NFL Week 12: Latest Injury Updates for Each Team

Every week, major injuries to key NFL stars put the best teams in the league in tough positions, and Week 12 is no exception.

With a week full of games—including three amazing matchups livening up our Thanksgiving celebration—the excitement of the continuation of the regular season is only quelled by some of the biggest stars in football going down injured.

As the week progresses, keep it here for all of the essential updates on your teams key players and follow along as we help find out exactly what happened to the biggest names in the business in Week 12.

Check back for more on the National Football League as it comes, and don’t miss Bleacher Report’s NFL page to get your fill of all things football.

Atlanta Falcons

Dunta Robinson

Cornerback Dunta Robinson has been taken to the locker room during the second half of the Falcons' game against the Buccaneers. The Falcons tweeted out the news.

"

INJURY UPDATES: Dunta Robinson leaves game, heading to locker room. Corey Peters back in the game. #atltb12

— Atlanta_Falcons (@Atlanta_Falcons) November 25, 2012"

As you can see, the injury god giveth and taketh away: Defensive Tackle Corey Peters was able to return after missing game time. 

Asante Samuel

The Falcons tweeted potentially problematic injury news.

"

INJURY UPDATES: Both Falcons starting CBs questionable to return to game: D. Robinson (head) and A Samuel (shoulder). #atltb12

— Atlanta_Falcons (@Atlanta_Falcons) November 25, 2012"

Samuel was seen clutching his previously injured shoulder before exiting the game. Neither corner returned to action. 

Buffalo Bills

Chris Kelsay 

The Bills are not in a position to withstand any defensive injuries. However, it's not like they can control the matter. Tim Graham of The Buffalo News highlights that.

"

Press box announcement: Bills DE Chris Kelsay is out for the rest of the game with a neck injury.

— Tim Graham (@ByTimGraham) November 25, 2012"

Let's hope this is not serious. 

Carolina Panthers

Ron Edwards

According to Charlotte Observer reporter Jonathan Jones, Edwards' elbow kept him from finishing Monday night's game:

"

DT Ron Edwards out for the game (elbow)

— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) November 27, 2012"

Jonathan Stewart

According to Charlotte Observer reporter Joe Person, Stewart injured his ankle and did not return:

"

Jonathan Stewart (ankle) out; return questionable.

— Joe Person (@josephperson) November 27, 2012"

Chicago Bears

Devin Hester

Devin Hester has been forced to leave the Bears' game against the vikings. The Chicago Tribune's Brad Biggs had the news. 

"

#Bears taking WR Devin Hester to the locker room

— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) November 25, 2012"

It was later reported, by NBC's Peggy Kusinski, that Hester left due to concussion concerns. 

"

#Bears radio sideline reporter @zachzaidman reports @d_hest23 being evaluated for a possible concussion

— peggy kusinski (@peggykusinski) November 25, 2012"

I don't know about you, but I wouldn't be too anxious to return kicks if I had concussion concerns. 

Hester won't have to worry about that. He has been ruled. ESPN's Kevin Seifert passed along that news while highlighting the bind this puts the Bears in at the receiver position. 

"

3 WR left healthy -- Marshall, Bennett, Weems RT: @chicagobears: Devin Hester is out for the rest of today's game with a concussion. #Bears

— Kevin Seifert (@espn_nfcnblog) November 25, 2012"

The Bears need a run of good health. 

Chris Spencer

The Bears are not getting that run of good health. The Chicago Bears tweeted out their latest injury concern. 

"

RG Chris Spencer has a knee injury and his return to the game is questionable. #MINvsCHI

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) November 25, 2012"

With all the offensive line problems the Bears have had this season, this is not what they wanted to see. The guard did not return to the game.

Lance Louis

Wow, the Bears can't catch a break. They've lost another offensive lineman to a knee injury. Biggs tweeted out the news. 

"

#Bears RG Lance Louis out for the game with a knee injury

— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) November 25, 2012"

Matt Forte

Oh boy, on top of everything else the Bears have endured on Sunday, they now have new ankle issues with Matt Forte to deal with. Again, Biggs has the news. 

"

#Bears announce Matt Forte has an ankle injury. Return is questionable.

— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) November 25, 2012"

With his linemen dropping like flies, Forte might not be exactly itching to get back on the field. The star running back did not return to the game.

Lance Briggs

According to Chicago Sun-Times reporter Sean Jensen, Briggs left the locker room on Sunday with a boot on his foot:

"

Lance Briggs leaving the locker room with a boot on his right foot. #Bears

— Sean Jensen (@seankjensen) November 25, 2012"

Briggs is a vital part of the Bears defense, and he adds to a laundry list of injuries for the Bears on Sunday.

