January 1, 2026
Washington Capitals right wing Tom Wilson brought the fireworks on New Year's Eve against the New York Rangers, finishing a 6-3 win with a Gordie Howe hat trick. He scored two goals in the contest, had one assist, and fought Rangers forward Sam Carrick in the second period. It was a busy outing for Wilson shortly after he was named to Canada's roster for the 2026 Olympics. Wilson will be hoping the new year brings him just as much success as 2025 did. He finished the calendar year with 40 regular-season goals, by far the most of his career. In Thursday's matchup against the Ottawa Senators, Wilson has a chance to record a third consecutive three-point game. The 31-year-old has 21 goals, 40 points, and 105 hits through 39 appearances, all team-highs this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 1, 2026
Colorado Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin wrapped up 2025 with his second career hat trick in Wednesday's 6-1 win over the St. Louis Blues. Colorado burst out of the gate with four goals inside the opening 4:39 of action as Nichushkin and Nathan MacKinnon became only the second set of teammates in NHL history to each score multiple goals in the first five minutes of a game. MacKinnon ended the contest with four points (two goals, two assists). After missing a large chunk of November with a lower-body injury, Nichushkin came back with a vengeance in December, averaging a point per game across 14 outings. He had been held off the score sheet only once in the past nine games. Nichushkin begins 2026 sitting on 36 points (11 goals, 15 assists) through 31 appearances this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 1, 2026
Anaheim Ducks forward Frank Vatrano (shoulder) will be out for approximately six weeks, the team announced on Wednesday. Vatrano fractured his shoulder on Dec. 27 against the Los Angeles Kings and sat out a second consecutive contest on Wednesday versus the Tampa Bay Lightning. The six-week timeline indicates that Vatrano won't be ready to return until after the Olympics break, so he will be unavailable for 16 more games. After scoring 80 goals over the previous three campaigns, Vatrano has been largely anonymous on the offensive end in 2025-26, contributing three goals and three assists in 38 contests. Nikita Nesterenko has appeared in both games Vatrano has missed and is expected to remain a regular in the lineup until he returns.
--Taavi PailkSource: Anaheim Ducks
January 1, 2026
New York Rangers left wing Conor Sheary (lower body) and center Noah Laba (upper body) were injured during Wednesday's 6-3 loss to the Washington Capitals. The two started the contest on the third line with Taylor Raddysh. Sheary has also seen some top-six usage recently, but his offensive impact has been limited to nine points (one goal, eight assists) in 37 games. Laba has totaled 12 points (five goals, seven assists) in 42 contests during his rookie campaign. The Rangers currently have one healthy extra forward on the roster in Brennan Othmann, who could slot into the lineup for Friday's Winter Classic against the Florida Panthers.
--Taavi PailkSource: New York Rangers PR
January 1, 2026
Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb (upper body) was forced to make an early exit against the Nashville Predators on Wednesday. He was knocked out of the lineup by an upper-body injury in the second period. The 34-year-old veteran couldn't carry on after being involved in a collision with Predators forward Michael Bunting. McNabb has been limited to three points (two goals, one assist) in 38 games and lacks fantasy appeal. However, he has been a valuable defensive contributor for the Golden Knights, recording a team-high 98 blocks and 63 hits. Vegas currently doesn't have a healthy extra defenseman on the roster, so the team must do some roster maneuvering if McNabb isn't available on Friday night versus the St. Louis Blues.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 1, 2026
Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Miles Wood (lower body) was injured during the first period of Wednesday's 3-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils. He logged only 2:51 of ice time before suffering a lower-body injury. "It doesn't look good," Blue Jackets head coach Dean Evason said about the injury postgame. Wood has recently been part of Columbus' top-six group, though he hasn't done any scoring in 10 straight outings. For the season, the veteran has managed eight goals and 12 points in 32 appearances. On Wednesday, the Blue Jackets were also without Sean Monahan (undisclosed) for a second straight game, so their attacking department has taken several blows in a short span. Cole Sillinger has taken Monahan's spot on the second line, while Kent Johnson might be the replacement for Wood if needed.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 1, 2026
Colorado Avalanche forward Gavin Brindley (upper body) "tweaked something" in Wednesday's win over the St. Louis Blues, Bailey Curtis of DNVR Sports reports. Joel Kiviranta (lower body) was a late scratch on Wednesday, and Colorado's frontline suffered another injury in the game. The team will evaluate Brindley further on Thursday to determine the severity of his ailment. The 21-year-old rookie had his eighth consecutive outing without scoring on Wednesday. He did, however, see some success earlier in the campaign, notching nine points (five goals, four assists) in 27 games during the season.
