NFL Week 17 Injury Updates: Will Raheem Mostert, CJ Stroud be available for Week 17?

Just two weeks remain in the NFL regular season. Despite the short timeline though, there are still eight playoff spots up for grabs.

Teams on the bubble will need their best players now more than ever. Unfortunately though, several star players may be sidelined with injuries at this crucial point in the season. Whether you are hoping for your favorite team to reach the playoffs or looking to win your fantasy championship, it is urgent to know who will be playing in Week 17.

Here are the latest injury updates from around the NFL.

Season's seedings: NFL playoff picture: Ravens close on No. 1 seed, which Chiefs can no longer win

Quarterbacks:

CJ Stroud, Houston Texans

After missing each of his team's last two games, CJ Stroud (concussion) is expected to practice on Wednesday, per Ian Rapoport. This will be Stroud's first time practicing since he suffered the concussion in Week 14.

The Houston Texans have gone 1-1 in Stroud's absence and find themselves in a three-way tie for first place in the AFC South with Jacksonville and Indianapolis. The Jaguars currently hold the tiebreaker with a 4-1 conference record and a 1-1 record against Houston. However, the Jaguars could be without quarterback Trevor Lawrence once again in Week 17, meaning Houston could be in the driver's seat to take the division with a game against Indianapolis scheduled for Week 18.

Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars

Speaking of the AFC South, Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence made his triumphant return to the field in Week 16, just to be removed from the game during the second half. The team's head coach Doug Pederson answered coyly when asked about Lawrence's status on Tuesday, telling reporters that he did not know whether or not Lawrence would practice on Wednesday and that it's too early to know his status for their game against the Panthers.

On NFL Network Wednesday morning, insiders told NFL Network that Lawrence likely will not be able to play through his shoulder injury. However, Lawrence understands the importance of this weekend's game and will try to play if possible.

Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh Steelers

After practicing last week for the first time since his ankle surgery, reports emerged claiming that Pickett would be ready to go for the Steelers' Week 17 game against Seattle. Unfortunately though, head coach Mike Tomlin is offering a conflicting message, claiming that the team is in the same position with Pickett as they were a week ago. Pickett did not play in the Steelers' Week 16 victory over Cincinnati, so if they are in the same position, odds are that Pickett would not be on track to play in Week 17. Tomlin added that Mason Rudolph will be the team's starter as the team kicks off practice this week. They will just have to see where Pickett is as the week progresses.

Running Backs:

Raheem Mostert, Miami Dolphins

Dolphins star running back Raheem Mostert was taken to the medical tent after taking a blow to the left knee during the team's Week 16 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. On Monday, reports emerged detailing Mostert's injury further, and thankfully, it's good news.

Mostert told reporters that he's "fine." Mostert's limited snaps in the second half of the game were likely just a precaution.

Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots

Stevenson (ankle) has not practiced since December 3, missing each of the Patriots' last three games during that span. With the Patriots out of playoff contention and backup Ezekiel Elliott playing surprisingly well, it seems highly unlikely that Stevenson will suit up for the Patriots in Week 17.

Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders

Jacobs was ruled out last minute prior to the Raiders' game against Kansas City in Week 16. Reports indicate that the Raiders were hopeful up until that last minute that Jacobs could suit up and play, which would indicate that Jacobs is on pace to return in Week 17. However, it is still unknown when Jacobs will return exactly. The Raiders are in must-win territory at this point in the season, sitting at 7-8 with a game against the 8-7 Indianapolis Colts on tap for Sunday.

Take a seat: Broncos bench Russell Wilson for final two games of season, will start Jarrett Stidham

Wide Receivers:

Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers

With the Chargers eliminated from playoff contention and quarterback Justin Herbert out for the season, there is no sense in the Chargers rushing Allen back from injury. That said, he is still listed as questionable for the team's Week 17 game against Denver.

Ja'Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals knew Chase (shoulder) would be unavailable for Week 16, but rumors started swirling last week that Chase could miss more time. After the team's game against the Steelers, Ian Rapoport even claimed that the star wideout could miss more time.

The Bengals play the Chiefs this weekend, and with the Chiefs looking more beatable than ever before, there's a good chance that if Chase can play, he will. Monitor his practice availability as the week progresses though.

Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins

Earlier this week, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said of Waddle's ankle injury "Those can be tricky." He is known for not giving away too many of his team's secrets, so this was expected, especially considering the Dolphins have the Baltimore Ravens on the schedule this weekend, which could determine the top seed in the AFC. While the Dolphins have clinched a playoff spot, they still have not clinched the AFC East. With a matchup against the Buffalo Bills still yet to be played, the Dolphins may want to keep their star receiver off the field to prevent any re-aggravation.

Jayden Reed, Green Bay Packers

Jayden Reed had been a breakout star for the Packers this season before his series of injuries derailed the end of his season. Reed (toe) was unable to play in the Packers' Week 16 game and seems to be headed toward the same designation on Sunday. He is currently listed as questionable for Sunday Night Football against the Minnesota Vikings.

Tight Ends:

TJ Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings

TJ Hockenson is out for the season after suffering a torn ACL during Week 16. Hockenson was in the middle of a career-year during his first full season with the Vikings. The Vikings are on the outside of the playoff bubble looking in and still have the Packers and Bears on their schedules.

Hunter Henry, New England Patriots

Hunter Henry (knee) missed Week 16's game against Denver. Although the Patriots would love to see their star tight end return, their decision to sign tight end La’Michael Pettway to their practice squad is a sign that Henry's injury is likely more severe than it seems or that the Patriots don't plan on using Henry very much since the team has been eliminated from playoff contention. Reports have even indicated that the decision to sign Pettway was determined by Henry's injury. It doesn't seem as though Henry will be playing in Week 17, but anything is possible. Monitor his involvement in practice as the week progresses.

NFL News: Broncos to bench Russell Wilson for final two games of season

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL Injury updates: Stroud, Mostert, and more questions in Week 17