David Chao, MD
2 min read • January 10, 2023
Posted in
With a last-minute 51-yard field goal from Jason Sanders, the Dolphins clinched the #7 seed in the AFC playoffs.
However, they did not come away unscathed. Here’s a rundown of both team's injury issues heading into the Wild Card round matchup between Miami and Buffalo.
The NFL’s leader in passer rating (105.5) remains in concussion protocol and is unlikely to suit up for the Wild Card round, according to the Pro Football Docs. The team is likely to be cautious with the 24-year-old lefty after his second documented concussion in Week 16.
Skylar Thompson started in Week 18, going 20 for 31 for 152 yards. Teddy Bridgewater was active, but didn’t play after suffering a dislocated pinky finger in Week 17.
Bridgewater’s pinky should be better by next week and it will likely come down to a coaching decision who starts under center.
The former 49ers rusher suffered a broken right thumb in Week 18 and did not return to the ball game. He was seen with his thumb wrapped after the game and underwent surgery to stabilize the fracture.
Mostert will likely be available to play, but ball security could be an issue depending on his ability to grip the ball.
The league’s second leading receiver left multiple times with an ankle injury in the Week 18 win over the Jets, but should be fine for the Wild Card round. Video from Sunday did not show anything significant to cause a new injury. He did seem to be favoring the same ankle that was injured in Week 14, but Hill played through that injury as well.
By video, Waddle suffered a mild inversion left ankle sprain late in Week 18. He did not return to the ball game, but likely could have continued with his ankle taped if the game had gone into overtime.
There’s no doubt he will play against the Bills, but how effective he will be remains to be seen. Check back on his player page here for more on his status as the practice week continues.
The big free agent acquisition has struggled to stay on the field this season while battling numerous ailments. He’s dealt with turf toe, achilles tendinitis and a pectoral injury of late and hasn’t started since Week 16. If he does play in the playoffs, he will be at much less than 100% effectiveness.
The backup right tackle has been stepping in for Austin Jackson, who is on IR with an ankle injury. Shell suffered a high ankle sprain/MCL sprain in Week 18 and his status for the Wild Card round is in doubt. The Dolphins may be forced to play Robert Hunt at right tackle with Shell out.
Miami also has numerous issues on defense, especially in the secondary.
Depth corner Nik Needham and No. 2 corner Byron Jones are both on IR, plus top corner Xavien Howard is playing through a knee injury that has him less than 100%.
Key edge rusher Bradley Chubb is playing through a wrist injury, but has upgraded from a club to a brace. He shouldn’t be limited in the playoffs.
Two other notable absences are strong safety Brandon Jones and defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah, who are both on IR and unlikely to return at any point in the playoffs.
The Bills are down veteran WRs Jamison Crowder and Jake Kumerow, but have fared well on offense the entire season with Stefon Diggs, Gabe Davis and Dawson Knox healthy. They have also added veteran, shifty wideout Cole Beasley.
With Josh Allen at the helm, the Bills have scored the fifth most points in the league and rank 7th in both passing yards and rushing yards during the regular season.
Free safety Damar Hamlin is a big loss in countless ways for this team. The fact that he’s alive and on the road to recovery is great news given the circumstances, but his play in the secondary will be hard to replace. Hamlin had been filling in admirably for All-Pro safety Micah Hyde, while strong safety Jordan Poyer is playing through a partially torn lateral meniscus.
Despite the loss of star pass rusher Von Miller, the Bills have allowed the second least points this season. They rank middle of the pack in sacks with 40.
No. 1 cornerback Tre’Davious White is still working his way back from his Thanksgiving 2021 ACL tear, but in Week 18 he got his first interception since his ACL tear. The Bills’ secondary ranked 15th in passing yards allowed during the regular season.
The Bills are favored by 10.5 points at home and the over/under is 44.5, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
This season, our staff went 53.3% on live bets and 50.2% on player props.
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Written by David Chao, MD