--Taavi PailkSource: Bailey Curtis
January 1, 2026
Brooklyn Nets forward
Michael Porter Jr. (illness) may miss the first game of 2026, as the team considers him questionable for Thursday's meeting with the Houston Rockets. He is battling an illness and may depart the lineup after posting at least 24 points in five consecutive games. Individually, it has been a great campaign for Porter Jr. in Brooklyn, as the former Nugget has notched a team-high 25.8 points per game, along with 7.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists. If Porter Jr. is unavailable, the remaining starters will have increased opportunities on offense. Overall, the Nets may have three new faces in the first unit on Thursday, with
Egor Demin (back) ruled out and
Terance Mann (hip) questionable.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 1, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (ankle) appears ready to make his second consecutive appearance on Thursday night against the Dallas Mavericks, as the team has listed him as probable on the injury report. Embiid recently missed one game due to a right ankle sprain. He made a spectacular return to the lineup on Tuesday against the Memphis Grizzlies, registering 34 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, two blocks, and one steal across 38 minutes in an overtime win. It might be another night of feasting for Embiid on Thursday against the Mavericks, who have given up the ninth-most fantasy points to centers this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 1, 2026
Dallas Mavericks forward/center
Anthony Davis (adductor) has not been included on the injury report for Thursday's matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers, indicating that he will return from a two-game absence. Davis suffered a right adductor injury on Christmas Day against the Golden State Warriors, but fortunately, he is back to full health after missing only two games. Davis' return will push
Daniel Gafford to the bench and potentially put
Dwight Powell out of the rotation. The star big man faced the Sixers only a couple of weeks ago, posting a 24-point, 15-rebound double-double. However, that came without
Joel Embiid (ankle) on the floor, and Philadelphia has listed him as probable for Thursday night.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 1, 2026
Chicago Bulls guard
Coby White (calf) will be re-evaluated in one week, the team announced on Wednesday. White injured his right calf on Monday versus the Minnesota Timberwolves and wasn't available for Wednesday's matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans. It's now clear that he will sit out at least three more games.
Josh Giddey (hamstring) has been ruled out for at least two weeks, opening up two starting spots and a lot of offensive usage on the team. Both
Jalen Smith and
Tre Jones performed well as starters on Wednesday, while
Matas Buzelis was significantly more involved in the offense. Ultimately,
Isaac Okoro led Chicago in scoring with 24 points. Kevin Huarter and
Ayo Dosunmu are also among the players who benefit from the absences of White and Giddey.
--Taavi PailkSource: Chicago Bulls
January 1, 2026
Chicago Bulls guard
Josh Giddey (hamstring) will be re-evaluated in two weeks, the team announced on Wednesday. Giddey didn't play on New Year's Eve against the New Orleans Pelicans and will be out for seven more games if he can make his return in two weeks. With
Coby White (calf) also out, the Bulls used
Jalen Smith and
Tre Jones as starters against New Orleans. Jones did a good job filling in for Giddey at point guard, posting a game-high 12 assists and scoring 20 points in 27 minutes.
Ayo Dosunmu and Kevin Huarter also gain fantasy value from Chicago's backcourt injuries.
--Taavi PailkSource: Chicago Bulls
January 1, 2026
Denver Nuggets center
Jonas Valanciunas (calf) was in a walking boot after his early exit in Wednesday's 106-103 victory over the Toronto Raptors. Speaking to Sportsnet's Michael Grange, Valanciunas said he had a "pop" in his right calf. Filling in for
Nikola Jokic (knee) in the starting unit, the Lithuanian giant had a very productive 23-minute outing against his former team, finishing with 17 points, nine rebounds, four assists, one steal, and three blocks. It looks like Valanciunas might now join Jokic on the sidelines for upcoming games.
DaRon Holmes II was the reserve big on Wednesday, while
Zeke Nnaji's workload is also likely to increase if Valanciunas misses time.
