“Detailed NFL fantasy football week 14 injury report with key updates on stars, timelines, and practice trends to guide your lineup.”
The fantasy playoffs are almost here, and lineup choices feel heavier than ever. The NFL fantasy football week 14 injury report is loaded with key defensive and offensive names. Many players are trending in the wrong direction, while others are finally showing encouraging practice signs. Understanding who is likely in, who is almost certainly out, and who carries re-injury risk can be the difference between advancing and going home early.
This breakdown walks through every major situation from the NFL fantasy football week 14 injury report, focusing on both IDP and offensive fantasy impact, using only the information provided.
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Buffalo’s defensive injuries and what they mean for Week 14
Buffalo’s defense sits at the center of the NFL fantasy football week 14 injury report, with multiple impact players banged up.
Joey Bosa suffered a hamstring injury late against Pittsburgh and is labeled week to week. A hamstring strain involves damage to the muscle group at the back of the thigh. Strains are graded from one to three. Grade one is minor micro-tearing and is often considered day-to-day. Grade two includes more muscle fiber damage, while grade three is a full tear that requires surgery and is usually season-ending.
Hamstring strains commonly carry a three to six week recovery window and a high re-injury rate, especially in the first two weeks after return. The muscle often feels better before it is truly healed. Based on that, Bosa is expected to miss this week and likely two to three weeks total.
Linebacker Terrel Bernard is dealing with an elbow injury. He was recently seen in a sling, did not practice last week, missed the Pittsburgh game, and has not practiced in the first two days this week. That profile fits a doubtful tag.
A.J. Epenesa was suddenly added as a did not practice with a foot injury. A midweek downgrade usually signals a new issue in practice or delayed soreness from the last game. Bosa and Bernard appear very likely out, while Epenesa is a worry and trending the wrong way.
Chicago’s Linebacker Reset and Secondary Concerns
Chicago sits in first place in the NFC North after a Black Friday win over Philadelphia. Even with that success, the defense has been hammered at linebacker, and that shows up heavily in this NFL fantasy football week 14 injury report.
Tremaine Edmunds remains on injured reserve and is expected to miss a couple more weeks. The better news comes from T.J. Edwards and Noah Sewell. Both returned to practice this week after multi-week absences. Sewell has stacked back-to-back full practices and looks locked in to play. Jaylon Johnson is also working back from injured reserve with a groin injury and has practiced two days in a row, which positions him well for a return.
Edwards is trickier. He has dealt with a hamstring and hand issue and actually re-injured the hamstring after returning earlier in the season. That fits the high hamstring re-injury pattern mentioned elsewhere. Because he has been out for several weeks, he may need a ramp-up week before resuming a full workload.
In the secondary, Tyrique Stevenson is a major concern. He was knocked out of a game, did not play the following week, and now has back-to-back days of not practicing. He has gone more than a week and a half without practicing. In that situation, one limited session is not enough; you generally want at least a limited, if not a full. Stevenson profiles as doubtful, and fantasy managers should already have a pivot ready.
Packers Defensive Injuries: Trenches and Linebackers
The Green Bay section of the NFL fantasy football week 14 injury report is a true mixed bag. The defensive line is trending down, but linebacker news is far more encouraging.
On the edge, Lukas Van Ness and interior lineman Devonte Wyatt have both logged back-to-back did-not-practice days. Van Ness has been out multiple weeks with a foot injury and would likely need more than one good practice to return. Wyatt was injured late in last week’s game, and the issue is considered pretty serious. It’s surprising he is not on injured reserve yet, but the situation appears to be heading in that direction. Both players are expected to miss this week, with Wyatt potentially facing a multi-week absence.
Linebacker news is better. Edgerrin Cooper, dealing with a shoulder injury, and Quay Walker, recovering from a neck stinger, both recorded full practices on Thursday. A stinger is a nerve irritation issue, usually a one to two week situation, and much less frightening than serious neck instability or fractures.
Chicago’s offense is the second-best rushing team in the league and just ran for more than 200 yards against the Eagles. They want to establish the run, which should give Walker and Cooper plenty of tackle opportunities. Walker is a tackling machine, with Cooper following that same path.
In the secondary, Javon Bullard presents a new concern. He practiced on Wednesday, then showed up as a did not practice with an ankle injury on Thursday. A downgrade in the middle of the week raises red flags and often points to a practice injury or delayed soreness. It does not inspire confidence that he will be ready.
Hamstrings, Calves, and A Struggling Former Sack Leader
Several pass rushers occupy important space in the NFL fantasy football week 14 injury report, and soft tissue injuries dominate their outlook.
