The NFL playoffs start this weekend and the injury report has updates for players like Adrian Peterson, Marshawn Lynch, DeAngelo Williams, Andy Dalton, Tom Brady, Julian Edelman and Duane Brown.
Brady and Edelman are not playing until next week for the Patriots and both players are on track to start in the divisional round. The Bengals are not expecting to have Andy Dalton healthy enough to play this week, but he could be ready for the next game if the team can beat the Steelers. According to NFL.com, Ian Rapoport reports that DeAngelo Williams will be out on Saturday for the Steelers, but he could return the following week if Pittsburgh wins.
Adrian Peterson missed some practice time for the Vikings with a back injury, but the issue is not serious and he is expected to play on Sunday. Marshawn Lynch has returned to the Seahawks after rehabbing from abdominal surgery and he is expected to start for the team against Minnesota. Lynch has been out for over a month while recovering from surgery and during that time the Seahawks have won six of seven games. Lynch is expected to start after being able to practice with the team this week.
Duane Brown suffered a quad injury for the Houston Texans in the final week of the season and he will be out for the playoffs. The Texans are taking on the Chiefs and they will be without Brown until next season after the lineman suffered a serious quad injury, according to head coach Bill O'Brien. Dalton has been out with a hand injury and while he has had his cast removed, the Bengals do not think he will be ready to face the Steelers on Saturday.
The Steelers will be without Williams after the running back suffered an ankle injury in Week 17 and that leaves Fitzgerald Toussaint and Jordan Todman as the main starters at running back. Williams stepped in after Le'Veon Bell was lost for the season and NFL.com reports that Williams could return for the second round of the playoffs if the Steelers can win over the Bengals. Toussaint stepped in for Williams last week and is expected to be the main option for Pittsburgh on Saturday for the game against the Bengals. If the team wins they will play against the Broncos.
Brady is dealing with an ankle injury after getting hit in Week 17 against the Miami Dolphins, but the quarterback said he is not worried about the injury. Brady is expected to be ready to play, while Edelman is expected to return after being out for the back part of the season with a foot injury. Adam Schefter at ESPN reports that Edelman is "on track" to play in the divisional round for the Patriots.
Check here for more on NFL injuries and updates for the playoffs.
