2023 NFL Injury Report Week 13: Chris Olave & Amari Cooper Injury Updates
This was actually a lighter week of impactful fantasy football injuries, but there were a few that will hurt some teams trying to get into the fantasy football playoffs. This week’s injury updates features Justin Jefferson, Chris Olave, and a possible Aaron Rodgers return. This information can also help to focus on important Week 13 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 13 fantasy football lineups.
Week 13 NFL Injury Report for Quarterbacks
Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets (Achilles)
Over the weekend, NFL Network’s Ian Rappoport reported that Aaron Rodgers could potentially begin practicing this week if he receives a doctor’s note. He’s also targeting a return of December 24th against the Washington Commanders, which would mean he could play the final three games of the season if no setbacks occur. This is unprecedented territory and something we have to monitor moving forward.
Dorian Thompson-Robinson, Cleveland Brown (Head)
The Browns’ new starting quarterback was knocked out of the Browns Week 12 loss due to a concussion and PJ Walker was thrust into action. We haven’t seen many players return from a concussion the following week after suffering one, so we’ll likely see Thompson-Robinson sidelined for at least one game, but monitor how he’s progressing throughout the weeks practice reports.
Week 13 NFL Injury Report for Running Backs
D’Onta Foreman, Chicago Bears (Ankle/Shin)
After injuring his ankle in Week 11, Foreman was unable to practice to start the week but practiced on a limited basis the final two days of the work week. He’s now officially been downgraded to out, which means we’ll get Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson.
Week 13 NFL Injury Report for Wide Receivers
Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings (Hamstring)
The Vikings had listed Justin Jefferson questionable for the entire week but have officially ruled him out for Monday Night Football. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero has reported that he’s very close to returning and that return likely comes after the Week 13 bye week the Vikings have.
Chris Olave, New Orleans Saints (Head)
The Saints stud receiver was having a monster first half of football before being slammed down while trying to make a play in Week 12. He was instantly removed and ruled out with a concussion. It would be quite a quick turnaround for Olave to return in Week 13 against the Lions.
Amari Cooper, Cleveland Browns (Rib)
The X account that tweeted this, DailyBroncos, was not wrong. Amari Cooper was demolished on this play.
Fortunately for him, head coach Kevin Stefanski said that X-rays came back negative on his ribs. Cooper was unable to return to the game and we’ll see if this is an injury that keeps him sidelined for an extended period of time. The Browns travel to Los Angeles to take on the Rams in Week 13.
Rashid Shaheed, New Orleans Saints (Thigh)
It was a tough day for Saints pass catchers as Chris Olave left the game with a concussion and Shaheed left with a thigh injury. He battled through it for a few drives and eventually was unable to return. He was seen being helped to the locked room with a noticeable limp. We’ll learn more about Shaheed’s status throughout the week.
Week 13 NFL Injury Report for Tight Ends
Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia Eagles (Forearm)
We’ll see how this week of practice goes for the Eagles tight end, but according to reports from James Palmer, Goedert is going to try and play this week against the 49ers. Goedert has missed each of the last two games and definitely has a chance to suit up here, but we’ll see the early week practice reports.
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Player News
Dolphins signed No. 13 overall pick DT Kenneth Grant to a four-year contract.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that Grant will sign his contract today. The former Michigan defensive tackle is expected to fill a major void left by Christian Wilkins, who left for the Raiders in the 2024 offseason. Grant totaled 32 tackles, three sacks, and seven TFLs in his final season at Michigan and excelled at stopping the run while also generating 27 pressures in his final season, per PFF.
Beat reporter John Hendrix reports that free agent WR Donovan Peoples-Jones is among the 16 players that the Saints will host for their rookie minicamp.
Peoples-Jones last played regular season snaps with the Lions back in 2023, when he caught 13-of-24 targets for 155 yards. He is highly unlikely to return to fantasy relevance at this point but could perhaps sign on as a special teams contributor.
Titans signed fourth-round pick WR Elic Ayomanor to a four-year contract.
Ayomanor will now begin learning behind Calvin Ridley. Although Ayomanor is unlikely to find a meaningful role in year one, dynasty managers should note his status as training camp gets underway this summer. The former Stanford receiver flashed big-play ability in his two college seasons.
Buccaneers signed seventh-round pick WR Tez Johnson to a four-year contract.
Johnson will serve as a rotational deep-threat option for Baker Mayfield. His thin frame (5'10/154) simply does not lend itself to the repeated hits one incurs in a full-time role. Johnson did earn 100-plus targets in his two seasons at Oregon, though. His big-play style make him a better fit in best ball for now, pending any major on-field breakthroughs.
Giants waived DT Casey Rogers.
Rogers was a 2024 undrafted free agent and logged 33 defensive snaps for the Giants in his rookie season. He is credited with zero tackles and/or sacks. He may find his way onto another roster as a practice squad option.
Vikings signed third-round pick WR Tai Felton to a four-year contract.
Felton is quietly in play to challenge Vikings No. 3 WR Jalen Nailor in training camp. Nailor (5'11/190) caught 28-of-42 targets for 414 yards and six touchdowns in his first season as a starter last year, with the latter category buoying his fantasy productivity. Felton (6'1/183), meanwhile, caught 96-of-143 targets for 1,119 yards and nine touchdowns while averaging 2.32 yards per route run in his final college season. Fantasy managers should monitor Felton’s training camp reports this summer, as he could have a matchup-based WR5 role if everything falls into place.