Welcome to Week 14! For those who have advanced to the fantasy playoffs -- including, of course, the consolation bracket playoffs -- this marks the first week of competition, unless you are one of the fortunate ones with a bye this week. As always, there will be game-time decisions, but the final injury reports give some guidance as to who’s in and who’s out, and a number of key players have already been ruled out. No one wants to be one-and-done in the playoffs, so give careful consideration to those final lineup selections.

As a reminder, each week in the Saturday blog, we run down a list of key fantasy players, by position, who appear in the Friday injury report, along with the injured body part as listed on the report, player status, and any relevant developments or insight. The primary fantasy positions are covered (quarterback, running back, wide receiver and tight end). At the end, key fantasy players listed Friday as "Out" for that week's games will appear as a group. Teams playing Monday night do not have to issue their designations until Saturday. The explanation for each designation is as follows.

Out: This is the easy one; the guy's definitely not playing Sunday. As painful as it might be to see this designation next to a player on your fantasy roster, at least you know in advance of the game that he's sitting out, and you can plan accordingly.

Probable (P): This designation indicates that a player has a greater than 50 percent chance of playing. Most players listed here are expected to play, barring a setback between the final injury report and kickoff.

Questionable (Q): This is the fantasy owner's most dreaded player designation, yet it manages to be the one most frequently utilized by teams (often to keep everyone guessing). It means a player's status is on the fence; there is a 50-50 chance that he's on the field come game time, although as many fantasy owners have come to learn, many teams utilize the questionable designation for any player with a hint of injury. Whether a player ends up active or inactive often comes down to a game-time decision based on how he performs during warm-ups. It is important for fantasy owners to check status reports leading up to the game.

Doubtful (D): The doubtful designation means a player has theoretically less than a 25 percent chance of playing that week. Rarely does a player labeled as doubtful end up playing, unless he experiences a major turnaround before game time. Fantasy owners who need to make roster adjustments beforehand can feel fairly confident about sitting a player listed as doubtful.

Good luck in Week 14, everyone! May your players stay healthy and win for you.

Quarterbacks

Tom Brady, New England Patriots, ankle (P): Brady is in San Diego, has practiced fully throughout the week and will start for the Patriots on Sunday night.

Zach Mettenberger, Tennessee Titans, right shoulder (Q): Mettenberger seemed confident from the start of the week that the minor AC sprain he suffered last Sunday would not be enough to sideline him Sunday. It appears he is likely to be proven correct. Coach Ken Whisenhunt remained optimistic late in the week about the prospects of his quarterback returning Sunday but is keeping his options open with the questionable designation. Fantasy owners should bear in mind that the Titans will be down one receiver for sure (Justin Hunter, who has been placed on injured reserve with a lacerated spleen) and possibly another (Kendall Wright, who has a fracture in his hand after a slip in practice Wednesday).

Blake Bortles, Jacksonville Jaguars, right shoulder/ankle (P): Bortles has been on the injury report for several weeks, so this appearance here might get overlooked, except for the fact that there are two different body parts listed here. Bortles was experiencing soreness in his left (non-throwing) wrist but played through it without issue. Now he is listed here because of his throwing shoulder and his ankle. The Jaguars don’t seem overly concerned however, given the listing as probable. He is expected to start against the Texans.

Running Backs

Arian Foster, Houston Texans, groin (P): The worst of this injury appears to be behind Foster, who returned to action last week after missing several games and posted more than 100 total yards. More importantly, he didn’t appear to take any steps backward as far as his health. This week he had Wednesday off, as is fairly typical for him, then returned to limited practice Thursday and full practice Friday. Thankfully for fantasy owners, he comes into the Sunday game as probable, eliminating the agonizing game-time decision stress.

Reggie Bush, Detroit Lions, ankle (P): Bush has strongly hinted at playing each of the last two weeks … but hasn’t. So are we to believe him this time when he says he’s 100 percent healthy? Probably not (why would he still be on the injury report if he is truly 100 percent?), but he has done enough this week to suggest he will take the field Sunday. He was a full participant in practice each day, and that, along with the probable designation, indicates the Lions do expect to have him this week. It would still seem Joique Bell will garner the most touches, but at least fantasy owners have strong indications in advance that Bush will indeed play.

