NFL latest news: Injury updates, QB questions and Week 12 headlines

NFL latest news around Week 12 centers on quarterback injuries, surprise depth-chart moves and key roster decisions before Sunday’s games. Joe Burrow’s possible return from toe surgery, Lamar Jackson’s ankle issue and Shedeur Sanders’ first NFL start headline a busy slate. Teams across the league are trying to balance health, playoff positioning and long-term risk as the schedule tightens.

Coaches are being cautious in their public comments, but practice reports tell an important part of the story. Burrow has practiced fully two straight days, Jackson is back on the field after missing Wednesday and Cleveland has confirmed a rookie starter in Las Vegas. Fans, fantasy managers and front offices all have decisions to make as more updates arrive before final inactives.

Key Week 12 injury and quarterback updates in the NFL latest news

The biggest question of the week is whether Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow will be cleared to return against the New England Patriots. Burrow has not played since suffering a Grade 3 turf toe injury in Week 2 and undergoing surgery, but he has now logged back-to-back full practices and taken first-team reps. Head coach Zac Taylor has said the team is “not there yet” on naming him the starter, and Burrow remains on injured reserve while his 21-day return window is open. }

In Baltimore, Lamar Jackson missed Wednesday’s practice with an ankle problem, adding to a season that has already included knee and hamstring issues. The Ravens star returned as a full participant on Thursday, and the team expects him to start on Sunday against the New York Jets as they chase a fifth straight win. Jackson has completed about 68% of his passes this year for more than 1,400 yards with 15 touchdowns and three interceptions, even as his rushing volume has dipped.

The Cleveland Browns made one of the most notable quarterback decisions of the week, naming rookie Shedeur Sanders the starter for their road game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Sanders, a fifth-round pick, steps in with fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel still in concussion protocol after being injured last week against the Baltimore Ravens. Sanders struggled in his NFL debut relief appearance, but this will be his first week taking all the first-team practice snaps and shaping the game plan as QB1.

Elsewhere, quarterback health remains a theme. Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is dealing with a fractured left wrist but has returned to individual work in practice while wearing a stabilizer, with any decision on his start against the Chicago Bears expected to focus on safety. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, meanwhile, was a full participant after a hip issue in Monday’s win and said he expects to be fine for this week. Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart remains in the concussion protocol and has been ruled out for the Detroit Lions game, while Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones appeared on the injury report for the first time this season with a calf injury and was limited.

There are also big developments at other positions. The Houston Texans waived running back Dameon Pierce as they reshaped their depth chart and continue to await Joe Mixon, who is not expected to play this season due to a foot issue. The Los Angeles Rams placed safety Quentin Lake, tight end Tyler Higbee and tackle Rob Havenstein on injured reserve, a significant blow for a first-place team. In Green Bay, running back Josh Jacobs is dealing with a knee injury and has missed practice time, while head coach Matt LaFleur has not ruled him out yet for Sunday’s matchup with the Minnesota Vikings.

How the latest NFL news shapes Week 12 and beyond

The Bengals’ handling of Joe Burrow could shape not only Sunday’s result, but also the trajectory of their season and his long-term health. Cincinnati’s playoff odds are slim, yet a healthy Burrow changes the ceiling of the team’s offense, and rushing him back two months after surgery would invite scrutiny if there are setbacks. The front office and coaching staff must weigh the short-term boost of his return against the risk of aggravating a serious injury.

For Baltimore, managing Lamar Jackson’s workload has become a weekly storyline. He has now dealt with multiple lower-body issues this season, but still has the Ravens in position to make a push in the AFC. Limiting Wednesday practices while keeping him ready for Sundays appears to be the current strategy, and continued success will reinforce that approach. If Jackson stays healthy through this stretch, Baltimore’s conservative practice plan will look vindicated.

Shedeur Sanders’ first start for the Browns adds a different kind of long-term intrigue. Cleveland has cycled through dozens of starting quarterbacks since returning to the NFL, and the franchise is eager to see whether Sanders can bring stability after an early-season run with Gabriel and Joe Flacco. A strong debut in Las Vegas would intensify calls to keep him in the lineup; a rough outing would remind everyone how steep the learning curve is for rookie passers.

Injuries across other rosters will also affect how Week 12 unfolds. The Rams will have to lean on depth and scheme in the secondary and offensive line after three starters landed on IR, a serious challenge as they push for playoff seeding. The Texans’ backfield moves signal a transition phase, with rookies and veterans competing to seize carries in the absence of Mixon. Each of these decisions, from practice reps to roster cuts, will echo into December as teams either climb or fade.

As Week 12 approaches, the NFL latest news is dominated by health reports, depth-chart changes and big-picture decisions at quarterback. Joe Burrow’s status, Lamar Jackson’s ankle and Shedeur Sanders’ debut start all carry real stakes for their franchises and fan bases. The next 48 hours of updates will go a long way toward shaping Sunday’s games and the rest of the 2025 season.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the biggest NFL latest news story heading into Week 12?

The biggest storyline is Joe Burrow’s potential return from turf toe surgery for the Bengals against the Patriots. His status remains uncertain despite two full practices. Lamar Jackson’s ankle and Shedeur Sanders’ first start are close behind in importance.

Q2: Will Joe Burrow play on Sunday for the Bengals?

As of now, the Bengals have not announced a final decision. Burrow has been a full participant in recent practices, but head coach Zac Taylor has said the team will use all available time before deciding. His activation from injured reserve is the key step to watch.

Q3: What is the latest injury update on Lamar Jackson?

Jackson missed Wednesday’s practice with an ankle issue but returned as a full participant on Thursday. The Ravens expect him to start against the Jets, barring a late setback. The team has managed his practice workload carefully all season.

Q4: Why is Shedeur Sanders starting for the Browns in Week 12?

Shedeur Sanders is starting because Dillon Gabriel remains in the concussion protocol after being injured in Week 11. Sanders will get his first full week of practice with the starters. The Browns want to see how he responds to a game plan built around his strengths.

Q5: Which other NFL teams are dealing with major injuries this week?

The Rams have placed safety Quentin Lake, tight end Tyler Higbee and tackle Rob Havenstein on injured reserve. Green Bay is monitoring Josh Jacobs’ knee injury, while the Texans have reshaped their backfield after moving on from Dameon Pierce and expecting Joe Mixon to miss the season. Several teams also have quarterbacks on the report, including Aaron Rodgers and Daniel Jones.