2 min read • January 04, 2022
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Lamar Jackson (38 last week) 42
The star Ravens quarterback missed his third straight game last Sunday as he recovers from a bone bruise in his right ankle. He practiced for the first time Wednesday, but looked severely hobbled by the injury. Even if he’s slightly better this week, we wouldn’t be surprised if he misses another game. The Ravens can improve their playoff chances with a win over the Steelers this Sunday, but they still need a lot of help to sneak into a wild card spot.
Damien Harris (93 last week) 81
Harris had two early touchdowns against the Jaguars last Sunday, but was used sparingly after that because the team was managing his hamstring injury. We expect him to play against the Dolphins, but he will likely split time with Rhamondre Stevenson.
Kyle Pitts 28
The rookie No. 4 overall pick injured his right hamstring in the loss to the Bills and did not finish the game. With the Falcons out of the playoffs, we don’t expect him to risk reinjury by playing this Sunday against the Saints.
Emmanuel Sanders 63
The veteran wideout missed last week’s game with a knee injury, but should play this week with the division crown up for grabs.
James Conner 52
Conner has missed two straight weeks with a heel injury. He has a decent chance to play this week, but will split carries with Chase Edmonds.
Elijah Mitchell 90
The rookie out of Boise State returned with a strong performance against the Texans last Sunday. He finished with 21 carries for 119 yards in his first action since early December. The knee problem should be behind him and the 49ers will need him healthy for the key matchup against the Rams.
Darren Waller 66
The Raiders tight end is reportedly expected to return this Sunday night after missing the previous five games with knee/back issues. We don’t know the full extent of his back or knee ailments, but we presume his knee problem was more than the IT band strain that was reported. He is still on the COVID reserve list, meaning he might miss practice time, but we expect him to be effective in his return.
Drew Lock 82
Lock stepped in for Teddy Bridgewater two weeks ago after Bridgewater suffered his second concussion of the season. Lock suffered an AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder during the loss to the Chargers, but returned to finish the game. He might miss practice time this week but will be under center against the Chiefs on Saturday. With the Broncos eliminated from playoff contention, Bridgewater won’t return this season.
Mike Evans (35 last week) 45
With Chris Godwin out for the season and Antonio Brown out of a Buccaneers uniform, Evans is the go-to receiver in Tampa Bay. Evans suffered a hamstring strain two weeks ago and will likely be rested with the Buccaneers out of contention for the No. 1 seed. Evans did play last Sunday against the Jets, finishing with four catches for 47 yards and a touchdown.
Miles Sanders 0
The Eagles starting running back suffered a broken hand two weeks ago and will miss the final regular season game. Philadelphia is locked into a playoff spot, thus he has a good chance to return in the wild card round.
Jordan Howard 16
Howard has his persistent stinger issue pop up recently and will likely rest this week. We expect to see him in the playoffs, but if he suffers another stinger it would mean an extended absence.
Mark Ingram 57
Ingram missed last week’s game with a knee injury, but will be back this week in a must-win scenario against the Falcons.
D.J. Moore 51
The star Panthers receiver has been bothered by a hamstring strain the past three weeks with his production suffering as a result. He will likely miss practice time and could sit out the season finale with the Panthers well out of the playoff hunt.
Julio Jones 26
Jones missed last week on the COVID reserve list. He will be back at practice, but we don’t see how he plays through his nagging hamstring injury this week.
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