NFL Week 16 Injury Updates: Will Trevor Lawrence, Keenan Allen play in Week 16?

Week 16 of the NFL season is just around the corner. As we approach the end of the regular season, key injuries suddenly become all the more costly to any team in playoff contention.

Losing your starting quarterback at this point in the season could be a death sentence to your team's playoff hopes. Week 15 brought forth a litany of new injuries to keep an eye on as we draw closer to the weekend.

Lay of the land: NFL power rankings Week 16: Who's No. 2 after Eagles, Cowboys both fall?

Quarterbacks:

CJ Stroud, Houston Texans

Formerly the frontrunner for Offensive Rookie of the Year, CJ Stroud (concussion) is doubtful for Houston's Week 16 matchup against the Cleveland Browns. Backup Case Keenum turned in a serviceable performance in the team's win against the Titans in Week 15, but if Houston wants any hope of an AFC South title this year, Stroud needs to return as soon as possible.

Stroud has not practiced this week, and head coach DeMeco Ryans did not want to shed light on the situation either. Ryans told reporters on Monday, "He's still in the concussion protocol and we'll see how he progresses throughout the week."

Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars

Trevor Lawrence (concussion) suffered his injury late in the Week 15 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Though people close to the situation remain optimistic about Lawrence's chances of playing on Sunday, Lawrence did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday. Even if he were to log a full day of practice, he would still need to be cleared by an independent neurologist.

Lawrence has never missed a start in his NFL career. That streak is certainly in jeopardy as of Wednesday afternoon.

Zach Wilson, New York Jets

Zach Wilson (concussion) was ruled out of Sunday's game against Miami with what was initially ruled "dehydration", before being listed as a concussion. As of Thursday, he remains in concussion protocol and has not practiced. However, head coach Robert Saleh has stated that the team is not "closing the door" on Wilson's availability for the Jets' game against Washington on Sunday.

Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets

After suffering an Achilles injury in Week 1, Rodgers made his triumphant return from IR on Wednesday...just for the Jets to announce that he will not play for the rest of the season. Rodgers added that he is not feeling 100 percent just yet, and with the Jets eliminated from playoff contention, the team sees no benefit to playing Rodgers right now.

Will Levis, Tennessee Titans

Levis suffered a sprained ankle in Week 15 and was unable to return to the game against Houston. Levis told reporters after the game that he was fine, but the rookie has not practiced this week yet. In his stead, Ryan Tannehill has taken most of the first-team reps.

Levis also stated that he believes he'll play if he's healthy. The fact that the Titans are out of the playoff picture will not affect his availability. Head coach Mike Vrabel has been very coy about Levis's status though, stating on Wednesday, "We will see how he goes throughout the week."

Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh Steelers

Losers of three straight, the Pittsburgh Steelers need their starting quarterback back if they want any chance of reaching the playoffs. Thursday though, Pickett (ankle) was ruled out of Sunday's contest against the Bengals. Pickett was able to get in three practices as a limited participant this week, but clearly, he is not in good enough condition to play.

Running Backs:

Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders

Jacobs (quadriceps) was inactive for last Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers. The extra rest may be just what the 2022 rushing leader needed though. Reports indicate that Jacobs is trending toward playing on Christmas Day against Kansas City. Head coach Antonio Pierce even stated that he'd be willing to bet on it. Pierce then added that Jacobs was closer than people realize to playing against Los Angeles a week ago. All signs point to a Jacobs return in Week 16.

Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs

Monday, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said that he expects Pacheco (shoulder) to play against the Las Vegas Raiders. Reid also revealed that Pacheco was cleared to play last Sunday against New England, but the team opted to play it more cautious with their star running back. Pacheco has missed each of the Chiefs' last two games and will look to pick up where he left off. He has scored three touchdowns across the last two games he has played in.

Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots

Stevenson (ankle) has missed the last two games for the Patriots. Unfortunately for fans hoping to see Stevenson return in Week 16, he was not spotted at the Patriots' practice on Thursday.

Stevenson has not practiced at all since spraining his ankle against the Chargers in Week 13, so his absence this week does not bode well for his return. Furthermore, the Patriots elevated Kevin Harris to the active roster after he scored in Week 15. It seems unlikely the Patriots would've made such a move if Stevenson was likely to return.

Brian Robinson Jr., Washington Commanders

Robinson (hamstring) did not practice at all leading up to his absence against the Rams. A week later, Robinson still has not practiced. The team remains hopeful that Robinson will be able to suit up against the Jets, but the team seems more than comfortable rolling with a combination of Antonio Gibson and Chris Rodriguez should Robinson be unavailable.

Zack Moss, Indianapolis Colts

Moss (forearm) has been one of the breakout stars of 2023. That said, he was listed as a non-participant on the Colts' Wednesday practice estimate and did not practice with the team on Thursday. While Moss did state on Monday that he is optimistic about his availability for Sunday, it is hard to take his word for it given how willing players are to play through injuries sometimes. The Colts will likely lean on Jonathan Taylor instead who was listed as a full participant during Wednesday's walkthrough.

