The Vikings will be without a key component of their fourth-ranked run defense Monday night, as DT Pat Williams was deactivated prior to the game against the Bears. Bears WR Devin Hester will miss his third straight game due to a lingering calf injury.

The Broncos announced Monday that starting LG Russ Hochstein and WR Kenny McKinley will be placed on injured reserve.

Saints RB Pierre Thomas sustained bruised ribs in Sunday’s 20-17 loss to the Bucs, but appears to have avoided a more serious situation.

Panthers WR Steve Smith, Dolphins RB Ricky Williams and Bengals LB Rey Maualuga were among the notable players who suffered injuries in Week 16.

Panthers coach John Fox said following Sunday’s rout of the Giants that WR Steve Smith sustained a broken left arm. If there was any doubt, Smith said during his postgame comments the injury will keep him out of the season finale against the Saints.

Injuries are having a major impact on fantasy championships this week.

The Miami Dolphins have lost RB Ricky Williams to a shoulder injury in Sunday’s game against the Texans.

Saints RB Pierre Thomas has left Sunday’s game against the Bucs with bruised ribs and won’t return.

Panthers WR Steve Smith paid a price for his 27-yard touchdown catch Sunday against the Giants, leaving the game with a left arm injury.

If the Indianapolis Colts are going to pull off the perfect season, they’ll do it without a few key regulars in Week 16 against the Jets.

Passing along a couple of key deactivations for the Broncos-Eagles matchup in Philadelphia, where Eagles QB Michael Vick will be held out.

Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez will not return to Sunday’s game against the Bills after he sustained a calf injury.

Rams RB Steven Jackson will not play Sunday against the Cardinals, according to a team source.

It’s time for some injury updates from Sunday’s early games, which just reached halftime.

Bengals rookie LB Rey Maualuga has been ruled out for the rest of Sunday’s game against the Chiefs after he injured his left ankle. The team later said that Maualuga broke the ankle.