--Taavi PailkSource: Michael Grange
January 1, 2026
San Antonio Spurs forward/center
Victor Wembanyama (knee) was limited to 24 minutes in Wednesday's win over the New York Knicks but escaped serious injury. Wembanyama's left knee buckled when he tried to grab a rebound early in the fourth quarter. He was subbed out of the game with 10:32 remaining in the quarter, and Wembanyama didn't return to the contest. After the game, Wembanyama said he suffered a hyperextension and expected to be back for the next game. San Antonio continues the season with a back-to-back on Friday and Saturday. The team will probably be cautious with its superstar, meaning Wembanyama might still sit out some action this week even if he feels ready to play.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 31, 2025
Indianapolis Colts quarterback
Philip Rivers retired for the second time on the Up & Adams Show on Wednesday. The 44-year-old veteran signal-caller came out of retirement to play for the Colts again this year after
Daniel Jones suffered a torn Achilles in Week 14. The eight-time Pro Bowler was immediately thrust into the starting role for Indy after having last played a game in the NFL in 2020. Rivers ended up starting three games for the Colts in his return, going 58-for-92 (63%) for 544 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions in losses to the Seahawks, 49ers, and Jaguars. He held his own, but there understandably wasn't much left on his passes after five years away from the game. With the Colts eliminated from the playoffs, they'll give rookie
Riley Leonard a chance in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Houston Texans, and Rivers will return to his big family.
--Keith HernandezSource: Up & Adams
December 31, 2025
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver
Davante Adams (hamstring) is not expected to play on Sunday against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals in the Week 18 regular-season finale, but head coach Sean McVay said he expects Adams to be ready for the playoffs next week. Adams aggravated a hamstring injury in Week 15 and will miss a third straight game this weekend. However, the 33-year-old veteran was seen running close to full speed before Monday night's loss to the Atlanta Falcons, and he should be good to play in the wild-card round of the postseason next week, barring a setback. The six-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro brings another dimension to an already strong Rams offense, primarily in the red zone. Despite missing the last two games, Adams still leads the league with his 14 touchdown receptions in 14 games played. He hasn't been as prolific as
Puka Nacua in yardage, but he still has a healthy 60 catches for 789 yards on the year for the Rams.
--Keith HernandezSource: Los Angeles Daily News - Adam Grosbard
December 31, 2025
New Orleans Saints running back
Alvin Kamara (knee, ankle) was not present for Wednesday's practice, according to Ross Jackson. Kamara is highly unlikely to return for the team's Week 18 regular-season finale this weekend against the division-rival Atlanta Falcons after missing the last five games with a sprained MCL in his knee that he suffered in Week 12. Rookie
Devin Neal (hamstring) is also on Injured Reserve, which has opened up lead-back duties for
Audric Estime to close out the season. In last week's win over the Tennessee Titans, Estime carried the ball 14 times for 94 yards and a touchdown. Now 30 years old, Kamara had the worst season of his NFL career in 2025, recording only 471 rushing yards and one touchdown on 131 rushing attempts in 11 games played. He added 33 receptions for 186 yards and no TDs through the air.
--Keith HernandezSource: Ross Jackson
December 31, 2025
Minnesota Vikings tight end
T.J. Hockenson (shoulder) was held out of the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday. Hockenson didn't practice at all last week and was held out of the Christmas Day win over the Detroit Lions last Thursday. The Vikings have nothing left to play for but pride in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Green Bay Packers, so it seems likely that Hockenson will miss a second straight game to close out the 2025 season. The 28-year-old has had a second straight disappointing season in Minnesota, catching 51 of 66 targets for 438 yards and only three touchdowns while working with inconsistent young quarterback
J.J. McCarthy. If Hockenson misses another contest,
Josh Oliver will once again be in line for top pass-catching duties at TE for the Vikings with McCarthy potentially returning from a hand fracture.
--Keith HernandezSource: Minnesota Vikings
December 31, 2025
Minnesota Vikings running back
Aaron Jones Sr. (hip) was a non-participant at Wednesday's practice due to a hip injury. Meanwhile, fellow RB
Jordan Mason (ankle) returned to a limited session after missing the Week 17 Christmas Day win over the Detroit Lions. With Mason injured the last two weeks, Jones has handled 44 touches for 156 scrimmage yards and a rushing touchdown. But now the 31-year-old is dealing with an injury of his own, putting his status up in the air for the Week 18 regular-season finale this Sunday against the division-rival Green Bay Packers. With Mason trending towards a return to close out the year, Jones figures to be spelled more often by Mason if both RBs are active this weekend. In the first meeting with Green Bay back on Nov. 23, Jones carried the ball nine times for 41 yards and caught three passes for 16 yards.
