Week 18 was relatively quiet on the injury front, largely due to teams exercising caution as they prepared for a postseason run or holding out key contributors already eliminated from playoff contention. Many notable absences were precautionary rather than injury-driven, limiting the number of new issues to monitor.
While the fantasy football season has come to a close, injuries remain a critical storyline as teams shift their focus to the NFL playoffs. This section will continue throughout the postseason, tracking player availability, recovery timelines, and potential impact as the stakes rise.
Key: Position Player, Team | Injury | Projected Return to Play
QB J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota | Hand | Season Over
J.J. McCarthy entered Week 18 dealing with a hand injury and appeared to aggravate it during the second half. McCarthy has been managing a hand fracture, and given the timeline of the injury, a flare-up or re-irritation was always a concern. He ultimately pulled himself from the game early after re-injuring his hand and did not return. With Minnesota already eliminated from playoff contention, pushing McCarthy was meaningless.
JJ McCarthy takes himself out of the game.
— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) January 4, 2026
He has been dealing with a hand injury, he said he couldn’t do it 🤯 pic.twitter.com/9GwDxR0aXJ
It’s been an injury-riddled start to McCarthy’s career, but while it remains unclear whether surgery will be required, he will have a full offseason to recover. McCarthy should be on track to be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 season.
QB Cameron Ward, Tennessee | Shoulder | Season Over
Cameron Ward exited early Sunday after injuring his shoulder while attempting to extend the ball for a touchdown on a scramble. Based on video review, an AC joint sprain looked possible. Post-game, the Titans nearly confirmed this, calling it a "Grade 3 sprain." Although they did not specify it was Ward's AC joint, the verbiage suggests this.
Mike McCoy said Cam Ward's shoulder will undergo more testing when they get back to Nashville. @jeffphowe reported that it's a grade three shoulder sprain.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) January 4, 2026
A Grade 3 AC joint sprain will require surgery. Although the recovery is longer than a non-operated AC joint sprain, Ward will still be ready for Week 1, barring anything unexpected.