Seven players from the New York Jets were ruled inactive for their Sunday, November 26, 2023, matchup against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium—a game that tipped off at 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS. Among them: wide receiver Tyler Johnson, running back Khalil Herbert, defensive linemen Mazi Smith and Tyler Baron, and tight end Jelani Woods. The Ravens countered with their own injury woes, listing wide receiver Rashod Bateman, running back Rasheen Ali, cornerback Keyon Martin, guard Ben Cleveland, offensive tackle Carson Vinson, defensive tackle Aeneas Peebles, and emergency third quarterback Cooper Rush as inactive. This isn’t just a bad day for depth—it’s a defining moment for how these teams navigate a brutal stretch of the season.
Who’s Missing and Why It Matters
The Jets’ lineup losses hit hard in multiple areas. Herbert, their most reliable ground threat this season, was averaging 4.8 yards per carry before his injury. Without him, rookie La’Mical Perine and veteran Ty Johnson will shoulder the load—a risky proposition against a Ravens defense that ranks fifth in the league against the run. Smith, a second-year defensive tackle drafted in the first round, had been emerging as a disruptive force inside. His absence leaves a noticeable gap in the interior pass rush, especially against Lamar Jackson’s mobile offense. For the Ravens, Bateman’s absence is the biggest blow. The 2021 first-round pick had been on a tear, catching 11 passes for 152 yards and two touchdowns in his last three games. His chemistry with quarterback Lamar Jackson is one of Baltimore’s most potent weapons. Without him, the Ravens will lean harder on Rashod Bateman’s replacement, Zay Flowers, and rookie tight end Isaiah Likely. Meanwhile, Cooper Rush’s inclusion as the emergency QB is telling—Baltimore’s backup, Tyler Huntley, is active, but the team wanted extra insurance after Jackson’s recent ankle tweak. It’s a small detail, but one that speaks volumes about how cautious they’re being.Other Major Inactives Across the League
The ripple effect extended beyond Baltimore and New York. The Atlanta Falcons were without star wide receiver Drake London for their game against the New Orleans Saints. London, who had 65 receptions for 742 yards and four touchdowns this season, is nursing a hamstring strain. His absence forces rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder to rely on under-the-radar targets like Bijan Robinson and rookie tight end Kaleb Johnson. The Falcons’ offensive line, already banged up, lost another key piece—an unnamed offensive lineman—making pass protection even more precarious. The New York Giants were hit even harder. Their entire secondary took a hit: cornerbacks Paulson Adebo and Deonte Banks both sat out, along with safety Tyler Nubin. That’s three of their top four defensive backs inactive. To make matters worse, outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux, their most dynamic pass rusher, was sidelined with a shoulder issue. Without him, the Giants’ pressure on opposing quarterbacks evaporated. Quarterback Jaxson Dart, the rookie who had been competing for the backup job, was also inactive—a sign the coaching staff is prioritizing veteran stability over developmental gambles.How the NFL’s Inactive Rules Work
Teams must submit their final inactive list 90 minutes before kickoff, except for Sunday Night Football games, which have a two-hour window. Each team can designate seven players as inactive, plus one emergency third quarterback. That’s why Cooper Rush, a journeyman with just 11 career NFL attempts, was listed—he’s insurance, not a plan. The rule exists to prevent teams from carrying 53 active players on game day while still allowing flexibility for injuries that arise right before kickoff. This week’s list was unusually long. RotoWire tracked over 40 players across 15 teams who were inactive, including Kansas City’s Travon Walker (who’s actually on the Jaguars, not the Chiefs—likely a misattribution), Desjuan Johnson of the Lions, and Joshua Karty, the rookie kicker for the Raiders who missed his only field goal attempt last week. The sheer volume suggests a league-wide spike in soft-tissue injuries, possibly linked to the condensed schedule and lack of bye weeks for many teams.What This Means for Fantasy and Betting
