Gameday Injuries: Week 13

Gameday Injuries: Week 13

This article is part of our 2020 NFL Breakout Watch series.

This column is meant to offer our best predictions on what players will/will not play, as of 8 AM ET on Sunday. For the official active/inactive reports, please see our Latest NFL Player News.

The deeper it gets into the season, the more robust injury reports typically are, with Week 13 serving as a fitting example. We have no shortage of big names at each position, many unfortunately already confirmed as out or trending strongly in that direction. On the positive side, we do have a couple of big projected returns as well, and some capable backups ready to step in for those players that are going to be on the shelf. Without further ado, let's take a closer look at the health outlook for a slate that could be critical to many Fantasy teams' chances of the postseason:

QUARTERBACKS   

The Cardinals' Kyler Murray (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Bears after practicing in limited fashion all week, but as per early Sunday reports, the star quarterback is expected to make his return from a three-game absence in his usual starting role. According to early Sunday reports, he's also likely to have DeAndre Hopkins (hamstring) available to him against a Bears defense allowing 19.2 Fantasy points per game to quarterbacks in standard scoring formats.

The Eagles' Jalen Hurts (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game versus the Jets after practicing in limited fashion all week. There were some late Saturday reports indicating Hurts will not play, but

This column is meant to offer our best predictions on what players will/will not play, as of 8 AM ET on Sunday. For the official active/inactive reports, please see our Latest NFL Player News.

The deeper it gets into the season, the more robust injury reports typically are, with Week 13 serving as a fitting example. We have no shortage of big names at each position, many unfortunately already confirmed as out or trending strongly in that direction. On the positive side, we do have a couple of big projected returns as well, and some capable backups ready to step in for those players that are going to be on the shelf. Without further ado, let's take a closer look at the health outlook for a slate that could be critical to many Fantasy teams' chances of the postseason:

QUARTERBACKS   

The Cardinals' Kyler Murray (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Bears after practicing in limited fashion all week, but as per early Sunday reports, the star quarterback is expected to make his return from a three-game absence in his usual starting role. According to early Sunday reports, he's also likely to have DeAndre Hopkins (hamstring) available to him against a Bears defense allowing 19.2 Fantasy points per game to quarterbacks in standard scoring formats.

The Eagles' Jalen Hurts (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game versus the Jets after practicing in limited fashion all week. There were some late Saturday reports indicating Hurts will not play, but another notes the Eagles are waiting until they can see how the second-year quarterback feels in the morning before making a final decision. If Hurts does indeed sit out, Gardner Minshew would be line to make his first start since Week 15 of last season.

The Bears' Justin Fields (ribs) is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Cardinals after practicing in limited fashion all week. Andy Dalton, who threw for 317 yards and a touchdown in Fields' stead during a Thanksgiving Day win over the Lions, has already been named the starter versus Arizona.

The Giants' Daniel Jones (neck) is out for Sunday's game against the Dolphins despite practicing in limited fashion all week. Mike Glennon, who completed 16 of 25 passes for 196 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions against the Cowboys in Week 5 in relief of an injured Jones, will draw the start versus Miami.

RUNNING BACKS     

The Vikings' Dalvin Cook (shoulder) is out for Sunday's game against the Lions after missing practice all week. Alexander Mattison, who already has a pair of 100-yard efforts in Cook's stead this season, will get the start against a Detroit defense allowing the third-most Fantasy points per game to running backs in standard scoring formats (22.1).

The Lions' D'Andre Swift (shoulder) is out for Sunday's game against the Vikings after missing practice all week. Jamaal Williams, who gained 83 total yards on 20 touches after Swift exited the Thanksgiving Day loss to the Bears, will helm the backfield for Detroit versus Minnesota.

The Chiefs' Clyde Edwards-Helaire (illness) is questionable for Sunday night's game against the Broncos after missing practice Friday. If the second-year running back is unable to suit up, Darrel Williams would resume the mantle of lead back he held during CEH's earlier stint on injured reserve.

The Raiders' Josh Jacobs (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against Washington after finishing the week with two limited practices. If Jacobs would be unable to suit up, Kenyan Drake would step into the lead back role against the Football Team, while Jalen Richard would be his main complement.

The Broncos' Melvin Gordon (hip) is out for Sunday night's game versus the Chiefs after missing practice all week. Rookie Javonte Williams should take on lead-back volume, with Mike Boone likely serving as the No. 2/change-of-pace option.

