As NFL Week 13 approaches, several star quarterbacks are set to return from injuries, including Houston's C.J. Stroud from a concussion and Pittsburgh's Aaron Rodgers from a fractured wrist. Indianapolis' Daniel Jones will play through a fractured fibula, while Tampa Bay's Baker Mayfield is trending toward starting despite a shoulder issue. These updates could significantly impact Sunday's matchups across the league.
Quarterback Updates
C.J. Stroud will make his return from a concussion for the Houston Texans in their game against the Indianapolis Colts. Stroud has missed the last three weeks but is cleared to start, with the Texans' injury report otherwise clean. Meanwhile, Colts quarterback Daniel Jones is good to go despite a reported fractured fibula, having practiced fully and played through the injury last week against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who missed last week's loss to the Chicago Bears due to a fractured left wrist, is set to start against the Buffalo Bills. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed Rodgers was a full participant in practice and carries no injury designation, stating, "It's all systems go."
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is questionable with a left shoulder injury but trending toward playing against the Arizona Cardinals. Head coach Todd Bowles noted Mayfield looked good in Friday's practice after being limited earlier in the week.
Other Notable Injuries
In Minnesota, J.J. McCarthy is out with a concussion, paving the way for undrafted rookie Max Brosmer to make his first career start against the Seattle Seahawks. New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart, who missed the last two games with a concussion, is cleared to start Monday against the New England Patriots.
The Buffalo Bills will be without starting tackles Dion Dawkins (concussion) and Spencer Brown (shoulder), along with wide receiver Curtis Samuel (elbow, knee) and linebacker Terrel Bernard (elbow) against Pittsburgh. Tight end Dalton Kincaid is questionable with a hamstring injury.
These injuries and returns set the stage for pivotal games, with teams like the Texans and Colts battling for AFC South positioning.