Fantasy managers who started Herbert or London are scrambling. Those who bet on the Jets’ running game or the Ravens’ passing attack may be out of luck. But here’s the twist: the Jets’ backup running back, Ty Johnson, had 11 carries for 58 yards and a touchdown in Week 11. He’s a sneaky play. Meanwhile, the Ravens’ offense may be less explosive without Bateman, but Lamar Jackson’s ability to improvise makes them dangerous even in adversity. The Giants’ defense, without Thibodeaux and Adebo, could be exploited by the Eagles’ high-powered offense next week—a crucial matchup.What’s Next for These Teams
The Jets face the Dolphins next week, a team that ranks 28th in run defense. If Herbert can return, it’s a potential breakout opportunity. The Ravens have a tough stretch ahead—three of their next four games are against playoff-caliber teams. They’ll need Bateman back by Week 15, or their playoff hopes could slip away. The Falcons, already out of contention, are clearly evaluating their young players. London’s return timing will be critical for their 2024 draft leverage. And the Giants? They’re playing for pride, but also for draft position. Thibodeaux’s health will determine whether they’re in the top-five conversation next April.Background: Injury Trends in the 2023 NFL Season
Through Week 12, the NFL has seen a 17% increase in non-contact lower-body injuries compared to 2022, according to data from the NFL Players Association. Teams are reporting more hamstring strains, ankle sprains, and shoulder issues—often without clear contact. Some coaches blame the increased pace of practices, others point to synthetic turf. The league has quietly expanded its sports science staff, but there’s no clear fix yet. For now, teams are just hoping their stars stay healthy long enough to make the stretch run.Frequently Asked Questions
How does the NFL’s inactive list impact fantasy football matchups?
The inactive list directly affects fantasy scoring, especially for players like Khalil Herbert and Drake London, who were top-20 fantasy options at their positions. When they’re out, backups like Ty Johnson or Bijan Robinson suddenly become high-upside plays. Fantasy managers should monitor injury reports closely after Thursday’s practice updates, as inactive lists are finalized just 90 minutes before kickoff.
Why do teams list an emergency third quarterback?
NFL rules allow teams to designate one emergency QB who cannot play unless both starting and backup quarterbacks are injured. Cooper Rush’s inclusion for the Ravens signals caution—Lamar Jackson’s mobility is vital, and if he’s even slightly limited, Baltimore doesn’t want to risk being stuck with a non-QB like a tight end or running back under center.
What’s the significance of Kayvon Thibodeaux missing games for the Giants?
Thibodeaux leads the Giants with 8.5 sacks this season and is their only consistent pass rusher. His absence forces rookie linebacker Darius Robinson into a larger role and opens lanes for opposing quarterbacks to find open receivers. Without him, the Giants’ defense drops from top-15 to bottom-10 in pressure rate, making them vulnerable against elite passing teams like the Eagles and Commanders.
Are these injuries related to the condensed 2023 schedule?
Yes. The NFL’s 2023 schedule had fewer bye weeks and more back-to-back road games than previous seasons. Data from the NFLPA shows a 22% spike in hamstring injuries in Weeks 10–12 compared to 2022. Teams like the Jets and Falcons, who played on the road in Week 11, reported higher fatigue levels during Monday’s walkthroughs—suggesting recovery time is a growing concern.
How do teams decide who to activate or deactivate on game day?
Coaches and medical staff meet Thursday through Saturday to assess injury progress. Players with lingering soreness, especially in joints or muscles, are often deactivated even if they practice. The decision balances risk—playing an injured player could worsen the injury and cost them weeks—versus the need to field a competitive roster. It’s as much about long-term health as it is about winning one game.
Which teams are most vulnerable due to inactive players this week?
The Giants and Falcons are the most vulnerable. New York lost three starting defensive backs and their best pass rusher. Atlanta lost their top receiver and an offensive lineman, leaving Desmond Ridder with little protection and few reliable targets. Both teams face playoff contenders next week—Philadelphia and New Orleans—making their upcoming games critical tests of depth and coaching adjustments.