After an exciting regular season, we are about to step things up a few notches. The intensity will only grow now that we have reached the NFL postseason. We have updates on Sam LaPorta, Jaylen Waddle, A.J. Brown, and more to consider. Heading into a great weekend of action, let’s take a look at the NFL Injury Report for Week 1 of the postseason. 

 

Wild Card Round NFL Injury Report for Quarterbacks

Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles (Finger)

From a performance standpoint, Jalen Hurts failed to make an impact on Sunday. In less than a half of action, Hurts threw for just 55 yards and an interception. The game didn’t matter for the Eagles, and weather was far from ideal, but we would have liked to see Hurts do better heading into the postseason considering Philadelphia’s recent struggles. Hurts did injure his finger at one point, but that doesn’t appear to be an issue heading into the playoffs. X-Rays were negative and Hurts practiced in full both Thursday and Friday and should be ready to go on Monday. With that being said, I would likely look elsewhere for the week. 

Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Ankle/Ribs)

Baker Mayfield has been playing through minor injuries, and they didn’t keep him off the field last week. He didn’t miss a snap and did enough for Tampa Bay to win, but it wasn’t a banner day from a fantasy perspective. He is on track to play on Monday, but I would try to find another option. 

Wild Card Round NFL Injury Report for Running Backs

Raheem Mostert, Miami Dolphins (Knee/Ankle)

After sitting out of practice Wednesday and Thursday, Raheem Mostert returned to practice on limited basis Friday. Ultimately, it wasn’t enough for the veteran to be active Sunday night against Buffalo. With the playoffs on the horizon and De’Von Achane ready to go, there is no need to push Mostert. This is now two straight games he has missed though, so it is far for there to be some concern. That is especially the case with Achane really finding his groove as it will turn into more of a 50/50 timeshare. Things are looking for Mostert to make his return against Kansas City in what will be horrible weather conditions. At this point, Achane might be the bigger concern here. 

D’Andre Swift, Philadelphia Eagles (Illness)

While the Eagles weren’t playing for anything on Sunday, they did play their starters. Ultimately, that didn’t include D’Andre Swift as he was dealing with an illness last week. However, there doesn’t appear to be anything here that will limit him moving forward. Should there be any issues, Kenneth Gainwell is waiting in reserve as he was in Week 18. With a full practice on Thursday, there shouldn’t be any limitations on Swift. 

 

AJ Dillon has been battling a hand injury for the last few weeks and it kept him out of action last week. Even if he does return to action this week, Aaron Jones has a clear hold on the Green Bay backfield. Through Friday, Dillon has yet to return to the field, and things are not looking good for him to be active on Sunday. It is good news that Jones is clear though. 

Wild Card Round NFL Injury Report for Wide Receivers

Gabe Davis, Buffalo Bills (Knee)

Gabe Davis was forced out of action Sunday night with a knee injury, and it will keep him sidelined to begin the playoffs. This makes Khalil Shakir an interesting name to watch as that is where Davis’ volume will go. 

A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles (Knee)

There is always going to be concern whenever a player is forced out of action. When they don’t return and that player is A.J. Brown, then the concern only intensifies. Considering the Eagles are beginning the postseason this week, it is important that Brown is out there. Through Friday, we have not seen Brown on the practice field this week, and it is difficult to be optimistic. Perhaps, Quez Watkins, Julio Jones, or Olamide Zaccheaus. Update: As of Saturday morning, A.J. Brown has been ruled OUT for Monday night's game.

Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins (Ankle)

After a Week 16 high ankle sprain, Jaylen Waddle remains out of action. With Miami having already clinched a postseason berth, it is hard to truly read on things, but high ankle sprains are always tricky. This will be an important situation to watch leading up to Miami’s first playoff game with Cedrick Wilson in reserve. Waddle is practicing on a limited basis this week and things are trending towards him making his return. The problem though, is going to be the weather conditions and what it does to the passing game. 

Amari Cooper, Cleveland Browns (Heel)

Given the situation, it wasn’t truly surprising to see Amari Cooper held out of action last week. That made it two straight weeks out of action for Cooper, but he has returned to practice and is good to go for Saturday. He should be back to his normal self without limitations as he continues to perform at a high level with Joe Flacco under center. 

Romeo Doubs, Green Bay Packers (Chest)

The Green Bay Packers continue to have health issues with their receivers. Christian Watson was already inactive as he hopes to recover from his hamstring injury to take the field this week, and now we have to monitor Romeo Doubs status as well. The rookie left last week’s game in the first quarter with a chest injury and didn’t return. Entering Sunday’s game, Doubs doesn’t appear on the Injury Report, so he will be good to go. 

Christian Watson, Green Bay Packers (Hamstring)

The good news for Green Bay is that Christian Watson is the only receiver remaining on the Injury Report. Watson hasn’t played since Week 13 due to a hamstring injury, but he did practice on a limited basis this week. It’s going to go down to kickoff for Watson, and even if he is active, it’s unclear how much we can rely on him. 

Noah Brown, Houston Texans (Knee)

After not playing last week, Noah Brown missed the first two days of practice this week before returning Thursday on a limited basis. Things are looking good for Brown to return this week opposite Nico Collins, but it still bears watching. The good news, is that the Texans are the first game of the weekend, so there is time to pivot. 

Robert Woods, Houston Texans (Hip)

Robert Woods has followed a similar trajectory as Brown this week, and seeing him take the field this week wouldn’t be surprising. If Brown is also active, Woods will be strictly in a support role. 

Kadarius Toney, Kansas City Chiefs (Ankle)

After missing the last two games, Kadarius Toney has been practicing on a limited basis this week. While he is progressing towards making his return, the weather might be working against his fantasy production. 

Cedric Tillman, Cleveland Browns (Concussion)

Tasked with a larger role with Amari Cooper out, Cedric Tillman caught three passes for 43 yards before exiting with a concussion. The concussion will keep Tillman out of action this week, which means David Bell is in place to take over as the third receiver. 

Kalif Raymond, Detroit Lions (Knee)

A supporting player in Detroit’s offense, Kalif Raymond exited Week 18 with a knee injury. At this point, it’s unclear how that will impact him heading into the postseason, but there is limited (at best) fantasy value. Raymond will be sidelined for this weekend’s game which means Josh Reynolds and Jameson Williams will likely take on some additional volume. 

Wild Card Round NFL Injury Report for Tight Ends

Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions (Knee)

What was going on here? Time for a little step up on the soapbox, and to say it’s warranted would be an understatement. Getting Sam LaPorta one more catch so he can break the rookie tight end record is more than fair. But with zero playoff implications, what was LaPorta doing still on the field after that. Clearly it backfired as LaPorta injured his knee. While it could have been worse, it also could have been better. After not practicing Wednesday and Thursday, LaPorta got a full practice in on Friday. He will still be wearing a brace, and this could go down to the wire, but it’s trending in the right direction. The question though, is how elusive and active will he be?

Tyler Higbee, Los Angeles Rams (Shoulder)

After dislocating his shoulder two weeks ago, there is some doubt surrounding Tyler Higbee’s status for Sunday night. With that being said, he is practicing on a limited basis and he should be ready to go, although it will have to be confirmed.