Week 15 Focus: Injury Updates, Record Chases, and QB Uncertainty Headline NFL Weekend

Major injury evaluations, historic milestones, and quarterback decisions shape a pivotal Week 15 across the NFL.

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Week 15 across the NFL arrives with several significant developments that could influence playoff positioning and late-season momentum. Multiple teams preparing for critical matchups this weekend are monitoring key injuries, assessing personnel options, and adjusting expectations as the stretch run intensifies.

Pittsburgh Steelers: TJ Watt Hospitalized.

The Steelers announced Thursday that star pass rusher T.J. Watt is in a Pittsburgh-area hospital undergoing evaluation for a lung issue after experiencing discomfort on Wednesday. Watt, who did not participate in the team’s opening Week 15 practice, remains uncertain for Monday night’s matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters that Watt stayed overnight for observation and that his status is “up in the air,” potentially impacting Pittsburgh’s pass-rush production. Watt leads the team with seven sacks, narrowly ahead of Nick Herbig and Alex Highsmith, who each have 6.5. The Steelers currently sit one game ahead of Baltimore at 7-6 in the AFC North and fourth in the AFC playoff picture.

Cleveland Browns: Myles Garrett Chases History.

In Cleveland, although the Browns are eliminated from postseason contention at 3-11 and fourth in the AFC North, Myles Garrett has not slowed down as he continues his pursuit of the NFL’s single-season sack record. Garrett enters the weekend with 20 sacks and needs three more over the final four games to surpass the longstanding record of 22.5. The Browns travel to Chicago to face the Bears in week 15. Chicago has allowed 20 sacks this season, ranking fifth in sacks allowed at roughly 1.4 per game.

Dallas Cowboys: Key injury updates on Lamb, Diggs, and Ferguson.

Dallas also faces meaningful implications and delivered significant updates on Thursday. The Cowboys, currently 6-6-1 and sitting second in the NFC East behind Philadelphia (8-5), remain outside of the playoff picture as they prepare to face Minnesota on Sunday night following the Eagles’ matchup with Las Vegas. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (concussion) returned as a full participant with no setbacks, while cornerback Trevon Diggs (knee) was limited again. Diggs’ potential return Sunday hinges on his ability to complete all required workload evaluations. Tight end Jake Ferguson (calf) was downgraded to did not participate on Thursday and remains a notable offensive storyline entering the weekend.

Indianapolis Colts: Who will start for Colts on Sunday?

Indianapolis continues to navigate one of the most closely watched quarterback situations of Week 15. The Colts began the season strong but injuries have impacted their momentum, placing them at 8-5 and third in the AFC South behind the 8-5 Texans and 9-4 Chargers. With Daniel Jones out for the season due to an Achilles injury, Riley Leonard played three quarters in Week 14, completing 18 of 29 passes for 145 yards with one interception and one rushing touchdown and sustained a PCL sprain. However, he logged full participation in Wednesday and Thursday practices. The Colts also signed 44-year-old Philip Rivers to the practice squad, his first NFL involvement since January 2021, leaving both quarterbacks under consideration ahead of Sunday’s matchup with Seattle.

Las Vegas Raiders: Pickett getting the start?

Las Vegas enters Week 15 with a quarterback shift of its own. For a second straight day Thursday, Raiders quarterback Geno Smith did not practice due to right shoulder and back injuries. According to insiders, Kenny Pickett is expected to start Sunday against his former team, the Philadelphia Eagles. Head coach Pete Carroll confirmed Pickett has taken first-team reps, with Aidan O’Connell set as the backup. The Raiders are out of the playoff race at 2-11 and sit fourth in the AFC West but can deliver a shakeup in the Eagles postseason push if they are able to upset Philadelphia on Sunday.

What storyline stands out the most heading into Week 15?