With significant injury updates in Week 12, this article will focus on news that impacts fantasy rosters. Some injury updates concerning offense lines and defense will be included briefly to give more context for those interested.
Ja’Tavion Sanders
Rookie tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders experienced a neck injury that momentarily halted game action, prompting immediate medical evaluation and hospital transport. Despite the alarming circumstances, there seems to be a favorable prognosis.
Sanders has put up solid numbers with the Panthers thus far.
- 29 receptions, 302 receiving yards on the season
- Leading receiver with 3 catches, 49 yards before departure against the
Head Coach Dave Canales provided initial reassurance, stating Sanders “avoided a serious injury” – a reassuring update for Panthers’ fans and fantasy managers.
From a fantasy viewpoint, Sanders’ early-season development – particularly his ability to generate meaningful yardage in four separate contests – suggests continued roster relevance if medical clearance happens soon.
David Montgomery
Lions running back David Montgomery left Sunday’s game after a shoulder injury during a screen pass play. He broke tackles and initially remained in the game, even signaling a first down, before being removed in the third quarter.
Fantasy managers should stay alert but not panic. Montgomery appears optimistic about his quick return, with the Lions’ Thursday night game on the horizon. The team’s depth at running back, particularly with Jahmyr Gibbs ready to complement the workload, provides a buffer against significant fantasy disruption. Practice reports on Tuesday and Wednesday will be crucial for managers making lineup decisions.
Note: Montgomery was a limited participant in Tuesday’s walkthrough.
Kalif Raymond
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond is facing a potentially serious foot injury that emerged during Sunday’s win over the Colts. Head coach Dan Campbell’s comments suggest uncertainty about Raymond’s availability for Thursday’s game against the Bears, with the team awaiting a second medical opinion.
Raymond has been a critical special teams contributor this season, accumulating 390 punt return yards and one touchdown, while also providing depth at receiver with 16 catches for 204 yards.
His potential absence could prompt the Lions to reshuffle punt return duties, with Amon-Ra St. Brown, Khalil Dorsey, and Craig Reynolds positioned as possible replacements. Fantasy managers should monitor the medical updates closely in the coming days.
Note: Raymond did not participate in Tuesday’s walkthrough.
Romeo Doubs
Packers receiver Romeo Doubs faces an uncertain game status after a third-quarter end-zone collision during Sunday’s 49ers matchup. The NFL’s concussion protocol could sideline him for Thursday’s Dolphins game.
Coach Matt LaFleur’s Tuesday practice report suggests minimal recovery progress, with Doubs remaining out of team activities.
While Doubs led the team in targets and receiving yards during Sunday’s game, his three-catch, zero-touchdown performance already limited his fantasy value. His potential absence compounds the volatility for fantasy managers relying on Green Bay’s passing attack.
The receiver’s injury creates an opportunity for other pass catchers to step up, potentially reshuffling target distribution in the upcoming Dolphins matchup.
Josh Downs
Josh Downs suffered a shoulder injury Sunday and is now considered week-to-week. Downs’ had three catches for 27 yards against Detroit but he would have had 57 more if not for penalties.
In Downs’ absence look for Rookie Adonai Mitchell to emerge as the primary beneficiary, likely absorbing increased slot responsibilities.
Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce remain the preferred wide set options, positioning them as potential fantasy pivots.
Ashton Dulin
Another Colts receiver, Ashton Dulin, exited Sunday’s game against Detroit with an ankle injury. Dulin, typically the fourth wide receiver, was unable to secure his lone target – a downfield throw from Anthony Richardson that narrowly missed out-of-bounds.
With just two receptions on eight targets for 67 yards this season – including a notable 54-yard touchdown in the season opener against Houston – Dulin’s absence opens additional opportunities for rookie Adonai Mitchell.
Beyond receiving, Dulin has contributed as a versatile blocking presence and occasional rushing threat, logging five carries for 45 yards.
Once again, expect Alec Pierce, Michael Pittman, and Adoni Mitchell to have heavier usage in the absence of Dulin and Downs.
Peyton Hendershot
The Kansas City Chiefs have placed tight end Peyton Hendershot on injured reserve. What initially appeared to be minor calf cramps during the Panthers game has escalated to a more significant injury.
