The NFL playoffs are here, and Super Wild Card Weekend is chock full of intrigue: the Packers visiting old friend Mike McCarthy in Dallas, Matthew Stafford versus Jared Goff in Detroit, the Chiefs and Dolphins rematching in frigid weather, and on and on.
Some matchups may be especially dictated by the health of contending teams, however. Several big names are part of this weekend’s final injury reports, which are listed — and analyzed — below:
Saturday
Dolphins at Chiefs
The good news for Miami is that Tua Tagovailoa’s offensive line is intact (for now), with Terron Armstead and Liam Eichenberg returning to full practice participation. De’Von Achane is also available as the top ball carrier in the event Mostert can’t go. But the defense is a concern, with top pass rushers Bradley Chubb, Jaelan Phillips and Andrew Van Ginkel all on IR. Kansas City should have Donovan Smith back at left tackle, while Toney hasn’t played since mid-December. Rashee Rice and Justin Watson figure to remain Patrick Mahomes‘ top targets other than Travis Kelce.
Sunday
With Dillon banged up, Aaron Jones is on track to receive another heavy workload out of Green Bay’s backfield. Watson has missed five straight games, so if he sits again, Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks will headline Jordan Love’s pass targets. Alexander, who’s missed 10 games, rolled his ankle during practice, putting his status in question.
The Cowboys injury report is a promising one, as cornerback Stephon Gilmore (shoulder) and offensive guard Tyler Smith (foot), who were both limited in practice early in the week, have no game designations.
Rams at Lions
Both teams have their big-name tight ends on the mend. Higbee is expected to suit up, but if he can’t, Davis Allen would be next in line for snaps for the Rams despite catching just 10 passes this year. Alaric Jackson is Los Angeles’ emergency left tackle behind Noteboom.
The big news for the Lions is that LaPorta was a full participant in practice on Friday after missing Wednesday and Thursday. He’s officially listed as questionable to play with his knee injury, but Lions fans have reason to be hopeful. The young pass rusher Houston is not yet ready to return to the lineup despite being a full participant in practice all week. He has been ruled out.
Monday
Watt has been officially ruled out for the Steelers, which is something we knew was coming. Offensive guard Isaac Seumalo did not practice all week with a shoulder injury, but has no game designation. Running back Najee Harris did not practice Wednesday due to a knee injury, but was a full participant Thursday and Friday. Expect him to receive plenty of work this weekend. Star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick was listed on the injury report with a knee issue, but was a full participant all week.
Josh Allen may lean even more on Stefon Diggs with Davis sidelined out wide, leaving Khalil Shakir, Trent Sherfield and Deonte Harty as WR alternatives. Douglas would be just as, if not more, pivotal an absence if he can’t go as he’s been one of Buffalo’s top defensive playmakers since arriving via trade. Dane Jackson and Christian Benford are available along with Taron Johnson at CB.
According to NFL Media, neither the Steelers nor Bills are expected to change their injury reports despite the game being postponed to Monday.
- Eagles: TBA
- Buccaneers: TBA
Stay tuned for analysis.
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Author: Cody Benjamin
January 13, 2024 | 4:26 pm
