“NFL fantasy football week 15 injury report with key defensive and offensive updates, practice trends, and playoff-impacting injury news for fantasy lineups.”
The NFL fantasy football week 15 injury report carries extra weight with the playoffs underway. Every practice report matters, and every missed snap can decide a season. Defensive injuries are especially critical in IDP formats, while offensive absences can force major lineup pivots. However, we’ve got you covered! Below is a full breakdown of the most important Week 15 injuries, using only confirmed updates and on-field expectations to help fantasy managers navigate a crucial week.
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Major Defensive Injuries Impacting Fantasy Lineups
The NFL fantasy football week 15 injury report opens with a season-ending blow in Cincinnati. Trey Hendrickson dealt with a lingering injury that eventually required core muscle surgery. The team originally treated the issue as a hip injury, and Hendrickson played through it before aggravating the area again. Ultimately, the surgery officially ended his season, and he will remain on injured reserve for the rest of the year.
Meanwhile, Pittsburgh delivered one of the most impactful developments of the week. T.J. Watt did not practice and went to the hospital after experiencing discomfort that led to a lung medical evaluation. Doctors admitted him and kept him overnight for observation. Watt suffered a collapsed lung during treatment, and he will now miss the remainder of the season.
In contrast, Carolina brings encouraging news. Jaycee Horn and Christian Rozeboom both missed time before the bye. Horn dealt with a concussion, while Rozeboom managed a hamstring injury. However, both players returned to full practices on consecutive days. As a result, the Panthers expect both defenders to play and resume their starting roles.
Bears And Browns Defensive Updates
Chicago’s secondary faces another setback this week. Kyler Gordon suffered a groin injury against Green Bay and has failed to practice on consecutive days. Groin injuries affect the lower abdomen and inner hip muscles and often restrict rotational movement. Therefore, with no practice by Thursday, Gordon is expected to miss this week and could also miss next week.
Fortunately, Chicago receives better news elsewhere. Jaylon Johnson practiced throughout the week and returned last game, where he played well. Additionally, Tyrique Stevenson resumed practice after missing the previous two weeks and continues to trend toward playing. As a result, Chicago likely misses Gordon but regains stability at the other cornerback spots.
Meanwhile, Cleveland enters the week with uncertainty ahead of a cold matchup at Soldier Field. Grant Delpit returned to practice after missing time with illness and a groin issue. Late in the season, illness designations usually signal availability rather than absence.
However, two Browns starters continue to trend the wrong way. Graham continues to deal with a rib injury, while Denzel Ward manages a calf injury. Both players missed practice on back-to-back days. At this point, Ward appears more likely to sit, and the team considers both defenders doubtful.
Lions Secondary Concerns Continue
The NFL fantasy football week 15 injury report remains troubling for Detroit’s secondary. Kirby Joseph continues to battle a knee injury that has not responded well to increased activity. He attempted to return last week but quickly moved back to no practice. This week followed the same pattern, with limited work followed by a downgrade. Consequently, Joseph is expected to miss another game.
Additionally, Detroit already lost Brian Branch for the season due to an Achilles tear. Terryon Arnold also remains out for the year. Because of those absences, the Lions face significant vulnerability on the back end against Davante Adams and Puka Nacua, with Matthew Stafford leading the offense.
Texans And Colts Defensive Situations
Houston’s defense gains reinforcements at the right time. Denico Autry and Aziz Al-Shaair returned to practice after missing Wednesday. Late in the season, Thursday participation strongly signals availability. Therefore, both defenders remain on track to play Sunday.
However, Kamari Lassiter remains worth monitoring. He continues to manage a foot injury and has not practiced on consecutive days. Last week, he practiced briefly before playing and recording an interception. If Lassiter practices on Friday, he is expected to suit up again.
Meanwhile, Indianapolis faces difficult decisions along the defensive front. DeForest Buckner continues to manage a neck injury and has only logged limited practices. Neck injuries create volatility in football, and a full practice would signal readiness. Without one, Buckner remains more doubtful than questionable.
In addition, Sauce Gardner continues to sit with a grade two calf strain and will miss another game. He is not expected to return yet. Charvarius Ward also suffered his third concussion of the season and now sits on injured reserve. He will miss at least four games and could remain out for the year.
Chiefs, Eagles, 49ers, And Ravens Updates
Kansas City expects help in the secondary. Trent McDuffie hyperextended his knee but avoided ligament damage. He returned to limited practices on Wednesday and Thursday and remains on track to play Sunday.
