Jason Miller/Getty Images. Pictured: Kevin Stefanaski
Wild Card Weekend kicks off with six games spanning across Saturday and Sunday, and there are some key injuries to track among the field. In particular, both the Washington Football Team and the LA Rams face uncertainty at the quarterback position, while the Cleveland Browns could be without multiple players and coaches following a string of positive COVID-19 tests.
For the first time, the sheet embedded on this page will also display each player’s value to the spread. These rankings are provided by NFL expert Sean Koerner and can be found under the “Rating” heading in the below table.
As always, be sure to check back throughout the week as this page is updated with the latest news.
NFL Injury Report
Tuesday Update
Washington QB Alex Smith (calf): Although Smith was able to lead Washington past Philadelphia in the team’s division-clinching Week 17 victory, he is still hobbled by a calf injury that forced him to miss Weeks 15 and 16. When Washington takes on Tampa Bay this weekend, the Football Team may deploy a committee approach at QB depending on how Smith’s calf responds. Head coach Ron Rivera said today that he would “definitely have to look at” rotating Smith with backup Taylor Heinicke during the game.
Cleveland Browns COVID-19 Update: The Browns currently have 10 players on the Reserve/COVID-19 List after WR KhaDarel Hodge and OL Joel Bitonio were added today. To make matters worse, head coach Kevin Stefanski tested positive for the virus today, along with two positional coaches. Special teams coordinator Mike Priefer is expected to inherit head coaching duties while Stefanski is sidelined this weekend.
It’s too early to say which players the Browns may be without when they face the Steelers on Sunday night, but this will be a situation worth monitoring throughout the week.
Buccaneers WR Mike Evans (knee): Last Sunday, Evans suffered a non-contact knee injury that required him to be carted off the field. Fortunately, it seems that Evans’ injury wasn’t as bad as it appeared, as an MRI performed Monday revealed no structural damage. Head coach Bruce Arians called Evans “day-to-day”, though the 1,000 yard man started off the practice week with a “DNP” (did not participate) in today’s walkthrough practice. For now, consider Evans questionable to play this weekend.