The Rams' Darrell Henderson (thigh) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Jaguars after only managing a limited Friday practice this past week. If Henderson sits out the contest, Sony Michel would be in line to serve as Los Angeles' lead back.

The Jaguars' James Robinson (heel/knee) is questionable for Sunday's game versus the Rams after practicing in limited fashion all week. If Robinson were to sit out, veteran Carlos Hyde would assume the reins of the backfield.

The Seahawks' Alex Collins (abdomen) is questionable for Sunday's game against the 49ers after practicing in limited fashion all week. If Collins were to sit out, the recently signed Adrian Peterson, who was promoted from the practice squad Saturday, would likely rotate in on early downs and share carries with some combination of Travis Homer (calf), Rashaad Penny (hamstring) and DeeJay Dallas.

The Texans' David Johnson (illness) is questionable for Sunday's game versus the Colts after missing practice all week. As per early Sunday reports, Johnson isn't expected to play, which would open up more opportunities for Rex Burkhead, Royce Freeman, and potentially, Jaylen Samuels.

Washington's J.D. McKissic (concussion) is out for Sunday's game against the Raiders after missing practice all week. Jaret Patterson and Wendell Smallwood are likely to see more work behind Antonio Gibson as a result.

The Eagles' Jordan Howard (knee) is out for Sunday's game against the Jets after missing practice all week. With Howard out, Boston Scott (illness) should enjoy a bigger role behind starter Miles Sanders if he's able to suit up.

The Eagles' Boston Scott (illness) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Jets despite missing practice all week. As per early Sunday morning reports, Scott will suit up and fill a complementary role alongside Miles Sanders.

The Dolphins' Phillip Lindsay (ankle) is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Giants despite practicing in limited fashion Wednesday and Friday. In Lindsay's likely absence, Salvon Ahmed is projected to serve as Myles Gaskin's main backup.

The Bears' Damien Williams (calf) is out for Sunday's game versus the Cardinals after missing practice all week. Rookie Khalil Herbert is expected to continue serving as David Montgomery's primary backup.

The Seahawks' Travis Homer (calf) is questionable for Sunday's game against the 49ers despite practicing in full all week. If he's able to suit up, he could enjoy a solid role if Alex Collins (abdomen) is forced to sit out.  

The Seahawks' Rashaad Penny (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's game against the 49ers after finishing the week with two full practices. If he's able to suit up, he could enjoy a solid role if Alex Collins (abdomen) is forced to sit out. 

The 49ers' Trey Sermon (ankle) was placed on injured reserve Saturday, sidelining him for the next three games at minimum.

WIDE RECEIVERS      

The Cardinals' DeAndre Hopkins (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Bears after finishing the week with a missed Friday practice following two limited sessions to start the week. As per early Sunday reports, Hopkins is expected to make his return following a three-game absence but may be used more sparingly than usual as a precaution and due to what are expected to be frigid weather conditions in Chicago.

The 49ers' Deebo Samuel (groin) is out for Sunday's game versus the Seahawks after missing practice all week. In Samuel's sizable absence, Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle should see some extra targets, while Jauan Jennings could operate as the No. 2 receiver.

The Rams' Odell Beckham (hip) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Jaguars after sandwiching a pair of limited practices around a missed Thursday session. If Beckham misses his first game in a Rams uniform, Van Jefferson should bump up to the No. 2 role alongside top option Cooper Kupp.

The Jets' Corey Davis (groin) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Eagles after only practicing in limited fashion Friday this past week. If Davis misses a second straight game, rookie Elijah Moore and Jamison Crowder should serve as the top two wideouts for New York.

The Buccaneers' Antonio Brown (ankle/suspension) will remain out for Sunday's game against the Falcons. A combination of Tyler Johnson, Breshad Perriman and Scotty Miller is likely to share No. 3 wide receiver snaps behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.

The Bears' Allen Robinson (hamstring) is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Cardinals after failing to practice all week. Darnell Mooney should once again serve as the top wideout for Andy Dalton after posting a 5-123 line on eight targets while working with the veteran quarterback on Thanksgiving.

The Dolphins' DeVante Parker (shoulder) was activated from injured reserve Saturday, making him available to play Sunday against the Giants in a likely No. 2 role alongside the surging Jaylen Waddle.

The Giants' Sterling Shepard (quadriceps) is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Dolphins despite finishing the week with two limited practices. With Kadarius Toney (quadriceps) also doubtful, Darius Slayton, John Ross (illness) and Collin Johnson are set to work as the primary options for Mike Glennon behind Kenny Golladay versus Miami.

