Week 14's biggest injury questions for all 32 NFL teams
— -- NFL Nation reporters assess the biggest injuries across the league for Week 14.
AFC EAST
Buffalo Bills
WR Sammy Watkins sat out Wednesday's practice because of his foot injury. Rex Ryan said he is "hopeful" Watkins can play Sunday against the Steelers, but that the Bills will take it day-to-day with Watkins. Ryan said Watkins felt better with his foot coming out of last Sunday's game against the Raiders than the week before. -- Mike Rodak
Miami Dolphins
Middle linebacker and leading tackler Kiko Alonso's status is up in the air because of a broken thumb. He had surgery Monday, then had a cast on during Wednesday's practice. If Alonso cannot play, backup Mike Hull will get the start against the Cardinals. -- James Walker
New England Patriots
TE Martellus Bennett, who is being relied upon as the primary player to help replace Rob Gronkowski, hasn't consistently looked like the same player since spraining his ankle in a Week 5 matchup against the Browns. He is coming off arguably his worst game of the season, recording two catches for 4 yards and two holding penalties last Sunday against the Rams. While the Patriots naturally appreciate his toughness, Bennett's injury status and ability to effectively do the job bears monitoring. -- Mike Reiss
New York Jets
C Nick Mangold, who aggravated an old ankle injury, is in a walking boot and is not expected to play Sunday against the 49ers. It would be his fifth missed game, and there's a chance he could be shut down for the remainder of the season. Wes Johnson would again start in his place. The Jets could also be without NT Steve McLendon (hamstring) for the second straight week. He'd be replaced by Deon Simon. - - Rich Cimini
AFC NORTH
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens are close to full strength. The only starter who is expected to miss Monday night's game in New England is backup TE Crockett Gillmore (hamstring). Cornerbacks Jimmy Smith (back) and Tavon Young (shoulder) got banged up last Sunday, but both were on the field for Wednesday's walkthrough. -- Jamison Hensley
Cincinnati Bengals
WR A.J. Green was working on the rehab field to begin Wednesday's practice. He has missed almost three full games with a hamstring tear and is considered week-to-week. -- Katherine Terrell
Cleveland Browns
Robert Griffin III took part in practice Wednesday. ESPN's Dan Graziano reported through a source that, barring any setbacks, Griffin will start Sunday against Cincinnati. Coach Hue Jackson has not made that official, but Griffin should be on the field for the first time since the season opener in Philadelphia. -- Pat McManamon
Pittsburgh Steelers
Starting DT Javon Hargrave missed Wednesday's practice while under concussion protocol. This is significant. Hargrave has probably been the team's most reliable rookie. He recorded a sack in back-to-back games before leaving Sunday's win over the Giants. The Steelers are thin on the interior. Veteran DE Ricardo Mathews can play an enhanced role, and Dan McCullers and L.T. Walton haven't graduated from spot duty. The Steelers will hope Hargrave becomes symptom-free before facing Buffalo's league-best rushing attack. -- Jeremy Fowler
AFC SOUTH
Houston Texans
The Texans are pretty banged up and head to Indianapolis for a crucial divisional game with 16 players on their injury report. The starters listed who did not practice are DE Jadeveon Clowney (wrist/elbow) and CB Johnathan Joseph. Texans head coach Bill O'Brien said both players are day-to-day and that he'd know more about their statuses later in the week. While the front seven had a solid performance in Green Bay without Clowney, the secondary struggled after Joseph left the game. -- Sarah Barshop
Indianapolis Colts
LB Robert Mathis has not practiced or played since injuring his biceps against Pittsburgh on Thanksgiving Day. The Colts got by without Mathis in their 41-10 victory over the Jets on Monday, but now they'll also be without fellow veteran linebacker D'Qwell Jackson, who was suspended four games for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances. The Colts need as many veterans on the field as possible as they try to remain in first place in the AFC South. -- Mike Wells
Jacksonville Jaguars
TE Julius Thomas might have played his last snap of the season. The Jaguars say they aren't sure when, or if, he'll come back from a back injury. "We'll evaluate it day-by-day," coach Gus Bradley said. Also, RB Chris Ivory (hamstring) will be a game-time decision, Bradley said. -- Mike DiRocco
Tennessee Titans
Disruptive DL Jurrell Casey didn't practice Wednesday and was the only Titans player on the injury report. He said even if he doesn't work the rest of the week, he feels confident he can "walk out there and be effective" Sunday at Nissan Stadium. "I'll definitely be good to go," he said. Casey has only three sacks, but he's a disruptor who trails only outside linebackers Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan with 24 quarterback pressures for the Titans this season. -- Paul Kuharsky
AFC WEST
Denver Broncos