Keaton Mitchell, Baltimore Ravens

Mitchell suffered a torn ACL in his left knee during Sunday's game against Jacksonville. He was put on injured reserved on Tuesday. He will not be available for the Ravens for the remainder of the season.

Alexander Mattison, Minnesota Vikings

Mattison (ankle) did not practice on Thursday. While Mattison has not been able to practice since sustaining his injury during their game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell has not ruled out the possibility of Mattison returning. His absence from Thursday's practice is concerning, and it appears Mattison is trending towards missing a second consecutive game.

Wide Receivers:

Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins

Hill (ankle) missed his first game of the season on Sunday. The Dolphins' offense didn't miss a beat though, putting up 30 points against a stout New York Jets defense. Miami's star wideout may have missed practice on Wednesday, but was a limited participant on Thursday.

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel says that Hill's absence on Wednesday did not mean he will be unavailable against Dallas. On Wednesday, McDaniel told media "We won’t have Tyreek practice today and that’s not any indication of left or right, it’s more of us trying to make sure that we have all cylinders go." Hill's presence at practice on Thursday is a positive step, but Hill's availability for Sunday's game is still in question.

On Wednesday, Hill, expressed that he is currently unable to move and change direction as normal. Hill seems more uncertain of his status on Sunday than McDaniel. It would be quite a turnaround for Hill to play less than a week after making such a statement.

Ja'Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals

Chase (shoulder) may be considered day-to-day, but Thursday, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor rules Chase out for Saturday's contest. Chase did not practice with the team at all this week, and NFL insider Ian Rapoport believes that Chase's Week 17 availability could be in jeopardy as well.

Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers

Allen (heel) did not practice Wednesday after being spotted working on the Chargers' sideline with a trainer during the team's Tuesday session. He has officially been ruled out of the team's game against Buffalo. He will miss the Chargers' first game with Giff Smith as the interim head coach.

Michael Pittman Jr., Indianapolis Colts

After what appeared to be a serious injury on Saturday against the Steelers, Pittman (concussion) was able to practice in a limited capacity on Wednesday and a full participant on Thursday. Colts' head coach Shane Steichen has made a point not to give too much information away about the availability of his star offensive players outside of the injury report this week. So, while Pittman's status is positive, there may still be a chance he does not play.

Chris Olave, New Orleans Saints

"Olave is good to go," said Saints head coach Dennis Allen on Wednesday. After missing the team's Week 15 game with an ankle injury, Olave will return against the Rams for Thursday Night Football.

Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Godwin (knee) did not practice with the Bucs on Thursday. Godwin was questionable to play all last week leading up to the game against Green Bay, but managed to put up his best game of the season regardless. You'd think after such a game that Godwin would be cleared of any questionable designation. The fact that he was a non-participant on Thursday may suggest that he re-aggravated the injury during Sunday's game.

Zay Flowers, Baltimore Ravens

The rookie Raven was not at practice for the Ravens on Wednesday, but that appears to be no concern. Head coach John Harbaugh told reporters as much the same day. Expect Flowers (foot) to be at full strength for Monday's tilt with the San Francisco 49ers.

Nico Collins, Houston Texans

Collins (calf) was seen working out prior to last weekend's game against Tennessee. He was likely close to playing but determined he wouldn't be able to support the team with the nagging injury. Collins is trending toward playing in Week 16. He was a limited participant during Thursday's practice.

Christian Watson, Green Bay Packers

Watson (hamstring) did not practice with the Packers on Thursday, and it doesn't seem likely he'll be able to suit up in Week 16. This would be a devastating loss for the Packers as Jayden Reed injured his toe during the game against Tampa Bay. Potentially without their top two receiving options, the Packers could be in jeopardy of falling out of playoff contention.

Tight Ends:

Dalton Kincaid, Buffalo Bills

Although Kincaid (shoulder) entered Week 15's game against Dalls without an injury designation, it was clear he was not playing at full strength. He logged a particularly low 49 percent snap share and had been a limited participant at practice all week. Kincaid opened up this week's practice reports with the same designation.

On Thursday though, Kincaid was cleared of any injury designation. That said, ESPN reported that Kincaid was spotted wearing a non-contact jersey during Buffalo's practice on Thursday. Kincaid may be available, but as we saw just last week, that does not mean he is healthy.

Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers

Freiermuth (knee) was an unexpected sight on the Steelers' Tuesday injury report. No one expected him to be a limited participant on Tuesday, which mean the injury either went unnoticed for a few days or the injury happened during the team's practice. Thankfully, Freiermuth returned to practice fully on Wednesday. His status should still be one to monitor given how much time the former Nittany Lion has missed already this season, but Wednesday's report is a great sign. The Bengals are one of the worst teams in the league at defending the tight end position. Freiermuth's absence could be very detrimental to the Steelers' offensive performance.

