2023 NFL Injury Report Week 11: Alexander Mattison & Michael Thomas Injury Updates

For better or worse, we got through it. Some pretty good teams were on bye in Week 10, but we made it. Well, at least half of us (those who were victorious) did. Regardless, it is behind us, and while we want to look back, it is all about looking forward. Before we do that, let us take a look at our NFL injury update for Week 11. It features Keenan Allen, Garrett Wilson, DeSahun Watson, and Alexander Mattison among others. As news breaks, be sure to update your Week 11 fantasy football rankings and NFL projections either way. This information can also help to focus on important Week 11 start/sit lineup decisions and fantasy football advice surrounding some injured players. The first step though is the NFL injury report as you set Week 11 fantasy football lineups.
Week 11 NFL Injury Report for Quarterbacks
Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns (Shoulder)
FRIDAY UPDATE: Watson is now out for the season with shoulder surgery. Dorian Thompson-Robinson is back under center with Joe Flacco currently working out for Cleveland. There is a clear downgrade to the Browns’ offense here. Originally, it was an ankle injury that he played through last week, but the shoulder is now what ends his season.
While Watson did get his ankle taped in the second quarter and leave the stadium in a walking boot, his status was apparently never in doubt. Watson led the Browns to an exciting road victory against Baltimore and he made some plays with both his arm and legs. Watson gained 37 yards on eight carries while throwing for 213 yards and a touchdown. Until we hear otherwise, there is no reason not to expect him on the field next week against Pittsburgh.
Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles (Knee)
While Jalen Hurts is not listed on the Injury Report, it is clear that his knee will continue to be an issue. It is quite the exciting matchup this week against the Chiefs, and while Hurts continues to be one of the top quarterbacks, there has to be some concern that this doesn’t slow him down or sideline him at some point. At least from a running perspective, we have to downgrade our expectations.
Tommy DeVito, New York Giants (Shoulder)
It is a good matchup for Tommy DeVito this week against the Commanders, but that doesn’t mean he should be fantasy relevant unless in the direst circumstances. With that being said, DeVito is back to full participation in practice while he deals with a shoulder injury and he should be ready to go for Sunday. Now, the Giants just need to let him pass the ball; or at least try.
Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams (Thumb)
Matthew Stafford practiced in full on Wednesday after recovering from a thumb injury, and that is good news for the Rams’ offense. The Rams’ quarterback should be good to go on Sunday throwing downfield to Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua as this is a good thing for their outlooks.
Justin Fields, Chicago Bears (Thumb)
With a full practice on Wednesday, Justin Fields is ready to make his return against the Detroit Lions after missing four games with a thumb injury. Fields is very much a weapon with his legs, and while they are questions with his passing ability, he is still one of the better options this week.
Derek Carr, New Orleans Saints (Shoulder/Concussion)
For Derek Carr, the Saints’ bye week comes at the perfect time. Carr was forced out of action on Sunday with a shoulder injury and concussion. At this point, the assumption is that he will be able to return to action in Week 12.
Week 11 NFL Injury Report for Running Backs
Alexander Mattison, Minnesota Vikings (Concussion)
FRIDAY UPDATE: Mattison did return to practice on a limited basis Thursday, but he has yet to be cleared from concussion protocol. So at this point, it is hard to count on him for this week.
Alexander Mattison wasn’t exactly having a great day with 24 yards on eight carries before exiting with a concussion. As the clear backup, Ty Chandler entered the game and ultimately gained 45 yards on 15 carries while scoring a touchdown. Even before the injury, Chandler was starting to infringe on Mattison’s workload so this will be an interesting situation to watch.
Antonio Gibson, Washington Commanders (Toe)
With three straight missed practices through Friday, things are not looking good for Antonio Gibson this week. That means Brian Robinson will be more busy than usual and certainly requires our attention this week. Sliding up the depth chart with be Chris Rodriguez, but a lot of the work will ultimately go to Robinson.
Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers (Hamstring)
Seeing Aaron Jones on the Injury Report these days is old news, but he has averaged 20.5 touches in the last two weeks, so there isn’t much concern here. Instead, this is more of a case of the Packers managing his workload.
Raheem Mostert, Miami Dolphins (Ankle/Knee)
With two straight limited practices coming out of Miami’s bye week, Raheem Mostert is on track to take the field on Sunday to continue his strong season. However, the biggest threat to his production and volume is coming from within.
De’Von Achane, Miami Dolphins (Knee)
Prior to his knee injury, De’Von Achane formed an exciting backfield duo with Mostert. All signs are pointing towards Achane making his return for Week 11, and he might be eased back into action, there is real FLEX upside here.
Saquon Barkley, New York Giants (Ankle)
Everything about the Giants’ offensive situation is just brutal. Well maybe except for Saquon Barkley that is. Barkley continues to get all the volume he can handle and the yardage has been there even if New York is having real issues finding the end zone. Keeping Barkley limited in practice is ultimately to manage his workload and there is nothing to be concerned about from a health perspective.
Khalil Herbert, Chicago Bears (Ankle/Shin)
Whie Khalil Herbert is now dealing with a shin injury as well, he practiced in full on Thursday. With D’Onta Foreman dealing with an ankle injury of his own, more perhaps further away from playing, it is a good sign for Chicago that Herbert is trending towards playing. Considering Foreman is going to be limited at best, it is a good situation for Herbert to return to from a fantasy perspective.
Dameon Pierce, Houston Texans (Ankle)
With Demeon Pierce yet to return to practice, it appears we have another week of Devin Singletary in the Houston backfield. At this point, it will be difficult for Pierce to regain his full workload as he was struggling prior to his ankle injury.
Week 11 NFL Injury Report for Wide Receivers
Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings (Hamstring)
The Minnesota Vikings continue to be very careful and cautious with Justin Jefferson’s return from a hamstring injury. Once again, he is limited in practice this week as they have yet to truly test him. While he is closer to returning, and it wouldn’t shock me if he did, I would plan to be without Jefferson for one more week.
Garrett Wilson, New York Jets (Elbow)
FRIDAY UPDATE: There is some cause for concern here as the Jets have been non-committal on Wilson's status to this point. It appears there is a real chance that Wilson won’t play on Sunday.
The New York Jets need Garrett Wilson. While we aren’t going to get into how a better quarterback would make Wilson that much better, we can’t dispute how critical he is to the Jets’ offense. It was scary when Wilson exited with an elbow injury, but he did return, albeit wearing a sleeve. This could be something that lingers, but it doesn’t appear to be anything that will keep him out of action.
Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers (Shoulder)
FRIDAY UPDATE: Allen practiced on a limited basis on Thursday with the diagnosis of a sprained AC Joint. At this point, it doesn’t appear to be anything that will limit him for Sunday.
In what was one of the games of the day, there was some concern about Keenan Allen’s shoulder. Ultimately, Allen was able to return to action and add a second touchdown catch to his stat sheet as he finished with 11 receptions for 175 yards. This was obviously one of the better performances of the day and while it could be something to keep an eye on, Allen is good to go.
Michael Thomas, New Orleans Saints (Knee)
After one catch for nine yards on the Saints’ first drive, Michael Thomas exited for the rest of the day with a knee injury. With the Saints on bye in Week 11, it’s possible that Thomas doesn’t miss any additional time.
Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams (Knee)
With Matthew Stafford returning and a favorable matchup against Seattle this week, it is a good thing for Puka Nacua that he practiced in full on Thursday. After a rough performance in Week 9 with just three catches for 32 yards, Nacua is in position to bounce back on Sunday.
Tyler Lockett, Seattle Seahawks (Hamstring)
Until we see otherwise, the fact that Tyler Lockett didn’t practice on Thursday as he deals with his hamstring injury shouldn’t be all that surprising. At this point, we can expect him to be on the field again on Sunday.