Justin Forsett, Baltimore Ravens, knee (Q): Forsett has emerged as the clear No. 1 ball carrier for the Ravens, but is the workload taking a toll? After not practicing Wednesday and Thursday because of a knee injury suffered last Sunday, he did return to a limited practice Friday. Earlier in the week, Forsett seemed to dismiss concerns about his status, telling reporters he was “just resting up, regular soreness.” Still, the questionable designation heading into Sunday leaves some uncertainty. Fantasy owners are advised to check pregame inactives.

Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs, knee (P): The thought of taking Charles out of the mix for fantasy playoffs is just too cruel to imagine. Fortunately, we won’t have to. After practicing fully each day this week, there is confidence in Charles’ knee health, and the expectation remains that he will start.

Rashad Jennings, New York Giants, ankle (Q): Jennings tends to be an optimist, just as he was after spraining his ankle in last Sunday’s game when he said he didn’t expect to miss any time. Not only did he not return to the game after the injury (although it didn’t happen until the fourth quarter), he didn’t return to practice until Friday. Even then, it was a limited effort for Jennings, so it is unclear just how much he could press the ankle if he does play. On Saturday, ESPN.com’s Dan Graziano noted Jennings did travel with the team to Tennessee, so it does appear he has a legitimate chance to play. If he does take the field, it is likely to be at less than full strength, which could translate to less than a full workload. At least the Giants play in an early game so fantasy owners will have some options.

Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks, back (P): Lynch continues to surprise as he plays in game after game while banged up, incurring more physical punishment along the way. Expect him to play yet again Sunday.

Latavius Murray, Oakland Raiders, concussion (P): Murray appears to have recovered from the concussion that knocked him out of the game two weeks ago. Although coach Tony Sparano doesn’t expect him to get the full workload, it’s hard to imagine him sitting idly by when he has such potential. Expect Murray to take the field against the cross-bay rival 49ers.

C. J. Anderson, ankle, and Juwan Thompson, Denver Broncos, knee (P): Why should we even be surprised that Anderson shows up here? After all, he’s been running like the wind for the last few weeks, supplying the vast majority of the Broncos’ yardage on the ground while Ronnie Hillman and Montee Ball are sidelined. The good news is that despite his presence here, Anderson has been a full participant in practice each day and is expected to once again start for the Broncos.

Thompson has been present on the injury report for several weeks, but he continues to practice fully each day and is also expected to be available for the team this weekend.

Isaiah Crowell, Cleveland Browns, hip (Q): The Browns would really like to have Crowell on Sunday, but there seems to be a big question as to whether that will indeed happen. Crowell didn’t appear overly concerned, indicating his hip injury was not serious, but it did result in an absence from Wednesday’s practice followed by limited practices Thursday and Friday. ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler says he expects him to play, but Crowell’s status will not likely be confirmed until pregame inactive reports are released.

Chris Johnson, New York Jets, knee (P): Despite shouldering a huge workload Monday night, running back Chris Ivory is no longer on the injury report. Perhaps his running through the Miami defense proved his health. Teammate Johnson had a pretty good night himself, rushing for 105 yards. Although he remains on the injury report at probable, Johnson is expected to again be active for the Jets.

Mark Ingram, ankle, toe, and Khiry Robinson, forearm, New Orleans Saints (P): Robinson makes his return from a forearm injury that ultimately required surgery. He has been back practicing in full capacity this week and is expected to be available. Ingram is still the primary back among the group, despite his continued presence on the injury report. He was limited in practice throughout the week, no doubt to help ensure his availability for Sunday when the Saints host the Panthers.

Shane Vereen, New England Patriots, ankle (Q): Vereen had this injury and played last week, so he should take the field again Sunday. As always, the Patriots’ backfield is tricky to project, but expect Vereen to be one of the factors in the mix this week. The game is a Sunday night matchup, however, so fantasy owners will want to have insurance.