Trey Hendrickson, the former sack leader, has endured a very quiet season by his standards. A contract dispute and holdout set the stage early. He then suffered a hip injury, returned, and re-aggravated it against the Jets. He has not played max snaps in more than a month. While Zac Taylor initially suggested the injury was not a big deal, reality has been different. Hendrickson has been labeled doubtful repeatedly and has not practiced in almost a month. Expectations for Week 14 are that he will not play.
On the back end, calf injuries are also a theme. Colts corner Sauce Gardner was one of the biggest trade acquisitions. However, he exited an important home game against Houston very early, and the pass defense became suspect once he left. Gardner looked back at his leg in a way that often raises Achilles fears, but the issue is higher up in the calf. The injury is being treated as a calf strain and is described as week-to-week, but not severe enough for injured reserve. The expectation is a two to three-week absence.
Calf anatomy matters here. The calf includes the larger gastrocnemius muscle on the outside and the soleus underneath. Strains are graded similarly to hamstrings. This appears closer to a grade two. A grade three full tear would already be obvious, and a grade one would likely be more day-to-day than week to week.
Denver’s Zach Allen And A Dream Matchup That Might Vanish
Denver defensive lineman Zach Allen sits in a very uncomfortable spot within the NFL fantasy football week 14 injury report.
Allen practiced in full on Wednesday, then suddenly showed up as a did not practice with a calf injury on Thursday. That kind of midweek downgrade usually means a player suffered an injury during practice or experienced a sharp increase in symptoms afterward. It demands more information, but history suggests this pattern is not positive for availability.
The context makes this even more painful for fantasy managers. Denver faces a Raiders offensive line that is atrocious, especially in the interior, which is exactly where Allen does most of his work. Any defensive lineman against that front would be attractive, but Allen in particular stood out as a strong start.
Because of the downgrade and calf concern, the recommendation is to begin preparing a pivot. A few days before kickoff, seeing a player move from full practice to not practicing is rarely a good sign. For fantasy lineups, this feels like a situation where you cannot assume a green light unless practice reports reverse quickly.
Houston’s Front Seven And A Shaky Chiefs Offensive Line
Houston’s defense shows up strongly in the NFL fantasy football week 14 injury report, and for good reason. The front seven carries both injury recovery and a favorable matchup.
Defensive end Will Anderson, defensive end Denico Autry, and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair all missed practice on Wednesday. By Thursday, every one of them had returned to practice. Practicing on Thursday is usually a strong indicator that a player can go on Sunday. These three are key pieces in what is currently the number one defense in the league from a yardage standpoint.
The matchup details make these returns even more interesting. Kansas City’s offensive line is riddled with questions. Left tackle Jeff Simmons is on injured reserve with a wrist dislocation and fracture and is not playing this week. On top of that, Donovan Smith and another starting lineman are not practicing as of Thursday. That leaves clear question marks up front.
Putting these together, Houston’s front has a real chance to “feast,” even though the game is in Kansas City. If Anderson, Autry, and Al-Shaair continue practicing through the week, they look like strong IDP plays and also boost the overall defensive outlook in fantasy formats.
Houston secondary concerns and depth issues
The Texans’ secondary also appears in the NFL fantasy football week 14 injury report, but this time with real concern.
Cornerback Kamari Lassiter and safety Jaden Reed have both logged back-to-back did-not-practice days. Reed, a rookie safety, has been seen in a sling. At one point, it looked like his season might be over. Later, word came that the injury is not season-ending, but there has been no immediate return to practice. A downgrade to no practice over consecutive days is not a positive sign.
Lassiter has also failed to practice for two straight days. He is the starting cornerback opposite Derek Stingley. With both Lassiter and Reed trending downward, Houston could be thin in the secondary this week. That matters for fantasy managers streaming defenses or using IDP defensive backs, as injuries like this often push backups into heavy snap counts and force scheme adjustments.
While the front seven seems to be stabilizing, the back end looks vulnerable. The combination of offensive line issues for Kansas City and secondary concerns for Houston creates a complicated fantasy picture. It strengthens Houston’s pass rush outlook, but also hints at potential big plays allowed on the backend if those starters sit.
Jaguars Edge Hope: Travon Walker’s Knee Comeback
Jacksonville’s star edge rusher, Travon Walker, appears at a key crossroads in the NFL fantasy football week 14 injury report.
He has been out for a couple of weeks with a knee injury, but this week brings his first practice in several weeks. The exact knee diagnosis is unclear because NFL teams only have to report the body part and practice participation level. They must simply state whether a player did not practice, was limited, or participated fully. That leaves fantasy managers without detailed structural information.
Despite the lack of specificity, Walker’s return to practice means he now has a realistic chance to play. After multiple missed games, different coaches handle return timelines in different ways. Some require a gradual ramp-up week, while others will let a player go if he can practice and clear medical checks.
