NFL divisional round injury report: Final statuses for every playoff team
Only eight teams remain in the NFL playoffs, and a trip to Championship Sunday is on the line this weekend as the divisional round takes center stage. The league is coming off a truly wild Wild Card weekend, with most games decided in the final moments, setting the stage for what is shaping up to be one of the most memorable playoff series in recent memory. THE the bar is high for the divisional round — and he has a lot to do.
As much emphasis is placed on showdowns that will determine who advances and who goes homeinjuries are also imminent. Wild Card Weekend delivered plenty of drama, but it also took its toll. The 49ers lost tight end George Kittle for the rest of the season with a torn Achilles, while Texans receiver Nico Collins and Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez each left their games with concussions. Meanwhile, the Seahawks are closely monitoring Sam Darnold after suffering an injury. oblique injury during practice.
As teams complete their on-field preparations for this final round of the playoffs, let’s take a look at the final injury reports to see who is included, who is out and whose status remains up in the air.
Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET (CBS | Paramount+)
Josh Allen began the week as a limited participant due to injuries to his right foot, knee and finger. However, the franchise quarterback logged back-to-back full practices to close the week and carries no injury designations for Saturday’s game. Meanwhile, defensive end AJ Epenesa (neck), tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee, calf) and linebacker Matt Milano (ankle) also enter the weekend without an injury designation after each was limited throughout the week. Buffalo activated defensive tackle Ed Oliver and receiver Curtis Samuel off injured reserve on Friday, signaling their return. Oliver hasn’t played since Week 8.
Denver is relatively healthy heading into this game. Only four players were listed on the final injury report, and only two were ruled out. Most notably, linebacker Dre Greenlaw logged a full practice Thursday and carries no injury designations.
Saturday, 8 p.m. ET (Fox | Fubotry for free)
Despite strong pressure to return, the 49ers excluded linebacker Fred Warner for this playoff game. Meanwhile, the status of wide receiver Ricky Pearsall remains up in the air, although he practiced all week on a limited basis. On a more positive note, star left tackle Trent Williams (hamstring) carries no injury designation after fully practicing in each of the final two sessions of the week.
All eyes are on Sam Darnold after he appeared on the injury report Thursday with an oblique injury. Darnold said he’s confident he’ll be able to pull through, but he’s officially listed as questionable. If he can’t go, backup Drew Lock would be placed in the starting role for this playoff game.
Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots
Sunday, 3 p.m. ET (ESPN, ABC | Fubotry for free)
The Texans are relatively healthy heading into this divisional game, but the absence alone seems significant. The club has excluded top receiver Nico Collins after suffering a concussion last week against Pittsburgh. Collins didn’t practice at all this week.
The Patriots will have top cornerback Christian Gonzalez available after cleared the concussion protocol and practiced fully during the last two days of the week. Right tackle Morgan Moses (knee) also carries no injury designation after being limited earlier in the week. One player to watch is Harold Landry III. He was limited Wednesday and Thursday with a knee injury, but did not practice Friday, putting his status in doubt heading into the game.
Sunday, 6:30 p.m. ET (NBC | Fubotry for free)
LA will get right guard Kevin Dotson back after missing the last few weeks with an ankle injury. He was a full participant in Friday’s session.
Chicago lists wide receiver Rome Odunze as questionable for Sunday’s game, but he practiced fully Friday, suggesting he should be available. DJ Moore is also expected to play after logging a full practice Friday following limited sessions Wednesday and Thursday due to a knee injury. As for McCloud, he didn’t practice at all this week due to a groin injury and is the only Bears player to have been officially ruled out.
