NEW YORK — Dec. 28, 2023
As the NFL regular season approaches its climax in Week 17, teams are grappling with injury challenges that could significantly impact their final standings. Here’s an in-depth look at the latest injury updates across the league:
Detroit Lions at Dallas Cowboys: Saturday Night Showdown
Detroit Lions: The Lions are facing some major setbacks. Safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, linebacker James Houston, and tight end Brock Wright are ruled out. Cornerback Cameron Sutton remains questionable. The team’s practice participation has been limited, with several key players, including center Frank Ragnow and Sutton, not participating on Thursday.
Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys didn’t practice on Tuesday or Thursday, with running back Rico Dowdle and defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins out for the upcoming game. Defensive end Viliami Fehoko and tackle Tyron Smith are listed as questionable. Limited participation was noted for several players, including wide receiver Brandin Cooks and cornerback Stephon Gilmore.
Arizona Cardinals at Philadelphia Eagles
Arizona Cardinals: Wide receiver Marquise Brown and quarterback Kyler Murray did not participate in practice, raising concerns for their upcoming game. Several players, including safety Andre Chachere and linebacker Zaven Collins, had limited participation.
Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles reported cornerback Darius Slay as not participating in both Wednesday and Thursday practices. Linebackers Zach Cunningham and Nicholas Morrow were limited in their participation.
Atlanta Falcons at Chicago Bears
Atlanta Falcons: Key players, including quarterback Taylor Heinicke and guard Chris Lindstrom, had limited participation, while defensive end Calais Campbell and running back Cordarrelle Patterson did not participate on Wednesday.
Chicago Bears: Tight end Cole Kmet and wide receiver Darnell Mooney did not participate in practice, posing challenges for the Bears’ offensive lineup.
Carolina Panthers at Jacksonville Jaguars
Carolina Panthers: The Panthers reported cornerback Jaycee Horn and Troy Hill as not participating on Thursday, potentially affecting their defensive strategy.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s non-participation in practice raises significant concerns for the Jaguars’ offense.
Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs
Cincinnati Bengals: Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase’s limited participation could impact the Bengals’ offensive capabilities.
Kansas City Chiefs: Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Isiah Pacheco, along with cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, did not participate, potentially impacting both offense and defense.
Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings: Sunday Night Game
Green Bay Packers: Linebacker De’Vondre Campbell and wide receivers Christian Watson and Dontayvion Wicks did not participate in practice, creating potential gaps in their lineup.
Minnesota Vikings: Safety Theo Jackson and cornerback Byron Murphy’s non-participation is a concern for the Vikings’ secondary.
Other Notable Injuries:
- Las Vegas Raiders: Running back Josh Jacobs did not participate, raising concerns for the Raiders’ ground game.
- Indianapolis Colts: Wide receiver D.J. Montgomery’s non-participation could impact the Colts’ passing options.
- Los Angeles Chargers: Wide receiver Keenan Allen and linebacker Kenneth Murray did not participate, possibly affecting both offense and defense.
- Denver Broncos: Linebacker Baron Browning and wide receiver Courtland Sutton’s non-participation are significant concerns.
- Los Angeles Rams: Cornerback Tre’Vius Tomlinson’s non-participation could weaken the Rams’ secondary.
- New York Giants: Tight end Lawrence Cager and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence’s limited participation could impact the Giants’ strategy.
- Miami Dolphins: Running back Raheem Mostert and wide receiver Jaylen Waddle’s non-participation might affect their offensive flexibility.
- Baltimore Ravens: Wide receiver Zay Flowers and linebacker Del’Shawn Phillips did not participate, raising defensive concerns.
- New England Patriots: Tackle Trenton Brown and cornerback Jalen Mills’ non-participation could pose challenges on both ends.
- Buffalo Bills: Defensive end Shaq Lawson’s illness adds to the Bills’ defensive worries.
- New Orleans Saints: Tackle Ryan Ramczyk’s non-participation is a concern for the Saints’ offensive line.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Linebacker Shaquil Barrett and cornerback Carlton Davis did not participate, impacting their defensive strength.
- Pittsburgh Steelers: Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and linebacker Elandon Roberts’ non-participation raises concerns for the Steelers’ defense.
- Seattle Seahawks: Wide receiver D’Wayne Eskridge and defensive end Mario Edwards’ non-participation could impact Seahawks on both sides.
- San Francisco 49ers: Defensive tackle Arik Armstead and guard Aaron Banks’ non-participation is worrying for the 49ers’ lineup.
- Washington Commanders: Safety Percy Butler and cornerback Kendall Fuller’s limited participation could challenge their defensive strategy.
- Tennessee Titans: Defensive tackle Quinton Bohanna’s non-participation is a concern for the Titans’ defensive line.
- Houston Texans: Defensive end Will Anderson and cornerback Steven Nelson’s non-participation could impact Texans’ defensive efficiency.
With the playoffs looming, these injuries could have significant implications for the teams’ strategies and their chances of securing a favorable position in the postseason.
