As the NFL playoffs advance, four teams remain. With little time left, any serious injury could result in a player's season ending or significantly limit their performance. Below are key situations to monitor as we approach Sunday.
Key: Position Player, Team | Injury | Timeline
QB Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia | Knee Injury | Projecting to play next week
Jalen Hurts dynasty managers and Eagles fans alike held their breath when their star quarterback appeared to injure his left leg during the third quarter of Sunday’s Divisional game. Like any competitor, Hurts finished the game and made it clear that he intends to play next week.
Eagles Jalen Hurts Expects to Play in the NFC Championship game After Hurting his Knee vs Rams#JalenHurts says it means everything to play for the right to go to the Super Bowl and the #Eagles QB is “hungry” to be better vs Commanders https://t.co/4Cw2sRQMGg pic.twitter.com/TW1NFccsgf
— Jeff Skversky (@JeffSkversky) January 20, 2025
Based on the video, I think there is concern about a possible MCL or PCL sprain. When minor, both of these sprains are manageable. In fact, there is data showing NFL quarterbacks missing little to no time.
It’s worth noting, as I have said all season long, video is never diagnostic. We are unlikely to find out the specifics of Hurts' injury until the NFL playoffs are over. For now, I would expect Hurts to be limited during practice this week before taking the field next Sunday.
WR A.J. Brown, Philadelphia | Knee Injury | Projecting to play next week
A.J. Brown entered Sunday’s Divisional Round game Questionable with a knee injury. Brown started and played most snaps but was relatively ineffective.
It’s possible the weather conditions contributed, but watching the game live, Brown did not look 100%. Brown should be available next week, but depending on the severity of his knee injury, we might not see the type of performance we have become accustomed to.
CB Quinyon Mitchell | Shoulder Injury | 50/50 to play next week
Eagles’ cornerback Quinyon Mitchell injured his shoulder with what looked to be a textbook AC joint sprain. Like his teammate Jalen Hurts, Mitchell’s camp has indicated that he will play next week.
AC joint strains can be painful, and typically, once the adrenaline of the game wears off, the pain spikes. In my opinion, Mitchell’s status for next week is very much up in the air.
WR Zay Flowers, Baltimore | Knee Injury | Projecting ready for the 2025 season
After Week 18, I was concerned that Zay Flowers had sprained his LCL. Baltimore left the door open for Flowers to return, but the sophomore WR never appeared close.
Flowers was spotted warming up before Sunday’s game in Buffalo. Video showed him running straight-line sprints, but I could not see any video of him cutting.
Ravens WR Zay Flowers putting in some work in Buffalo pic.twitter.com/0RZEtQMFEa
— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) January 19, 2025
On a positive note, the fact that Flowers was running means that he likely only suffered a sprain and not a full tear. As a result, he should be healthy and ready to go at the start of the 2025 season.
RG Sam Cosmi, Washington | ACL Tear | Season-Ending Injury
Commanders right guard Sam Cosimi tore his ACL during Saturday night’s contest in Detroit. This means that Cosmi’s season will be over. Jayden Daniels will be without one of his offensive linemen for the remainder of the playoffs.
CB Amik Robertson, Detroit | Arm Fracture | Projecting Ready for 2025 Season
During Detroit's loss to Washington on Saturday, Lions cornerback Amik Robertson fractured his arm and was removed from the game. Robertson has already had surgery to stabilize the fracture site and is expected to be ready for the 2025 season.
