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Week 18 is here, and this late in the season, there are always plenty of banged-up players. In 2023, there has been no shortage of quarterback injuries. Our fantasy football injury reports for quarterbacks as of Thursday, January 4 will give you the latest news on the statuses of Josh Allen, Trevor Lawrence, Baker Mayfield, Bryce Young, and more.
Being up-to-date on NFL injury news can give you an edge over your league mates in fantasy football. Fantasy managers should stay locked into the latest injury headlines.
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Josh Allen Injury Update
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (neck, finger) is still dealing with a sore neck on Wednesday, according to head coach Sean McDermott. However, he was a full participant in the team's walkthrough practice to begin the week, and he is not at risk of missing the crucial Week 18 matchup with the Miami Dolphins.
The winner of that showdown will clinch the AFC East and the right to host a Wild Card game, so a minor neck injury is not going to keep Allen out of action. He remains a high-end QB1 for fantasy leagues that extend to Week 18. Allen said himself he's "good to go" for Week 18's Sunday night game.
Trevor Lawrence Injury Update
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) practiced on a limited basis on Wednesday. It's a step toward playing in the must-win Week 18 regular season finale on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans. Lawrence injured his shoulder in Week 16 and was held out of the Week 17 victory over the Carolina Panthers.
The 24-year-old is considered day-to-day for now, but it appears both he and receiver Christian Kirk (core) could be active this weekend in game the Jaguars need to win to secure the AFC South division. Since Week 13, Lawrence has dealt with a sprained ankle, a concussion and now a shoulder injury. He's thrown for 990 yards, seven touchdowns and five interceptions in his last four games played and will be a low-end QB1 for fantasy managers if he's able to play on Sunday against Tennessee.
Baker Mayfield Injury Update
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (ribs) will be listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's practice estimate. It will allow backup Kyle Trask to get more repetitions this week ahead of a must-win Week 18 regular season finale against the Carolina Panthers. Mayfield is dealing with some rib soreness coming out of the Week 17 loss to the New Orleans Saints, but it would be a surprise if he wasn't active this weekend in a huge game for the Buccaneers as they look to win the NFC South division.
The 28-year-old took a step back in last week's loss after two great games, and he won't have the best matchup against an underrated Panthers defense this Sunday. As long as Mayfield returns to practice later this week, he should be in play on the QB1/2 borderline to close out the regular season.
Aaron Rodgers Injury Update
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (Achilles) was a limited participant in Wednesday's team practice. Rodgers continues to make strides from his Achilles injury that he suffered in Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills.
However, with just one regular season game left and the Jets playing for nothing in Week 18, it's pretty obvious that the veteran quarterback will not return this year. New York activated him from the injured reserve list in Week 16 to give him more practice reps with the team. The four-time MVP should be ready to go by Training Camp next season.
Bryce Young Injury Update
Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (back) was banged up in the Week 17 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars and entered the medical tent for a brief check-up. However, he did not miss a snap and was a full participant in the first practice leading up to Week 18.
The Panthers will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who are looking to clinch the NFC South on Sunday. It's good news that Young's back is fine, and he doesn't appear at risk of missing Week 18, but he should not be on the fantasy or DFS radar in the last week of the regular season. Young has failed to produce double-digit fantasy points in seven of his last eight starts. With Jonathan Mingo (foot) on Injured Reserve, he's not likely to end that trend in this spot.
Will Levis Injury Update
Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Will Levis (ankle, foot) did not practice with the team on Wednesday. Levis returned in last week's loss to the Houston Texans after a one-game absence due to an ankle sprain, but he attempted just six passes in Week 17 before injuring his right foot and never returning. It's an annoying but not serious foot injury for Levis, but with the Titans already out of playoff contention, they could choose to play it safe and sit the rookie.
If Levis isn't cleared to play, veteran Ryan Tannehill would make another start in what is expected to be his last game with the Titans. Whoever starts under center for Tennessee to close out the regular season will be an uninspiring QB2 choice for fantasy managers still playing for something in deep superflex leagues.
Taylor Heinicke Injury Update
Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith said that quarterback Taylor Heinicke (ankle) was limited in Wednesday's practice. The fact that Heinicke was able to practice on Wednesday is a good sign that he'll be available to play in the must-win Week 18 regular season finale on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints on the road. The 30-year-old veteran went just 10-for-29 for 163 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions in the Week 17 loss to the Chicago Bears, but he did help his fantasy line with a rushing score.
If Heinicke is healthy enough to play this weekend, he's expected to get the starting nod over Desmond Ridder, who has already been benched twice this year. At best, Heinicke would be a low-end QB2 for fantasy managers in superflex leagues on Sunday against New Orleans.
Tyrod Taylor Injury Update
New York Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor (back) was a limited participant in Wednesday's team practice. Earlier on Wednesday, Giants head coach Brian Daboll named Taylor the official starter for Week 18 against the Philadelphia Eagles, so the back issue doesn't appear to be a serious injury.
The veteran quarterback will have two more chances to upgrade his practice status before facing a pass-friendly Eagles defense. Philadelphia has allowed the most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season, making Taylor an interesting DFS play this weekend.
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