According to Pro Football Talk, Briggs' injury doesn't appear to be serious:

"

Per source, Bears LB Lance Briggs had boot on foot due to ankle injury.It's not believed to be serious for now.

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) November 26, 2012"

Cleveland Browns

Usama Young

The Browns took a hit to their secondary as safety Usama Young will miss the remainder of the game. 

The Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot brought the news.

"

#Browns Usama Young head injury, will not return.

— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) November 25, 2012"

With the word head injury in the NFL, thoughts instantly turn to a concussion. If so, Young will have to pass the league's concussion protocol before returning to practice or games. 

Brandon Weeden

The Browns suffered a big blow later in this game as they lost starting rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden. CBS tweeted out the news. 

"

Colt McCoy in the game while Brandon Weeden is evaluated for a concussion

— CBSFantasyFootball (@CBSFantasyFB) November 25, 2012"

Weeden did not return to the game, but Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram is reporting about the post-game conversation between head coach pat Shurmur and the rookie QB:

"

#Browns coach Pat Shurmur said he had good conversation with QB Weeden (concussion) after game. Was responsive.

— Scott Petrak ct (@ScottPetrak) November 25, 2012"

Dallas Cowboys

Miles Austin, Bruce Carter and Orlando Scandrick left the Dallas Cowboys' Thanksgiving matchup against the Washington Redskins.

UPDATE: Friday, Nov. 23 at 1:10 a.m. ET by Mike Hoag

Cowboys' linebacker Bruce Carter sustained and elbow injury and did not return to the action. Later Thursday night, Bryan Broaddus of DallasCowboys.com reported his status (via Twitter):

"

Been told that Bruce Carter has a dislocated elbow and will have a scan in the morning. Going to try and get ready for PHI if no problems.

— Bryan Broaddus (@BryanBroaddus) November 23, 2012"

If Carter misses significant time the Dallas linebacker group will take another blow. The unit has already lost Sean Lee for the season and backup Dan Connor for a considerable amount of time this season.

---End of Update---

UPDATE: Thursday, Nov. 22 at 6:30 p.m. ET by Mike Hoag

Rainer Sabin of the Dallas Morning News reported that both WR Miles Austin and CB Orlando Scandrick will not return today.

"

#Cowboys CB Orlando Scandrick and WR Miles Austin are out for the rest of the game.

— Rainer Sabin (@RainerSabinDMN) November 22, 2012"

Without Austin, the Cowboys offense will continue to struggle moving the ball due to the defense being able to key in on Dez Bryant and Jason Witten.

The loss of Scandrick will help Robert Griffin III continue his successful game in which he's already thrown for over 200 yards and three touchdowns.

---End of Update---

UPDATE: Thursday, Nov. 22 at 5:25 p.m. ET by Mike Hoag

Matt Mosley of ESPN 103.3 reported that Miles Austin is questionable to return (via Twitter):

"

Miles Austin right hip strain and return is questionable.

— Matt Mosley (@mattmosley) November 22, 2012"

Without Austin, the Cowboys offense becomes much more two-dimensional, as Romo may begin to fixate on Jason Witten and Dez Bryant without one of his favorite targets on the field.

Be sure to check back for the latest on Austin's status.

---End of Update---

Green Bay Packers

Johnny White

According to the Packers' Twitter, White is being evaluated for a concussion:

"

RB Johnny White is being evaluated for a concussion.LB Jamari Lattimore has a calf injury. His return is questionable. #GBvsNYG

— Green Bay Packers (@packers) November 26, 2012"

The special team player did not return to the game and is being listed as week-to-week, according to NBC's Michele Tafoya.

Jamari Lattimore

According to the Packers' Twitter, Lattimore has a calf injury and is questionable to return:

"

RB Johnny White is being evaluated for a concussion.LB Jamari Lattimore has a calf injury. His return is questionable. #GBvsNYG

— Green Bay Packers (@packers) November 26, 2012"

Lattimore did not return to the game.

C.J. Wilson

According to Green Bay Press-Gazette reporter Wes Hodkiewicz, Wilson injured his knee versus the New York Giants Sunday night:

"

CJ Wilson (knee) is questionable to return. Went to locker room

— Wes Hodkiewicz (@WesHod) November 26, 2012"

According to Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter Tyler Dunne, Wilson will not return to Sunday night's game:

"

C.J. Wilson (knee) will not return tonight for the #Packers.

— Tyler Dunne (@TyDunne) November 26, 2012"

Houston Texans

Brooks Reed

Houston Texans outside linebacker Brooks Reed left Thursday’s game against the Detroit Lions in the first quarter with a groin injury. The Texans' official Twitter account announced that Reed would miss the remainder of the game:

"

OLB Brooks Reed is OUT with a groin injury & RT Derek Newton is questionable with right knee injury.

— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) November 22, 2012"

Derek Newton

According to the Houston Texans' official Twitter account, starting tackle Derek Newton has left the game with a knee injury and will not return to the game:

"

Derek Newton is now OUT with a right knee injury #TexansGameday

— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) November 22, 2012"

Jacksonville Jaguars

Jalen Parmele

The Jaguars are having a tough time keeping running backs healthy, and they have suffered an injury to their backup Jalen Parmele. The Associated Press' Mark Long tweets the news.

"

Jaguars RB Jalen Parmele has a leg injury. Questionable to return

— Mark Long (@APMarkLong) November 25, 2012"

The injury did not seem overly serious, but we'll see if he can get back in the game. 

CBS' Dave Richard tweeted out the triumphant return of Parmele in the second quarter. 

"

It's Terminator Sunday. Jalen Parmele also back in. #UltimateWarriors

— Dave Richard (@daverichard) November 25, 2012"

While Rashad Jennings scored a touchdown in this game, he's gaining just 2.9 yards per carry on nine carries as the team's rest at halftime. So, Parmele should be in line to get some second-half touches.

Derek Cox

The Jaguars will be forced to play the remainder of their game against the Titans without corner Derek Cox. Jacksonville tweeted the news. 

"

Derek Cox has a leg injury and will not return.#Jaguars

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@jaguars) November 25, 2012"

Kansas City Chiefs

Dexter McCluster

The Chiefs' offense can't afford to lose any weapons. Unfortunately, they will be forced to endure an injury to at least one weapon. The NFL Network's Michelle Besiner hit us with this tweet. 

"

Dexter McCluster is questionable to return with a head/neck injury. #DENvsKC

— Michelle Beisner (@MichelleBeisner) November 25, 2012"

Hopefully, this is nothing too serious. 

The nature of the injury has not become any more clear on McCluster, but he will not be returning. Besiner shared that news. 

"

@kcchiefs Dexter McCluster is OUT of today's game. #DENvsKC

— Michelle Beisner (@MichelleBeisner) November 25, 2012"

Minnesota Vikings

Harrison Smith

The Chicago Tribune's Brad Biggs finally got to tweet about an injury that was not for the Bears. 

"

#Vikings S Harrison Smith out for the game, concussion

— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) November 25, 2012"

Smith is just the latest player to fall prey to a concussion and he will now have to pass the NFL's concussion protocol before returning to action. 

Kyle Rudolph

ESPN's Michael C. Wright tweeted out a new concussion concern. 

"

Kyle Rudolph going into locker room to be evaluated for concussion.

— Michael C. Wright (@mikecwright) November 25, 2012"

According to ESPN1500 Twin Cities, Rudolph did not return to the game because of concussion-like symptoms. The team will go through further testing Monday.

New England Patriots

New England Patriots wide receiver and special teams ace Julian Edelman left Thursday night's game against the New York Jets due to a head injury he sustained in the third quarter.

UPDATE: Thursday, Nov. 23 at 11:30 p.m. ET by Mike Hoag

Julian Edelman was walloped by LaRon Landry and removed from action in the third quarter and did not return to action.

The Official New England Patriots Twitter feed informed us Edelman would not return but the extent of his injury is still unknown:

"

Injury update from the #Patriots bench: Julian Edelman will not return to the game.

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) November 23, 2012"

---End of Update---

New York Giants

Kenny Phillips

According to Newsday reporter Tom Rock, Phillips will miss the rest of Sunday night's game with a knee injury:

"

Kenny Phillips is out with a knee injury.

— Tom Rock (@TomRock_Newsday) November 26, 2012"

David Diehl

According to Newsday reporter Tom Rock, Diehl's return was questionable Sunday night, but the star offensive lineman never made his way back onto the field:

"

David Diehl has a burner. His return is questionable.

— Tom Rock (@TomRock_Newsday) November 26, 2012"

Andre Brown

According to Sunday Night Football's Twitter, Brown went for x-rays in the second half:

"

TAFOYA: Andre Brown went in for x-rays on his lower left leg

— SNF on NBC (@SNFonNBC) November 26, 2012"

In a bit of horrible news, Brown broke his fibula and the timetable for a return is unknown, according to the Giants' Official Twitter account:

"

RB Andre Brown broke his fibula per Coach Coughlin. Listen live on Giants.com or WFAN66am

— New York Giants (@Giants) November 26, 2012"

New York Jets

Tim Tebow didn't play against the New England Patriots due to two fractured ribs.

