Kyle Trimble is a licensed physical therapist here to provide NFL injury analysis. Read his NFL Divisional Playoffs Injury Watch, which includes looks at Zack Moss’ season-ending ankle injury, Jack Conklin’s hamstring strain, a trio of Rams, and more major concerns.
NFL Divisional Playoffs Injury Watch
John Wolford, QB, Los Angeles Rams: Neck
Aaron Donald, DT, Los Angeles Rams: Rib cartilage tear
Cooper Kupp, WR, Los Angeles Rams: Knee contusion
A trio of key contributors for the Rams upset win over the Seattle Seahawks went out with their respective injuries Sunday. John Wolford left the field in an ambulance after suffering a blow to the head from safety Jamal Adams. Coach Sean McVay later announced that Wolford suffered a stinger as a result of the hit.
However, transportation to the hospital as a precaution isn’t typical for a stinger. There may have been a concern for a fracture which appears to have been ruled out. This injury may be an easy way for McVay to switch back to Goff for the divisional round against the Packers.
Aaron Donald suffered a rib cartilage injury early in the 3rd quarter, never to return for the remainder of the contest. He is expected to play with the medical staff likely numbing as much of the pain as they can in order to play. Besides the pain, Donald can still be effective enough to be a threat to Aaron Rodgers. McVay noted Wednesday that Donald is expected to suit up, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Diagram of a rib injury similar to Aaron Donald’s. (Credit: Epainassist.com)
Cooper Kupp went down with a non-contact knee injury late in the 4th quarter, giving worry to long term issues. However, reports indicate that he sustained a knee contusion and that he would not be in danger of missing next week. Overall, his production should not be significantly impacted.
Despite all the positive news, the Packers may still be a smart pick to advance to the NFC Championship.
The moneyline bet of -320 for the Packers, according to PointsBet, may be the safe play.
Zack Moss, RB, Buffalo Bills: Left high-ankle sprain
Zack Moss, the powerful rookie back out of Buffalo suffered an abrupt end to his first season in the NFL with a likely left high ankle sprain. This occurred during a 6-yard run up the right side before getting tackled by several Colts defenders in the 4th quarter.
He has since been officially placed on IR, ending his season. His agent reported he avoided major injury, but reports indicate he could still require surgery to stabilize the area. This should not prevent him from being ready for training camp regardless of intervention.
Devin Singletary will become the lead back with the Bills relying on other options including T.J. Yeldon, practice squad member Antonio Williams, and recently signed Devonta Freeman.
While the Bills’ offense is still pass-heavy, the loss of Moss can be offset by Yeldon’s pass-catching abilities out of the backfield. Considering both the Bills and Ravens have high powered offenses and strong defenses, taking the under on the 50 point total may be a winning bet.
