The NFL playoffs injury report has updates for Jonathan Stewart, Jared Allen, Fozzy Whittaker, Greg Olsen, Rob Gronkowski, Chris Harris, Chandler Jones, Chris Johnson and Jamie Collins heading into Sunday.
The Panthers have Jared Allen banged up heading into the NFC title game and the defensive end is trying to play despite a broken bone in his foot. Allen is considered doubtful for the game against the Cardinals, but he was able to practice during the week to see if he can handle playing on Sunday. Greg Olsen is dealing with a burner in his shoulder but is expected to be "fine," while Jonathan Stewart sat out of practice on Wednesday with an ankle injury.
Ron Rivers said that it was a precaution for Stewart and that the team expects him to be able to play against the Cardinals. Whittaker was able to return to practice and could play on Sunday after missing time with a high ankle sprain. Stewart was able to play against the Seahawks last week after missing the final three games of the regular season for the Panthers.
The Denver Broncos have 11 players listed on their injury report for the week, but for the most part the team expects their full roster to be ready for Sunday. According to ESPN.com, John Elway said that Chris Harris will be a game-time decision for the AFC championship game after dealing with a shoulder injury. Harris came into the game against the Steelers with the injury and aggravated it last Sunday. Harris said that he has basically been playing with one arm.
Rob Gronkowski was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday, but he is expected to be ready for Sunday against the Broncos. Gronkowski was a game-time decision with back and knee injuries against the Chiefs, but he was able to play. Jerod Mayo was placed on injured reserve with a shoulder injury and will be out for the rest of the season. Mayo injured his shoulder in the third quarter against the Chiefs last week.
Chandler Jones was banged up last week, but according to ESPN, Jones did not suffer a new injury against the Chiefs. Jones had to leave the game in the fourth quarter with a knee injury, but he was listed on the injury report with just abdomen and toe injuries. Jones was a limited participant on Wednesday and is expected to play on Sunday. Jamie Collins is dealing with a back injury, but he was able to participate in practice.
Chris Johnson was placed on IR for the Cardinals earlier in the season with a fractured tibia, but the running back said he is ready to return. Johnson cannot come back unless the Cardinals make it to the Super Bowl, but Johnson said he would be ready if the team wins and advances.
