NFL Playoffs 2025: Key Injury Updates and How They’ll Impact Wild Card Weekend
The NFL playoffs are here, and the stakes are higher than ever. Every snap, every play call, and every player’s health can be the difference between hoisting the Lombardi Trophy and heading home. As we gear up for Wild Card Weekend, several key injuries are casting a shadow over some of the league’s top teams. Let’s dive into the latest injury updates and analyze how they might impact the outcomes of these crucial matchups.
Chargers vs. Texans: A War of Attrition
The Los Angeles Chargers visit the Houston Texans in what promises to be a hard-fought contest. However, both teams are entering the game with significant injury concerns, particularly at the wide receiver position.
For the Chargers, the receiving corps has been decimated by injuries. Josh Palmer is out with a foot injury, while Quentin Johnston is questionable with a combination of a thigh issue and illness. Simi Fehoko is also questionable with an elbow injury. This leaves Justin Herbert with limited options, potentially forcing him to rely more heavily on Keenan Allen and tight end Gerald Everett. The Chargers will need to get creative with their play-calling to compensate for the lack of healthy receivers.
In the backfield, J.K. Dobbins is listed as questionable with an ankle injury. While he’s expected to play, his effectiveness could be limited. Gus Edwards, who is also nursing an ankle sprain, is expected to be fully available. The Chargers will likely deploy a committee approach, with Hassan Haskins potentially seeing increased snaps.
The Texans aren’t without their own injury woes. Tight end Teagan Quitoriano is out with a calf injury, and wide receiver John Metchie III is questionable with a shoulder issue. The Texans have already placed Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell on IR earlier in the year. The Texans’ passing game may rely on Noah Brown and Dalton Schultz.
Impact: The Chargers’ depleted receiving corps significantly hinders their offensive potential. If Dobbins is limited, their running game could also struggle. The Texans, despite their injuries, might have a slight edge due to the Chargers’ more severe situation.
Steelers vs. Ravens: Flowers’ Absence Looms Large
The Baltimore Ravens, fresh off winning the AFC North, host their rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, they’ll be without one of their key offensive weapons: rookie wide receiver Zay Flowers, who has been ruled out with a knee injury.
Flowers’ absence is a significant blow to the Ravens’ passing game. He has been a reliable target for Lamar Jackson throughout the season, and his explosiveness will be missed. In his absence, expect Rashod Bateman, Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely, and Nelson Agholor to see increased targets. The Ravens will need to find creative ways to stretch the field without Flowers’ speed and agility.
On the Steelers’ side, wide receiver Roman Wilson is out with a hamstring injury, while guard Mason McCormick is questionable with a hand injury. The Steelers’ offense will need to rely on Diontae Johnson and George Pickens to carry the passing game.
Impact: Flowers’ absence undoubtedly hurts the Ravens’ offense. However, they still have plenty of firepower with Jackson, Andrews, and a stable of capable receivers. The Steelers, with their own offensive limitations, might struggle to keep pace.
Broncos vs. Bills: Weathering the Storm
The Denver Broncos travel to Buffalo to face the Bills in what could be a frigid and snowy affair. The Broncos are relatively healthy, with only offensive tackle Frank Crum ruled out due to illness. Running back Tyler Badie is questionable with a back injury.
For the Bills, the main concern is kick returner Brandon Codrington, who is questionable with a hamstring injury. The Bills will need to ensure they have a reliable return option in case Codrington can’t play.
Impact: This game is more likely to be affected by the weather conditions than by injuries. Both teams are relatively healthy, and the focus will be on which team can better execute their game plan in the cold and potentially snowy conditions. The Bills, with their experience playing in such weather, might have a slight advantage.
Packers vs. Eagles: Watson’s Injury Stings
The Green Bay Packers visit the Philadelphia Eagles in a matchup of two teams with contrasting fortunes. The Packers are riding a late-season surge, while the Eagles are looking to regain their early-season form. However, the Packers suffered a significant blow with wide receiver Christian Watson believed to have torn his ACL during Week 18. Safety Zayne Anderson is also out with a concussion. Andre Dillard (concussion), Brenton Cox (foot), T.J. Slaton (ankle), Quay Walker (ankle), and Evan Williams (quadricep) are all listed as questionable.
Watson’s absence is a major setback for the Packers’ offense. He has been a key deep threat for Jordan Love, and his absence will force other receivers to step up. Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed will need to play significant roles in the passing game.
The Eagles, on the other hand, are relatively healthy. Trevor Keegan is out with an illness, and Byron Young is out with a hamstring injury. A.J. Brown was limited in practice with a knee/rest designation, but he’s expected to be a full-go for Sunday.
Impact: Watson’s injury significantly diminishes the Packers’ offensive firepower. The Eagles, with their healthy roster and home-field advantage, are the clear favorites in this matchup.
Commanders vs. Buccaneers: A Battle of Strengths
The Washington Commanders travel to Tampa Bay to take on the Buccaneers in a battle of two teams with contrasting strengths. The Commanders boast a strong passing defense, while the Buccaneers excel at stopping the run.
The Commanders don’t have any significant injuries to report. The Buccaneers, however, have several players listed as questionable, including tight end Cade Otton (knee), defensive lineman Logan Hall (groin), cornerback Jamel Dean (knee), and safeties Mike Edwards (quadriceps) and Antoine Winfield Jr. (knee). Cornerback Troy Hill is out with knee/foot issues.
Impact: The Buccaneers’ defensive injuries could hinder their ability to contain the Commanders’ passing attack. However, their strong run defense should be able to limit the Commanders’ ground game. This game could come down to which team can exploit the other’s weaknesses more effectively.
Vikings vs. Rams: A Wildcard in the Desert
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Minnesota Vikings will face the Los Angeles Rams in Arizona.
The Rams will be without backup running back Blake Corum, who suffered a broken forearm in the final regular-season game.
Impact: With Kyren Williams as the primary back, Corum’s absence may not heavily impact their game plan unless they advance further into the playoffs.
Conclusion: Navigating the Injury Landscape
Injuries are an unfortunate but inevitable part of football, and they can significantly impact the outcome of games, especially in the playoffs. As we head into Wild Card Weekend, teams will need to overcome these challenges and find ways to win, even with key players sidelined or limited. The teams that can best adapt to the injury landscape and execute their game plans effectively will be the ones that advance to the next round.