Week 12 NFL Injury Report: Season-Ending Surgeries, Burrow Out, Chase Suspended

Published: November 23, 2025 Last Updated: Real-time Data Source: NFL.com, ESPN, FOX Sports

🚨 Critical Injuries This Week

Season-Ending: Take Immediate Action

Michael Penix Jr. (QB, Atlanta Falcons)

Injury: Partially torn ACL requiring reconstruction surgery

Timeline: Season over, 9-month recovery expected

When: Week 11 vs Carolina Panthers (third quarter)

Fantasy Action:

• Drop immediately or place on IR
• Add: Kirk Cousins (Falcons starting QB)
• Stream option: Target available QBs

Impact: Falcons passing game significantly weakened

Joe Burrow (QB, Cincinnati Bengals)

Injury: Turf toe (high-ankle sprain equivalent)

Status: Confirmed OUT for Week 12 vs New England Patriots

Recovery: Targeting Week 13 (Thanksgiving)

Reason: Bengals avoiding two games in five days

Fantasy Action:

• Start: Joe Flacco (6 consecutive starts)
• Matchup: Patriots defense is below average
• Monitor: Weekly updates on Burrow's status

Ja'Marr Chase (WR, Cincinnati Bengals)

Incident: One-game suspension for spitting on Jalen Ramsey (Week 11 vs Steelers)

Status: Confirmed SUSPENDED Week 12 vs Patriots

Appeal: Denied - suspension upheld

Fine: $448,333 salary + $58,823 bonus forfeited

Fantasy Action:

• Bench for Week 12 - do not start
• Hold in roster - returns Week 13
• Start instead: Tee Higgins or David Njoku

1-2 Week Injuries

Josh Jacobs (RB, Green Bay Packers)

Injury: Knee contusion (no structural damage)

Status: Questionable for Week 12

Recovery: Day-to-day, swelling down 60%, wants to play Sunday

Structural: X-rays show no ligament damage - no surgery needed

Fantasy Action:

• Hold in roster - safe structurally
• Backup plan: Add Emanuel Wilson if Jacobs sits
• Decision: Wait for Friday injury report

Prognosis: Likely to return but monitor updates

Lane Johnson (OT, Philadelphia Eagles)

Injury: Lisfranc injury (midfoot sprain or fracture)

Status: Expected to miss 4-6 weeks

Timeframe: Possible season-ending surgery (tbd)

Impact: Offensive line depth reduced

Fantasy Action:

• Monitor Saquon Barkley's efficiency (weak OL affects running)
• Note: Direct offensive line injuries don't translate to fantasy points

✅ Positive News

Josh Jacobs: Structurally Sound

Unlike initial ACL fears, Jacobs passed structural tests:

• No ligament tears
• No cartilage damage
• Full recovery possible

Recommendation: Monitor updates but cautiously optimistic

📊 Week 12 Injury Waiver Wire Moves

Priority Adds:

1. Joe Flacco (QB) - Burrow replacement
2. Kirk Cousins (QB) - Penix replacement
3. Emanuel Wilson (RB) - Jacobs handcuff
4. Tee Higgins (WR) - Chase suspension opportunity

Avoid:

• Backup offensive linemen (Lane Johnson replacements have no fantasy value)

⏰ Timeline

• Wednesday: First injury report released
• Thursday: Updated report
• Friday: Final report (90 minutes before kickoff)

Recommendation: Don't finalize Jacobs decision until Friday

Data Sources: NFL.com Injury Report, ESPN, FOX Sports (Last updated: November 23, 2025)