Wide Receivers

Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals, knee (Q): Fitzgerald suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament in Week 11 and has missed the two subsequent games. It has not been easy for Fitzgerald to be sidelined after going the six previous seasons without missing a game, but the wait has allowed the tissue to begin to repair itself. Now comes the question of whether or not his knee is ready to be subjected to the stress of in-game action. He has increased his practice activity by going out every day this week, even turning in a full practice Friday. The sense is that he will be active for this week’s game but is not likely to be quite 100 percent. Both Fitzgerald and the team have made it clear that if he does play, he will be expected to be a full go, but the first time playing at game speed after a significant knee injury is always a test. Fantasy owners are advised to verify his status before kickoff and, as usual, the Cardinals play in a late afternoon matchup.

Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions, ankle (P): Limited Wednesday followed by a full practice Thursday and Friday, Johnson is on track to play again this week. While his ankle may not be quite 100 percent, he is certainly performing at a high enough level to keep him on the field.

DeSean Jackson, Washington, shin (Q): Jackson did not practice at all this week after suffering a bruised shin (labeled a fibula contusion earlier in the week). The decision likely hinges upon whether the pain and swelling have subsided to the point where Jackson can be effective. If the contusion is near the location of a nerve that affects the muscles controlling the ankle, it can be a bit more challenging. Fantasy owners should check pregame inactives.

Demaryius Thomas, Denver Broncos, ankle (P): Fantasy owners got nervous when they saw another Thomas on the injury report, but they can now breathe a sigh of relief. Thomas, who said his ankle was stepped on last week, updated his status Friday, indicating he felt much better. The probable tag indicates the Broncos are also feeling confident about his status. Expect him to play in a late afternoon tip-off.

A.J. Green, Cincinnati Bengals, thigh (P): At least it’s not the toe that has Green on the injury report. The Bengals don’t appear overly concerned about this ailment. Limited practice Wednesday and Thursday was followed by a full practice Friday, and Green is expected to take the field Sunday.

Roddy White, ankle (Q), and Harry Douglas, foot (P), Atlanta Falcons: Douglas has made progress with his foot overall and is expected to be active this week. White, however, is less certain with an ankle injury that caused him to miss last week’s game. As of Friday, White had only done some running on the ankle, but he did participate in a light practice Saturday. While the Saturday practice is encouraging, the Falcons play in a Monday night game, meaning fantasy owners should be sure to have a backup plan in place.

Julian Edelman, thigh, and Brandon LaFell, shoulder, New England Patriots (Q): Edelman appeared to aggravate his thigh injury in last Sunday’s game and remained limited in practices all week. The team traveled straight to San Diego from Green Bay, so Edelman’s presence with the team doesn’t make him an automatic for Sunday night. LaFell also remains limited on the practice report but did not appear to suffer any setback in last week’s game. It appears both will likely give it a go, but it’s worth noting that this is a night game. Fantasy owners are advised to retain insurance.

Mike Wallace, Miami Dolphins, chest (P): Wallace played Monday night despite being listed on the injury report with a chest injury and suffered no apparent setback. With the slightly shorter week, his limited practices come as no surprise. Expect him to suit up Sunday when the Dolphins host the Ravens.

T.Y. Hilton, Indianapolis Colts, hamstring (P): Hilton was limited Wednesday but returned to a full workload Thursday. He repeated the effort Friday and, listed as probable, his status for Sunday is not in doubt.

Torrey Smith, Baltimore Ravens, knee (P): Smith expressed confidence that he would play Sunday despite not practicing Wednesday or Thursday. The only way he wouldn’t play, Smith said, is if he was “on crutches.” He is not on crutches. It also helps that the team has him listed as probable and that he put in a full practice Friday. Expect him to play against the Dolphins on Sunday.

Kendall Wright, Tennessee Titans, hand (Q): Wright has a crack in one of the bones in his hand after a slip during Wednesday’s practice. He has not practiced since and has been sporting a splint on his right hand. Although he is listed as questionable and the team has indicated if the pain and swelling permits, Wright could potentially take the field, it appears he is more likely to sit. If Wright is active, it’s unclear just how effective he could be not only catching the ball but also trying to block with this injury. With Justin Hunter already placed on season-ending injured reserve, this would leave the Titans somewhat thin at the wide receiver position.