On the other hand, Philadelphia will likely remain without Jalen Carter. He underwent procedures on both shoulders and did not practice during a walkthrough-heavy week. His absence could extend multiple weeks, and he is not expected to play against the Raiders.
Similarly, San Francisco will again miss Dre Greenlaw’s replacement. He continues to deal with a high ankle sprain and has not practiced even after the bye. High ankle sprains typically require multiple weeks to heal, making this his third missed game. Still, a return next week remains possible.
Meanwhile, Baltimore could activate Ar’Darius Washington. He fully practiced after returning from a torn Achilles suffered in the offseason. His return would help stabilize the Ravens’ secondary ahead of a matchup with Joe Burrow.
Bills And Bengals Defensive Notes
The NFL fantasy football week 15 injury report brings optimism in Buffalo. Joey Bosa practiced while managing a hamstring injury, and Terrel Bernard returned to practice with an elbow issue. Both players logged limited work, but their returns push them closer to playing. A full practice would remove remaining doubt, and both continue to trend toward availability.
Additionally, Cincinnati could regain depth along the defensive line. Rookie Shemar Stewart fully practiced on consecutive days while working back from a knee injury. He remains a candidate for activation from injured reserve.
Raiders, Giants, And Commanders Watch List
Las Vegas avoided a midweek scare. Maxx Crosby, Jamal Adams, and Jeremy Chinn all returned to practice after missing Wednesday. All three players are expected to play, giving the Raiders defensive stability against the Eagles.
Meanwhile, the Giants remain without Kayvon Thibodeaux. He continues to miss practice with a shoulder injury and has stayed sidelined for several weeks. As a result, Carter is expected to take on an expanded role.
In Washington, Bobby Wagner missed practice on back-to-back days with a knee injury. He has played through injuries before, but his availability remains uncertain heading into the weekend.
Cardinals Defensive Injury Breakdown
Arizona’s secondary shows mixed signals. Max Melton returned to practice with a heel injury but then moved back to no practice, signaling poor response to increased workload. Taylor-Demerson also remains sidelined with an ankle injury.
Fortunately, the Cardinals received good news elsewhere. Budda Baker and Will Johnson fully practiced with thumb injuries and are expected to play. Nolan also practiced on consecutive days and could return to action this week.
Quarterback Injury Updates
The NFL fantasy football week 15 injury report rules Jayden Daniels out again. He re-injured his elbow last week but avoided structural damage. Daniels returned to practice and is expected to become available next week.
Meanwhile, Lamar Jackson missed practice due to rest and returned the following day. He remains healthy and ready to play.
The Raiders will likely miss their starting quarterback, Smith again. He continues to sit with shoulder and back injuries, leaving Kenny Pickett in line to start.
Wide Receiver And Tight End Injury Notes
Marvin Harrison remains out of practice with a heel injury and is not expected to play. Meanwhile, Rome Odunze returned to limited practices after missing last week and continues to trend toward playing in cold conditions at Soldier Field.
Tee Higgins continues his progress through concussion protocol. He logged limited practices and still needs a full practice to clear. His availability continues to trend in the right direction.
CeeDee Lamb returned to full practice and is expected to play. However, Jake Ferguson managed a calf injury and moved from limited work to no practice, making him a game-time decision.
DK Metcalf practiced fully after a brief hospital stay for stomach pain and is cleared to play.
Running Back Injury Outlook
Houston running back Woody Marks returned to practice and is expected to play. Meanwhile, Nick Chubb remains sidelined, placing Marks in line for a heavy workload.
Alvin Kamara has not returned to practice and is expected to miss another game. As a result, Devon Niel continues to handle the lead role.
Tyrone Tracy returned to full practice after a hip injury and draws a favorable matchup this week. Additionally, Breece Hall returned to practice and remains on track to play, though the Jets’ quarterback situation stays unsettled.
De’Von Achane returned to practice after a rib injury and is expected to play Monday night.
Final Fantasy Takeaway
This NFL fantasy football week 15 injury report reinforces the importance of late-week monitoring. Defensive stars like T.J. Watt and DeForest Buckner require contingency plans. Meanwhile, returning players such as Trent McDuffie and Joey Bosa could provide critical boosts. Ultimately, staying ahead of practice trends and preparing pivots remains the key to surviving and advancing in the fantasy playoffs.
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!!
