NFL Injury Update: Latest Week 12 News on Josh Jacobs, Jaxson Dart, and More

The NFL Week 12 injury report is filled with key developments that will affect both team game plans and fantasy football lineups. Major stars such as Josh Jacobs, Michael Penix Jr., Drake London, and C.J. Stroud headline this week’s updates, with several others trending either toward a return or being ruled out for the weekend.

Here’s a full breakdown of the biggest injury news from around the league heading into Week 12.

Josh Jacobs, Michael Penix Jr., and Other Key Injuries

Josh Jacobs (RB, Packers – Knee): Jacobs suffered a knee injury in Week 11 and did not return against the Giants. Fortunately, reports indicate his knee is structurally sound, and he avoided surgery. Jacobs returned to limited practice on Thursday after sitting out Wednesday. His Week 12 status versus the Vikings remains uncertain, with backup Emanuel Wilson likely to lead the backfield if he sits.

Michael Penix Jr. (QB, Falcons – Knee): The Falcons confirmed that rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will undergo season-ending knee surgery following his injury in Week 11. It marks the fifth season-ending injury of his football career. Kirk Cousins will start going forward as Atlanta reshapes its offense around the running game with Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier.

Drake London (WR, Falcons – Knee): London left Atlanta’s loss to Carolina with a PCL sprain. He has been ruled out for Week 12 and is considered week-to-week. London has averaged over 16 fantasy points per game this season, so his absence is a major blow to both the Falcons and fantasy owners. Expect Darnell Mooney and Kyle Pitts Sr. to see expanded roles.

Quarterback Updates: Stroud, Burrow, and Dart

C.J. Stroud (QB, Texans – Concussion): Stroud remains in concussion protocol and was ruled out for Houston’s Thursday matchup against the Bills. Davis Mills will make his third consecutive start as Stroud continues recovery. Houston will adjust its offense to maintain balance with Mills under center.

Joe Burrow (QB, Bengals – Toe): Burrow was a full participant in practice this week as he works back from a toe injury. The Bengals designated him for return from injured reserve, but there’s no official word yet on whether he will play against the Patriots in Week 12.

Jaxson Dart (QB, Giants – Concussion): Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart took first-team reps during limited practice on Wednesday and Thursday. He is still in concussion protocol but is trending toward returning for the Giants’ Week 12 matchup against the Lions. If cleared, the team is expected to protect him with fewer designed runs.

Running Back Outlooks: Benson, Warren, and Tuten

Trey Benson (RB, Cardinals – Knee): Arizona officially opened Benson’s 21-day practice window on Wednesday. He was limited both Wednesday and Thursday and could be activated soon. With Emari Demercado ruled out and Bam Knight also battling an ankle issue, Benson’s potential return would be timely for the Cardinals’ backfield depth.

Jaylen Warren (RB, Steelers – Ankle): Warren exited last week’s win over the Bengals with an ankle issue, briefly returned, then was held out in the fourth quarter as the team preserved its lead. He returned to limited practice on Thursday and is expected to play against the Bears if progress continues.

Bhayshul Tuten (RB, Jaguars – Ankle): Tuten left Week 11 after rushing for 74 yards and a touchdown. He and fellow back Travis Etienne Jr. (shoulder) both practiced in a limited capacity this week. The Jaguars could rotate LeQuint Allen Jr. if either starter is limited.

Receivers and Tight Ends: Ridley, Kincaid, and Others

Calvin Ridley (WR, Titans – Leg): The Titans confirmed that Ridley suffered a fractured fibula and will miss the rest of the season. Rookie receivers Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor will now take on larger roles in Tennessee’s passing game.

Dalton Kincaid (TE, Bills – Hamstring): The Bills ruled out Kincaid for Week 12 against Houston. Dawson Knox and other depth tight ends will share the workload. Buffalo will likely spread the ball more to its receivers and running backs on short routes.

Complete Week 12 Injury List Overview

Quarterbacks dealing with issues include Lamar Jackson (ankle), Dak Prescott (hip), Aaron Rodgers (wrist), Jaxson Dart (concussion), and Joe Burrow (toe). Among running backs, notable injuries include Josh Jacobs (knee), Jaylen Warren (ankle), Trey Benson (knee), and Rhamondre Stevenson (toe). Key receivers missing action this week are Drake London, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Curtis Samuel. Tight end Sam LaPorta was placed on injured reserve due to a back injury.

Fantasy Football Impact Heading Into Week 12

Fantasy managers should closely monitor Friday’s practice reports before setting lineups. Jacobs’ status remains pivotal for the Packers’ offense and fantasy rosters. With London and Ridley sidelined, Falcons and Titans pass-catchers take hits in reliability. Meanwhile, potential returns from Dart and Burrow could help stabilize their respective offenses.

Overall, Week 12 carries both uncertainty and opportunity. Handcuff running backs and backup quarterbacks could become valuable plays depending on final weekend designations.

In summary: The latest NFL injury update for Week 12 shows several big names at risk or out. Jacobs and Warren trend toward recovery, Penix and Ridley are out for the season, Stroud and Dart remain in protocol, and Burrow could be close to returning. Expect lineup shifts across the league as teams adjust ahead of Thanksgiving weekend matchups.

References

Yahoo Sports. (2025). “NFL Injury Report: Tracking latest news, updates on Josh Jacobs, Jaxson Dart and more for fantasy football in Week 12.” November 21, 2025.

ESPN. (2025). “NFL Week 12 Injury Report: Key players ruled out and questionable ahead of Sunday games.” November 21, 2025.

Associated Press. (2025). “NFL Week 12 injury roundup: Major updates on quarterbacks and running backs.” November 20, 2025.