Tom Pennington/Getty Images. Pectured: Ezekiel Elliott
The biggest story of Week 15 was the return of Drew Brees, as the future Hall of Famer was deemed healthy enough to play just 35 days after he fractured 11 ribs. Brees was understandably rusty in his return, completing only 15-of-34 passes against the Chiefs for 234 passing yards. His progress with be worth monitoring as New Orleans prepares for a playoff run.
Looking ahead to Week 16, two star players are looking to return despite their teams being eliminated from the playoffs, as George Kittle (foot) reportedly “has a chance” to play in the 49ers’ final two games, while Christian McCaffrey (thigh) has been considered week-to-week since he was injured in Week 9.
We’ll be tracking their progress throughout the week as this page is updated with all the latest injury news.
NFL Injury Report
Latest On NFL Injuries
Wednesday Update
Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott (calf): Elliott was a somewhat surprising scratch in Week 15 for the Cowboys. Although he missed practice throughout the week with a calf injury, head coach Mike McCarthy and team owner Jerry Jones both seemed optimistic about Zeke’s chances of playing before he was ultimately ruled out on Sunday.
While it is still early in the week, Zeke likes his chances of playing in Week 16, responding, “Yes, sir” when he was asked whether he expects to be on the field against the Eagles this weekend.
Nonetheless, Elliott should be considered questionable to play for the time being.
Giants QB Daniel Jones (hamstring/ankle): Jones also has a chance to be on the field in Week 16 after a one-week absence due to a combination of hamstring and ankle injuries. A limited participant in today’s practice, Jones gave updates on both injuries to members of the local media today.
Jones noted that he’s “further away” from the hamstring injury, while adding that his ankle is feeling much better, but it’s still being rehabbed.
The Giants will face the Ravens this weekend in a must-win game for both teams.
Panthers RB Christian McCaffery (thigh): It’s been a lost season for the reigning scrimmage yardage leader. First, McCaffrey suffered a high-ankle sprain in Week 2 that kept him out of the lineup through Week 8.
Then in Week 9, CMC sustained a shoulder injury that kept him out through the Panthers’ Week 13 bye, and just when he was ready to return from that injury, he injured his thigh, which brings us to Week 16.
Unfortunately, the news doesn’t get any better this week as CMC has already been called “doubtful” to play against Washington by head coach Matt Rhule.
Expect Mike Davis to lead the Carolina backfield once again.
Monday Update
Chiefs RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire (ankle): Edwards-Helaire has been diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain that will almost certainly keep him off the field through the end of the regular season, though the team “remains hopeful” that he’ll be available for the playoffs. In 13 games, CEH was able to exceed 1,000 scrimmage yards in his rookie campaign, rushing for 803 yards while adding 297 as a receiver.
Midseason acquisition Le’Veon Bell will likely lead the Chiefs in carries down the stretch. They also held a visit with free agent running back Elijah McGuire as the team works to round out its depth at the position.
49ers TE George Kittle (foot): At 5-9, the 49ers are miles from the NFC playoff picture, but that might not be reason enough to keep Kittle off the field as he works his way back from a foot injury that landed him on IR after Week 8. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said on Monday that Kittle “has a chance” to play in Week 16, adding: “How can he be healthy and me not play him and still look every other player in the eye?” Stay tuned.
49ers QBs Jimmy Garoppolo (ankle) and Nick Mullens (elbow): These two are trending in opposite directions as we enter Week 16. Mullens was forced to leave San Francisco’s Week 15 loss with an elbow injury that may require Tommy John surgery, an injury that ends his 2020 season.
On the other hand, the 49ers designated Garoppolo for return from injured reserve on Monday, allowing him to return to practice. While this is good news, Shanahan said he’d be “very surprised” if Jimmy G were able to play in Week 16. C.J. Beathard would get the start in Week 16, while Garoppolo may have a chance to return for the season finale.