NFL Week 15 Injury Report: How Key Player Absences Could Shape This Week’s Matchups

Team-by-Team Injury Breakdown

1. Arizona Cardinals

• Key Injuries:
  • Kelvin Beachum (T): Did not participate in practice due to an undisclosed injury.
  • Emari Demercado (RB): The Cardinals' depth at running back is tested, as Demercado also missed practice.
  • Blake Gillikin (P): Special teams could suffer with the punter out of practice.
• Impact:
  The Cardinals face challenges in maintaining offensive line protection without Beachum, while the absence of a key special teams contributor may affect field position battles.

2. Los Angeles Rams

• Key Injuries:
  • Tutu Atwell (WR): Questionable with a hamstring issue. Limited in practice all week.
  • Tyler Higbee (TE): Out with an ankle injury, leaving a void in the Rams’ short-yardage passing game.
• Impact:
  The Rams lose versatility in their passing attack, making it easier for opposing defenses to key in on Cooper Kupp and the run game.

3. San Francisco 49ers

• Key Injuries:
  • Nick Bosa (DE): Questionable with a hip injury; limited in practice.
  • Dre Greenlaw (LB): Also questionable, dealing with an Achilles issue.
• Impact:
  A defense missing Bosa and Greenlaw will find it harder to generate pressure and stop the run, potentially giving their Week 15 opponent, the Ravens, an edge in controlling the game tempo.

4. Philadelphia Eagles

• Key Injuries:
  • Fletcher Cox (DT): Did not practice due to a foot injury.
  • A.J. Brown (WR): Limited in practice with a shoulder injury.
• Impact:
  With Fletcher Cox potentially out, the Eagles’ defense could struggle to generate interior pressure. Brown’s injury, though minor, is a concern given his critical role in the passing attack.

5. Kansas City Chiefs

• Key Injuries:
  • Isiah Pacheco (RB): Out with a shoulder injury, leaving the Chiefs thin in the backfield.
  • Nick Bolton (LB): Questionable with a wrist injury.
• Impact:
  Pacheco’s absence shifts the workload to backups, which could alter the Chiefs’ game plan and increase reliance on Patrick Mahomes and the passing game.