As the NFL playoffs heat up, teams are closely monitoring player injuries that could impact their chances of advancing to the conference title games this weekend. With eight teams remaining, the stakes are high, and every bit of health counts.
In Baltimore, the focus is on wide receiver Zay Flowers, who has not practiced since injuring his knee during the Ravens’ Week 18 game against the Cleveland Browns. Flowers was sidelined during Baltimore’s wild-card victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers and his status is uncertain for the crucial matchup against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday night. Despite this setback, CBS Sports’ NFL lead sideline reporter suggests that Flowers may still play even if he doesn’t practice this week.
Meanwhile, the Texans reported that wide receiver Robert Woods missed his second consecutive practice due to a hip injury. Running back Joe Mixon was added to the injury report with an ankle issue but was limited in practice. Other players like linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair and guard Shaq Mason made progress, moving from no practice on Tuesday to limited participation on Wednesday.
For the Chiefs, wide receiver Mecole Hardman has not been fully practicing, while cornerback Jaylen Watson was a full participant after recovering from a significant injury earlier this season.
The Lions are facing their own injury concerns, with defensive lineman Pat O’Connor and cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. not practicing this week. However, running back David Montgomery expressed confidence in his knee after a recent return to practice.
In Los Angeles, the Rams reported a light injury day as tight end Tyler Higbee was limited after a health scare, while other key players did not participate. The Eagles opted for a rest day for several starters, including running back Saquon Barkley and center Cam Jurgens.
As the weekend approaches, teams will continue to fine-tune their rosters, hoping that their key players can shake off injuries and be ready to compete in the divisional round of the playoffs. The anticipation is building, and it will be interesting to see how these injury reports evolve as game day draws nearer.
