Miami Dolphins vs. Kansas City Chiefs: Which Team Has the Injury Edge?

Miami Dolphins - SIC score 78.7

Miami enters this game in frigid conditions with a disadvantage on the health front. Although several key offensive players enter the game with a “questionable” designation, the real issue is in the linebacking core. The Dolphins lost Jaelan Phillips to a torn Achilles tendon in Week 12, Bradley Chubb to a torn ACL in Week 17, Jerome Baker to a wrist injury in Week 18 and Andrew Van Ginkel to a foot injury also in Week 18. Among those four, they have amassed 25 sacks, 166 solo tackles and 28 tackles for a loss this season.

Options to replace those four are thin, forcing the Dolphins to bring in veterans Justin Houston, Bruce Irvin, Malik Reed and Melvin Ingram for help. On the offensive side of the ball, these are the two key injuries to know:

Jaylen Waddle - SIC score 86

Questionable with left ankle sprain - our panel of docs expect he will play in opening playoff round against Chiefs - should be near full usage despite missing W16 and 17 - LP all week.

Raheem Mostert - SIC score 81

Questionable to play with left knee/ankle injuries - LP all week - Pro Football Docs expect he will be back for opening playoff round but likely to split snaps with De'Von Achane - missed W16 and 17.

Kansas City Chiefs - SIC score 91.5

The Chiefs offensive line has been a concern all season, but they are getting starting left tackle Donovan Smith back for the opening playoff round. Smith missed the past five weeks with a neck injury, but should be ready for full snaps against the Dolphins.

Embattled wideout Kadarius Toney is questionable with hip/ankle injuries that kept him out of the past three weeks. Depth wide receiver Justyn Ross is also questionable with a hamstring injury. Neither figure to be a big part of the game plan if active.

The rest of the offense is healthy including Rashee Rice and Isiah Pacheco.

On the other side of the ball, starting free safety Bryan Cook is the only absence of note. No. 2 cornerback L’Jarius Sneed has been on the injury report recently with a calf injury, but will likely play full snaps against the Dolphins.