David Chao, MD
2 min read • January 17, 2024
Posted in
No. 1 receiver, Rashee Rice emerged from the frigid Wild Card win with a left knee injury that could linger into the Divisional Round. Race landed hard on his left knee on a catch late in the ball game, but remained in and even caught a 29-yard pass afterward. By video, Rice appeared to suffer a left knee contusion/bone bruise that could limit him in practice and even in the Divisional Round against the Bills.
Other than Rice, the defending champions enter the next round with a relatively clean bill of health. On defense, starting free safety Brian Cook is the only key absence.
With C.J. Stroud back from his concussion absence, the Texans are hitting stride at the right time from a health perspective. His left tackle Laremy Tunsil is nursing a groin injury he suffered in Week 17 and a minor knee injury he picked up in the Wild Card win over the Browns. Rookie wideout Tank Dell is out for the season with his ankle fracture, while Noah Brown and Robert Woods have missed time recently with back and hip injuries respectively.
On the other side of the ball, rookie edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. looks to be past the high ankle sprain that sapped some of his effectiveness late in the season.
Star tight end Mark Andrews returned to the practice field during the bye, a significant step in his recovery from the left ankle fracture he suffered in Week 11. While it’s still a longshot that we will see him in the Divisional or Conference Championship rounds, it’s not impossible that he could return for the Super Bowl if the Ravens advance. Second-year tight end Isaiah Likely has filled in well and will be relied on heavily in the absence of Andrews.
The Ravens got the benefit of rest in the first round of the playoffs, but have lingering injury concerns despite locking up the No. 1 seed. The key depth issue is in the backfield, where they lost both J.K. Dobbins and Keaton Mitchell to season-ending injuries. Zay Flowers had a calf injury late in the regular season, but the extra rest should help put the issue behind him for the playoffs. On the defensive side, No. 1 CB Marlon Humphrey reaggravated a calf strain in Week 17 and will likely miss the Divisional Round.
Buffalo lost yet another key defender in the win over the Steelers with second year linebacker Terrell Bernard exiting with a right ankle sprain. Good news is he did not have a fracture however, it appeared to be a high-grade ankle sprain that will likely keep them out beyond this week.
Despite injuries at several key defensive positions, the Bills have now won six straight games. After losing top CB Tre’Davious White, veteran linebacker Matt Milano and playing a majority of the season without Von Miller, Buffalo allowed the fourth least points in the league and was ranked seventh and 15th in passing yards allowed and rushing yards allowed respectively.
In Week 18, wideout Gabe Davis exited with an injury to his left knee and was ruled out. By video, Davis’ injury did not appear severe and he should not miss much time. His availability in the Divisional Round is yet to be determined. If Davis is not available against the Chiefs, it could open up more opportunities for Khalil Shakir, who had 6 catches for 105 yards in the final week of the regular season and 3 catches for 31 yards and a touchdown against the Steelers.
Written by David Chao, MD
