The divisional spherical of the 2021 NFL playoffs is upon us, and a few groups enter the weekend more healthy than others. Take, for instance, the NFC’s No. 1-seeded Packers, who’re set to make their postseason debut with reinforcements in tow — left deal with David Bakhtiari and star cornerback Jaire Alexander are amongst these with an opportunity to make a full return to the lineup. Then take the Buccaneers, who’ve darn close to a dozen starters or key function gamers dominated questionable towards the Rams.
We have got a full rundown of divisional spherical harm stories proper right here:
No information is sweet information on the Bengals-Titans entrance, as each of those AFC contenders enter their matchup with all energetic starters on observe to be at full capability. Star operating again Derrick Henry (foot) is anticipated to be activated off injured reserve to make his anticipated return — an enormous win for Tennessee. The Bengals, in the meantime, had full participation from cross rushers Trey Hendrickson (concussion) and Sam Hubbard (rib), in addition to nook Mike Hilton (ankle), within the days main as much as the sport.
49ers at Packers (-5.5)
The largest takeaway from the 49ers’ harm report comes on the quarterback spot, the place San Francisco did not even record starter Jimmy Garoppolo (thumb, shoulder) regardless of the veteran saying he is clearly affected by his illnesses. Which means Jimmy G — although not one hundred pc — is a full go for Inexperienced Bay, with rookie Trey Lance ready within the occasion of an emergency. Bosa, in the meantime, could be a monumental loss if he cannot go, however coach Kyle Shanahan indicated that will not be the case.
The Packers will possible offset Valdes-Scantling’s absence with the return of reserve wideout Randall Cobb (core) from IR. Extra importantly, Bakhtiari and Alexander could or might not be again. The previous began in Week 18 after a protracted journey again from an ACL tear however solely practiced as soon as this week, whereas Alexander hasn’t performed since October. Excellent news: RB Aaron Jones (knee), RT Billy Turner (knee) and linebacker De’Vondre Campbell (elbow) are all absolutely cleared to return.
Rams at Buccaneers (-2.5)
Matthew Stafford should play with out his left deal with, as Whitworth has formally been dominated out with a knee/ankle harm. Per Stu Jackson of the Rams’ official website, head coach Sean McVay stated Whitworth has “some swelling in that knee and that ankle.” He additionally stated it is a “miracle” the harm wasn’t extra severe. They held out hope for him, however he will not costume within the divisional spherical. The Rams may also be with out Rapp, who remains to be nursing a concussion.
Whereas the Buccaneers will not have Jones to run the ball, the jury remains to be out on Leonard Fournette. He should be activated off of injured reserve on Saturday if he is to play Sunday. Perriman being dominated out is yet one more hit to the short-handed extensive receiving corps, and Grayson is questionable to play as nicely. Nonetheless, he did return to apply as a restricted participant on Friday. The primary headline with regards to the Buccaneers’ harm report is their Professional Bowl offensive linemen, as each Jensen and Wirfs are questionable to play with ankle accidents. Each large males sat out of form on Wednesday and Thursday, however did return Friday as restricted contributors. Pierre-Paul’s state of affairs is a curious one, as he missed apply all week attending to a private matter.
The Payments should not have any gamers with harm designations. Defensive finish Mario Addison was restricted on Wednesday and Thursday as a result of a shoulder harm, however returned as a full participant on Friday.
There will likely be one other shakeup for the Chiefs at operating again, as Clyde Edwards-Helaire is ready to return after lacking final week with a shoulder harm, whereas Williams is questionable. Even when Williams does play, it is honest to query how a lot work he’ll get after Jerick McKinnon’s large outing in Tremendous Wild Card Weekend. The cornerback Fenton can be questionable for the Chiefs. He didn’t apply all week as a result of a again harm.
