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 Fantasy playoffs are hitting their final two weeks in many leagues, but COVID-19 continues to serve as a major disruptor across the NFL heading into Sunday. The Week 16 injury report is once again replete with key absences due to both conventional injuries and health and safety protocols, with a couple of big-name players being added to the latter as late as Saturday. Just as with Week 15, there are plenty of moving parts heading into Sunday morning, so let's jump right into the latest:
QUARTERBACKS
The Ravens' Lamar Jackson (ankle) is out for Sunday's game against the Bengals after failing to practice all week. With Tyler Huntley in COVID-19 protocols, Josh Johnson will start for Baltimore in the critical divisional clash versus Cincinnati.
The Ravens' Tyler Huntley is in COVID-19 protocols and will miss Sunday's game against the Bengals. With Lamar Jackson (ankle) also out, Josh Johnson will step in to helm the offense for Baltimore versus Cincinnati.
The Broncos' Teddy Bridgewater (concussion) is out for Sunday's game against the Raiders after failing to practice all week. Drew Lock, who stepped in for Bridgewater after his injury in Week 15 against the Bengals, will start for Denver versus Las Vegas.
The Lions' Jared Goff is in COVID-19 protocols and is out
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 Fantasy playoffs are hitting their final two weeks in many leagues, but COVID-19 continues to serve as a major disruptor across the NFL heading into Sunday. The Week 16 injury report is once again replete with key absences due to both conventional injuries and health and safety protocols, with a couple of big-name players being added to the latter as late as Saturday. Just as with Week 15, there are plenty of moving parts heading into Sunday morning, so let's jump right into the latest:
QUARTERBACKS
The Ravens' Lamar Jackson (ankle) is out for Sunday's game against the Bengals after failing to practice all week. With Tyler Huntley in COVID-19 protocols, Josh Johnson will start for Baltimore in the critical divisional clash versus Cincinnati.
The Ravens' Tyler Huntley is in COVID-19 protocols and will miss Sunday's game against the Bengals. With Lamar Jackson (ankle) also out, Josh Johnson will step in to helm the offense for Baltimore versus Cincinnati.
The Broncos' Teddy Bridgewater (concussion) is out for Sunday's game against the Raiders after failing to practice all week. Drew Lock, who stepped in for Bridgewater after his injury in Week 15 against the Bengals, will start for Denver versus Las Vegas.
The Lions' Jared Goff is in COVID-19 protocols and is out for Sunday's game against the Falcons. In his absence, Tim Boyle, who completed 15 of 23 passes for 77 yards with two interceptions in a Week 11 start against Cleveland, is slated to helm the offense versus Atlanta.
The Saints' Taysom Hill is in COVID-19 protocols entering Sunday ahead of Monday night's game against the Dolphins. If neither Hill nor fellow COVID-19 designee Trevor Siemian can clear protocols by Sunday afternoon's deadline, then rookie Ian Book will start for New Orleans versus Miami.
The Saints' Trevor Siemian is in COVID-19 protocols entering Sunday ahead of Monday night's game against the Dolphins. If neither Hill nor fellow COVID-19 designee Taysom Hill can clear protocols by Sunday afternoon's deadline, then rookie Ian Book will start for New Orleans versus Miami.
The Bears' Justin Fields (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Seahawks after missing the last two practices of the week. Even if Fields suits up Sunday, he'll cede the start to veteran Nick Foles with Andy Dalton (hand) already ruled out.
The Bears' Andy Dalton (hand) is out for Sunday's game against the Seahawks after going from a full Thursday practice to a missed session Friday. If Justin Fields (ankle) is unable to serve as a backup to Week 16 starter Nick Foles, then undrafted rookie Ryan Willis would fill that role.
The Panthers' Sam Darnold (shoulder) was activated from injured reserve Saturday and is slated to serve as Cam Newton's backup in Sunday's game against the Buccaneers. Saturday reports also indicate Darnold is expected to log some snaps again before the season is over, with the possibility that process begins versus Tampa Bay.
