Day two of the NFL’s Wildcard Weekend has the potential to be even more exciting than the first. We have two games in which the teams could make it personal. To kick it off, we have the Cowboys and Coach Mike McCarthy going against the team that he won a Super Bowl for more than a decade ago. For that game, the injury report will be relatively slim.
In the second matchup of the day, we have Los Angeles Rams @ Detroit Lions, which features two quarterbacks that were traded for each other just a few years ago. It’s set to be an extremely exciting slate for the fans. Make sure to thoroughly check the injury report for any playoff pools or bets you may be placing. Also, be sure to click here for future injury reports.
Packers @ Cowboys Injury Report
Green Bay Packers
A.J. Dillon: Thumb and neck injuries have the Packers’ power running back listed as doubtful. Even if he doesn’t play, he won’t be missed much with the way Aaron Jones ran the ball last week against Chicago. 111 yards on five yards a carry is more than enough to get the job done Expect Jones to be featured similarly this week, both in the run and pass game.
Christian Watson: Watson’s hamstring injury could keep him out again this week. He was a limited participant in practice. If the Packers’ premier deep threat can’t play, expect a larger target share for Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks.
Jaire Alexander: Green Bay could be without their top cornerback this week since he’s listed as questionable due to shoulder and ankle injuries. If Alexander doesn’t play, they have no chance of stopping CeeDee Lamb. Carrington Valentine has a 60.1 coverage grade on the season and will get torched by Lamb if it comes to that.
Dallas Cowboys
No notable injuries.
Rams @ Lions Injury Report
Los Angeles Rams
Joe Noteboom/Kevin Dotson: Both the left tackle and right guard for Los Angeles are listed as questionable due to ankle and shoulder injuries, respectively. Neither were able to fully participate in practice. If either of these guys can’t play, the Rams’ offensive line will immediately lose one of their best starters. The Lions don’t have a dominant defensive line but if the Rams’ line is missing one of their starters, expect increased pressure on Matthew Stafford.
Tyler Higbee: Higbee, the Rams’ starting tight end is also listed as questionable due to a shoulder injury. He’s been a consistent target for Stafford, averaging four catches a game in the last five weeks. If he can’t go, expect a larger target share for Davis Allen, especially on short throws.
Jordan Fuller: An ankle injury has the Rams’ starting safety listed as questionable. He’s been about an average strong safety according to PFF, grading well in tackling and not so well in coverage. If he can’t play, John Johnson III will take his place in the lineup. If he has to start, expect better midfield tackling but much worse coverage.
Detroit Lions
Sam LaPorta/James Mitchell: What looked to be a serious knee injury suffered in Week 18 may keep Detroit’s star tight end sidelined. Backup James Mitchell will also be out due to a hand injury. If LaPorta isn’t able to suit up, Brock Wright would be the starter. Wright only has 13 catches on the year, so it’s safe to say he won’t get a large target share if LaPorta doesn’t play. Instead, look for Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and Jahmyr Gibbs to be even more involved.
Jerry Jacobs: Detroit’s former No. 2 outside cornerback won’t play due to knee and thigh injuries. He got benched in Week 14 after a terrible performance against Chicago. With Kindle Vildor starting, expect a great game from Puka Nacua.