The Giants' Kadarius Toney (quadriceps) is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Dolphins after missing practice all week. With Sterling Shepard (quadriceps) also doubtful, Darius Slayton, John Ross (quadriceps) and Collin Johnson are set to work as the primary options for Mike Glennon behind Kenny Golladay versus Miami.

The Texans' Brandin Cooks (illness) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Colts after only managing to practice in limited fashion Friday. As per early Sunday reports, Cooks is expected to play and fill his usual No. 1 wideout role.

The Raiders' DeSean Jackson (calf) is questionable for Sunday's game against Washington after sandwiching two limited practices around a missed Thursday session. If Jackson were to sit out, Bryan Edwards might seem some extra downfield opportunities.

The Washington Football Team's Curtis Samuel (groin) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Raiders after practicing in limited fashion all week. If Samuel were to sit out, Adam Humphries and Deandre Carter could be the biggest beneficiaries. 

The Bears' Marquise Goodwin (foot) will not play in Sunday's game against the Cardinals. With Allen Robinson (hamstring) also expected out, Damiere Byrd should move into the No. 2 role behind Darnell Mooney.

The Jets' Keelan Cole was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday, sidelining him for Sunday's game against the Eagles at minimum.

The Giants' John Ross (illness) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Dolphins after only getting in a limited Friday practice this week.

The Texans' Chris Conley (illness) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Colts after managing only a limited Friday practice this week.

The Texans' Danny Amendola (knee) was placed on injured reserve Saturday, sidelining him for the next three games at minimum.

TIGHT ENDS 

The Raiders' Darren Waller (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against Washington after failing to practice all week. In his absence, Hunter Renfrow and the rest of Las Vegas' pass-catching corps should see extra targets to varying degree, while Foster Moreau will step in as the top tight end for Derek Carr.

The Colts' Jack Doyle (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Texans but managed to work back to a full practice Friday. If Doyle were to unexpectedly sit out, Mo Alie-Cox would be in line to serve as Indianapolis' top tight end.

Washington's Ricky Seals-Jones (hip) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Raiders after practicing in limited fashion all week. Logan Thomas will serve as the top tight end now that he's back to full health, so Seals-Jones will only play a complementary role if available.

The Giants' Kyle Rudolph (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Dolphins after finishing the week with two limited practices. If he were to sit out, Chris Myarick would serve as Evan Engram's top backup at tight end.

The Dolphins' Adam Shaheen (knee) is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Giants despite practicing in limited fashion all week.

KICKERS

The Patriots' Nick Folk (knee) is questionable for Monday night's game against the Bills after practicing in limited fashion all week. Folk has played through the injury for the majority of the season and is fully expected to do so again versus Buffalo.

KEY DEFENSIVE PLAYERS

Cornerbacks

The Jaguars' Shaquill Griffin (concussion) is out for Sunday's game against the Rams.

The Steelers' Joe Haden (foot) is out for Sunday's game against the Ravens.

The Ravens' Marlon Humphrey (illness) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Steelers. 

Safeties

Washington's Landon Collins (foot) is out for Sunday's game against the Raiders.

The Buccaneers' Jordan Whitehead (calf) is out for Sunday's game against the Falcons. 

Defensive Linemen

The Bears' Akiem Hicks (ankle) is out for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

The Colts' DeForest Buckner (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Texans. 

Linebackers

The Vikings' Anthony Barr (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Lions.

The Steelers' T.J. Watt was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday, clearing him to play Sunday against the Ravens.

The Vikings' Eric Kendricks (biceps) is out for Sunday's game against the Lions.

The Patriots' Ja'Whaun Bentley (ribs) is questionable for Monday night's game against the Bills.

The Ravens' Jaylon Ferguson (illness) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Steelers.

The Ravens' Patrick Queen (ribs) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Steelers.

The Bears' Roquan Smith (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

The 49ers' Fred Warner (hamstring) is doubtful for Sunday's game versus the Seahawks.

The Buccaneers' Devin White (quadriceps) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Falcons. 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Juan Carlos Blanco
Winner of the FSWA 2016 Newcomer of the Year Award, Juan Carlos Blanco has been playing fantasy sports for over 20 years and covers NBA, MLB, NFL, CFL and Arena Football for Rotowire.com, including serving as the beat writer for teams in multiple sports. He has previously written for KFFL.com and remains an avid season-long and daily fantasy player in multiple sports as well.
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