RUNNING BACKS
The Vikings' Dalvin Cook remains in COVID-19 protocols and will not play Sunday against the Rams. Alexander Mattison, who's already excelled in three prior starts for Cook this season, will step in to handle lead-back duties.
The Lions' D'Andre Swift (shoulder) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Falcons after practicing in limited fashion all week. If Swift sits out, Jamaal Williams and Craig Reynolds could serve as the top two backs versus Atlanta.
The Chargers' Austin Ekeler remains in COVID-19 protocols and will not play Sunday against the Texans. Justin Jackson will handle lead-back duties in his stead.
The Buccaneers' Leonard Fournette (hamstring) was placed on injured reserve Thursday, ending his regular season. Ronald Jones is expected to serve as Tampa Bay's lead back for the last three games of the season.
Washington's Antonio Gibson (toe) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Cowboys after missing practice all week. If Gibson can't suit up versus Dallas, Jaret Patterson and Jonathan Williams would be in line to handle backfield duties.
Washington's J.D. McKissic (concussion) was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, ending his regular season.
The Patriots' Damien Harris (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Bills after practicing in limited fashion all week. If Harris can suit up, he'll likely be in for even more work than usual with Rhamondre Stevenson in COVID-19 protocols.
The Patriots' Rhamondre Stevenson remains in COVID-19 protocols and will not play Sunday against the Bills. Brandon Bolden (knee) or J.J. Taylor should see an expanded role behind Damien Harris (hamstring), assuming the latter plays.
The Patriots' Brandon Bolden (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Bills after practicing in limited fashion all week. If Bolden can't suit up, J.J. Taylor could see a significantly expanded role considering Rhamondre Stevenson (COVID-19 protocols) is out.
The Texans' David Johnson (quadriceps) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Chargers after missing practice all week. If he's unable to go, Rex Burkhead should see a bigger workload as Houston's clear lead back, with Royce Freeman serving as his primary backup.
WIDE RECEIVERS
The Buccaneers' Mike Evans (hamstring) is out for Sunday's game against the Panthers after missing practice all week. Antonio Brown will serve as No. 1 receiver for Tom Brady versus Carolina.
The Buccaneers' Chris Godwin (knee) was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, ending his season. Antonio Brown will move into a starter's role as a result, and Sunday against the Panthers, he'll serve as the No. 1 receiver with Mike Evans (hamstring) also sidelined.
The Vikings' Adam Thielen (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Rams after practicing in limited fashion all week. As per early Sunday reports, Thielen will suit up and play for the first time since exiting the Week 13 loss to the Lions after just six snaps with the injury.
The Chargers' Mike Williams entered COVID-19 protocols Saturday and will not play Sunday against the Texans. With Jalen Guyton also sidelined for the same reason, Joshua Palmer is slated to serve as the No. 2 receiver behind Keenan Allen.
The Bills' Cole Beasley remains in COVID-19 protocols and will not play in Sunday's game against the Patriots. Isaiah McKenzie should bump up to the No. 3 receiver role with Gabriel Davis also in protocols.
The Bills' Gabriel Davis remains in COVID-19 protocols and will not play in Sunday's game against the Patriots. Isaiah McKenzie should bump up to the No. 3 receiver role with Cole Beasley also in protocols.
The Texans' Brandin Cooks remains in COVID-19 protocols and will not play in Sunday's game against the Chargers. Nico Collins and Phillip Dorsett are slated to serve as the top two wideouts for rookie quarterback Davis Mills versus Los Angeles.
The Panthers' DJ Moore (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers after only managing a limited Friday practice this week. If Moore is unable to suit up, Robby Anderson and Brandon Zylstra would each bump up a notch on the depth chart.