QB Trevor Siemian is on track to play Sunday in Tennessee after taking part in the walk-through on Wednesday and is scheduled to practice on Thursday, but LB Brandon Marshall's status is still in question after he injured his left hamstring in the 20-10 win over the Jaguars. Marshall missed one game earlier this season because of a hamstring injury, against San Diego on Oct. 30. The latest injury could put Corey Nelson into the lineup at inside linebacker against a Titans team that has among the league's best at running the football. They've rushed for at least 149 yards in five games this season and have topped 200 yards twice. -- Jeff Legwold
Kansas City Chiefs
WR Jeremy Maclin will be available to play for the Chiefs for the first time in five games Thursday night against the Raiders. Maclin has been out because of a groin injury. He might not play his normal full role in his first game back, but the Chiefs are still better off having him for whatever number of snaps he is in their lineup. He's their most accomplished and experienced wide receiver. It's foolish to believe the Chiefs are a better team when he's not playing. -- Adam Teicher
Oakland Raiders
Derek Carr is still Oakland's biggest injury question, despite his insistence that his right pinkie isn't causing any limitations. Carr played the entire game last weekend in the shotgun or pistol to keep him from going under center and, thus, to keep his finger out of harm's way. Sub-freezing temperatures are expected in Kansas City on Thursday night, and with the ball expected to be hard as a rock and his finger still sore and taped, it's almost a given that Carr will again set up 4 or 7 yards behind the center. After not running a single play out of the pistol before Sunday, the Raiders ran 19 plays out of the formation against Buffalo. Expect more of the same at Arrowhead Stadium. -- Paul Gutierrez
San Diego Chargers
After a knee injury forced him to miss four games, rookie inside linebacker Jatavis Brown returned to practice as a limited participant Wednesday. Korey Toomer took over for Brown while he was out and has done a good job, leading the team in tackles with 61. However, the Chargers would like to get Brown back on the field. "It felt good," Brown said. "It's always good to be out there having fun with the guys." -- Eric D. Williams
NFC EAST
Dallas Cowboys
LB Justin Durant was limited in Wednesday's practice as he returns from a hamstring strain that kept him out of the Cowboys' last game. Anthony Hitchens was able to take the bulk of the sub-package snaps against Minnesota, but with the Giants running almost exclusively a three-wide receiver set, Durant's return would help the Cowboys keep their middle linebackers fresh throughout the game. J.J. Wilcox, who is battling a thigh bruise, did not practice Wednesday and could miss his second straight game. -- Todd Archer
New York Giants
DE Jason Pierre-Paul is out, but starting left guard Justin Pugh (knee) and RB Shane Vereen (triceps) both have a chance to return. Pugh is taking reps this week, and Vereen is hopeful to receive the green light from the medical staff after returning to practice last week. -- Jordan Raanan
Philadelphia Eagles
WR Jordan Matthews (ankle, limited) and RB Ryan Mathews (knee) both returned to practice Wednesday after missing last weekend's game against the Bengals. Assuming they make it through the week, QB Carson Wentz should be better equipped Sunday when the Eagles welcome the Redskins. -- Tim McManus
Washington Redskins
TE Jordan Reed caught passes during individual drills Wednesday, but there's a ways to go before the Redskins are ready to declare him ready for Sunday's game against Philadelphia. Reed is still suffering from the Grade 3 separation of the AC joint in his left shoulder. Meanwhile, the offensive line was suffering: Center Spencer Long (concussion) and guard Shawn Lauvao (groin) both missed practice as did Ty Nsekhe (ankle). But Nsekhe was going back to the bench anyway with Trent Williams returning from his four-game suspension. Long would be replaced by veteran John Sullivan, and Lauvao would be replaced by Arie Kouandjio. -- John Keim
NFC NORTH
Chicago Bears
WR Marquess Wilson suffered a groin injury in last week's 26-6 victory over San Francisco. Wilson is not a household name, but he's now one of Chicago's top receivers with Alshon Jeffery suspended and Eddie Royal (toe) ailing. Wilson, who did not catch a ball against the 49ers, led the club with eight receptions for 125 yards and one touchdown in Week 12. He also dropped a sure touchdown pass that hit him squarely in the hands. Veteran guard Josh Sitton is also pushing through an ankle injury, but the Bears are probably better off with reserve guards Ted Larsen and Eric Kush. -- Jeff Dickerson
Detroit Lions
The wait continues for the Lions with linebacker DeAndre Levy. He has practiced for three weeks and is entering his fourth week of practice coming off his knee injury. Is this the week he plays? And does his fellow linebacker, Tahir Whitehead, also come back after a one-week absence because of a knee injury? Both players have practiced on a limited basis. -- Michael Rothstein
Green Bay Packers