--Keith HernandezSource: Minnesota Vikings
December 31, 2025
Chicago Bears wide receiver
Rome Odunze (foot) was listed as a non-participant for the team's walkthrough practice on Wednesday. All signs are pointing to Odunze missing a fifth straight game for this weekend's Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Detroit Lions. The 23-year-old second-year wideout hasn't practiced or played since Dec. 12 due to a stress fracture in his foot. The Bears want to hold Odunze out through the end of the regular season in hopes that he'll be closer to full health for a playoff run. After a career day in Sunday night's loss to the San Francisco 49ers, rookie
Luther Burden III came down with a quad injury, but he was limited on Wednesday.
Olamide Zaccheaus also returned after missing Week 17 with an illness. With Odunze fully expected to sit out against Detroit in Week 18, Burden will be a popular DFS selection if he's active after he caught eight of nine targets for 138 yards and a touchdown against San Fran.
--Keith HernandezSource: Bears Communications
December 31, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back
Omarion Hampton (ankle) was listed as a non-participant in Wednesday's practice due to an ankle injury. Hampton played 83% of the offensive snaps in last Saturday's loss to the Houston Texans, touching the ball 22 times for 60 scrimmage yards and a touchdown. The 22-year-old first-rounder didn't appear to be injured at all in Week 17. However, with the Chargers already expected to rest quarterback
Justin Herbert in the Week 18 regular-season finale on the road in Denver against the division-rival Broncos, fantasy managers should expect a smaller workload from Hampton if he's active this weekend. All of L.A.'s offensive skill players will be much harder to trust in starting fantasy lineups if they are active with backup QB
Trey Lance running the offense. It's hard to gauge the Bolts' backfield for this weekend with
Kimani Vidal (neck) and
Hassan Haskins (head) also banged up.
--Keith HernandezSource: Los Angeles Chargers
December 31, 2025
Philadelphia Eagles tight end
Dallas Goedert (knee) is on the Week 18 injury report and was unable to practice on Wednesday due to a knee injury. Goedert could return to the practice field in the next two days, but with the Eagles already expected to be resting some starters in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Washington Commanders, fantasy managers shouldn't be banking on having Goedert available this weekend. At the very least, the Eagles are expected to sit starting quarterback
Jalen Hurts, so if Goedert were to play, he'd be working with backup
Tanner McKee, who has attempted all of three passes in 2025. If the Eagles hold Goedert out in Week 18, both
Grant Calcaterra and
Kylen Granson would see elevated roles on offense. Goedert has been outstanding for fantasy purposes in 2025, catching 60 of 82 targets for 591 yards. His 11 touchdowns are tied for the most at the position with Arizona's
Trey McBride.
--Keith HernandezSource: Philadelphia Eagles
December 31, 2025
Los Angeles Rams running back
Kyren Williams (ankle) was listed as a limited participant on Wednesday's estimated injury report, according to Adam Grosbard of the Los Angeles Daily News. Williams suffered a minor ankle injury in Monday night's loss to the Atlanta Falcons and was able to return to the game. Meanwhile, fellow RB
Blake Corum sprained his ankle in the second quarter and never returned. With Corum out in the second half, Williams saw more work out of the backfield for the Rams as they attempted a comeback. If Corum is unable to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals this Sunday, the 25-year-old Williams could see a bigger workload again, although
Ronnie Rivers would also be mixed in. The Rams are fully expected to play their starters in Week 18 to keep them fresh going into the postseason.
