5 NFL Injury Storylines to Watch in Week 12

Justin Fields Dinged Up in Loss to Falcons

Bears’ dynamic quarterback Justin Fields suffered from hamstring cramps and went down with a left ac joint sprain in the second half. 

The Pro Football Docs are more concerned about the shoulder injury, but the bruising second-year quarterback should be able to play with a pain-numbing injection. 

Fields’ issues were evident in his play: after gaining 72 yards with one touchdown on 14 first-half rushes, Fields rushed for 12 yards on four carries, lost 17 yards on sacks taken, and threw the game-ending interception two plays after his shoulder sprain.

How Long Will Kyle Pitts Miss with Significant Knee Sprain?

Falcons’ tight end Kyle Pitts was ruled out after he suffered a knee injury consistent with an MCL sprain and bone bruise, according to the Pro Football Docs.

Arthur Smith didn’t provide any updates postgame, but first tests on Pitts’ knee have reportedly come back clean on major ligaments. 

The second-year pass-catcher is unlikely to play against the Commanders next week and his availability going forward will depend on the severity of the sprain.

Giants Lose More WRs, CBs Ahead of Thanksgiving Bout with Cowboys

The Giants ruled out rookie wideout Wan’Dale Robinson after he appeared to suffer a torn right ACL in the second half on the six-yard catch that pushed him over 100 yards on the day. 

New York came in without Daniel Jones’ top targets Sterling Shephard and Daniel Bellinger, leaving them with few reliable weapons in the passing game. 

Likewise, their offensive line ended the day without center Jon Feliciano, right tackle Evan Neal, and replacement right tackle Tyre Phillips and will face the strong Dallas pass-rush of Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence.

Cornerbacks Adoree' Jackson and Fabian Moreau and reserve safety Jason Pinnick were all forced out and will have a difficult time making the quick turnaround by Thanksgiving for the already slim Giants’ secondary.

Will Kyle Hamilton, Ronnie Stanley Play for Ravens in Week 12?

The Ravens lost standout safety Kyle Hamilton and left tackle Ronnie Stanley to knee and ankle injuries, respectively, during their win over the Panthers.

Hamilton appeared to suffer a possible bone bruise while Stanley reportedly told Lamar Jackson postgame that he was okay after he aggravated the left ankle that has haunted the last two years of his career.

Both players have a chance to play next week although Stanley’s extensive left ankle issues and chronic ligament and tendon laxity could put his availability at risk.

Who Will Patrick Mahomes Throw To in Week 12?

The Chiefs escaped Los Angeles with a one-score victory but had to do so without receiver Kadarius Toney and running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire who were ruled out after first-half hamstring and ankle injuries.

Toney missed multiple games this season with hamstring issues in both legs and become the third of the Chiefs' top four wideouts, along with Juju Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman, to suffer injuries in recent weeks.

Rookie Isiah Pacheco has stepped into the lead back role with 31 carries for 189 yards in the last two games, including Kansas City's first 100-yard rushing performance since Week 4 of the 2021 season.