NFL Week 12: Key Injuries and Updates from Sunday's Games

Week 12 of the 2024 NFL season saw a number of significant injuries that could have lasting impacts on team rosters heading into the final stretch of the regular season. From major collisions to injuries that forced players to exit mid-game, here’s a breakdown of the key injuries and updates from Sunday’s action:

Carolina Panthers: Ja'Tavion Sanders (Neck)

The Panthers’ tight end, Ja'Tavion Sanders, suffered a frightening neck injury during the team's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Sanders was quickly taken off the field and transported to a local hospital for further evaluation. After the game, head coach Dave Canales provided an update, revealing that Sanders had been released from the hospital but was still being evaluated. Sanders' status for the upcoming games remains uncertain, and the team will continue to monitor his recovery.

Denver Broncos: Riley Moss (Knee)

Broncos cornerback Riley Moss was ruled out after suffering a knee injury in Denver’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Moss was seen limping off the field and didn’t return to action. His injury is a blow to the Broncos' secondary, and more details on the severity of the injury will likely come in the following days as the team evaluates his condition.

Detroit Lions: David Montgomery (shoulder) & Taylor Decker (knee/ankle)

The Detroit Lions faced multiple injury concerns in their loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Running back David Montgomery was forced to exit the game in the third quarter with a shoulder injury and did not return. Left tackle Taylor Decker also suffered knee and ankle issues and was ruled out for the remainder of the game. Head coach Dan Campbell confirmed after the game that wide receiver Kalif Raymond could miss some time with a foot injury as well. Detroit’s offense could be significantly impacted by these injuries in the coming weeks.

Green Bay Packers: Romeo Doubs (Concussion)

Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs was ruled out during Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers after suffering a concussion. Doubts had been a reliable target for quarterback Jordan Love but will now enter the league’s concussion protocol. The Packers will need to find other options in the passing game while Doubts recovers.

Houston Texans: Jalen Pitre (shoulder)

Texans safety Jalen Pitre was ruled out in the second quarter of Houston’s matchup against the Tennessee Titans after suffering a shoulder injury. Pitre had been playing a key role in the Texans’ defense, and his absence is a significant setback for the secondary.

Indianapolis Colts: Josh Downs (shoulder) & Ashton Dulin (ankle)

The Colts also dealt with injuries to key offensive weapons during their win over the Detroit Lions. Wide receiver Josh Downs was ruled out after exiting the game late in the second half with a shoulder injury. Fellow wideout Ashton Dulin also suffered an ankle injury and was ruled out after leaving the game in the second half. The Colts will need to assess the severity of both injuries moving forward.

Kansas City Chiefs: Peyton Hendershot (Calf)

Chiefs tight end Peyton Hendershot did not return to the game against the Panthers after suffering a calf injury. Kansas City’s tight end room has already been thinned out this season, and Hendershot’s absence could affect their passing attack.

Miami Dolphins: Anthony Walker (hamstring)

Dolphins linebacker Anthony Walker exited in the second quarter of Miami’s win over the New England Patriots with a hamstring injury and was ruled out for the remainder of the game. The Dolphins' defense will be looking to fill the gap left by Walker’s absence.

New York Giants: Jermaine Eluemunor (Quadriceps) & More

The Giants suffered several injuries in their loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Left tackle Jermaine Eluemunor (quadriceps) was ruled out after leaving the game in the first quarter. Defensive lineman DJ Davidson (ankle) and pass rusher Azeez Ojulari (toe) both exited in the third quarter and did not return. These injuries could leave the Giants thin in key areas, particularly along the offensive line and defense.

San Francisco 49ers: Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (Knee)

49ers linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles suffered a knee injury against the Green Bay Packers and was ruled out for the remainder of the game. San Francisco’s defense will have to adjust without one of their linebackers, especially as they face tougher matchups in the coming weeks.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (Ankle)

Bucs pass rusher Joe Tryon-Shoyinka was ruled out with an ankle injury during Tampa Bay’s game against the New York Giants. Tryon-Shoyinka has been a key part of the Buccaneers' defense, and his absence could have a noticeable impact on their pass rush.

Washington Commanders: Brian Robinson (Ankle) & Austin Ekeler (Concussion)

The Commanders’ backfield suffered significant injuries in their game against the Dallas Cowboys. Running back Brian Robinson exited the game with an ankle injury and did not return after initially re-entering the game. Head coach Ron Rivera confirmed that Robinson's injury is being evaluated. Additionally, Washington running back Austin Ekeler suffered a concussion late in the game and was taken to a local hospital for further evaluation, leaving his status uncertain for the next few weeks. Right tackle Andrew Wylie (head) was also ruled out after sustaining a head injury.

Las Vegas Raiders: QB Gardner Minshew Out for the Season (Collarbone)

In a tough blow to the Las Vegas Raiders' playoff hopes, quarterback Gardner Minshew suffered a broken collarbone during Sunday's 29-19 loss to the Denver Broncos. Minshew, who had been filling in as the starting quarterback following injuries to Jimmy Garoppolo earlier this season, will now miss the remainder of the 2024 season, according to NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo.

The injury occurred in the second half of the game, as Minshew was taken down by Broncos defenders while attempting a pass. After the game, Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce confirmed the severity of the injury, calling it “serious” during his postgame press conference. While the exact timeline for Minshew's recovery is still unclear, the Raiders’ season has now taken a significant turn, as the team is left without its starting quarterback for the rest of the year.

As teams prepare for the final stretch of the season, Week 12’s injuries will have a ripple effect across the league, with many key players expected to miss time. Teams will be holding their breath as they await more information on the severity of these injuries and how they will impact their playoff hopes. Stay tuned for updates as the league continues to assess the status of these players.