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Many players across the NFL are struggling with injuries heading into Week 13.
The Buffalo Bills placed pass rusher Von Miller on the injured reserve list on Thursday, meaning he will miss the team’s next four games. Miller said he suffered a lateral meniscus tear in his right knee during the Bills’ win over the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving.
“He’s dealt with it and tried to rehabilitate it,” Bills general manager Brandon Beane said. “… We just think when we talk to the medical people that the best decision right now is to give this time and it gives him the best opportunity to help us down the line.”
Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields’ status for Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers looks more promising. Field practiced Thursday and Friday after being listed as limited Wednesday. He is now expected to start on Sunday. The illness caused him to miss the Bears’ game against the New York Jets on Sunday.
The Packers also have health concerns at quarterback, as Aaron Rodgers is dealing with a rib injury he suffered against the Philadelphia Eagles. According to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky, Rodgers will play on Sunday and will “probably” wear some form of rib protection for the first time in his career.
Here are some more injury updates from our NFL Nation reporters heading into Week 13.
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Damage: Concussion
Mixon was limited all week while still dealing with a concussion. Bengals coach Zac Taylor said Mixon will be monitored through the weekend as they look at a potential return for Sunday’s game against Kansas City.
— Bone Baby
Damage: Knee
Njoku, who came down with a game-tying, one-handed TD catch on fourth down in Sunday’s eventual win over Tampa Bay, was unable to practice this week with a knee injury. Njoku, who battled an ankle injury earlier this season, is a key part of the Browns’ offense. If Cleveland is going to push for a playoff spot, they need to get Njoku back from this injury as quickly as possible.
— Jake Trotter
Damage: Ankle
The Packers may finally be able to use their two rookie receivers together a lot if Doubs plays on Sunday. So far, they have played a total of 52 snaps together this season. While Doubs played a lot early in the season, Christian Watson battled injuries. And Watson’s rise has come while Doubs has missed the last three games with an ankle injury. Doubs returned to training on Wednesday.
— Rob Demosky
Damage: Disease
The Colts will be missing a key piece of their offensive line at an unfortunate time. Dallas leads the NFL in sacks with 45. Meanwhile, Smith had a strong performance against Pittsburgh’s TJ Watt, holding him without a sack and limiting him to one quarterback hit in the Colts’ Monday night loss to the Steelers.
— Stephen Holder
Damage: Calf
Jacobs first tweaked his left calf in practice last Friday, was a game decision in Seattle, re-aggravated it late in the game, convinced coaches to let him return and finished with 303 all-purpose yards and two scores, including his epic 86-yarder . walk-off touchdown. The calf has kept him limited in practice all week. “I don’t feel too bad,” he said. “It’s more just not trying to overwork myself. Not trying to do too much in practice and then coming into the game sore. I’m feeling pretty good. Just trying to maintain that.” If Jacobs can’t play, expect rookie Zamir White to get more reps.
— Paul Gutierrez
Damage: Ankle
Williams will miss a second straight game after aggravating a high ankle sprain in Week 11 against the Chiefs. Williams originally suffered the injury in Week 7 against the Seahawks and missed two games before returning and re-aggravating the injury. The Bolts’ offense will also be without starting center Corey Linsley (concussion) and right tackle Trey Pipkins III (knee), so quarterback Justin Herbert will have his work cut out for him.
— Lindsey Thiry
Damage: Neck
Stafford has been removed from the concussion protocol, but he will miss the Rams’ Week 13 game against the Seattle Seahawks with a neck injury. Coach Sean McVay said last week that Stafford felt some numbness in his legs after taking a hit in Week 11 against the New Orleans Saints, a game Stafford played in two days after he was first removed from the concussion protocol. McVay said there has been dialogue about shutting down Stafford for the rest of the season, but the Rams are still taking it “one step at a time” with the quarterback’s injury.
Damage: Ankle
Donald will not play Sunday against Seattle after injuring his ankle against the Chiefs in Week 13. This is the first game the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year has missed due to injury in his NFL career.
— Sarah Barshop
Damage: Ankle
Carter, the Jets’ leading rusher since Breece Hall was injured in Week 7, is questionable with a low ankle sprain. Look for a backfield by committee, with Ty Johnson, rookie Zonovan Knight and James Robinson handling the work. Johnson and Knight, who both sparked the offense last week, expect to bring most of them with them.
–Rich Cimini
Damage: Knee
Quinn was a late addition to the injury report this week. He is listed as out for Sunday against the Titans along with safety CJ Gardner-Johnson (torn kidney). Defensive tackle Jordan Davis, meanwhile, is expected to return from a high ankle sprain — just in time to face Derrick Henry.
— Tim McManus
Damage: Oblique
Harris played just half of Monday night’s win against the Colts before leaving with an oblique injury. However, he returned to practice on Friday and said he was ready to play on Sunday. Still, he could be limited against the Falcons after not practicing Wednesday or Thursday. The Steelers don’t necessarily need to rush him back with Jaylen Warren (hamstring) available again and after getting solid performances from Benny Snell and Anthony McFarland in the second half of Monday’s win.
— Brooke Pryor
Damage: Foot
Gibson did not practice Thursday and was limited Friday, but Washington remains optimistic about his availability for Sunday. Offensive coordinator Scott Turner said he expected Gibson to play against the Giants. Considering Washington wants to attack New York on the ground, pairing Gibson with Brian Robinson will be crucial. If he can’t play, Jonathan Williams would play more and Jaret Patterson would be lifted off the practice squad.
Damage: Knee
Young was limited in practice Friday, and Washington won’t make a final call on his status until Sunday’s game. The coaches have wanted to see him push off the knee with confidence, and that’s not something they’ve seen consistently. They were enthusiastic about what they saw a week ago, but more subdued this week. It could be another game before Young plays.
— John Keim
