NFL Wild Card Round Injury Report: Josh Allen, Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle Headline Playoff Injuries

The Wild Card Round brings heightened stakes and amplified injury concerns across six crucial playoff matchups. Unlike the regular season’s 17-game marathon, every snap this weekend carries championship implications, making injury management a delicate balance between competitive advantage and postseason survival. The Buffalo Bills enter their Wild Card clash carrying the heaviest injury burden with 16 players listed, while the San Francisco 49ers vs Philadelphia Eagles showdown features 22 combined players managing various ailments.

Elite quarterbacks Josh Allen (foot) and Justin Herbert (hand) both logged full practice participation. However, skill position stars like George Kittle (ankle) and key defensive anchors across multiple teams remain questionable (or worse). Below, I have set out the key injury designations in all six games, listed chronologically by start time.

Jump to: LAR vs CAR || GB vs CHI || BUF vs JAX || SF vs PHI || LAC vs NE || HOU vs PIT

Los Angeles Rams vs Carolina Panthers Injuries

Adams’ full participation provides the Rams with their premier route-running precision against Carolina’s defensive schemes. His presence ensures Los Angeles maintains its efficiency on intermediate routes, where Adams was a key receiving threat during the regular season. The absence of Jordan Whittington reduces depth but doesn’t compromise the Rams’ primary offensive structure.

Carolina’s defensive-line rotation remains strong with Derrick Brown’s full participation.

Green Bay Packers vs Chicago Bears Injury Reports

The Bears face a devastating blow with safety CJ Gardner-Johnson’s concussion protocols creating massive secondary vulnerabilities. Gardner-Johnson’s absence could open intermediate routes for Green Bay to exploit. Linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga’s concurrent concussion issues compound Chicago’s defensive coverage concerns.

Green Bay wideout Dontayvion Wicks remains questionable, but his limited participation suggests availability for crucial third-down conversions. The Packers’ ability to convert third downs when their top receivers are healthy creates sustainable drive opportunities that control field position dynamics against Chicago’s compromised defense.

Buffalo Bills vs Jacksonville Jaguars Injuries

Allen’s full participation eliminates the primary concern for Bills backers laying points in this Wild Card matchup. His mobility remains crucial for Buffalo’s red-zone efficiency. The NFL Wild Card odds movement show that the Bills/Jaguars total has gone up a full point since opening, likely a result of Allen’s clean bill of health, at least in part. The concerning absence involves linebacker Terrel Bernard, whose coverage responsibilities become magnified against Jacksonville’s intermediate passing attack.

For the Jaguars, cornerback depth emerges as the critical factor. With both Montaric Brown and Jarrian Jones managing limitations, Buffalo’s air raid capabilities could exploit secondary vulnerabilities. The Bills’ air raid capabilities could exploit secondary vulnerabilities if Jacksonville’s defensive backfield shows further deterioration.

Philadelphia Eagles vs San Francisco 49ers Injury Reports

McCaffrey’s rest designation eliminates concerns about San Francisco’s ground-game effectiveness, where he has been a consistent playoff playmaker throughout his career. His dual-threat capabilities remain intact for the 49ers’ diverse offensive schemes against Philadelphia’s defensive front.

Kittle’s ankle limitation creates the most significant betting concern in this heavyweight matchup. His restricted practice participation threatens San Francisco’s red-zone efficiency, where Kittle’s presence is crucial for converting opportunities. The 49ers’ intermediate passing attack loses its primary mismatch creator if Kittle’s status deteriorates before kickoff.

Los Angeles Chargers vs New England Patriots Injuries

Herbert’s hand injury generated significant speculation throughout the week, but his full practice participation stabilizes the Chargers’ offensive projections. His pocket presence remains paramount in a matchup where New England’s defense will test LAC’s offensive line. The absence of running back Omarion Hampton shifts Los Angeles toward a more pass-heavy approach, potentially inflating Herbert’s attempt totals.

New England’s offensive concerns run deeper with center Garrett Bradbury suffering from an illness, potentially impacting their run game and pass protection. Wide receiver Kayshon Boutte’s limited participation could affect their aerial attack.

Houston Texans vs Pittsburgh Steelers Injury Reports

Houston’s defensive concerns run deeper with cornerback Kamari Lassiter sidelined and Derek Stingley Jr operating under physical restrictions. Defensive end Denico Autry’s absence compromises their interior pass rush, creating favorable pocket conditions for the Steelers’ offense.

Watt’s full participation maintains Pittsburgh’s defensive dominance, where his presence significantly impacts their ability to both rush the passer and stop the run. His pass-rush effectiveness becomes crucial in a low-scoring affair where the Steelers’ defensive schemes must generate short fields for their conservative offensive approach. Warren’s illness creates backfield depth concerns for Pittsburgh’s ground-and-pound philosophy, though their committee approach mitigates individual player dependencies.

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