2 min read • January 11, 2022
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Quarterbacks
Joe Burrow 92
The second-year quarterback’s knees are healthy and ready for the Bengals’ first playoff game since 2015. He rested the final week of the season and his right knee ‘tweak” in Week 17 should be completely behind him. Burrow performed well on his surgically repaired left leg all season, finishing with 4,611 passing yards, 34 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
Jimmy Garoppolo (51 last week) 71
The 30-year-old 49ers quarterback performed better than expected in the overtime win over the Rams last Sunday, but could still have accuracy issues. He had two interceptions last week and most of his misses were behind receivers. We expect Garoppolo to get an injection to manage the pain once pregame and once at halftime.
Matthew Stafford (92 last week) 86
The veteran Rams passer suffered a mild turf toe injury late in the loss to the 49ers and could have limited mobility against the Cardinals. Although he operates primarily as a pocket passer, the toe injury could limit his ability to avoid sacks.
Running Backs
Damien Harris (81 last week) 90
Harris had two early touchdowns against the Jaguars Week 17, but was used sparingly after that because the team was managing his hamstring injury. He had 11 rushes for 37 yards and a touchdown in the loss to Miami, but should be ready for a full workload this week against the Bills.
Leonard Fournette 52
The former No. 4 overall pick suffered a significant hamstring injury in Week 15 and missed the final three games of the season. He’s likely another week or two from being effective, but will likely suit up with the Buccaneers having few options behind him.
Ronald Jones 84
The 24-year-old got two straight starts for the injured Fournette before sitting out the season finale with an ankle injury. He’ll likely be healthy enough to start, but may not have his usual cutting ability.
Miles Sanders (0 last week) 84
The Eagles starting running back suffered a broken hand two weeks ago and missed the final regular season game. He has a good chance to return in the Wildcard round, but may have issues with ball security and his pass catching.
Jordan Howard (16 last week) 73
Howard has an issue with stingers that popped up in the season’s final two weeks. He will play against the Buccaneers, but would face an extended absence if his stinger issue returns.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire 88
The former LSU rusher suffered an AC joint sprain Week 16, but should be ready to return this week against the Steelers. Darrel Williams is dealing with a toe injury, but him and Derrick Gore would be in the mix for more usage if Edwards-Helaire can’t go.
Najee Harris 88
The rookie Steelers running back suffered a dislocated right elbow in the win over Baltimore last week, but returned and finished the game. He can play with a brace and his elbow injury isn’t a concern.
Chase Edmonds 86
The fourth-year running back missed the final week of the season with an injured toe and hurt ribs. He will play Monday and gets the benefit of an extra day’s rest.
James Conner (52 last week) 75
Conner missed two straight weeks with a heel injury before returning in the season’s final game. He suffered a rib cartilage injury in the loss to the Seahawks, but could play this week with a rib block injection to manage the pain. He’ll split touches with Edmonds if he plays.
Sony Michel/Cam Akers/Darrell Henderson Jr. 84
Michel has firmly taken the lead back role since Henderson has dealt with multiple injuries late in the season. His latest injury, a right knee MCL sprain, could keep him out this week as well. Akers, the second-year back, played in his first game last Sunday since the July right Achilles tendon tear. His recovery has happened remarkably quick, but he still has a ways to go before regaining his old form.
Wide Receivers
Tyreek Hill 90
The speedy Chiefs wideout injured his heel during warmups before facing the Broncos. He played on just 18% of the team’s snaps, but will be ready for a full workload against the Steelers this Sunday.
Mike Evans (45 last week) 90
The veteran Buccaneers receiver seems to be past his Week 15 hamstring injury, good news for a Tampa team down three other wideouts. Evans shook off a nerve issue to return last game and shouldn’t be affected by it going forward.
Emmanuel Sanders (63 last week) 81
The veteran wideout has missed the last two weeks with a knee injury, but is likely to suit up for his first playoff game since last season’s Divisional Round on the Saints.
Tight Ends
Darren Waller (66 last week) 66
The Raiders tight end returned Sunday night after missing the previous five games with knee/back issues. He looked rusty and wasn’t as effective as usual, hauling in just 2 of his 9 targets against the Chargers.
C.J. Uzomah 88
The Bengals tight end dealt with knee and hip issues last week, but we don't expect those ailments to affect him much in the playoffs.
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