2 min read • February 07, 2022
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Joe Burrow (94 last week) 94
The second-year quarterback is the healthiest he has been since tearing his ACL and MCL in November 2020. We wrote an article early last week about his improved movement in the pocket in the second half of the season. His throwing ability is also no longer affected by the left knee injury.
C.J. Uzomah (92 last week) 47
Uzomah suffered an MCL sprain in the AFC Championship win over the Chiefs. The Bengals' tight end has not practiced since, but told reporters Monday he is not going to miss the game. He wouldn’t be playing if this was a regular season injury, but every player wants to suit up for the Super Bowl. Expect him to be severely limited, especially on cuts and blocks to the right.
Matthew Stafford (91 last week) 89
The former Lions quarterback suffered a mild left knee MCL sprain in the NFC championship win over the 49ers, but remained in the game. He will likely have limited mobility in the pocket, which could play a big role with left tackle Andrew Whitworth not 100% with his own MCL sprain and quad injury.
Cam Akers (82 last week) 75
Akers has had an impressive recovery since tearing his Achilles tendon last July, but he has yet to look as explosive or effective as his rookie season. He averaged 4.3 yards per carry in 13 games his rookie season. In three playoff games this year he is averaging 2.8 yards per carry.
Sony Michel (88 last week) 86
The former Patriots running back looked good after taking over for Darrell Henderson Jr. late in the regular season, but has faded as the playoffs have progressed. He has chronic knee issues dating back to college, but can be effective with limited touches. His 3.3 yards per carry in the playoffs is the best in the Rams backfield right now.
Darrell Henderson Jr. (23 last week) 88
Henderson, the Rams third-year back, has not played since suffering an MCL sprain in Week 16 against the Vikings. Michel has since taken his role and Akers has now returned, but Henderson could be the Rams’ healthiest running back if he’s activated for the Super Bowl. He averaged 4.6 yards per carry in 12 games this season.
Odell Beckham Jr. (90 last week) 92
The former Browns wideout has performed well with the quarterback change, but we detailed last week how much of that improvement has come from his ability to get open in tight spaces. He was unable to do that early in the season because his surgically repaired left knee was not healthy enough to perform at his typical level. That is not an issue now and he will see plenty of targets against the Cincinnati secondary.
Van Jefferson (82 last week) 80
The Rams’ deep threat has been bothered by a knee injury that past few weeks and has struggled to be effective. Although the exact knee issue remains unclear, it will likely affect his ability to get open against the Bengals’ safeties. His longest catch in the playoffs was a 41-yard completion in the Wild Card round against the Cardinals.
Tyler Higbee (90 last week) 71
Early last week, we predicted that Higbee would have a better chance to play than Bengals tight end C.J. Uzomah. Although neither tight end practiced last week, we still hold that belief because, by video, Higbee’s MCL sprain was less severe. Third-year backup tight end Kendall Blanton did an excellent job filling in for Higbee against the 49ers and could be in line for more work against the Bengals.
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