The upcoming matchup is against the Colts, who have a good offensive line. That makes Walker’s first game back, if it happens this week, a tougher spot. For IDP purposes, you might treat him as a high-upside but possibly rusty option rather than a locked-in stud immediately upon return.
Raiders, Saints, Jets, and Commanders: Key Defensive Depth Notes
Several defenses carry important depth notes inside the NFL fantasy football week 14 injury report, and they can swing close fantasy matchups.
In Las Vegas, edge star Maxx Crosby practiced on Wednesday but was downgraded to not practicing on Thursday. Crosby, dealing with a knee issue, is a typical set-and-forget IDP option. He usually plays through everything, yet even if he suits up, the downgrade and knee concern raise questions about his effectiveness against a solid Broncos offensive line. There is also no indication that this was a scheduled rest or maintenance day, which makes the downgrade more concerning.
New Orleans faces issues at safety. Justin Reid has already been missing practice with a knee injury and is expected to remain out. Rookie safety Jonas Sanker was added to the injury report Thursday with a head injury and did not practice. That pattern often triggers concussion evaluation. Reid and Sanker combine to cover key safety responsibilities. Without them, the Saints could be thin on the back end.
For the Jets, edge rushers Jermaine Johnson and Will McDonald both have ankle injuries. They did not practice on Wednesday, but both returned to practice on Thursday. Since they finished the previous game, missing Wednesday is not seen as alarming, and the Thursday return is a strong sign they will be available.
In Washington, veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner is dealing with a knee injury and has logged back-to-back did-not-practice days. The Commanders’ defense has struggled all year, and Wagner is one of the older veterans on the unit. For an older player, consecutive did not practice days are not trending in the right direction.
Eagles Front: Jalen Carter Out, Jaelen Phillips trending up
Philadelphia’s defensive line headlines a critical stretch of the NFL fantasy football week 14 injury report.
Jalen Carter is confirmed out for Monday Night Football and has undergone a procedure on both shoulders. The procedure is a therapeutic intervention rather than a full surgical repair. It may involve something like platelet-rich plasma injections or a minor scope designed to influence the joint without fully opening it. A full surgery would effectively end his season. Instead, this approach seems aimed at getting him healthy enough for the playoffs without shutting him down completely.
Carter has clearly been playing through shoulder issues, possibly involving the labrum or instability, such as dislocations or subluxations. The current expectation is that he misses this week and probably a couple of weeks in total. He is not on injured reserve, which indicates an intention to return before the season is over and to be ready for the postseason.
On the edge, new addition Jaelen Phillips suffered a concussion on Black Friday. The early timing works in his favor, giving him almost a full week of rest before Monday’s game. He has already been a limited practice participant while in the concussion protocol. With that timeline, there is a very good chance he clears the protocol in time, especially with the extra days before kickoff. If that happens, he would face two backup tackles, as both starting Chargers tackles are unavailable.
Steelers’ Defense: Rookies Out, Stars Trending Toward Playing
Pittsburgh carries both bad and good news in the NFL fantasy football week 14 injury report.
On the negative side, rookie defensive back Derrick Harmon has already been ruled out by Mike Tomlin. The coach is known here for his transparency, often confirming availability early in the week before injury reports even settle. Harmon has made a huge difference in the run game this year. His absence becomes particularly painful against a rushing attack that includes Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. That is not an ideal setup for the Steelers’ front.
The better news involves outside linebacker T.J. Watt and linebacker Patrick Queen. Both were out of practice on Wednesday but returned on Thursday. Watt logged a full practice, while Queen was limited. That pattern is a strong indicator that both have a real chance to play on Sunday.
Historically, Pittsburgh has handled Lamar reasonably well, and Watt and Queen have been key pieces of that success. Their potential return is a significant boost. However, with Harmon already ruled out, a run-heavy script from Baltimore seems likely. That could actually be good for Queen’s fantasy line, as he will have many tackle opportunities, cleaning up plays at the second level.
Quarterback Injuries: Lamar, Herbert, Jayden Daniels
Quarterback health is always central to the NFL fantasy football week 14 injury report, and three big names stand out.
Lamar Jackson has gone from no practice on Wednesday to no practice again on Thursday with an ankle injury. It feels like something new every week physically, yet the current expectation is that he will still play. That said, the situation demands close monitoring. There remains a possibility that backup Tyler Huntley, referred to as Snoop, could be needed if Lamar’s ankle does not respond as hoped.
