The NFL has begun preparations for the first weekend of the 2023 NFL playoffs. We will enjoy three days of playoff football starting Saturday as the 12 teams attempt to survive to make it to round two.
Like throughout the entire season, injuries are going to be a major storyline in this first postseason slate. A team already has its signal-caller, while another may be looking outside for playoff opportunities. Let’s look at where each club stands on the injury front as they begin practice.
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Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers
Seahawks runningback Kenneth Walker III injured his ankle on Tuesday. He was a full participant in practice. Walker was not able to practice with guard Phil Haynes, running back DeeJay Texas (ankle, quad), cornerback Xavier Crawford and defensive end Shelby Harris. Al Woods, guard Gabe Jackson, and Al Woods (nose tackle) received rest days. Noah Fant (knee), and Ryan Neal (knee), were not allowed to practice.
As they prepare for the Seahawks, San Francisco didn’t have Jimmy Garoppolo (foot), or corner Ambry Tom (ankle). The team remains largely healthy. As limited participants, they listed Arik Armstead, defensive lineman (foot, ankle), Aaron Banks, offensive lineman (ankle and knee), Demetrius Flannigan–Fowles, linebacker (back), Dre Greenlaw, defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, running back Christian McCaffrey, (knee).
Los Angeles Chargers (-22) at Jacksonville Jaguars
Los Angeles placed wide receiver Mike Williams back (non-participant) for the second consecutive day. This puts his eligibility for Saturday’s matchup in serious doubt. The injury report was almost identical to Tuesday’s, with all of the participants listed as full-time practitioners, except Joey Bosa (groin). However, it is important to note that safety Raheem (thumb), was also added to the injury list, although he practiced full.
After missing Tuesday’s session with a right-leg injury, Riley Patterson was back in Jacksonville. On Wednesday, he was fully participating. Ross Matiscik, a long-snapper (back), remained out. The injuries of Trevor Lawrence, Quarterback and receiver Kendric Pryor (shoulder), Jamal Agnew (shoulder), Brandon Scherff (abdomen), and Kendric Pryor (receiver) are all limited.
Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills (-13).
On Wednesday, Mike McDaniel, the Dolphins’ head coach, told reporters that doctors have not cleared Tua Tagovailoa from concussion. This weekend, we won’t be playing. He did not practice Wednesday. Neither did Terron Arstead (toe and pec), Terron Armstead, tackle TerronArmstead (toe, knee, hip), Bradley Chubb (ankle), Liam Eichenberg (hand), Kendall Lamm, running back Raheem Moret (thumb), and Brandon Shell (knee, an ankle). Melvin Ingram, linebacker, was also absent from practice. He was only given a day off. Teddy Bridgewater’s recovery from injuries to his finger and knee was not complete. Skylar Thompson was his backup in Week 18. However, the rookie will likely start with Tagovailoa. The rest of his injuries were limited to fullback Alec Ingold (thumb), Jaelan Phillips linebacker (toe, wrist), Jaylen Waddle receiver (ankle), Cedrick Wilson Jr. receiver (hip, groin), and Jeff Wilson Jr. running back (illness).
Jordan Phillips, a defensive tackle who was suffering from a shoulder injury, was the only Bills player not able to practice. Both Rodger Saffold and safety Jordan Poyer were given days off. Although wideout Isaiah McKenzie’s injury was minor, quarterback Josh Allen’s injuries to the right elbow and forearm were both listed in the injury report. Corner Cam Lewis (forearm), and tight end Rodger Saffold (hamstring) were also limited.
New York Giants at Minnesota Vikings
New York saw perfect attendance on Wednesday. This included defensive back Xavier McKinney (ankle), Adore’ Jackson (knee), and Azeez Ojulari (ankle). Amongst them, Jon Feliciano, defensive back Adore’ Jackson (knee), Azeez Ojulari (ankle), Jason Pinnock (shoulder), and Leonard Williams (neck), were all in limited attendance.
Cam Dantzler, cornerback for the Vikings (ankle injury), did not participate in Wednesday’s practice. The line Vikings’ player who was absent from Wednesday’s session was Cam Dantzler (ankle, personal matter). Linebacker Brian Asamoah II(knee), center Garrett Bradbury II (back), and safety Harrison Smith were all limited.
Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals
Lamar Jackson (knee), did not participate in practice Wednesday and Thursday, as Baltimore began its preparations for the beginning of the playoffs. Jackson was sidelined after sustaining a knee injury against Denver in Week 13. Long snapper Nick Moore, running back Gus Edwards and corner Brandon Stephen were also unable to practice because of injury. All but corner Marlon Humphrey, quarterback Tyler Huntley (right shoulder and wrist), and Marcus Peters (calf), were limited. All other players, including defensive end Calais Campbell and linebacker Justin Houston as well as linebacker Jason Pierre Paul, guard Ben Powers, and Ronnie Stanley, were given rest days.
To begin the week, Cincinnati’s wideout Tee Higgins was unable to practice due to illness. Guard Alex Cappa had an injured ankle. Corner Cam Taylor-Britt was also limited (groin).
Dallas Cowboys (-2.5) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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