2 min read • January 16, 2024
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Quarterback Baker Mayfield proved his toughness in a big win over the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card round. He finished 22 for 36 for 337 yards and 3 touchdowns despite getting sacked 4 times.
He entered the game with a questionable designation due to rib and right ankle injuries, but neither injury is likely to affect him in the Divisional Round against the Lions.
On offense, the Buccaneers are down center Ryan Jensen and Russell Gage, but have had an entire season to adjust to those losses. Their defense is entirely healthy and boasts an overall SIC score of 92.7.
Despite missing No. 2 running back A.J. Dillon and having speedster Christian Watson be a non-factor, the Packers grabbed a big upset victory over the No. 2 seed Dallas Cowboys.
Better yet, they emerged from the game without any additional injuries besides a minor left ankle aggravation for cornerback Jaire Alexander. Luke Musgrave is back healthy after missing a big stretch with a lacerated liver and Watson will have another week to get up to speed before facing off with a stingy 49ers defense.
Green Bay was able to ride Aaron Jones for 21 carries, 118 yards and 3 touchdowns against Dallas while Emanuel Wilson added 8 carries for 20 yards.
Dillon has an outside chance to return from his stinger, but Jordan Love and Jones are clearly the focal points of the offense. Wideout Romeo Doubs was unaffected by his rib injury in the Wild Card round and our panel of docs are expecting Jayden Reed to look better from his rib and toe injuries in the Divisional Round.
Despite our panel of docs expecting tight end Sam LaPorta to miss significant time in the playoffs, he suited up and caught a touchdown in his postseason debut. While he was clearly not his usual self and had a bulky brace on his left knee, he was able to be effective in short yardage situations despite the left knee LCL sprain he suffered in Week 18.
His health should improve gradually in the playoffs, but don’t expect a big difference in his role for the Divisional Round. It will still be difficult for him to cut on routes using his left knee and be effective after the catch.
Speedster Kalif Raymond missed the Wild Card round with a high-grade PCL sprain he suffered in Week 18 and is likely a longshot to return to face the Bucs.
Josh Reynolds filled his role nicely against the Rams, catching 5 of his 7 targets for 80 yards. Jameson Williams should have more mobility next week from the left ankle sprain he suffered in Week 17. He was held to 2 catches for 19 yards against Los Angeles.
On defense, their health has slightly improved with the return of safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson. The former Saint suffered a pec tendon tear early in the season, but was able to rehab to make it back to the playoffs. Detroit is down No. 1 cornerback Emmanuel Moseley, who suffered a torn ACL in early October.
Christian McCaffrey should be full go given that he’ll have had nearly three weeks to rest his “mild calf strain.” Tuesday will be a key day to watch for McCaffrey’s practice report, but our panel of docs expect he will be FP by Thursday at the latest and receive his usual workload against the Packers.
Outside of McCaffrey, the 49ers’ main issue is at safety – where they have had to cope with the loss of Talanoa Hufanga. Since losing Hufanga to a torn ACL in mid-November, the team has turned to rookie Ji’Ayir Brown to replace some of his excellent production in coverage and to stop the run. Brown has filled in adequately with 2 interceptions, 4 passes defended and 35 combined tackles in 15 games.
On the defensive line, defensive tackle Arik Armstead has been limited to just 12 games with a lingering foot issue, but should be ready for the playoff push. Fellow defensive tackle Javon Hargraves has chronic knee issues, but played effectively down the stretch to finish with 7 sacks and 8 tackles for a loss this season.
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