The Bears' Allen Robinson remains in COVID-19 protocols and will not play Sunday against the Seahawks. If Marquise Goodwin (foot) also sits out, Damiere Byrd would bump up to the No. 2 receiver role behind Darnell Mooney.
The Giants' Sterling Shepard (Achilles) was placed on injured reserve Monday, ending his season. Kadarius Toney (oblique) and Darius Slayton are in line for bigger roles for what remains of the season as a result.
The Giants' Kadarius Toney (oblique) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Eagles after turning in a limited practice Friday. If Toney is able to suit up for the first time since Week 11, he would likely slot right into a No. 2 role behind Kenny Golladay with Sterling Shepard (Achilles) out for the season.
The Buccaneers' Breshad Perriman remains in COVID-19 protocols and will not play in Sunday's game against the Panthers. With Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (IR-knee) also out, Tyler Johnson and Scotty Miller could share No. 2 wideout duties behind Antonio Brown.
The Washington Football Team's Curtis Samuel (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Cowboys after practicing in limited fashion all week. If he's unable to suit up, Cam Sims could see expanded opportunity.
The Patriots' Nelson Agholor (concussion) is out for Sunday's game against the Bills after missing practice all week. In his absence, Kendrick Bourne, who was just activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday, will serve as the No. 2 receiver for New England.
The Patriots' N'Keal Harry (hip) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Bills after three limited practices this week. If he's unable to go, Gunner Olszewski may see more action as a possible No. 3 receiver.
The Jets' Jamison Crowder (calf) is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Jaguars after missing practice all week. In his likely absence, Keelan Cole and Denzel Mims will likely slot in as New York's top two receivers versus Jacksonville.
The Saints' Tre'Quan Smith (shoulder) is questionable for Monday night's game against the Dolphins after practicing in limited fashion all week. If Smith can't suit up, Marquez Callaway will bump up to the role of No. 1 receiver versus Miami.
The Lions' Josh Reynolds (thigh) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Falcons after practicing in limited fashion all week. If he's unable to suit up, Kalif Raymond would bump up to the No. 2 receiver role versus Atlanta if he's able to play through his own shoulder issue.
The Bears' Marquise Goodwin (foot) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Seahawks but finished the week with two full practices. If both he and Allen Robinson (COVID-19 protocols) were to miss the contest, Damiere Byrd would elevate to the No. 2 receiver role versus Seattle.
The Falcons' Tajae Sharpe (foot) is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Lions after missing practice all week. In his likely absence, Olamide Zaccheaus and Christian Blake could see bigger roles behind top target Russell Gage.
The Lions' Kalif Raymond (shoulder) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Falcons after practicing in limited fashion all week. If Raymond is unable to suit up, Tom Kennedy could move into the No. 3 receiver role versus Atlanta.
The Ravens' Devin Duvernay (ankle) is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Bengals after missing practice all week. In his likely absence, James Proche should bump up to the role of No. 4 receiver versus Cincinnati.
The Jaguars' Laviska Shenault remains in COVID-19 protocols and is out for Sunday's game against the Jets.
The Giants' John Ross remains in COVID-19 protocols and is out for Sunday's game against the Eagles.
The Bears' Jakeem Grant (concussion) is out for Sunday's game against the Seahawks.
The Buccaneers' Jaelon Darden remains in COVID-19 protocols and is out for Sunday's game against the Panthers.
TIGHT ENDS
The Chiefs' Travis Kelce remains in COVID-19 protocols going into Sunday morning but still has a chance to play against the Steelers. According to late Saturday reports, Kelce will take multiple COVID tests by Sunday morning, which will be the final determinant of his availability. If he's unable to suit up, journeyman Blake Bell would likely take on starting tight end duties versus Pittsburgh.
The Raiders' Darren Waller (knee) is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Broncos after failing to practice all week. In his likely absence, Hunter Renfrow and the rest of Las Vegas' pass-catching corps should see extra targets to varying degree, while Foster Moreau will once again step in as the top tight end for Derek Carr.
