2023 NFL season, Week 14: Notable injuries, news from Sunday's games
Here are the injuries and news we’re monitoring around the league on this Week 14 Sunday:
- Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Mack Hollins (ankle) and left tackle Jake Matthews (knee) did not return versus the Buccaneers. Defensive end Kentavius Street (shoulder) was ruled out for the game.
- Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Devin Duvernay (back) and safety Kyle Hamilton (knee) were ruled out versus the Rams.
- Buffalo Bills defensive end A.J. Epenesa (rib) did not return versus the Chiefs.
- Carolina Panthers guard Justin McCray (calf) and tight end Ian Thomas (ankle) did not return versus the Saints.
- Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco will remain as the team’s starter for the rest of the season after Sunday’s win over the Jaguars, per head coach Kevin Stefanski. Safety Grant Delpit (groin) did not return versus the Jaguars. Delpit signed a three-year, $36 million contract extension, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported, per sources.
- Dallas Cowboys defensive end Johnathan Hankins, who was carted to the locker room during Sunday night’s game versus the Eagles, has initially been diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain, NFL Network Ian Rapoport reported, per a source. Hankins will have an MRI, but it does not seem severe, Rapoport added.
- Detroit Lions cornerback Kindle Vildor (cramping) did not return versus the Bears.
- Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (shoulder) has been downgraded to out for Monday’s game versus the Giants.
- Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud was evaluated for a concussion and did not return versus the Jets. Stroud is in concussion protocol, per head coach DeMeco Ryans. Davis Mills took over the QB duties for Houston in the fourth quarter. Defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (ankle) did not return. Wide receiver Nico Collins (calf), linebacker Blake Cashman (hamstring) and cornerback Tavierre Thomas (hamstring) were ruled out.
- Jacksonville Jaguars offensive lineman Ezra Cleveland (knee) did not return versus the Browns.
- Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (knee) and center Andre James (ankle) did not return versus the Vikings.
- Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert was ruled out versus the Broncos due to a finger injury on his throwing hand.
- Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tutu Atwell was evaluated for a concussion and did not return versus the Ravens. Tight end Hunter Long (knee) and right tackle Rob Havenstein (hip) also did not return.
- Minnesota Vikings quarterback Nick Mullens replaced Josh Dobbs under center during the fourth quarter versus the Raiders. Head coach Kevin O’Connell did not name a starter for Week 15. Wide receiver Justin Jefferson (chest) was downgraded to out. Jefferson was transported to a local hospital out of precaution, NFL Network Tom Pelissero reported. Jefferson will travel home with the team, per O’Connell. Running back Alexander Mattison (ankle) and right tackle Brian O’Neill (ankle) did not return, per O’Connell.
- New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr told reporters after the Saints’ win over the Panthers that he’s suffered three rib fractures this year.
- Philadelphia Eagles safety Reed Blankenship was ruled out after being evaluated for a concussion versus the Cowboys. Guard Cam Jurgens (chest) did not return.
- San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Javon Hargrave (hamstring), linebacker Oren Burks (knee) and cornerback Charvarius Ward (groin) did not return versus the Seahawks. Defensive back Deommodore Lenoir was ejected after an altercation with DK Metcalf.
- Seattle Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock will start versus the 49ers with Geno Smith dealing with a groin injury. Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (lower back) did not return. Cornerback Artie Burns (knee) was ruled out. Wide receiver DK Metcalf was ejected after an altercation with Deommodore Lenoir.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Ryan Neal (hip/back) was ruled out versus the Falcons. Defensive lineman William Gholston (knee) and Carlton Davis III (groin) did not return.