NFL Week 12 Injury Report and Waiver Wire Picks

NFL Week 12 Injury Report & Waiver Wire Analysis: Best Fantasy Football Moves After Week 11 Injuries

As the fantasy football playoffs rapidly approach, Week 11 left managers scrambling with a slew of injuries impacting key players across the league. This detailed injury report breaks down the latest status updates, injury implications, and top waiver wire targets that could make or break your roster in Week 12 and beyond.

Key Injury Updates and What They Mean for Week 12

Josh Jacobs, RB, Green Bay Packers (Knee) Jacobs suffered a knee injury in Week 11 but avoided surgery, placing him in a day-to-day status. He missed significant time in the game and could be sidelined for the tough Week 12 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Backup Emanuel Wilson stepped in with 11 carries for 40 yards and a touchdown, showcasing immediate upside. If Jacobs sits, Wilson becomes a must-add with potential RB2 value, while Chris Brooks could also see snaps. Packers are still adjusting after losing Tucker Kraft (knee), putting additional pressure on the backfield.

Michael Penix Jr., QB, Atlanta Falcons (Knee) Penix went down with a knee injury and was placed on injured reserve, potentially ending his season early. Kirk Cousins will be Atlanta’s starting QB, but he is a downgrade and fantasy managers should temper expectations. This could shift Atlanta towards a more run-heavy approach with Tyler Allgeier, who has been scoring consistently, and Bijan Robinson carrying the load.

Drake London, WR, Atlanta Falcons (Knee) London suffered a PCL sprain and is expected to miss Week 12 at New Orleans, possibly longer. He has been the Falcons’ fantasy anchor at receiver, averaging 16.3 points per game. Darnell Mooney should now see a significant target share and is a worthy waiver pickup despite the Falcons’ unstable QB situation. Kyle Pitts should also see a bump in targets, providing two tight end league potential.

Aaron Rodgers, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers (Wrist) Rodgers fractured his left wrist but will not require surgery. Though he is pushing to play in Week 12 vs. Chicago, his status is uncertain. Mason Rudolph, who led the Steelers to a Week 11 win after relieving Rodgers, is a worthwhile add in Superflex and two-QB leagues as an immediate fill-in. The Steelers’ offense is likely to rely more on the run if Rodgers sits.

Jaylen Warren, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers (Ankle)Warren exited Week 11 early and his availability remains uncertain despite the head coach’s optimism. Kenneth Gainwell showcased explosive potential with two touchdowns and should be on every waiver radar as a high-upside flex or even RB2 option if Warren sits again.

Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars (Ankle)Tuten left Week 11 with an ankle injury but appears likely to play Week 12. If he misses time, LeQuint Allen Jr. could be the next man up. Tuten has been on fire this season, so stashing him even if injured is highly recommended.

Jaxson Dart, QB, New York Giants (Concussion)Dart remains in concussion protocol, with Jameis Winston filling in last week. Winston’s recent performance was serviceable and he should be added as a low-end QB2 in deeper leagues if Dart is sidelined again.

Calvin Ridley, WR, Tennessee Titans (Leg) Ridley suffered a fractured fibula and is out for the season. Rookie Elic Ayomanor is expected to lead Tennessee’s receiving corps but lacks significant fantasy appeal given the offense’s struggles. Chimere Dike also remains sidelined with a chest contusion.

C.J. Stroud, QB, Houston Texans (Concussion) Stroud is officially out for Week 12, and Davis Mills will start again against the Buffalo Bills. Mills is a streaming option in deeper formats but faces a tough matchup.

Comprehensive Week 12 Waiver Wire Priorities

Quarterbacks to Add

• Jacoby Brissett (Arizona Cardinals): Since taking over for Kyler Murray, Brissett has been consistent, scoring at least 23.4 fantasy points in every start. He has favorable matchups upcoming, making him a high-priority add in all formats.

• Jameis Winston (New York Giants): If Dart continues to miss time, Winston offers low-end starter value, especially in deeper leagues.

• Mason Rudolph (Pittsburgh Steelers): A great speculative add in Superflex and 2QB leagues if Rodgers misses Week 12.

• Kirk Cousins (Atlanta Falcons): Only worth adding in superflex or two-QB leagues given the Falcons offense downgrades with Penix out.

• Davis Mills (Houston Texans): A streaming option in deeper formats against Buffalo’s tough defense.

