This column is meant to offer our best predictions on what players will/will not play, as of 8 AM ET on Sunday. For the official active/inactive reports, please see our Latest NFL Player News.
It's an interesting week for injuries, considering the wide receiver position is significantly overloaded compared to every other spot. There are plenty of players across the spectrum heading into Sunday morning with questionable tags, but there's already confirmed absences with respect to a handful of big names Without further ado, let's examine the latest a few hours before the first wave of inactives are released:
QUARTERBACKS
The Saints' Taysom Hill (concussion) is out for Monday night's game against the Seahawks after failing to practice all week. Trevor Siemian will serve as Jameis Winston's backup versus Seattle, while more red-zone rushing work could be available for Alvin Kamara with Hill not around to fill his occasional rushing role.
The 49ers' Trey Lance (knee) is out for Sunday night's contest against the Colts after failing to practice all week. With the rookie out of commission, Jimmy Garoppolo has no threat to his playing time versus Indianapolis, while journeyman Nate Sudfeld will serve as his backup.
RUNNING BACKS
The Giants' Saquon Barkley (ankle) is out for Sunday's game against the Panthers after missing practice all week. Devontae Booker, who's logged 35 total touches (28 rushing, seven receiving) over the last six-plus quarters as Barkley's replacement, will once again handle lead-back duties versus a Carolina
This column is meant to offer our best predictions on what players will/will not play, as of 8 AM ET on Sunday. For the official active/inactive reports, please see our Latest NFL Player News.
It's an interesting week for injuries, considering the wide receiver position is significantly overloaded compared to every other spot. There are plenty of players across the spectrum heading into Sunday morning with questionable tags, but there's already confirmed absences with respect to a handful of big names Without further ado, let's examine the latest a few hours before the first wave of inactives are released:
QUARTERBACKS
The Saints' Taysom Hill (concussion) is out for Monday night's game against the Seahawks after failing to practice all week. Trevor Siemian will serve as Jameis Winston's backup versus Seattle, while more red-zone rushing work could be available for Alvin Kamara with Hill not around to fill his occasional rushing role.
The 49ers' Trey Lance (knee) is out for Sunday night's contest against the Colts after failing to practice all week. With the rookie out of commission, Jimmy Garoppolo has no threat to his playing time versus Indianapolis, while journeyman Nate Sudfeld will serve as his backup.
RUNNING BACKS
The Giants' Saquon Barkley (ankle) is out for Sunday's game against the Panthers after missing practice all week. Devontae Booker, who's logged 35 total touches (28 rushing, seven receiving) over the last six-plus quarters as Barkley's replacement, will once again handle lead-back duties versus a Carolina defense allowing the fewest Fantasy points per game to running backs in standard scoring formats (12.0).
The Seahawks' Alex Collins (groin) is questionable for Monday night's game against the Saints after only managing a limited Saturday practice this week. As per Saturday reports, head coach Pete Carroll said Collins looked good during the session and is expected to play versus New Orleans. DeeJay Dallas and Travis Homer would be in line to handle rushing work were Collins to have a setback or be limited during the contest.
Washington's Antonio Gibson (shin) is questionable for Sunday's contest against the Packers after practicing in limited fashion Thursday and Friday. As per early Sunday morning reports, Gibson will suit up versus Green Bay and continue to play through the hairline fracture he's been dealing with for weeks.
The Bears' Damien Williams was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday and will therefore be in line to play against the Buccaneers on Sunday. However, rookie Khalil Herbert, who posted 112 total yards and a touchdown versus the Packers in Week 6 as the lead back in Williams' stead, should still figure into the backfield mix to an unknown degree against a Tampa Bay defense allowing the second-fewest Fantasy points per game to running backs in standard scoring formats (12.7).
The Lions' D'Andre Swift (groin) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Rams after practicing in limited fashion all week. Swift has continued to play through the injury since the start of the season and is expected to do again versus Los Angeles as per early Sunday morning reports.
The Ravens' Latavius Murray (ankle) is out for Sunday's game against the Bengals after missing practice all week. In his stead, Devonta Freeman, Le'Veon Bell and Ty'Son Williams should handle the backfield touches versus a Cincinnati defense that's been significantly improved versus the run and is allowing the 10th-fewest Fantasy points per game to running backs in standard scoring formats (15.7).
The Rams' Sony Michel (shoulder) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Lions after practicing in limited fashion Thursday and Friday. However, as per early Sunday morning reports, Michel is expected to suit up and serve in his usual complementary role behind lead back Darrell Henderson.
The 49ers' JaMycal Hasty (ankle) was activated from injured reserve Saturday and is expected to work in a change-of-pace role behind rookies Elijah Mitchell and Trey Sermon versus the Colts on Sunday night.
The Jets' Tevin Coleman (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's contest versus the Patriots after apparently suffering his injury in Friday's practice and logging a limited session that day. If the veteran is unable to suit up, rookie Michael Carter and Ty Johnson will helm New York's backfield against New England.
The Patriots' Brandon Bolden (thigh) is questionable for Sunday's game versus the Jets after practicing in limited fashion all week. If the veteran is unable to go, more change-of-pace work would presumably be available for J.J. Taylor behind Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson.
