The NFL playoffs injury report has updates for players like Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger, Marshawn Lynch, DeAngelo Williams, Antonio Brown, Jonathan Stewart, Jeremy Maclin, Julian Edelman and DeMarcus Ware heading into the divisional round.
Tom Brady and Julian Edelman have had some extra time to heal up with the Patriots having a first round bye and they are both expected to play this weekend. Marshawn Lynch sat out of the wild card game against the Vikings on Sunday despite expectations that he would play, while DeAngelo Williams has a chance to play for the Steelers after sitting out against the Bengals.
Ben Roethlisberger was banged up against the Bengals and was forced to leave the game after a hit from Cincinnati linebacker Vontaze Burfict. Roethlisberger injured his shoulder in the game and while he eventually was able to return for the Steelers, the team will evaluate him this week. According to ESPN.com, the team is "optimistic" that Roethlisberger can play against the Broncos in the divisional round.
Steelers wideout Antonio Brown suffered a concussion in the game against the Bengals on a hit by Burfict and he could be out for this week against the Broncos. According to ESPN.com, Brown is currently in the concussion protocol and will be evaluated through the week. Brown has been one of the top offensive players in the league this season and led the NFL with 136 catches during the regular season. Jonathan Stewart has been dealing with a foot injury and the Panthers are "hopeful" that Stewart can return this weekend.
Jeremy Maclin was injured for the Chiefs in their dominating win against the Texans on Saturday, suffering a knee injury in the game. Maclin reportedly avoided a tear in his ACL, but he is dealing with a high ankle sprain heading into the divisional round, according to NFL.com. The Chiefs feared that Maclin suffered a torn ACL, but an MRI revealed the sprain and his status for this weekend is unknown for the Chiefs. Maclin has been the top receiver for Kansas City and leads in receptions, yards and TDs this year.
Lynch was expected to play for the Seahawks after returning to the team following rehab for abdominal surgery, but the running back did not "feel" like he could play Sunday. Lynch did not suffer a setback in practice and could be on track to play against the Panthers. DeAngelo Williams was out with a foot/ankle injury for the Steelers and he could return this week against the Broncos. Fitzgerald Toussaint and Jordan Todman played in his place and rushed for over 100 yards.
