If you are still standing in your fantasy league or holding onto a futures betting ticket, escaping injuries, congratulations. You are a survivor. The NFL season is a war of attrition, but this year feels particularly brutal. We aren’t just losing depth pieces; we are losing the faces of the league. The list of 2025 week 16 injuries reads less like a sports report and more like a triage unit at a MASH hospital.
Patrick Mahomes is gone. ACL and LCL. He had surgery on Monday, and if you’re holding your breath for a quick return next season, don’t. The Chiefs’ three-peat hopes probably died on that operating table. But he isn’t the only superstar watching from the couch this weekend. Let’s dig into the mess and see who is actually left to play football.
The Quarterback Graveyard Defines 2025 Week 16 Injuries
We have to start under center because the carnage here is ridiculous. Aside from Mahomes, the Washington Commanders have finally decided to stop pretending and shut down Jayden Daniels with that elbow issue. It’s the right call, even if it tanks their watchability. They are rolling out Marcus Mariota against the Eagles, which sounds like a recipe for a blowout.
Then there is the Miami situation. Tua Tagovailoa isn’t hurt- well, not technically. He’s been benched for the rest of the season. The Dolphins are waving the white flag, and honestly, it’s about time. Between Deshaun Watson’s Achilles (don’t get me started on that contract) and Daniel Jones doing whatever Daniel Jones does, the quarterback play this weekend is going to be ugly. If you are streaming QBs in the semi-finals, good luck. You’re going to need it.
Saturday Slate Breakdown: 2025 Week 16 Injuries to Watch
The Saturday games are usually a fun bonus, but this year they look like preseason scrimmages.
Eagles vs. Commanders:
The Eagles are banged up in the trenches. Lane Johnson is out with a foot injury, and Jalen Carter is sitting with a shoulder issue. Usually, missing your best offensive lineman is a death sentence, but considering they are playing a Commanders team missing their QB1 and their starting left tackle (Laremy Tunsil is out), Philly should survive. The good news? Saquon Barkley is off the injury report. He had a stinger, but he’s cleared. Fire him up and expect 25 touches.
Packers vs. Bears:
Green Bay is a mess. I feel like we do this every week with Christian Watson. He went to the hospital for a chest scan, which is never a sentence you want to read. He’s questionable, but do you really trust him? Josh Jacobs is also questionable with a knee/ankle combo. He didn’t practice all week. If he sits, you’re looking at a committee, and nobody wins in a committee. Meanwhile, the Bears are down Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III. Caleb Williams is going to be throwing to ghosts out there.
Fantasy Nightmares: Skill Players Impacted by 2025 Week 16 Injuries
If you thought the QB situation was bad, look at the running backs and receivers. Alvin Kamara is out. Again. The Saints are spiraling, and Kamara’s knee/ankle issues are just the cherry on top of a terrible season. If you drafted him in the first round, my condolences.
In Kansas City, it’s not just Mahomes. Rashee Rice is out with a concussion. The Chiefs are basically fielding a practice squad offense against the Titans. And speaking of the Titans, they are limping to the finish line, too.
For the Bills, don’t expect to see Dalton Kincaid. He’s DNP (Did Not Practice) with a knee issue. The tight end wasteland gets even more barren. At least T.J. Hockenson isn’t on this list, right? Small victories.
Defensive Stars Sidelined in the Latest 2025 Week 16 Injuries
We usually focus on the offense, but we need to talk about T.J. Watt. He is out with a lung injury. Not a hamstring, not a bruised toe- a lung. That is terrifying. The Steelers rely on him for everything defensively. Without him rushing the passer against the Lions, Detroit might put up 40 points.
Ultimately, this week is about survival. Double-check your lineups on Saturday morning, because with the way this list of 2025 week 16 injuries is growing, a healthy scratch could ruin your entire season.