Jerry Jeudy, Denver Broncos (Hip)
After a full practice on Wednesday, it is never a good sign to see a player limited on Thursday and to top pop up on the Injury Report. It will be interested to watch how Jerry Jeudy progresses this weekend, but it could lead to more volume for Courtland Sutton. Additionally, it is a good sign that Marvin Mims was a full participant in Thursday’s practice as his role would increase if Jeudy is unable to take the field.
Christian Watson, Green Bay Packers (Shoulder)
The good news is that Christian Watson’s shoulder will not be what limits him in a great matchup against the Chargers on Sunday. The bad news, is that it has not been a strong season for Watson as he has struggled to catch the ball on multiple occasions.
Nico Collins, Houston Texans (Calf)
The Houston passing offense is quickly emerging as one to watch. It is a great sign for Nico Collins that things are trending towards him taking the field on Sunday against the Cardinals after missing last week’s game. The Texans also appear to be at somewhat strength with Robert Woods full good to go as well as he came out of last week’s game healthy. However, Noah Brown is dealing with a knee injury that has kept him out of practice the last two days and is not looking good for Sunday.
Diontae Johnson, Pittsburgh Steelers (Thumb)
Dionte Johnson was back in practice on Thursday as a full participant and he figures to busy once again this week as Kenny Pickett’s favorite target.
Jalin Hyatt, New York Giants (Concussion)
FRIDAY UPDATE: From a health perspective, Hyatt is moving correctly through practice this week. Still, it remains to be seen whether he will be cleared from concussion protocol despite things moving in the right direction.
While we wish everyone well, does it really matter if the Giants even have receivers on the field? In order for it to work, you have to trust your quarterback to throw the ball. This applies even if your quarterback is Tommy DeVito. That doesn’t change the fact that Jalin Hyatt left with a concussion and the speedy rookie’s status is in doubt for next week.
Treylon Burks, Tennessee Titans (Concussion)
It is now two weeks since Treylon Burks’ concussion, and at this point it appears he is in line to miss another week.
Week 11 NFL Injury Report for Tight Ends
T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings (Ribs)
Don’t fall for it. T.J. Hockenson is limited in practice again this week as he deals with his rib injury, but catching 11 passes for 134 yards and a touchdown, there is nothing to see here.
Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia Eagles (Forearm)
After having surgery on his forearm prior to his bye week, Dallas Goedert has yet to return to practice. While it is not confirmed, the Eagles will be without Goedert this week as they take the committee approach at the position.
Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers (Hamstring)
After not playing since Week 4, Pat Freiermuth is on track to returning to action this week. Based on the tight end landscape, he likely will return to most lineups, but we do need to monitor his progression for his official status.
Gerald Everett, Los Angeles Chargers (Chest)
FRIDAY UPDATE: Everett has yet to return through Thursday, so it might be a Donald Parham week.
It seems as if Gerald Everett is always dealing with a nagging injury, and this time it was his chest that forced him out of action. There aren’t huge fantasy implications here, but it could keep him out of action.
Hayden Hurst, Carolina Panthers (Concussion)
While Hayden Hurst has been in a timeshare and has not made much of an impact, he will be out this week. Tommy Tremble should take on a larger role, but this is still a situation to avoid.
Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans (Hamstring)
After a full practice on Thursday, Dalton Schultz is on track to play again on Sunday as he continues to find his groove in a strong Houston passing offense.
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Player News
Saints TE Foster Moreau said the QB1 role is “anyone’s job for the taking.”
