NFL Injury Report & Playoff Picture: Week 14 Outlook for 2025
As NFL teams gear up for Week 14, the league is navigating a complex landscape of key injuries and high-stakes playoff implications. Several pivotal matchups are on the horizon, with teams battling for positioning as the regular season winds down.
AFC North Showdown Looms
Sunday’s game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens promises to be a clash of titans, pitting the top two teams in the AFC North against each other. The Ravens will host, bolstered by the recent news of a long-term commitment to their star tight end. On Wednesday, the team announced a three-year extension for Mark Andrews, reportedly worth $39.3 million, securing his future with the franchise. However, uncertainty surrounds the status of quarterback Lamar Jackson, who has missed practice this week with an ankle injury. Should Jackson be unable to play, backup Tyler Huntley is expected to start.
Quarterback Carousel & Return Timelines
Elsewhere, the Washington Commanders are cautiously optimistic about the potential return of starting quarterback Jayden Daniels against the Minnesota Vikings. Daniels was a full participant in Thursday’s practice as he continues his recovery from a significant elbow injury sustained in Week 9. Washington, currently on a seven-game losing streak dating back to Week 6, will be eager to have their signal-caller back in the lineup.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are also anticipating a boost to their offense with the return of wide receiver Mike Evans. Evans returned to practice on Wednesday after recovering from a broken clavicle suffered in October, and the team is expected to open his 21-day practice window, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The Cleveland Browns are designating quarterback Deshaun Watson to return to practice, opening a 21-day window for the team to evaluate his readiness. Watson has played in only 19 games since being traded to Cleveland, hampered by an 11-game suspension and subsequent injuries.
Injury Concerns Impact Key Teams
The Kansas City Chiefs received discouraging news on Wednesday, as left tackle Josh Simmons will undergo surgery on his left wrist and be placed on injured reserve. Simmons, a first-round draft pick, has already missed four games this season due to a personal matter.
The Arizona Cardinals continue to struggle, having lost nine of their 12 games. The team is dealing with additional injury concerns, with wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel) and Greg Dorth (chest) both sidelined for consecutive practices.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, despite an ankle injury suffered during the Thanksgiving game against the Green Bay Packers, is officially active for Thursday night’s crucial matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. The Lions, currently 7-5, are looking to regain momentum after a 3-4 stretch.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London remains sidelined with a knee injury and has not participated in practice this week, continuing his absence since the Week 11 overtime loss to Carolina.
Defensive Standouts & Roster Moves
Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt returned to full participation in practice on Thursday after sitting out Wednesday with a toe injury. Watt has been a dominant force this season, recording 47 tackles, 17 QB hits, 9 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 7 passes defended, and 3 forced fumbles.
The Detroit Lions have elevated wide receiver Malik Cunningham from the practice squad, providing depth with Amon-Ra St. Brown’s status uncertain. The team also placed tight end Brock Wright on injured reserve and signed cornerback Nick Whiteside to the 53-man roster.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy fully participated in Thursday’s practice, clearing concussion protocol after missing last week’s game against Seattle.
The Washington Commanders have activated defensive end Drake Jackson from injured reserve, potentially adding a valuable pass rusher to their defense. The team also released safety Darnell Savage at his request.
Other Notable Updates
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter will miss Monday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to shoulder treatment, though he is not expected to be placed on injured reserve.
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Jadeveon Clowney is listed as questionable for Thursday night’s game against the Detroit Lions with a hamstring injury. The Cowboys also released defensive end Isaiah Land from the practice squad.
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens is expected to play against the Lions, having fully participated in practice after being limited earlier in the week with a calf and knee injury.
A concerning situation has emerged in Buffalo, as cornerback Darius Slay will not report to the Bills and is contemplating his future in the NFL. According to his agent, Slay is weighing his options after being claimed off waivers by the team.
.
The NFL landscape remains fluid as teams navigate injuries and prepare for the crucial stretch of the season. These developments will undoubtedly shape the playoff race and determine which contenders will emerge victorious.
