The NFL injury report is certainly extensive this week, made all the more complicated by the fact that some teams have already sealed their fate. Teams that have already clinched the best playoff spot possible or are completely out of contention are more likely to keep an injured player on the bench rather than start them at less than 100 percent. It’ll be important to keep an eye on each one of these guy’s status right up until gametime so be sure to check out Dave Major’s Last Minute Fantasy Advice column on Sunday morning before locking in your lineup.
Andre Ellington (thigh): Ellington was limited in practice again this week but is expected to play through his thigh injury once again this Sunday.
Larry Fitzgerald (concussion): Fitzgerald returned to practice on Thursday after suffering a concussion on Sunday. He’ll need to be cleared to play but it’s a good sign he’ll be able to go against a tough Seahawks defense.
Michael Floyd (ankle): Floyd has been limited with an ankle injury but is expected to play on Sunday.
Rob Housler (groin): Housler was limited in practice on Thursday but it was an improvement over bike duty yesterday, a good sign that he’ll play.
Carson Palmer (ankle): Palmer returned to practice on Thursday as well and, although limited, is expected to lead the banged up Cards offense into a tough game against Seattle. Not a lot of startable players on this offense in this one.
Joe Flacco (knee): Flacco suffered a knee sprain on Monday against the Lions and is expected to wear a brace but play through it against the Pats as the Ravens fight for a playoff berth.
Ray Rice (thigh): Rice was still absent from practice on Thursday and is limited for this week’s game.
Fred Jackson (ribs): Jackson returned to practice on Thursday and is likely to play this week.
EJ Manuel (knee): Manuel suffered a knee injury in Sunday’s game and will not play this week against Miami. Thad Lewis will make the start in his place.
Steve Smith (finger): Smith remained out of practice with a finger injury on Thursday and is questionable for this week’s game against the Saints.
Greg Olsen (foot): Olsen has been dealing with a foot injury for a while but he’s expected to play this week against the Saints.
Brandon Marshall (hamstring): Marshall is dealing with a hammy injury but is expected to play this week.
Terrance Williams (hamstring): Williams remains out of practice with a hammy injury and is highly questionable for this week’s game. If he can’t go, Miles Austin might make for a solid start against a shaky Redskins defense.
Wes Welker (concussion): Welker didn’t practice again on Thursday and is in danger of missing his second game with a concussion. If he can’t go, Andre Caldwell, who saw plenty of looks and caught two touchdowns in last Thursday’s game, could be a sneaky play.
Calvin Johnson (knee): Calvin was still out of practice on Thursday but he’s been playing through a knee injury for most of the season and has a good chance to play on Sunday against the Giants.
Eddie Lacy (ankle): Lacy sat out practice again on Thursday but has a good chance to play through his ankle injury once again this week.
Aaron Rodgers (collarbone): Rodgers still has a chance to play this week but, as of right now, Matt Flynn is expected to start. Check his status on Sunday morning, it could change your whole fantasy week.
Ben Tate (ribs): Tate has been placed on IR after breaking yet another rib which means Dennis Johnson will get the start against the Broncos.
Garrett Graham (hamstring): Graham was absent from practice once again on Thursday and is highly questionable for a banged up Houston offense.
Andre Johnson (wrist): Johnson is dealing with a wrist injury but is expected to play on Sunday against the Broncos.
Case Keenum (thumb): Keenum is out for Sunday’s game with a thumb injury which means Matt Schaub will get the call.
Maurice Jones-Drew (hamstring): MJD is not expected to practice until at least Friday but that’s optimistic. Check his status before starting him or Jordan Todman, who would get the start in his place against a weak Titans run defense.
Daniel Thomas (ankle): Thomas remains limited in practice but is expected to play through his ankle injury once again this week against the Bills.
Adrian Peterson (foot): Peterson missed last week’s game against the Eagles but has a good chance to play this week despite a sprained foot after returning to practice on Thursday.
Toby Gerhart (hamstring): Gerhart returned to practice on Thursday as well and is likely to play but is only startable if AP is out after all.
Aaron Dobson (foot): Dobson is back in practice but remains limited. He has a solid chance to play on Sunday.
Kenbrell Thompkins (hip): Thompkins returned to practice on Thursday as well and remains questionable but has a chance to return on Sunday.
Victor Cruz (concussion, knee): Cruz suffered a concussion and a knee injury in Sunday’s beatdown against the Seahawks and is not expected to play on Sunday. He may miss Week 17 as well. With Jerrel Jernigan banged up himself, Rueben Randle could be poised for a big game.
Darren McFadden (knee, ankle): DMC is back at practice and is expected to play this week against the Chargers. How long he’ll last is a different story. I’d still roll with Rashad Jennings.
Zach Miller (ribs): Miller remained out of practice on Thursday and is questionable for this week’s game against Arizona. Luke Willson would get the start if he can’t go.
Tavon Austin (ankle): Austin missed Sunday’s upset against the Saints and is questionable for this week’s game against the Bucs.
Vincent Jackson (hamstring): Jackson was back in practice on Thursday and is expected to play this week against the Rams. So, you know, start him.
Chris Johnson (knee): Johnson returned to practice on Thursday and is expected to play this week against the Jags. So, you know, start him too.