Hendershot becomes the third backup tight end to land on injured reserve this season, joining Jody Fortson and rookie Jared Wiley. His placement adds to the Chiefs’ mounting injury issues.
While head coach Andy Reid had initially downplayed the injury after the Week 12 victory, team management’s decision suggests a more cautious approach to Hendershot’s recovery.
Fantasy managers and Chiefs fans should anticipate at least a four-game absence, further testing the team’s offensive flexibility in the tight end rotation.
Gardner Minshew
Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a broken collarbone during Sunday’s loss to the Denver Broncos. The injury occurred on a fourth-quarter sack by Broncos linebacker Cody Barton, with Minshew leaving the field visibly distraught and holding his left arm.
In his 10-game campaign (nine starts), Minshew compiled 2,013 passing yards, completing 66.3% of attempts with nine touchdowns. However, his performance was marred by a career-high 10 interceptions and a low 39.1 QBR.
The Raiders will pivot to Aidan O’Connell, returning from a fractured thumb. This is another quarterback transition for a team struggling with a 2-9 record. O’Connell’s previous four-game stint saw him complete 63.4% of passes for 455 yards, presenting a potential reset for the team’s offensive trajectory.
Brian Robinson Jr.
Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. suffered an ankle injury during Sunday’s loss to Dallas. Robinson was folded up on the team’s first offensive play, causing immediate concern as medical staff tended to him on the field. Despite the scary moment, he was able to walk off under his own power.
“I got my ankle rolled up on really bad… so I’m dealing with an ankle sprain right now to some ligaments that were rolled up, but it’s nothing severe,” Robinson candidly shared on the podcast, Sports Junkies.
He further elaborated on the injury’s severity, noting, “I’m really not sure, it feels a lot better since it happen, I just stick to the process, take my process one day at a time and if it works, it works.”
Robinson provided an optimistic injury assessment, characterizing the ankle sprain as “grade two-ish” with no fractures or high ankle involvement. He did however have a limited performance against Dallas with just 13 rushing yards on five carries and one catch for 11 yards.
Fantasy managers should track practice reports closely, with Austin Ekeler’s potential concussion further complicating Washington’s backfield situation.
Austin Ekeler
Following a late-game kickoff return, Commanders running back Austin Ekeler sustained a concussion during Sunday’s loss to the Cowboys. Ekeler was down on the field for several moments after a collision with Cowboys defenders Nick Vigil and Damone Clark, ultimately being transported to a local hospital for evaluation.
“Yes, Austin, [I] had a chance to visit with today, and fortunately, last night did all the scans, and that side came back good,” head coach, Dan Quinn said, noting the initial medical assessment.
With this being Ekeler’s second concussion this season, the Commanders will likely proceed with extreme caution. Prior to the injury, Ekeler managed 22 rushing yards on nine carries and two receiving yards, ending an already challenging game on a serious medical note.
In regards to fantasy, prepare for potential extended absence as Ekeler navigates the NFL’s concussion protocol, with the team prioritizing player safety over immediate game availability.
Additional Week 12 Injuries
| Player | Team | Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Riley Moss / CB | Denver Broncos | MCL / Knee -Questionable |
| Taylor Decker / OT | Detroit Lions | Knee – Questionable |
| Jalen Pitre / S | Houston Texans | Pectoral – Questionable |
| Anthony Walker Jr. / LB | Miami Dolphins | Hamstring- Doubtful |
| Jermaine Eluemour / G | NY Giants | Quadricep – Questionable |
| DJ Davidson / DT | NY Giants | Ankle -Questionable |
| Azeez Ojulari / LB | NY Giants | Toe – Injured Reserve |
| Brandon Graham / DE | Philadelphia Eagles | Tricep- Injured Reserve |
| Darius Slay / CB | Philadelphia Eagles | Concussion – Questionable |
| Anthony Bradford / G | Seattle Seahawks | Ankle – Questionable |
| Joe Tryon-Shoyinka / LB | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Ankle – Questionable |
| Jordan Whitehead / S | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Pectoral – Doubtful |
| Andrew Wylie / G | Washington Commanders | Concussion- Questionable |
For Additional Start and Sit Advice Ahead of Week 13 Check out this YouTube Video
