Week 15 starts Thursday night with the first game pitting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the St. Louis Rams, and there have already been a few significant names that have been ruled out for this upcoming week. Below are the latest reports and news on players who are currently injured and have been ruled out or are listed as questionable.
Indianapolis Colts QB Andrew Luck - Luck has officially been ruled out for Sunday's matchup against the Colts' AFC South rival Houston Texans, according to NFL reporter Conor Orr. The Colts franchise quarterback returned to practice on Wednesday, but will not be ready for this weekend's game. Colts backup quarterback Matt Hasselbeck has been struggling with a rib injury he sustained this past Sunday against the Jaguars, and did not practice on Wednesday. Hasselbeck is expected to return to practice Thursday, and the team is hopeful he will be able to play against the Texans.
The Colts and Texans are both tied at 6-7 in the AFC South, making Sunday's matchup crucial for both teams. Third-string quarterback Charlie Whitehurst is the team's insurance plan this weekend, and expect a heavy ground game if Hasselbeck can't start.
Houston Texans QB Brian Hoyer - Head coach Bill O'Brien announced on Wednesday that Hoyer will not play this weekend, as he is still in the concussion protocol, according to NFL reporter Marc Sessler. The Texans starting quarterback was having a career year in Houston, throwing for 2,357 yard and 18 touchdowns, with six interceptions. Backup quarterback T.J. Yates will start for Houston in the crucial matchup, but has played well this season with 302 passing yards and three touchdowns, along with no interceptions.
Sunday's AFC South showdown looks to be a matchup of backup quarterbacks, and expect both defenses to try an put a ton of pressure on the opposing quarterback.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Vincent Jackson - Jackson will miss his fourth game of the season Thursday night, as the Buccaneers wide receiver is dealing with a knee injury he suffered last week against the New Orleans Saints, according to ESPN's Rick Brown. Jackson is the second-leading receiver for Tampa Bay, and expect wide receiver Mike Evans to see plenty of targets with Jackson ruled out. The Buccaneers are currently 6-7 on the year, and have shown drastic improvements in their first year with rookie quarterback Jameis Winston.
Carolina Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart - The Panthers leading rusher will miss Sunday's game against the New York Giants, as he dealing with a sprained left foot, according to ESPN's David Newton. The undefeated Panthers will look for the next man to step up, and running backs Mike Tolbert and Fozzy Whittaker will look to carry the load against the Giants. Rookie running back Cameron Artis-Payne could also see some carries this Sunday, and it is likely a good time for Carolina to find out what they have in the rookie running back.
Jacksonville Jaguars RB T.J. Yeldon - The Jaguars rookie running back missed practice on Wednesday with a sprained right knee, and it's uncertain if he will be able to play this weekend against the Atlanta Falcons, according to Jaguars reporter John Oehser. Yeldon has rushed for 740 yards and scored two rushing touchdowns this season. The Jaguars second-round pick has been a dual threat out of the backfield, as he has caught 36 passes for 279 yards and a touchdown this year. With Yeldon questionable to play this weekend, running back Denard Robinson will likely get plenty of carries. Robinson is coming off a season-high 75 yard rushing game, and could have a major impact in Sunday's game.
