1 Big Injury Question For Each Team In The AFC, NFC Championship Game

Kansas City Chiefs: Can Patrick Mahomes Manufacture Magic On Sprained Right Ankle?

Patrick Mahomes II, SIC score 84, suffered a right high-ankle sprain in the first quarter on Saturday but played the second half and said that he expects to play against the Bengals.

The injury limited Mahomes’ mobility and ability to throw off of his right leg, but the 27-year-old still showed flashes of magic in the game-sealing fourth quarter drive.

His acute ability to throw comfortably from any angle will mitigate the ankle sprain's impact and Mahomes should be able to play effectively in the AFC Championship Game rematch, according to the Pro Football Docs. 

Cincinnati Bengals: Who Will Start On Cobbled-Together And Surprisingly Effective OL?

For the fourth consecutive week a starting Bengals’ offensive lineman, center Ted Karras, suffered a lower-leg injury, although Karras didn’t miss a snap after his apparent ankle sprain in the first quarter.

Left tackle Jonah Williams missed the Divisional Round win with a dislocated left kneecap and while he could still return, both Alex Cappa and La’el Collins won’t return this season.

The Bengals have 223 rushing yards on 4.3 yards per carry and Burrow has taken five sacks for 28 yards lost and has 40 rushing yards with one touchdown. 

Philadelphia Eagles: Will Lane Johnson Play Effectively, Avonte Maddox Return vs. 49ers?

Veteran right tackle Lane Johnson appeared to aggravate his right core muscle injury in his first game back but was still effective against the dangerous Giants’ pass-rush and played all 67 snaps.

He will face an even greater challenge in Nick Bosa and the 49ers’ defensive front, which is unlikely to allow the Eagles to rush 44 times for 268 yards and three touchdowns. 

Additionally, No. 3 cornerback Avonte Maddox missed his third game since his turf toe injury and his surprise return would be a boon against the versatile and explosive San Francisco passing offense. 

San Francisco 49ers: Will Calf Limit Christian McCaffrey Again In Philadelphia?

Workhorse multi-use running back Christian McCaffrey nursed a right calf issue during the 49ers’ 19-12 win and was held to 57 total yards on 16 touches, his fewest since Week 13, just before his eight-game touchdown streak began.

Elijah Mitchell became the lead back in their two-man platoon during the second half with 14 carries for 51 yards and McCaffrey led the team with eight targets.

The 26-year-old will be an essential safety valve for rookie Brock Purdy vs. the Eagles’ defensive front that lapped the NFL with 70 sacks in the regular season and logged five combined sacks between four pass-rushers against the Giants.