Week 17 brought a number of injuries to the quarterback and running back positions. If you have a Week 18 matchup, this is certainly something to pay attention to with a long list of players to keep track of and back up options to fall back on if needed.

Quarterback 

Jalen Hurts – Eagles – Concussion

Hurts was ruled out of Sunday’s win over the Cowboys as he was unable to pass through concussion protocol this week. To make matters worse, he did not log a single practice so the reality was he was nowhere close to being able to play. We will see if he is able to make it through this week as the Eagles would surely like to get him some final game reps before the postseason begins next week with the Eagles locked into the second seed in the NFC. Be advised if you are playing a week 18 playoff and Hurts can play, it may not be for very long so despite a great matchup with the Giants, it’s a very risky start. 

Kenny Pickett – Eagles – Ribs

Pickett started for the injured Jalen Hurts on Sunday and played well, but ultimately left the game due to a rib injury and did not return. However, it was noted that the injury was just a precaution and had the game been any closer, Pickett could have returned to action. If you have a Week 18 matchup, monitor Jalen Hurts’ status throughout the week and if Hurts is unable to clear concussion protocol, Pickett would be a great spot start.

Anthony Richardson – Colts – Back

Richardson sat out Sunday’s loss to the Giants, which ultimately eliminated the Colts from playoff contention, with back spasms. Joe Flacco started in his place, did enough to keep the Colts in the game, but their defense could not stop the Giants. Head Coach Shane Steichen has said that if Richardson is healthy he will play Sunday against the Jaguars, which, in a Week 18 matchup is a must start against a defense that has struggled all year. 

Tua Tagovailoa – Dolphins – Hip

Tagovailoa injured his hip in the Dolphins’ Week 16 win over the 49ers and did not suit up Sunday in the team’s win over the Browns. The Dolphins take on the Jets in Week 18 and with a playoff spot still a possibility, Tua will be doing what he can to get on the field. If he can’t, Tyler Huntley started and played great and will have QB2 value against a Jets defense who has been very hit or miss in recent weeks, with a solid performance in Week 16 against the Rams, but an absolute dud in Week 17 against the Bills. If Tagovailoa can go, it will be the same value for him. 

Brock Purdy – 49ers – Elbow

Purdy was injured on the final drive of the 49ers Week 17 loss to the Lions. The extent of the injury is not yet known but considering the 49ers pulled him immediately, it would be safe to say his status for Week 18 is in doubt. Josh Dobbs came in and finished the drive with a touchdown so if Purdy does not play it would likely be Dobbs who gets the start against his former team in the Cardinals. Consider Dobbs a low end QB2 if you need one in a Week 18 matchup.

Patrick Mahomes – Chiefs – Ankle/Rest

Yes, the ankle is clearly fine as he’s posted back to back dominant outings since injuring it. Mahomes is on this report though because he is not expected to play in Week 18 against the Broncos so Carson Wentz will be the likely starter. With the Chiefs sitting most of their stars, Wentz is not the safest play either especially against a Denver team that needs a win to get into the postseason.

Running Back

James Conner – Cardinals – Knee 

Conner tried to play through his knee injury Saturday and did not last long. He was removed from the game early and did not return very much leaving his status for Sunday’s Week 18 finale in doubt. If Conner can not go at home against the 49ers, Michael Carter would get the start and could be a sneaky good stream play for Week 18 as the 49ers have struggled against the run this year and may be sitting players of their own. 

Chase Brown – Bengals – Ankle

Brown suffered a sprained ankle late in the Bengals’ overtime win over the Broncos on Saturday. One of the fantasy breakout stars of 2024 certainly has some doubt for their next game, which will be on normal rest when they take on the Steelers in Pittsburgh Saturday. The team has said they are hopeful that he can play but if he can not, Khalil Herbert would be the priority waiver wire add as he would get the start for the Bengals. 

Chuba Hubbard – Panthers – Calf

The Panthers placed Hubbard on season ending Injured Reserve on Saturday and will miss the season’s final two games. With Jonathon Brooks on injured reserve, Raheem Blackshear and Mike Boone will get the running back duties moving forward. Blackshear outcarried Boone 8 to 2 on Sunday though, albeit with a negative game script most of the way, so if you have a Week 18 matchup, Blackshear is the priority add off the wire. 

Kendre Miller – Saints – Concussion

Miller left the Saints’ loss to the Raiders due to a concussion and is currently in the league’s concussion protocol. If he can’t make it through the week, Clyde Edwards-Helaire would likely assume starting running back duties and despite the Saints’ offensive struggles, could be a good RB2 or Flex pickup if you have a Week 18 matchup. 

Aaron Jones – Vikings – Quadricep 

Jones suffered the injury during the Vikings’ Week 17 win over the Packers. He left the game and was unable to return. Head Coach Kevin O’Connell said that Jones will be healthy enough to play in a massive Week 18 showdown against the Lions. If you have a Week 18 championship matchup, Jones is a must start in a massive game against a Lions defense that is banged up at every level. 

Saquon Barkley – Eagles – Rest? 

This is being listed on here because of the possibility of it. Barkley is 101 yards away from breaking the single season rushing record, and the thought of being able to do it against his former team is probably quite tempting, but at what expense is what head coach Nick Sirianni will have to decide. As of now it sounds as if the Eagles will play him but to what extent is unsure. However if Barkley does play and you have a Week 18 championship, he is a must start. If not, Kenneth Gainwell is a priority add and he will likely get the starters workload with a favorable matchup against the Giants. 

Wide Receiver 

CeeDee Lamb – Cowboys – Shoulder

The Cowboys placed Lamb on season ending injured reserve over the weekend with a shoulder injury that had been nagging him all year. In his absence, Brandin Cooks led all Cowboys’ wide receivers with 8 targets and if you have a Week 18 matchup, he should be started as the Cowboys take on the Commanders. If needed for a desperation FLEX play, Jalen Tolbert could also be a good add.

Christian Watson – Packers – Knee

Watson did not suit up for the Packers’ Week 17 loss to the Vikings. With a playoff spot clinched and a home game with the Bears coming up, it’s highly uncertain that Watson will suit up for Week 18. Just like last week, expect Dontayvion Wicks, Jayden Reed, Tucker Kraft, and Romeo Doubs if Watson is unable to go.