It’s possible Moreau is just trying to speak positively of a quarterback room that could be in flux for much of the 2025 season, but the veteran tight end said neither Tyler Shough or Spencer Rattler did much to separate themselves from one another during offseason programs. Shough was selected at No. 40 overall by the Saints in this year’s draft, and will almost certainly get a chance to start at some point in the season, but Rattler could also get a look after throwing for 1,317-4-5 in seven games as a rookie. Rattler only completed 57 percent of his passes last season, and doesn’t have much promise as a fifth-round pick, but there may be room for him to see some action in what might be the worst QB room in the league this season. Regardless, this competition will one to watch throughout the offseason as first-year head coach Kellen Moore hopes to find a reliable option come Week 1.
Free agent RB Nyheim Hines said he is hoping to sign with a team before training camp.
Hines suffered a torn ACL during a jet-ski accident in 2023 and hasn’t played an NFL game since. The running back/return man said he believes his knee is now fully recovered and is hoping he can join a team before the start of training camp. Hines caught 30 passes for 241 yards and one touchdown in 2022 while splitting time with the Colts and Bills, and also returned 19 kicks for 554 yards and two scores. At 28 years old, there should be plenty of teams interested in giving him a look due to his special teams prowess and abilities in the passing game, but he’ll be far from a lock to make a roster wherever he lands.
Speaking on the Giants Huddle podcast, TE Theo Johnson said he is healthy after undergoing foot surgery last season.
Johnson caught 29 passes for 331 yards and one touchdown last season, but saw his rookie campaign come to an end due to a foot injury. Now healthy and ready to get back to work, the second-year tight end is hopeful he can continue where he left off before his injury, when he went for 26-293-1 over an eight-game stretch. It’s far from elite production, but Johnson posted an impressive 9.93 RAS during the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine and averaged a solid 12.2 YPR during his four years at Penn State. He won’t be on the fantasy radar to start the season, but Johnson could have some upside if he emerges as a primary receiving threat this season.
The Athletic’s Kevin Fishbain says Ben Johnson “seemed confident” that Luther Burden (soft tissue) would be ready at the start of training camp.
Burden has been sidelined for most of the offseason while dealing with an undisclosed injury. The rookie second-rounder also remains unsigned. While it’s been a slow start to Burden’s pro career, a return by training camp should give him plenty of time to get up to speed before the start of the season. Even when Burden acclimates himself to the offense, he’ll likely slot in as the team’s No. 3 receiver with Rome Odunze and D.J. Moore expected to serve as the primary options in two receiver sets. Burden makes for an intriguing late-round pick in deeper leagues, but is unlikely to enter the season with much fantasy upside.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said Terry McLaurin is “not happy with where things are with an extension.”
Fowler adds that the Commanders have “a couple of weeks here to make progress” before training camp begins on July 22. McLaurin has skipped all offseason workouts thus far, so it stands to reason he could continue the absentee strategy later this month. Training camp is a critical time for NFL teams, allowing players to safely ramp up ahead of preseason play, not to mention the regular season. McLaurin profiles as a fantasy football WR2 this year.
The Athletic’s Mark Puleo reports, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh “has been added as a defendant in a class-action lawsuit filed by 11 anonymous students against former University of Michigan offensive coordinator Matt Weiss.”
Weiss “has been accused of hacking the email, social media and cloud storage accounts of thousands of female athletes and downloading intimate photos and videos.” Per Puleo, “the amended complaint... alleges that Harbaugh” and “university officials knew that Weiss had been accessing the plaintiffs’ private information when they allowed him to coach in the Fiesta Bowl on Dec. 31, 2022.” Harbaugh previously told reporters that “he didn’t learn of allegations involving Weiss until after the Fiesta Bowl,” saying he was “completely shocked” and “disturbed” upon hearing the allegations. Weiss has worked for both Jim and John Harbaugh, dating back to 2007; Stanford (2007-2008) and Michigan (2021-2022) with Jim, and the Ravens (2009-2020) with John. Jim coached at Michigan from 2015-2023. Per Puleo, “allegations of computer hacking against Weiss date to 2015, when he was with Baltimore.” Neither Michigan nor the Chargers responded to Puleo’s request for a comment.