WIDE RECEIVERS
The Chiefs' Tyreek Hill (quadriceps) is questionable for Sunday's contest against the Titans after only logging a limited Friday practice this week. As per early Sunday morning reports, Hill is expected to play through the injury for the second straight game and log his usual snap count. If Hill were to suffer a setback in pregame warmups or during the contest, the likes of Mecole Hardman, Josh Gordon, Demarcus Robinson and Byron Pringle would be expected to the pick up the slack at receiver, while tight end Travis Kelce would be expected to see even more volume than usual.
The Giants' Kenny Golladay (knee) is out for Sunday's game against the Panthers after missing practice all week. With Kadarius Toney (ankle) also ruled out and Sterling Shepard (hamstring) a true game-time decision, the receiving corps could potentially be helmed by the returning Darius Slayton (hamstring) and John Ross (hamstring), both of whom are expected to play, along with Dante Pettis.
The Bears' Allen Robinson (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's matchup versus the Buccaneers after finishing the week with two limited practices. Robinson played through the injury in Week 6 against the Packers after logging just one limited practice leading up to the contest, and as per early Sunday morning reports, he'll do so again against Tampa Bay.
The Titans' Julio Jones (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Chiefs after finishing the week with two limited practices. If Jones is unable to suit up with the injury that caused an early exit from the Week 6 win against the Bills, A.J. Brown would be in line for even more volume than usual, while Nick Westbrook-Ikhine would presumably bump up to a No. 2 role with Chester Rogers (groin) already ruled out.
The Buccaneers' Antonio Brown (ankle) is out for Sunday's game versus the Bears after missing practice all week. In his absence, Tyler Johnson would be in line to serve as the No. 3 receiver behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
The Colts' T.Y. Hilton (quadriceps) is out for Sunday night's game against the 49ers after missing practice all week. The veteran receiver's absence should lead to Asthton Dulin seeing more work as a No. 3 wideout behind Michael Pittman and Zach Pascal with Parris Campbell (foot) now on injured reserve.
The Dolphins' DeVante Parker (shoulder) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Falcons after practicing in limited fashion all week. As per early Sunday morning reports, Parker is facing an uphill battle to play. With Will Fuller (finger) on injured reserve, Jaylen Waddle, Mack Hollins and Albert Wilson would potentially work as Miami's top three receiving trio if Parker is out, while Preston Williams (groin) would also factor into the mix if he suits up.
The Giants' Sterling Shepard (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's game versus the Panthers after practicing in limited fashion Thursday and Friday. Shepard returned from a two-game absence due to his hamstring issue last week and logged a robust 67 snaps against the Rams. However, as per early Sunday morning reports, his status will come down to pregame warmups. With Kenny Golladay (knee) and Kadarius Toney (ankle) already confirmed unavailable, Darius Slayton (hamstring) and John Ross (hamstring), both of whom are expected to play, would serve as New York's top two wideouts if Shepard was unavailable.
The Giants' Darius Slayton (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's game versus the Panthers after practicing in limited fashion all week. Slayton has missed the last four games, but as per Sunday morning reports, he's expected to return against Carolina and potentially serve as one of the top two receivers with Kenny Golladay (knee) and Kadarius Toney (ankle) out and Sterling Shepard (hamstring) a game-time call.
The Giants' Kadarius Toney (ankle) is out for Sunday's game against the Panthers after missing practice all week. The returning Darius Slayton (hamstring), John Ross (hamstring) and Dante Pettis could all see added opportunities as a result.
The Giants' John Ross (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's game versus the Panthers after finishing the week with two limited practices. As per early Sunday morning reports, Ross is expected to suit up and play, and he figures to be in the top-three wideout mix for New York due to the team's multiple injuries at the position.
The Saints' Deonte Harris (hamstring) is out for Monday night's game against the Seahawks after missing practice all week. In his absence, veteran Kenny Stills and Marquez Calloway should see more work behind current top wideout Marquez Calloway.
The Ravens' Sammy Watkins (thigh) is out for Sunday's matchup against the Bengals after missing practice all week. In Watkins' absence, more opportunities could be available for Marquise Brown, Mark Andrews, Devin Duvernay and James Proche.
The Colts' Parris Campbell (foot) was placed on injured reserve Tuesday and could miss the rest of the season. In his absence, the likes of Ashton Dulin and Mike Strachan could see added opportunities as rotational wideouts.
Washington's Curtis Samuel (groin) is out for Sunday's game versus the Packers after missing practice all week. In Samuel's ongoing absence, Adam Humphries and rookie Dyami Brown should see more opportunities behind top wideout Terry McLaurin.
The Titans' Chester Rogers (groin) is out for Sunday's game against the Chiefs after missing practice all week. In his absence, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine could bump up as high as the No. 2 receiver behind A.J. Brown, considering Julio Jones (hamstring) is questionable for the contest.
The Dolphins' Preston Williams (groin) is questionable for Sunday's matchup versus the Falcons after practicing in limited fashion all week. If Williams were to sit out, Mack Hollins would likely serve as the No. 3 wideout behind current starters Jaylen Waddle and Albert Wilson.
