In the closing stretch of the 2023 NFL regular season, pivotal questions surrounding seeding and playoff berths remain unanswered as we approach the weekend. Some teams already know their destiny, rendering their final games devoid of significance, leading to strategic player rest.
A particularly intriguing match slated for Saturday pits the Baltimore Ravens against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Securing the AFC’s top seed, the Ravens, with a bye in the first round, will sideline key players like Lamar Jackson and Odell Beckham Jr. Their absence may favor Mike Tomlin’s squad, who must secure a victory and rely on external assistance to clinch a postseason berth.
Notable stars opting for sideline views this weekend include Patrick Mahomes, Brock Purdy, Matthew Stafford, and Joe Flacco. The Los Angeles Rams plan to withdraw rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua after he notches 29 receiving yards, breaking the single-season rookie yardage record.
Baker Mayfield is set to lead the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Carolina Panthers, as confirmed by head coach Todd Bowles. Despite nursing a rib injury, Mayfield, determined to contribute, received a vote of confidence from wide receiver Mike Evans, who attested to Mayfield’s stellar practice performance.
The Buccaneers aim to secure the NFC South title with a win on Sunday, adding weight to the significance of Mayfield’s presence on the field.
As we delve into the injury landscape for Week 18, teams grapple with uncertainties about key players’ availability, raising the stakes for several matchups:
Jaguars:
- QB Trevor Lawrence’s start against the Tennessee Titans remains uncertain due to a right AC joint sprain.
- Notable players with limited availability include WR Zay Jones and WR Christian Kirk.
Steelers:
- Key defensive players S Trenton Thompson, S Minkah Fitzpatrick, and LB Elandon Roberts are questionable.
Ravens:
- Defensive uncertainties include CB Ronald Darby, S Kyle Hamilton, CB Arthur Maulet, CB Brandon Stephens, WR Tylan Wallace, and S Ar’Darius Washington.
Texans:
- Notable uncertainties in the lineup involve WR Robert Woods, DE Will Anderson Jr., FB Andrew Beck, DT Maliek Collins, DT Sheldon Rankins, and T Laremy Tunsil.
Colts:
- Offensive line concerns with C Ryan Kelly, G Quenton Nelson, and T Braden Smith all questionable.
Buccaneers:
- QB Baker Mayfield’s rib injury places him on the questionable list alongside TE Ko Kieft, T Tristan Wirfs, WR Trey Palmer, and CB Carlton Davis.
Panthers:
- LB Kamu Grugier-Hill, CB Jaycee Horn, and LB Tae Davis face uncertainties in their availability.
Browns:
- A lengthy list of limited players includes WR Marquise Goodwin, RB Kareem Hunt, DE Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, G Wyatt Teller, and others.
Bengals:
- RB Joe Mixon’s illness and CB Chidobe Awuzie’s shoulder injury present uncertainties for the team.
Vikings:
- OT Christian Darrisaw’s availability is questionable, while OT Brian O’Neill is ruled out.
Lions:
- A mix of limited and DNP players adds complexity to the Lions’ injury report.
Jets:
- QB Aaron Rodgers and QB Zach Wilson’s injuries place them in the limited or DNP category.
Patriots:
- The Patriots navigate a series of limited players, including DL Christian Barmore, TE Hunter Henry, and WR DeVante Parker.
Falcons:
- QB Taylor Heinicke’s ankle concerns pose a question mark for the team.
Saints:
- A mix of limited and DNP players, including RB Alvin Kamara, impacts the Saints’ lineup.
Titans:
- CB Caleb Farley and WR Colton Dowell’s injuries create uncertainty, while numerous players are limited.
Seahawks:
- RB Kenneth Walker III and LB Nick Bellore are limited, while several key players are marked as DNPs.
Cardinals:
- A list of limited players, including LB Dennis Gardeck and WR Zach Pascal, presents challenges for the Cardinals.
Bears:
- RB Khalil Herbert and TE Cole Kmet’s limited availability adds complexity to the Bears’ situation.
Packers:
- Limited players include TE Luke Musgrave and WR Jayden Reed, while RB A.J. Dillon is marked as DNP.
Chiefs:
- RB Isaiah Pacheco, TE Travis Kelce, and DT Chris Jones face uncertainties, while several key players are ruled out.
Chargers:
- A mix of limited and DNP players, including WR Keenan Allen and OLB Joey Bosa, complicates the Chargers’ outlook.
Broncos:
- TE Chris Manhertz and T Mike McGlinchey’s DNPs pose challenges for the Broncos.
Raiders:
- DE Maxx Crosby and T Jermaine Eluemanor’s limited status contributes to the Raiders’ injury scenario.
Eagles:
- Limited availability for key players, including DT Jordan Davis and CB Darius Slay, raises concerns for the Eagles.
Giants:
- Limited availability for QB Tyrod Taylor and a mix of limited and DNPs impact the Giants’ preparations.
Rams:
- C Brian Allen and TE Tyler Higbee’s DNPs present challenges for the Rams.
49ers:
- A mix of limited and DNP players, including RB Christian McCaffrey, adds complexity to the 49ers’ situation.
Cowboys:
- Limited availability for key players, including DT Johnathan Hankins, presents challenges for the Cowboys.
Commanders:
- A mix of limited and DNP players, including WR Curtis Samuel, raises concerns for the Commanders.
Bills:
- S Damar Hamlin’s limited availability is a notable point on the Bills’ injury report.
Dolphins:
- A mix of limited and DNP players, including RB Raheem Mostert and WR Jaylen Waddle, complicates the Dolphins’ outlook.
As teams brace for the final showdowns of the regular season, the unfolding injury landscape adds an extra layer of uncertainty to the high-stakes matchups. The next few days will determine which teams enter the playoffs at full strength and which ones face additional challenges due to player availability.