Justin Herbert brings far more encouraging news. He has returned to practice, which, due to the Monday game, functions as a Wednesday-level session. Herbert is dealing with an injury to his non-throwing hand that required screws and plates. He has consistently expressed his intention to play through it. Current preparation suggests he will be available, making him a strong fantasy option as long as you can tolerate some pain-based risk.
Jayden Daniels is also trending up. After a nasty elbow injury, he has been upgraded to a full practice participant. A full workload in practice is a very positive indicator and suggests he will make his return this week. That timing is framed as perfect for Minnesota fans hoping to see him back under center in a key fantasy week.
Pass Catchers and Backs: Higgins, Harrison, Benson, London, Marks, Downs
The skill position section of the NFL fantasy football week 14 injury report is loaded with names that can decide matchups.
Tee Higgins is working through the concussion protocol, but logged a full practice Thursday. Clearing the protocol requires a limited practice, then a full practice, followed by a symptom-free period. With that structure and his current progression, expectations are that he will be cleared and ready for Sunday.
In Arizona, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey Benson are major concerns. Benson, a running back dealing with a knee injury, is trying to come off injured reserve, but back-to-back days of not practicing are not a great sign. Harrison has a heel injury picked up last week. He was knocked out of that game and could not return. He still has not practiced heading into Friday, which is also a poor indicator. Both players look unlikely to provide reliable fantasy production this week.
Drake London’s situation remains frustrating. His injury was labeled a PCL sprain, and PCL sprains tend to require long recovery times, especially for wide receivers. The team keeps calling him day to day, but he has not practiced in almost three weeks. With another missed practice, it is very unlikely that London will be out there in Week 14.
On a more positive note, Texans running back Woody Marks was upgraded to a full practice after not practicing the previous day. Because he finished the prior game, the earlier did not practice is less worrying, and the upgrade is a strong sign of availability. Similarly, Josh Downs followed the same pattern with a hip injury, moving from did not practice to full participation. Both profiles suggest they should be ready to go.
Saints and Buccaneers Offensive Outlook
The NFC South backfield and passing game injuries also show up in the NFL fantasy football week 14 injury report.
For the Saints, both Alvin Kamara and offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga have had back-to-back did-not-practice days. Kamara remains a do-it-all back and central piece of the offense. Fuaga has quickly developed into a decent tackle, especially for a rookie. Losing both would be a big blow. With no practice on consecutive days, the expectation is that neither will play this week.
There is better news at wide receiver for New Orleans. Chris Olave, dealing with a back injury, moved from not practicing on Wednesday to limited participation on Thursday. That upgrade is typically a strong sign that he will be able to suit up, barring a setback.
In Tampa Bay, the early injury fear has eased for several key players. Baker Mayfield, running back Bucky Irving, and wide receiver Chris Godwin all logged full practices on Thursday. Mayfield and Irving are both managing shoulder issues, while Godwin is coming off a fibula surgery from the offseason. Full participation this late in the week means they are almost certainly going to play.
Other Buccaneers receivers remain more uncertain. Mike Evans, dealing with a collarbone injury, and Jalen McMillan, coming off a neck injury, have returned to practice and had their windows opened, but have only stacked back-to-back limited practices. To feel confident, a full practice would be ideal. Todd Bowles has been especially cautious this season with players coming off injured reserve, often giving them a ramp-up week or even two. Facing the Saints, there is no perceived need to rush these two back onto the field.
Final thoughts For Week 14 Fantasy Decisions
The NFL fantasy football week 14 injury report is packed with moving pieces on both defense and offense. Hamstring strains, calf injuries, and midweek downgrades dominate the storylines, forcing tough lineup calls in a crucial fantasy week.
On defense, Buffalo’s injuries, Chicago’s partial recovery, Green Bay’s mixed situation, and high-profile issues for players like Trey Hendrickson, Jalen Carter, and Maxx Crosby shape IDP and team defense values. Houston’s front looks ready to attack a shaky Kansas City line, while its secondary may be stretched thin. Pittsburgh needs T.J. Watt and Patrick Queen to offset the loss of Derrick Harmon.
On offense, quarterback availability for Lamar Jackson, Justin Herbert, and Jayden Daniels will anchor many fantasy outcomes. At receiver and running back, players such as Tee Higgins, Marvin Harrison Jr., Drake London, Alvin Kamara, and the Buccaneers’ wideouts represent big swings between boom and bust.
As you set lineups and consider waiver pivots, focus on practice trends and clear patterns from this report. Week 14 is about balancing upside with the risk flags clearly highlighted across the league.
Thank you for reading this article from @IDP_Plus. This article was crafted with insights from the original podcast hosts, supported by AI tools, and shaped by our staff. For the full discussion and even more great content, be sure to check out the episode on YouTube. Follow the host @TheDegenDoc on the X!!