The Packers could have a significant shortage of linebackers. They'll be without Nick Perry, who underwent hand surgery this week. Clay Matthews' left shoulder is still ailing, and he was largely ineffective because of it last week. Jake Ryan's ankle remains problematic, and Blake Martinez hasn't played in two weeks. It's not an ideal situation with the Seahawks coming to town Sunday. -- Rob Demovsky
Minnesota Vikings
Safety Harrison Smith did not practice Wednesday because of a sprained ankle, and his status for Sunday appears to be the Vikings' biggest concern as they try to win for just the second time in eight games in Jacksonville. Coach Mike Zimmer wouldn't rule out the possibility of Smith returning from an ankle injury that had him on crutches and in a walking boot last Thursday, pointing out how often Smith plays through injuries. But given that Smith hasn't practiced during the Vikings' first two sessions of the week, his ability to play Sunday appears to be in doubt. -- Ben Goessling
NFC SOUTH
Atlanta Falcons
The status of top receiver Julio Jones remains in doubt as he battles a turf toe injury. Jones didn't practice Wednesday, but coach Dan Quinn maintained a positive outlook, saying Jones could return to practice Thursday. Turf toe, however, is an injury that requires some rest, so it seems logical to hold Jones out of Sunday's game against the Rams. Then again, Quinn views Jones as a fast healer, so we'll see how this all unfolds. -- Vaughn McClure
Carolina Panthers
Middle linebacker Luke Kuechly was one of three Carolina players limited in practice because of a concussion. The other two were S Kurt Coleman and CB Daryl Worley. But the primary interest was on Kuechly, who hadn't practiced since suffering the concussion in a Nov. 17 game against New Orleans. Coach Ron Rivera said Kuechly brought "energy'' to the field and said how Kuechly responds Thursday will be the next step in determining whether he plays Sunday against San Diego. -- David Newton
New Orleans Saints
Saints' top receiver Michael Thomas missed practice Wednesday with a foot injury. The extent of the injury is unclear, and he didn't appear to suffer an injury in Sunday's loss to the Lions. Thomas would be missed if he can't play or is limited this weekend at Tampa Bay. He is leading the team in every receiving category, with 69 catches, 831 yards and seven touchdowns. But the Saints have a deep receiving corps that includes Brandin Cooks, Willie Snead and Brandon Coleman. Middle linebacker Craig Robertson also missed practice with a shoulder injury. He'd be hard to replace as an every-down player and the team's leading tackler. -- Mike Triplett
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Slot receiver and punt returner Adam Humphries didn't practice Wednesday and is still in the concussion protocol. The Bucs are already without Cecil Shorts III, who suffered a season-ending knee injury Sunday, making him the third Bucs receiver (including Louis Murphy) this year to have his season end because of an injury. The Bucs brought up Josh Huff from the practice squad to fill Shorts' spot. They'll also rely on Freddie Martino. -- Jenna Laine
NFC WEST
Arizona Cardinals
The status of safety Tyrann Mathieu for Sunday's game at Miami is in the air after he missed Wednesday's practice because of a lingering shoulder injury. Coach Bruce Arians didn't seem optimistic that Mathieu will be returning anytime soon, saying he was surprised Mathieu is still dealing with the issue. The Cardinals appear to have found a routine that works for WR John Brown, who has been dealing with symptoms related to carrying the sickle-cell trait. He didn't practice Wednesday but will have his reps increased Thursday and again Friday so he can be ready to play Sunday. Arians expects the other injured players -- LB Markus Golden and CB Tharold Simon -- to return to practice Thursday. -- Josh Weinfuss
Los Angeles Rams
WR Tavon Austin did not practice last week and ultimately missed his first game because of a chest injury. Rams coach Jeff Fisher said Austin and the other two starters who missed Sunday's game -- DE Robert Quinn, who was in concussion protocol, and LG Rodger Saffold, who is dealing with a hand injury -- have a decent chance of playing against the Falcons. Austin's health will be key. He hasn't produced anywhere near the level the Rams would have hoped, but his presence is key to at least taking some of the attention away from Kenny Britt. -- Alden Gonzalez
San Francisco 49ers
The Niners are still waiting for OLB Aaron Lynch to return from a sprained ankle he suffered before their bye week. Lynch has been practicing for the past few weeks but hasn't been healthy enough to actually return on Sundays. San Francisco is in desperate need of pass-rushing help, and that's what Lynch does best, but he won't be back on the field until he is 100 percent. -- Nick Wagoner
Seattle Seahawks
The only starter whose status is in question for Sunday is outside linebacker Mike Morgan, who did not participate in Wednesday's practice because of a hip injury. Morgan came off of injured reserve last week after missing time with a sports hernia and played well. He starts in the Seahawks' base defense, but comes off the field when they go to nickel. Other than safety Earl Thomas, who is out for the year with a fractured tibia, the Seahawks go into this week's game with a healthy squad. -- Sheil Kapadia
