson, New England | Concussion | Projecting Week 18 Return 

TreVeyon Henderson sustained a head injury in the second quarter of Sunday night’s game. After halftime, the team ruled the rookie running back out with a concussion. 

Henderson will have a week to progress through the league’s concussion protocol, which is possible, but historically unlikely based on comparable cases.

RB Quinshon Judkins, Cleveland | Leg/Ankle | Season-Ending 

Quinshon Judkins sustained a serious lower-body injury and had to be carted off the field. Postgame reports confirmed that the rookie running back suffered an ankle dislocation along with an associated fracture. As a result, Judkins’ 2025 season is over, but based on typical recovery timelines for this type of injury, he is expected to be ready for the 2026 season.

QB Jordan Love, Green Bay | Concussion | Projecting Week 18 Return 

Jordan Love was forced to exit Saturday’s game early after being diagnosed with a concussion. Similar to TreVeyon Henderson (mentioned above), it typically takes NFL players more than seven days to fully clear the concussion protocol.

Love will have exactly one week to progress through the protocol as the Green Bay Packers host the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday in Week 17, leaving his availability far from certain.

QB Malik Willis, Green Bay | Shoulder | Timeline TBD 

Following the Green Bay Packers’ loss in Chicago, Malik Willis is battling shoulder soreness, leaving his Week 17 availability in doubt. Practice reports will be especially telling, as the specifics of Willis’ injury remain unclear. With Jordan Love currently in the concussion protocol, Green Bay may be forced to turn to its third-string quarterback, Clayton Tune, if neither passer is cleared in time.

QB Marcus Mariota, Washington | Hand/Quadriceps | Timelime TBD

Marcus Mariota is dealing with a pair of injuries after being pulled from Saturday’s game with a hand injury. On Sunday, head coach Dan Quinn told reporters that Mariota also sustained a quadriceps injury. With Mariota sidelined, Josh Johnson finished the game and would be the likely starter if Mariota is unable to play next week.

QB Gardner Minshew, Kansas City | Knee | Likely Season-Ending

Gardner Minshew sustained a knee injury on Sunday that appeared serious by video.

Chiefs are concerned that QB Gardner Minshew tore his ACL, as @mattderrick also reported. There will be additional tests but Minshew could be the second Chiefs’ quarterback in two games to tear his ACL. pic.twitter.com/vDVoxOTGKb

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 21, 2025

After the game, the Kansas City Chiefs reported there was concern that Minshew suffered an ACL tear.

Minshew had been filling in for Patrick Mahomes, who tore his ACL the week prior. With both quarterbacks sidelined, Chris Oladokun is the next man up for Kansas City.

QB Josh Allen, Buffalo | Foot | Expected Active in Week 17

Josh Allen managers and Buffalo Bills fans alike had a brief scare after Allen had his foot X-rayed at halftime.

Per the Bills: QB Josh Allen had X-rays on his foot and has been cleared to return.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 21, 2025

There was initial concern for a possible fracture, but the imaging ultimately proved to be precautionary. Allen returned for the entire second half and played well. He should be active in Week 17, though it would not be surprising if he misses most of Buffalo's practices heading into Sunday.

QB J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota | Hand | Timeline TBD

J.J. McCarthy was ruled out for the second half of Sunday’s game with a hand injury. While there is some indication that the decision was precautionary, any injury to a quarterback’s throwing hand is cause for concern. If imaging were to reveal a fracture, it would likely end McCarthy’s season, given the timing.

RB Jordan Mason, Minnesota | Ankle | Potentially Season-Ending 

Jordan Mason exited early with an ankle injury. Reports out of Minnesota indicated that Mason needed to be carted to the locker room, which raises concern for a potentially serious injury. With only two weeks remaining in the season, Mason’s year may already be over, pending further evaluation and imaging.

RB Kimani Vidal, LA Chargers | Neck | Projecting Week 18 Return 

Kimani Vidal was injured in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s win while operating in a limited workload. While the team has yet to provide specifics, the injury appeared to affect his neck. Vidal’s status should be handled cautiously. It would not be surprising if he misses next week.

Previous Injuries

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