UPDATE: Friday, Nov. 23 at 7:21 a.m. ET by Matt Fitzgerald

Jane McManus of ESPN New York gives a little more clarity to the Tebow situation, noting that the injury actually occurred two games ago:

"

Tim Tebow fractured two ribs during an offensive play in the Seattle game two weeks ago, but he was dressed and available for the New York Jets in a 49-19 loss to the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium on Thursday night.

"I had to do a little bit of talking just to dress but I just want to be there for my teammates in case they needed me in an emergency situation," Tebow said after the Jets' 49-19 loss to the Patriots.

"

It's probably a good thing for Tebow that he didn't play on offense in this one, because it got ugly in a hurry. He played sparingly through the ribs injury in last week's win over St. Louis, and it will be interesting to see how he'll be utilized when he does fully heal.

---End of Update---

UPDATE: Friday, Nov. 23 at 1:02 a.m. ET by Mike Hoag

Jane McManus of ESPN New York added an interesting twist to the Tim Tebow drama in New York (via Twitter):

"

Tim Tebow has 2 fractured ribs, said he had to convince Ryan to let him play #Jets

— Jane McManus (@janesports) November 23, 2012"

It's worth noting that backup quarterback Greg McElroy was inactive for this game and Tebow was the No. 2 option behind Mark Sanchez. Could Tebow have played? Maybe.

But he didn't and it didn't matter much who was behind center for the Jets on Thanksgiving.

---End of Update---

Philadelphia Eagles

DeSean Jackson

According to The Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Jeff McLane, Jackson is receiving X-rays on his chest and collarbone:

"

DeSean Jackson getting x-rays on chest and collarbone.

— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) November 27, 2012"

According to WPVI-TV's Jeff Skversky, Jackson's X-rays came back negative:

"

DeSean Jackson's Xrays are negative on his collarbone but his return is doubtful. So no Vick, McCoy, Avant & likely no DJ rest of way

— Jeff Skversky (@JeffSkversky) November 27, 2012"

Fletcher Cox

According to the Eagles' Twitter, Cox is receiving X-rays on his tailbone:

"

#Eagles DT Fletcher Cox is also in the locker room getting X-rays on his tailbone. There is no word on his return. #CARvsPHI

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) November 27, 2012"

Pittsburgh Steelers

LaMarr Woodley

The injuries just keep mounting for the Steelers.

ESPN's Jamison Hensley tweeted out the latest concern.

"

#Steelers LB LaMarr Woodley (ankle) is now questionable to return.

— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) November 25, 2012"

The longer Woodley is out of this one the more unlikely it is that he will return. That ankle will begin to stiffen up. 

Woodley's ankle will indeed keep him out of action for the remainder of this game. Bob Labriola of the Steelers Digest, shared the news.

"

Woodley will not play in the second half.

— Bob Labriola (@BobLabriola) November 25, 2012"

It is now time for the Steelers to hope this is not the dreaded high-ankle sprain. 

San Diego Chargers

Atari Bigby

According to Chargers.com's managing editor Ricky Henne, Bigby left Sunday's game versus the Baltimore Ravens and did not return:

"

Atari Bigby questionable to return with a groin injury.

— Ricky Henne (@ChargersRHenne) November 25, 2012"

San Francisco 49ers

Kyle Williams

According to the 49ers' Twitter, Williams is out for the rest of Sunday's game with a knee injury:

"

#49ers injury report: WR @kylewilliams_10 is out the game with a knee injury. RB @kendallhunter32 questionable to return with ankle injury.

— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) November 25, 2012"

Kendall Hunter

The 49ers' Twitter also informed everyone that Hunter is questionable to return with an ankle injury:

"

#49ers injury report: WR @kylewilliams_10 is out the game with a knee injury. RB @kendallhunter32 questionable to return with ankle injury.

— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) November 25, 2012"

UPDATE: Sunday, November 25 at 9:55 p.m. ET by Ian Hanford

ESPN's Adam Schefter shed some light on the situations for both Williams and Hunter, and it doesn't sound good:

"

Get ready for 49ers top 2 picks, A.J. Jenkins and LaMichael James. 49ers fear Kyle Williams tore knee ligament, Kendall Hunter hurt ankle.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 26, 2012"

---End of Update---

Seattle Seahawks

James Carpenter

The Seahawks are locked in a low-scoring battle with the Dolphins, and they will do so, at least temporarily, without guard James Carpenter.

"

James Carpenter has a left knee injury and his return is probable. #SEAvsMIA

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) November 25, 2012"

Carpenter is in uniform and on the sideline, so it does not appear that it is a serious knee injury. 

Carpenter was not off the field for long. The Seahawks brought us this update.

"

Seahawks first possession of the second half sees the return of James Carpenter at left guard. #SEAvsMIA

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) November 25, 2012"