The final week of the NFL regular season has delivered a series of notable injury decisions, with teams across the league ruling out key contributors as they balance playoff preparation, roster health, and long-term planning.
From contenders choosing caution to eliminated teams shutting down injured stars, Week 18 injury reports are shaping how several matchups will unfold.
Eagles Rest Core Starters After Clinching NFC East
The Philadelphia Eagles, already locked into the postseason at 11–5, will be without several foundational players in their regular-season finale against the Washington Commanders.
Defensive tackle Jalen Carter has been ruled out with a hip injury after also battling shoulder issues earlier in the season. Linebacker Nakobe Dean will miss the game while dealing with a hamstring injury.
On offense, tight end Dallas Goedert is sidelined with a knee injury, while All-Pro right tackle Lane Johnson remains out with a foot injury and has not played since Week 11.
The Eagles also ruled out edge rusher Jaelan Phillips and safety Marcus Epps, signaling a cautious approach with the playoffs approaching.
Marvin Harrison Jr.’s Sophomore Season Ends on Injured Reserve
The Arizona Cardinals officially placed wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. on injured reserve, ending his second NFL season ahead of the team’s finale against the Los Angeles Rams.
Harrison has been dealing with injuries to both lower extremities — a heel issue in one leg and a foot problem in the other — and has recorded just one catch since the start of December.
The former No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft finishes Year 2 with 608 receiving yards after a campaign defined by limited availability and setbacks.
Cowboys Enter Finale Without Top Two Running Backs
The Dallas Cowboys, eliminated from playoff contention at 7–8–1, will be without their top two running backs against the New York Giants.
Javonte Williams has been ruled out with shoulder and neck injuries, while Malik Davis will miss the game due to calf and eye issues.
Rookie Jaydon Blue and fullback Hunter Luepke are expected to handle the bulk of the backfield work in the season finale.
Giants Lose Multiple Starters on Both Sides of the Ball
The New York Giants will also be short-handed after ruling out several starters.
Wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson will miss the game with a rib injury after completing the most productive season of his career, finishing with 92 receptions for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns.
Cornerback Cor’Dale Flott (knee), tight end Theo Johnson, and defensive lineman Rakeem Nunez-Roche (ankle, toe) have also been ruled out.
There was positive news, however, as Abdul Carter, Jalin Hyatt, and Dexter Lawrence were cleared with no injury designation.
Chargers Rule Out Omarion Hampton Despite Playoff Berth
The Los Angeles Chargers, already locked into a wild card spot at 11–5, ruled out running back Omarion Hampton for their Week 18 matchup against the Denver Broncos.
Hampton missed practice throughout the week with an ankle injury and finishes the season with 545 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
Running backs Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal are listed as questionable after limited practice, while cornerback Nikko Reed has been ruled out with a hamstring injury. Jamaree Salyer and Elijah Molden are listed as doubtful.
Late-Season Injuries Shape Final Weekend
As the regular season closes, injury decisions across the league highlight a clear trend: playoff-bound teams are prioritizing health, while others are shifting focus toward evaluation and recovery.
For official league injury designations and updates, fans can follow coverage from NFL.com’s weekly injury reports.
For broader football coverage beyond the NFL, including bowl games and player storylines, you may also like our college football coverage: Arizona vs SMU Holiday Bowl odds, prediction and preview.
By the end of Week 18, the NFL’s postseason field — and its health landscape — will be fully defined.
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