2 min read • January 01, 2025
Posted in
As we look towards Week 18 of the NFL season, several teams are struggling with key injuries that will impact upcoming games. At SICscore.com, we provide expert insights from Dr. David Chao, MD (@ProFootballDoc) and other top sports doctors to help you understand the impact of these injuries on the player and team. Get a free account at Sports Injury Central to see the upcoming game matchup data for each player!
Brock Purdy was diagnosed with a contusion and nerve inflammation in his right elbow and is unlikely to be available for Sunday's game against the Cardinals when he was hit on MNF late in the fourth quarter, the 49ers likely won't rush Purdy back and there's a chance Joshua Dobbs could start W18.
Tua Tagovailoa did not play Week 17 due to a concerning hip injury and his status for Week 18 is in doubt. We don't know the exact nature of the hip injury at this time, the worry is that he's injured the same hip he injured in college and it may be linked to the specific injury, but it looks like Tua will sit again for the final regular season game.
Drake Maye exited to locker room for a concussion examination after a hard hit in the first half of the Saturday Week 17 game, he did return to complete the game.
Jalen Hurts has officially been ruled out for W18 from a concussion sustained in W16.
Aaron Jones is off the injury report from his quad injury and is expected to play W18 vs the Lions.
Jaylen Warren was limited in practice on Tuesday nursing a rib injury, the Steelers have had a longer turnaround from W17 since they played on Christmas Day, but Warren was banged up in that game but could still be available for W18 vs the Bengals on Saturday.
Austin Ekeler was a full participant at practice on Wednesday, he was designated for return from Injured Reserve from a concussion earlier this week, he returned to practice with no restrictions and may still play in W18.
Chase Brown sustained a mild high ankle sprain with no contact this past Sunday, there's a chance he'll play W18.
Jerome Ford exited the Week 17 game with a right high ankle, possible MCL injury, he did in the third quarter however only played one more snap. His Week 18 status will be in question.
Tyjae Spears left the Week 17 game due to a concussion suffered late in the third quarter. He was wearing a Guardian Cap as he has recently recovered from a concussion. He will be unlikely to play Week 18 after two recent concussions.
Kendre Miller was ruled out with a concussion suffered during the second quarter in the Week 17 game against the Raiders.
Jaylen Waddle is recovering well from his mild MCL sprain with all hands on deck in week 18, if the Dolphins win and the Broncos lose, the Dolphins are in. as such, we do expect Jaylen Waddle to play through his MCL, he should be effective, though he's not 100%, but it's a game where the Dolphins need him and throwing him the ball will be Tyler Huntley, not Tua.
George Kittle is listed as questionable with an ankle and hamstring injury ahead of Sunday's game vs the Cardinals, he was limited in practice this week, it's worth noting that the 49ers have been eliminated from playoff contention.
Stay tuned for more updates from Pro Football Doc on all the key injuries this season.
To receive Pro Football Doc's NFL injury analysis first - sign up here for our free injury insights and our free newsletter.
SIC Picks are 9-3 on guaranteed picks and NFL 2+ star ATS picks are winning at 67%
For NFL Week 18 we have another guaranteed 3-star pick!
For new weekly SIC Picks subscribers who sign up between 1/1-1/4 at 1.30pm PT, if the guaranteed pick loses, we will refund your weekly SIC Picks subscription
SIC PICKS ARE INSIDER INJURY KNOWLEDGE FROM FORMER PRO SPORTS TEAM DOCTORS TO GIVE YOU A WINNING EDGE IN SPORTS BETTING!
SIC PICKS are powered by the proven SIC Score algorithms from our exclusive panel of former Pro Sports Team doctors to give you a sports betting edge. Each day our team of doctors analyze the players and teams and share their expert insights to help you make informed bets on the biggest unknown to sportsbooks and sports bettors - player health and injuries!
Written by