• Tyrod Taylor (New York Jets): The starter after Justin Fields’ benching; useful in superflex formats despite limited upside.

Running Backs to Add

• Emanuel Wilson (Green Bay Packers): If Jacobs misses Week 12, Wilson becomes a clear RB2 with volume and upside.

• Kenneth Gainwell (Pittsburgh Steelers): A stud FLEX candidate or even RB2 if Warren sits again.

• Sean Tucker (Tampa Bay Buccaneers): Showed superstar potential in Week 11, but watch for Bucky Irving’s status who could reclaim the lead role soon.

• Zonovan Knight (Arizona Cardinals): Likely to see an expanded role with injuries ahead of Week 12.

• Chris Rodriguez Jr. (Washington Commanders): Took over primary backfield duties and is worth adding as a flex.

• Bhayshul Tuten (Jacksonville Jaguars): Worth stashing even if limited Week 12 availability.

• Devin Singletary (New York Giants): Low-end flex with upside with teammate injuries.

• Jaleel McLaughlin (Denver Broncos): Stash currently as a handcuff with potential if RJ Harvey misses time.

Wide Receivers to Add

• Michael Wilson (Arizona Cardinals): Trending as a reliable No. 2 receiver with 15 catches and 185 yards recently.

• Christian Watson (Green Bay Packers): Emerging high-end WR3 with big-play ability, especially if Jacobs misses.

• Andrei Iosivas (Cincinnati Bengals): Huge sleeper if Ja'Marr Chase remains suspended; showed flashes of production.

• Kayshon Boutte (New England Patriots): Expected to return Week 12 and should be a solid WR3 option.

• Josh Downs (Indianapolis Colts): Reliable No. 3 receiver worth adding for depth.

• Darnell Mooney (Atlanta Falcons): Could see increased volume due to London’s injury—worth a flyer.

• Parker Washington (Jacksonville Jaguars): Has upside as a No. 3 wideout if Brian Thomas Jr. remains out.

• Jayden Higgins (Houston Texans): Emerging talent worth stashing.

• Tyrell Shavers (Buffalo Bills): Could emerge as a valuable deep-league pick if his role expands.

• Jalen Coker (Carolina Panthers): A low-end WR3 risk/reward if Xavier Legette misses Week 12.

• Isaiah Hodgins (New York Giants): A flier if Darius Slayton is out with hamstring trouble.

Tight Ends to Add

• Juwan Johnson (New Orleans Saints): Consistent top-three TE option—should be added aggressively.

• Dalton Schultz (Houston Texans): Despite a tough matchup Week 12, he’s a reliable TE1 option for rest of season.

• Brenton Strange (Jacksonville Jaguars): Could return Week 12 and is worth a stash.

• Noah Fant (Cincinnati Bengals): Potential low-end starter with Ja'Marr Chase suspended.

• AJ Barner (Seattle Seahawks): High-upside deep-league option.

• Chigoziem Okonkwo (Tennessee Titans): Could see bigger role with multiple injuries around him in Week 12.

Players to Drop Based on Injury/Performance

• Quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers (wrist), Michael Penix Jr. (knee), and J.J. McCarthy have limited value.

• Running backs J.K. Dobbins (foot) and Jacory Croskey-Merritt are no longer viable.

• WRs Keenan Allen and D.J. Moore have underperformed and can be dropped in most 10-team leagues.

• Tight Ends Sam LaPorta, Zach Ertz, and Evan Engram show little upside moving forward.

Strategic Takeaways for Week 12 Fantasy Football

1. Injuries to key players like Jacobs, Penix, London, and Ridley have opened significant waiver wire opportunities. Prioritize picks like Emanuel Wilson, Kenneth Gainwell, and Michael Wilson.

2. Quarterbacks are in flux, so target high-floor options like Jacoby Brissett and keep an eye on Mason Rudolph and Kirk Cousins for superflex leagues.

3. Look for emerging wide receivers with increased roles due to injuries or suspensions, such as Darnell Mooney and Andrei Iosivas.

4. Tight end inconsistency means locking down Juwan Johnson or Dalton Schultz can provide a fantasy edge.

5. Pay attention to bye weeks diluting rosters and create opportunities for less-owned players with immediate upside.

This injury report and waiver wire guide should serve as your ultimate tool to maximize fantasy football success heading into Week 12 and the crucial stretch run.