Title: NFL Playoff Picture Heats Up as Key Injuries Impact Final Week
As the NFL regular season enters its final week, the race for the Super Bowl intensifies, with a whopping 20 teams still eligible for the prestigious title. This year, five playoff berths are up for grabs, marking the highest number since 2020. However, injury concerns loom large, as many crucial games will determine the fate of these teams.
The Pittsburgh Steelers received a blow as running back Najee Harris was ruled out due to injury. However, there was some good news, as safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and linebacker Elandon Roberts returned to practice, boosting the team’s confidence.
Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens announced that star quarterback Lamar Jackson will not see action against the Steelers, further raising the stakes for both teams. On the other hand, the Houston Texans faced setbacks with key players like defensive end Will Anderson Jr. and wide receiver Noah Brown missing practice.
In Indianapolis, the Colts witnessed a mix of absences and returns. Center Ryan Kelly and guard Quenton Nelson did not participate in practice, while cornerback Kenny Moore and tackle Braden Smith returned to full training sessions.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ quarterback Baker Mayfield’s availability for their upcoming game against the Carolina Panthers remains in question due to a rib injury. Over at the Cleveland Browns, quarterback Joe Flacco faces the possibility of being rested against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Minnesota Vikings, still alive in the playoff race, faced a setback with cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. missing practice. Similarly, the Detroit Lions dealt with absences from wide receiver Jameson Williams and tackle Taylor Decker, while safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson made a full return.
Elsewhere, the New York Jets announced that quarterback Zach Wilson would not be available, while the New England Patriots saw limited participation from tight end Hunter Henry and wide receiver DeVante Parker.
The NFC South has high stakes, as both the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons require a win and a loss by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to secure the division title. In the AFC South, the Jacksonville Jaguars need a win to clinch, and quarterback Trevor Lawrence is expected to brave injuries and take the field.
Other teams also faced injury concerns in the final week. The Seattle Seahawks had linebacker Nick Bellore and center Evan Brown miss practice, while the Arizona Cardinals dealt with absences from linebacker Dennis Gardeck and offensive lineman D.J. Humphries.
The Chicago Bears saw tight end Cole Kmet and wide receiver Darnell Mooney on the sidelines, while the Green Bay Packers suffered the absence of running back AJ Dillon and guard Elgton Jenkins.
The Kansas City Chiefs have already secured their playoff spot and will rest quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Additionally, the team had several players, including defensive tackle Chris Jones, sit out practice.
The Denver Broncos dealt with the absence of tight end Chris Manhertz and running back Samaje Perine, while the Las Vegas Raiders listed running back Josh Jacobs and tight end Michael Mayer as non-participants.
The Philadelphia Eagles faced minor injury concerns, but cornerback Darius Slay and wide receiver DeVonta Smith are expected to play. The New York Giants had quarterback Tyrod Taylor limited in practice.
Several key players for the Los Angeles Rams, such as offensive lineman Brian Allen, tackle Rob Havenstein, and tight end Tyler Higbee, did not participate in practice. The San Francisco 49ers held out Arik Armstead and Nick Bosa from their training sessions.
The injury report for the Dallas Cowboys was lengthy, but most veterans were given rest days. The Washington Commanders had quarterback Jacoby Brissett limited in practice, while cornerback Kendall Fuller did not participate.
Lastly, the Buffalo Bills boasted a light injury report, with quarterback Josh Allen practicing in full. Meanwhile, the Miami Dolphins faced concerns with players like tackle Terron Armstead and cornerback Xavien Howard missing practice.
As the regular season comes to a dramatic close, the NFL teams embark on a final push towards the playoffs, fully aware that injuries could play a decisive role in their postseason ambitions. Stay tuned as the drama unfolds in this thrilling conclusion to the 2021 NFL season.