Hunter Henry, New England Patriots

Hunter Henry (knee) left the game against Kansas City early, but walked off the field under his own power. He did not practice with the Patriots on Wednesday. Henry was spotted at practice on Thursday, but reports indicate that the section of practice that was open to the media did not feature much of Henry at all, indicating that Henry may not be involved much in this week's game prep. The tight end has scored in each of the Patriots' last two games and has been a beacon of light in a rather dim offense. Henry's availability will be worth monitoring as the week progresses.

Offensive Linemen:

Frank Ragnow, Detroit Lions

Ragnow has been on the Lions' injury report seemingly every week this season, but that hasn't stopped him from logging 12 games this year, only missing the team's Week 8 and Week 14 matchups. Ragnow returned in Week 15 and was pivotal to the Lions' 42-point outburst against Denver. He seems primed to play in Week 16 against Minnesota.

Zack Martin, Dallas Cowboys

Martin only played ten snaps in the Cowboys' blowout loss to Buffalo before exiting with a quad injury. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones does not believe it is a serious injury though and that Martin should be back in plenty of time for the playoffs, if not by Week 16. "I'm hoping this week, treat it and get it ready to go on Sunday," said Jones. "I feel good about that."

Jones obviously is not as close to the situation as trainers and coaching staff would be. Jones's position as owner also dictates the need to promote the team and stay positive about their star players. He could just be speaking positively and giving Cowboys fans some good news they want to hear after being crushed by Buffalo. Martin's status should be closely monitored the rest of the week.

Joe Bitonio, Cleveland Browns

Bitonio (back) was unable to return in the Browns' Week 15 game against Chicago. The Browns are now without three of their top blockers, with Jedrick Wills and Ethan Pocic having already been sidelined with injuries of their own. Bitonio has been positive about his improvement from Sunday though. On Tuesday, Bitonio told reporters "I'm walking around today, so that's a big positive." Bitonio is a bona fide NFL tough guy. He tried to play through the injury on Sunday, but obviously was deemed unable to return. Odds are, if he feels he can play, he'll play.

Rob Havenstein, Los Angeles Rams

After a three-game absence, Havenstein will return to action for Thursday Night Football against the New Orleans Saints. Havenstein has been one of the best right tackles in football when healthy this season. The Rams are grateful for his return for a multitude of reasons. Not only are the Rams in the midst of a late-season playoff push and need all the help they can get, but the team just lost Havenstein's replacement, Joe Noteboom, to injury.

Austin Jackson, Miami Dolphins

After Jackson (oblique) left Sunday's game against the New York Jets, the Miami Dolphins' banged-up offensive line was down to a skeleton crew. No word has been given on Jackson's availability for Week 16, but given the Dolphins are just two games up on the Buffalo Bills with a game against Buffalo still on the docket, the team will likely want Jackson active for all games he can possibly play. Unfortunately though, Jackson was a non-participant at practice on both Wednesday and Thursday.

Teven Jenkins, Chicago Bears

Jenkins (concussion) did not practice on Thursday. Although the Bears have been playing better as of late, Jenkins' potential absence would open the door for Cody Whitehair to start. Whitehair was limited to a reserve role recently after playing poorly to start the season. The Bears are not in contention for the playoffs, but Jenkins' absence could be rather detrimental to the team's offense.

Cole Strange, New England Patriots

The Patriots' guard was carted off on Sunday after an apparent knee injury. On Monday, Strange's 2023 season came to an end, as the Patriots placed him on injured reserve.

Strange had endured other knee injuries throughout the 2023 season, which limited his preseason snaps and limited him to just ten games. That said, when he was healthy, Strange was a very solid big man for New England, especially in the second half of the season.

Kolton Miller, Las Vegas Raiders

Much like Josh Jacobs, Kolton Miller (shoulder) appears to be on track to play Week 16 against Kansas City. On Wednesday, Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce said that he'd be willing to bet on both Jacobs and Miller suiting up for the team on Monday. Miller has missed four of the Raiders' last five games.

Defensive Players:

Minkah Fitzpatrick, Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin made it abundantly clear on Monday via the Steelers' YouTube channel, Fitzpatrick (knee) will not be playing in the team's Week 16 game against Cincinnati. Fitzpatrick missed four consecutive games earlier in the season, but seemingly had no issues in his first two games after returning, playing 100 percent of the defensive snaps in each. Fitzpatrick suffered another injury in last week's game against Indianapolis though, and it appears he will miss a decent chunk of time.

Cameron Heyward, Pittsburgh Steelers

Cameron Heyward (concussion), meanwhile, seems a much more possible play in Week 16. Heyward not only cleared concussion protocol on Thursday, but he was a full participant with the Steelers on Thursday.

Khalil Mack, Los Angeles Chargers

Although there was no sign of struggle playing from Mack during the Chargers' Thursday night game against Las Vegas, Mack was a non-participant at the Chargers' practice on Wednesday. That appeared to be just a regularly schedule rest day for the veteran though as Mack is nowhere to be found on the Chargers' injury report as of Thursday.

Mack has experienced a surprising rebound in 2023, with 15 sacks on the season. Although the Chargers are unlikely to make the playoffs this year, Mack likely will play as long as he is able.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL Injury updates: Stroud, Waddle top injury questions in Week 16