The Steelers' Pat Freiermuth (concussion) is out for Sunday's game against the Chiefs after failing to practice all week. Zach Gentry is expected to serve as the starting tight end versus Kansas City.
The Chargers' Donald Parham (concussion) was placed on injured reserve Saturday, ending his season. Stephen Anderson should serve as the top backup to Jared Cook for Los Angeles' remaining games.
The Saints' Adam Trautman remains in COVID-19 protocols going into Sunday ahead of Monday night's game against the Dolphins. The second-year tight end will have until Sunday afternoon to gain clearance. If neither he nor fellow COVID-19 designee Juwan Johnson are able to suit up, Nick Vannett should handle starting tight end duties for New Orleans.
The Saints' Juwan Johnson remains in COVID-19 protocols going into Sunday ahead of Monday night's game against the Dolphins. The second-year tight end will have until Sunday afternoon to gain clearance. If neither he nor fellow COVID-19 designee Adam Trautman are able to suit up, Nick Vannett should handle starting tight end duties for New Orleans.
The Seahawks' Will Dissly remains in COVID-19 protocols and will not play Sunday against the Bears. Gerald Everett should see a bump in targets as the top tight end.
KICKERS
The Patriots' Nick Folk (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Bills after practicing in limited fashion all week. Folk is fully expected to continue playing through his season-long injury and fill his usual placekicking duties versus Buffalo.
KEY DEFENSIVE PLAYERS
Cornerbacks
The Seahawks' D.J. Reed remains in COVID-19 protocols and will not play in Sunday's game against the Bears.
The Jets' Bryce Hall (illness) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Jaguars.
The Texans' Lonnie Johnson remains in COVID-19 protocols and will not play in Sunday's game against the Chargers.
Safeties
The Broncos' Kareem Jackson (back) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Raiders.
The Raiders' Johnathan Abram (shoulder) was placed on injured reserve Saturday, ending his season.
Washington's Landon Collins (foot) was placed on injured reserve Friday, ending his season.
The Chargers' Derwin James (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Texans.
The Patriots' Adrian Phillips (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game versus the Bills.
The Buccaneers' Antoine Winfield (foot) is out for Sunday's game against the Panthers.
The Jets' Ashtyn Davis remains in COVID-19 protocols and will not play in Sunday's game against the Jaguars.
The Saints' Malcolm Jenkins remains in COVID-19 protocols going into Sunday ahead of Monday night's game against the Dolphins.
The Texans' Eric Murray remains in COVID-19 protocols and will not play in Sunday's game against the Chargers.
Defensive Linemen
The Bears' Akiem Hicks (ankle) remains in COVID-19 protocols and will not play Sunday against the Seahawks.
The Ravens' Calais Campbell (thigh) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Bengals.
The Broncos' Dre'Mont Jones (foot) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Raiders.
The Jets' Quinnen Williams (shoulder) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Jaguars.
Linebackers
The Chargers' Joey Bosa remains in COVID-19 protocols and will not play Sunday against the Texans.
The Jaguars' Josh Allen remains in COVID-19 protocols and will not play Sunday against the Jets.
The Steelers' Devin Bush remains in COVID-19 protocols and will not play Sunday against the Chiefs.
The Buccaneers' Lavonte David (foot) was placed on injured reserve Thursday, ending his regular season.
The Buccaneers' Jason Pierre-Paul (shoulder) is out for Sunday's game against the Panthers.
The Jets' C.J. Mosley (back) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Jaguars.
The Raiders' Denzel Perryman (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Broncos.
The Bengals' Logan Wilson (shoulder) is out for Sunday's game against the Ravens.
Washington's Cole Holcomb remains in COVID-19 protocols and will not play Sunday against the Cowboys.
The Texans' Eric Wilson remains in COVID-19 protocols and will not play Sunday against the Chargers.
