Christian Petersen/Getty Images. Pictured: Kyler Murray.
We made it to Week 17! While players can often miss the regular season finale for reasons related to playoff positioning, this article will continue to focus on injury news.
For a team-by-team look at Week 17 motivations, be sure to check out this article by Tommy Stokke.
With that being said, let’s get into this week’s key injuries.
NFL Injury Report
Latest On NFL Injuries
Wednesday Update
Los Angeles Rams Injury Update: Facing a win-or-go-home showdown with the Cardinals this week, the Rams find themselves dealing with injuries at multiple positions on offense.
At quarterback, the Rams will turn to John Wolford after Jared Goff underwent thumb surgery on Monday, forcing him to miss Week 17. There is some optimism that Goff may be able to return during the playoffs, should the Rams qualify.
At running back, the team is “hopeful” that Cam Akers (ankle) will be able to return from a one-game absence, while Darrell Henderson (ankle) was placed on IR on Monday after Henderson filled in for Akers in Week 16. If Akers is unable to go, Malcolm Brown could be in line for a workhorse role.
At wide receiver, Cooper Kupp has already been ruled out after he tested positive for COVID-19, landing him on the Reserve/COVID-19 List.
The Rams have stayed remarkably healthy on offense this season prior to Week 17, but their depth will be tested this weekend.
Cardinals QB Kyler Murray (leg): Things are trending in a more positive direction for the Cardinals, who appear as though they will have Murray under center in Week 17. Kyler told reporters today that his leg is “feeling good,” while adding, “There’s no holding back. If we lose, I’ll be home chilling.”
For now, consider Murray probable to play in the regular season finale.
Panthers RBs Christian McCaffrey (thigh) and Mike Davis (ankle): Unsurprisingly, McCaffrey has been ruled out for the seventh consecutive week, closing the book on a disappointing 2020 season for the reigning scrimmage yard leader.
The bad news doesn’t end there for Carolina, as the team is also likely to be without Mike Davis, who has led the team in carries this season during CMC’s absence. Head coach Matt Rhule said Davis has a severely sprained ankle, which he played through during the second half of last week’s victory over Washington.
Carolina’s remaining depth at the position consists of Rodney Smith, Trenton Cannon and Alex Armah, though WR Curtis Samuel has also taken carries at times this season.