--Keith HernandezSource: Los Angeles Daily News - Adam Grosbard
December 31, 2025
San Antonio Spurs guard
Stephon Castle (thumb) has been upgraded to available for Wednesday's matchup with the New York Knicks. Castle carried a questionable tag due to a sprained left thumb, but he has since been cleared for action ahead of tonight's tilt. The 21-year-old could be in line for a productive evening in all fantasy formats as he's posted averages of 20.0 points, 6.2 assists, and 4.1 rebounds in 29.2 minutes per game across 10 appearances in December. In his last outing on Monday in a loss to Cleveland, he finished with 15 points, eight assists, four rebounds, and one steal in 34 minutes.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
December 31, 2025
Los Angeles Rams running back
Blake Corum (ankle) was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's estimated injury report, per the Los Angeles Daily News' Adam Grosbard. Corum sprained his ankle in the second quarter of Monday night's upset loss to the Atlanta Falcons and never returned. On a short turnaround going into the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, the 25-year-old's status is firmly up in the air. The Rams will only be playing for seeding purposes this weekend, although they plan to play their starters. Still, with Corum not 100%, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him held out. Backfield mate
Kyren Williams (ankle) is also banged up with an ankle injury and was listed as limited on Wednesday. If Corum doesn't make much progress and is ruled out for Week 18,
Ronnie Rivers would take over as the RB2 in L.A.
--Keith HernandezSource: Los Angeles Daily News - Adam Grosbard
December 31, 2025
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver
Davante Adams (hamstring) was listed as a non-participant on the team's estimated injury report on Wednesday, according to Adam Grosbard of the Los Angeles Daily News. All signs are pointing to Adams missing a third straight game for the Week 18 regular-season finale this Sunday against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals due to a nagging hamstring injury. The 33-year-old All-Pro wideout was seen running at close to full speed before Monday night's loss to the Atlanta Falcons, but the Rams are going to err on the side of caution and hold him out so that he's closer to 100% for the start of the playoffs next week.
Xavier Smith (chest), who has taken on a bigger role in the passing game with Adams out for the last two games, is also on the injury report and was listed as limited on Wednesday. If Adams is inactive for a third straight game, as expected, both Smith and
Konata Mumpfield will have more chances yet again against Arizona behind star wideout
Puka Nacua.
--Keith HernandezSource: Los Angeles Daily News - Adam Grosbard
December 31, 2025
Green Bay Packers quarterback
Jordan Love (concussion, shoulder) was listed as a full participant in Wednesday's practice, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN. Although Love remains in the league's concussion protocol, this is notable because it's his first full practice since suffering a concussion in the Week 16 loss to the Chicago Bears. Meanwhile, backup QB
Malik Willis (shoulder) was limited with a right-shoulder injury that he suffered in Saturday's loss to the Ravens. The 27-year-old Love is trending toward being cleared from the concussion protocol later this week, but with Green Bay locked into the No. 7 seed going into the playoffs, the Packers could still elect to sit him this Sunday in the Week 18 regular-season finale versus the division-rival Minnesota Vikings. As such, Love will be hard to trust for any fantasy managers still playing for something in Week 18.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Rob Demovsky
December 31, 2025
New York Knicks guard
Tyler Kolek (ankle) has been upgraded to available for Wednesday's clash with the San Antonio Spurs. Despite dealing with right ankle soreness, Kolek sheds a probable tag and will be set to suit up for tonight's tilt. The 24-year-old has played in 28 games this season, averaging 5.2 points, 2.9 assists and 1.8 rebounds across 13.0 minutes per contest. During his last seven outings, he's carried a heavier workload, averaging 21.5 minutes per game. However, his time on the floor will likely keep decreasing with
Miles McBride back in action.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
December 31, 2025
Houston Rockets forward
Tari Eason (illness) is questionable for Thursday's game against Brooklyn. He recently returned after missing over a month because of an oblique injury. Since then, the 24-year-old has appeared in the Rockets' previous five contests. However, his status is now in jeopardy as a result of an illness. With so many players listed on the injury report for Houston, there are a number of directions head coach Ime Udoka might go regarding the rotation, although
Reed Sheppard should remain in line to see a substantial bump in minutes and scoring opportunities regardless of who is ruled out.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 31, 2025
Detroit Pistons forward
Tobias Harris (hip) is doubtful for Thursday's meeting with Miami. He logged six minutes in Tuesday's win over the Los Angeles Lakers because of a left hip injury. Unfortunately, that puts his status in doubt for Thursday's game and beyond. With
Caris LeVert (knee) also sidelined,
Ron Holland II, coming off a 11-point, seven rebound effort, could find himself in the starting lineup. There will also be room for expanded production for
Isaiah Stewart,
Javonte Green, and
Jaden Ivey.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Repor
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