2 min read • December 18, 2024
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As we look towards Week 16 of the NFL season, several teams are struggling with key injuries that will impact upcoming games. At SICscore.com, we provide expert insights from Dr. David Chao, MD (@ProFootballDoc) and other top sports doctors to help you understand the impact of these injuries on the player and team. Get a free account at Sports Injury Central to see the upcoming game matchup data for each player!
Patrick Mahomes has acknowledged that the right high ankle sprain he sustained last week is similar to the one he incurred in the playoffs in 2022, he's a very flexible athlete, documented by his past injuries he's able to bounce back from these injuries, he'll play this weekend and on Christmas, there's a very low chance of reaggravation, it only gets worse if he gets rolled up, which can happen, but look for the Chiefs to gameplan around this with underneath throws, which is Mahomes's strength, he will be reasonably effective with minimal chance of re-injury.
Aidan O'Connell has no injury designation ahead of W16's matchup vs the Jaguars, he had sustained a bone bruise in W14 but has been a full participant in practice this week
Geno Smith exited the Week 15 game in the second half with a knee injury, by video we couldn't see a specific injury, the hope is he's more hurt than injured, he will undergo tests on Monday to determine the exact nature of the injury.
Drew Lock Is pacing to start Week 16, he practiced on Wednesday and head coach Brian Daboll said that he is expecting Lock to start after dealing with injuries to his heel and elbow.
For a couple of weeks now, Tony Pollard has been effective with an unknown ankle injury, despite a practice schedule of DNP, DNP, LP, Questionable tag, expect more of the same for Week 16, he will continue to be effective.
David Montgomery has not been placed on IR as of yet as he is seeking a third opinion on his injured MCL, head coach Dan Campbell has already said Montgomery is expected to undergo season-ending surgery, but Montgomery is leaving the door open for a late playoff return if the Lions make it that far.
Alvin Kamara suffered a groin injury, for a speedy running back it means his chances are low of coming back. If the Saints were in better playoff positioning, he could go but will need to be monitored more closely this week.
Nick Chubb made a remarkable recovery from a devastating knee injury a year ago, he wasn't 100% but he did overperform our expectations, the stress fracture in his foot is unfortunate but expect Chubb to be back 100% by the start of next season.
Kenneth Walker has no injury designation ahead of Sunday's game vs the Vikings, he is cleared from the calf injury he had been managing.
Tyreek Hill is listed as questionable with a wrist injury that has been lingering all season, he logged a limited practice on Friday after a full session on Thursday indicating a reverse trend to his availability for this weekend.
Rashod Bateman was seen with a walking boot on his foot in the Ravens' locker room Thursday and listed as a non-participant in practice as well, the final injury report of the week will have his official determination for the weekend but chances of him playing are low at this point.
Marquise Brown is expected to be activated off injured reserve ahead of Saturday's game against the Texans and is ready to make his season debut, it's unclear how productive he will be in his first game back, but his return comes at a great time for the Chiefs before the playoffs.
A.J. Brown sustained a left ankle injury on a hip drop tackle, luckily by video he avoids major injury as his foot was not planted at the moment of injury, will continue to monitor for a more official determination of his status
Malik Nabers been limited by two injuries in practice to his knee and foot, however, that hasn't prevented him from being productive, last week he saw 10 targets for 82yds and a touchdown, he will continue to be monitored but there's a good chance he'll continue to play as he has been.
Jaylen Waddle Is considered day-to-day with the knee injury he sustained during W15 action, head coach Mike McDaniel said the injury is "not major, not surgery-related", though he didn't practice Wednesday, the hope is he'll be able to go on Sunday vs the 49ers.
George Pickens has been ruled out with a hamstring injury, he's been missing practice on a shorter week with a Saturday game so the designation comes as no surprise.
It is a little worrisome that Cedric Tillman has missed three games due to a concussion. Last week he only logged LP at practice each day, likely has lingering symptoms keeping him in the protocol.
Wednesday marked the fourth consecutive practice that David Njoku has missed with his hamstring injury, head coach Kevin Stefanski was hopeful that Njoku would be ready to play this week vs the Bengals, but so far it is not looking good, he will continue to be monitored as he'll have two more chances to practice this week.
T.J. Watt sustained a left inversion ankle sprain, his outside leg when he pass rushes from the left defensive side by video it is a mild ankle sprain, but we've looked at practice video and he clearly is hampered on the left side, there's no way he can be effective and get around the edge on the defensive left side, look for him to flip to the right side against the offensive left tackle, where you can have a healthy right ankle to get around the edge. This is a huge game, the Steelers will win the division if they can beat the Ravens, and they'll lose out on first place if they lose, so T.J. Watt is trying to give it a go, but will not be 100%
Stay tuned for more updates from Pro Football Doc on all the key injuries this season.
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