The Texans' Nico Collins (foot) is questionable for Sunday's game versus the Cardinals after putting in limited Thursday and Friday practices this week. If Collins, who returned from a three-game absence in Week 6, is unable to suit up, Danny Amendola, who'll return from a four-game sabbatical himself Sunday, would serve as the No. 2 receiver behind Brandin Cooks.
The Texans' Chris Conley (neck) is questionable for Sunday's contest against the Cardinals after practicing in limited fashion all week. Even if he suits up Sunday, the veteran is expected to work as no better than the No. 4 receiver.
The Panthers' Terrace Marshall (concussion) is out for Sunday's game against the Giants. Journeyman Alex Erickson (concussion) and rookie Shi Smith could be in line for more work behind starters DJ Moore and Robby Anderson as a result.
TIGHT ENDS
The Lions' T.J. Hockenson (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Rams after finishing the week with two limited practices. Hockenson has played through the same issue the last two games and logged a normal workload, however, so there would appear to be a good chance he'll do so again against Los Angeles. If Hockenson were to sit out, more targets would be available for the likes of receivers Kalif Raymond and Amon-Ra St. Brown, as well as Hockenson's backup Darren Fells.
The Raiders' Darren Waller (ankle) was added to the injury report Saturday and is now listed as questionable for Sunday's game versus the Eagles. As per early Sunday morning reports, Waller "doesn't feel great" and there apparently won't be clarity on his status until pregame warmups. If he were to sit out, the target opportunities for the likes of receiver Hunter Renfrow and Bryan Edwards, who tend to run routes in the same areas of the field as Waller, would bump up, while Foster Moreau would be in line to draw the start at tight end.
The Buccaneers' Rob Gronkowski (ribs) remains out for Sunday's game against the Bears after once again missing practice all week. Cameron Brate and O.J. Howard – the latter who's expected to play through his ankle injury – are in line to once again handle tight end duties for Tampa Bay.
The Giants' Evan Engram (calf) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Panthers after missing Thursday's practice and only participating in limited fashion Friday. As per early Sunday morning reports, the veteran is expected to suit up and start versus Carolina.
The Bears' Jimmy Graham was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday as a result of a positive test, meaning he won't be available for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers. Jesse James will serve as the backup behind Cole Kmet at tight end.
The Buccaneers' O.J. Howard (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game versus the Bears but managed to work back to a full practice Friday after a missed Wednesday session and limited Thursday participation. If Howard, who logged a season-best 6-49-1 line against the Eagles in Week 6 and appears to be trending toward playing, is unable to go against Chicago, Cameron Brate would be in line to handle a hefty workload with Rob Gronkowski (ribs) also out.
KICKERS
The Patriots' Nick Folk (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Jets after practicing in limited fashion all week. Folk has been playing through his knee issue for multiple games and is expected to suit up against New York.
KEY DEFENSIVE PLAYERS
Cornerbacks
The Dolphins' Xavien Howard (shoulder) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Falcons.
The Buccaneers' Richard Sherman (hamstring) is out for Sunday's game versus the Bears.
The Browns' Denzel Ward (neck) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.
Safeties
The Packers' Darnell Savage (concussion) is questionable for Sunday's game against Washington.
The Patriots' Adrian Phillips (back) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Jets.
The Patriots' Kyle Dugger (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Jets.
The Bears' Tashaun Gipson (hip) is out for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers.
The Eagles' Anthony Harris (groin) is out for Sunday's contest against the Raiders.
The Titans' Amani Hooker (groin) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Chiefs.
Defensive Linemen
The Chiefs' Chris Jones (wrist) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Titans.
The Bears' Akiem Hicks (groin) is out for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers.
Linebackers
The Cardinals' Jordan Hicks (toe) is questionable for Sunday's game versus the Texans.
The Chiefs' Anthony Hitchens (triceps) is out for Sunday's contest against the Titans.
The Cardinals' Chandler Jones (reserve/COVID-19) will remain out for Sunday's game against the Texans.
The Panthers' Shaq Thompson (foot) is out for Sunday's contest against the Giants.
The Patriots' Kyle Van Noy (groin) is questionable to face the Jets on Sunday.
The Lions' Trey Flowers (knee) is questionable to face the Rams on Sunday.
The Bears' Khalil Mack (foot) is questionable for Sunday's game versus the Buccaneers.
The Buccaneers' Lavonte David (ankle) is out for Sunday's game against the Bears.
The Buccaneers' Jason Pierre-Paul (shoulder) is questionable for Sunday's game versus the Bears.
The Ravens' Patrick Queen (thigh) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Bengals.
The Titans' Bud Dupree (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game versus the Chiefs.
The Falcons' Dante Fowler (knee) was placed on injured reserve, sidelining him for the next three games at minimum.
The Patriots' Dont'a Hightower (elbow) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Jets.
The Jets' C.J. Mosley (hamstring) is doubtful for Sunday's game versus the Patriots.
The Browns' Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (ankle) was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, sidelining him for the next three games at minimum.
The Packers' Preston Smith (oblique) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Bears.