Sammy Watkins, Buffalo Bills, hip (P): Watkins has certainly seen his share of bumps and bruises across the season, but it appears his latest ailment won’t be enough to keep him off the field. After practicing on a limited basis each day, the team has him listed as probable. He is expected to play against the Denver Broncos.

Tight Ends

Julius Thomas, ankle, and Jacob Tamme, ribs, Denver Broncos (Q): Thomas has missed the last two games as he tries to return to full health -- or close to it -- before taking the field. Earlier this week, it sounded as if the progress he had made might translate to a Sunday return. According to ESPN.com’s Jeff Legwold, Thomas indicated Monday he felt closer to a return to action.

“I’m encouraged with how it’s going, we’ll see how it’s going this week,’’ Thomas said. “I hate having to watch our team go out there and play without me…”

That return may not come this week, however. Thomas was limited in practice throughout the week and still comes in at questionable, as in, still a roll of the dice. It may come down to how Thomas feels Sunday and whether or not he feels his ankle is ready to move from limited work to a game situation.

If Thomas doesn’t play, the natural replacement would be Tamme, but he too is listed as questionable with a rib injury. It appears Tamme has a chance to play, perhaps sporting some extra padding and support to protect the rib area, but it will likely be a game-time decision for him, as well. Fantasy owners may need to have insurance for their insurance in this matchup.

Dwayne Allen, Indianapolis Colts, ankle (P): After resting his ankle for the past two weeks, Allen is preparing for a return to the field. Full practices each day and a probable designation point to Allen playing Sunday.

Jordan Cameron, Cleveland Browns, concussion (Q): The Browns have been taking their time in returning Cameron to action, as they should, given this is the third concussion he has suffered in two years. Cameron was a limited participant in practice each day and retains questionable status for Sunday. The Browns are thin at the position (Gary Barnidge has already been ruled out), and a return from Cameron would be helpful, but the team will not jeopardize his overall health. Fantasy owners who are considering using him will need to check pregame inactives.

Kyle Rudolph, Minnesota Vikings, abdomen, groin (P): Rudolph has returned to action since his abdominal surgery but continues to be monitored via the injury practice report. He is expected to play again this week.

Charles Clay, Miami Dolphins, hamstring, knee (Q): Clay has missed the last two games because of his ailing knee and hamstring issue, but the questionable tag leaves the door open for him to play Sunday. He did practice on a limited basis throughout the week but is a bit risky as he is still not at full health.

Greg Olsen, Carolina Panthers, knee (Q): Olsen has been on the injury report but typically has played through his chronic knee issue. This week it was swelling that kept him limited in practice, but head coach Ron Rivera still expects Olsen to play. Given that he’s a primary target for quarterback Cam Newton, his presence is important. Fantasy owners are advised to verify his status when pregame inactives are issued.

Out:

This space is intended for a list of key players, not including those who have been moved to injured reserve status, who are officially listed as "Out" for the upcoming game.

Andre Ellington, RB, Arizona Cardinals, hip/foot: The severe hip pointer Ellington suffered in last Sunday’s game threatened his status for this week as soon as it happened. Acknowledging his discomfort early in the week, Ellington will be watching from the sidelines this Sunday as teammate Stepfan Taylor gets the start. Expect Marion Grice to also see plenty of action with Ellington out.

Jerick McKinnon, RB, Minnesota Vikings, back: McKinnon continues to deal with a back injury and has not practiced all week. He was already scheduled to be out in Week 14, but the Vikings announced Saturday that they are placing him on injured reserve.

DeAngelo Williams, RB, Carolina Panthers, hand: Williams has a fractured finger and has not practiced all week. Teammate Jonathan Stewart gets the start, as he did when Williams was sidelined earlier this season.

Nick Foles, QB, Philadelphia Eagles, collarbone: Foles remains out as his broken clavicle heals. Mark Sanchez continues to be the starter.

Ronnie Hillman, foot, and Montee Ball, groin, RBs, Denver Broncos: This is not news as these two backs have been out for multiple weeks. They remain out this week.

Jace Amaro, TE, New York Jets, concussion: Amaro has not practiced and remains out this week.

Be sure to check out "Fantasy Football Now," Sundays on ESPN2 at 11 a.m. ET for last-minute inactives, rankings, injury impact and more!