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Injuries will always be a part of the NFL game, and unfortunately, they continue to be a factor when postseason action begins. That's no different this year, especially during Monday's games. The Pittsburgh Steelers travel to Buffalo in good shape, except for the absence of T.J. Watt, while the banged-up Eagles will play in Tampa Bay tonight. Injuries will certainly be a factor all around.
Jalen Hurts, Baker Mayfield, A.J. Brown, Gabe Davis, DeVonta Smith, D'Andre Swift, and more were all on this week's injury report and could be at risk of missing their Wild Card games. We have the latest updates on them all.
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Jalen Hurts Injury Update
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (finger) doesn't have an injury designation ahead of Monday's Wild-Card contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The star signal-caller exited early during the regular season finale due to a dislocated middle finger.
He was limited in practice to start the week but was able to get in back-to-back full practice sessions to close out the practice week. It doesn't sound like Hurts is going to be limited at all during Monday's contest. He'll be without star wideout A.J. Brown (knee) for this game. That means DeVonta Smith, Julio Jones, and Dallas Goedert will need to step up in the receiving game. Hurts will be a high-priced, but solid DFS option for this weekend's slate.
Baker Mayfield Injury Update
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (ankle, ribs) is currently listed as questionable ahead of Monday's playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Mayfield has been dealing with a ribs issue for some time now but recently picked up an ankle injury. He was able to hobble his way through the regular season finale but didn't look like himself. Mayfield was a limited participant during Friday's practice but is still expected to suit up for this game.
However, it's unknown what version of Mayfield we're going to get in this game. He probably won't be fully healthy, which means he'll be a risky DFS option. Although, even a banged up Mayfield is still a better option than having Kyle Trask under center.
A.J. Brown Injury Update
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (knee) has been ruled out for his team's wild-card matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night. Brown injured his knee during a Week 18 loss to the New York Giants and will not be able to suit up in his team's playoff game, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. According to Schefter, Brown worked hard in his rehab to get on the field vs. Tampa Bay but he will be held out of the contest.
Brown has reportedly progressed enough in his rehab that if the Eagles can beat the Buccaneers and advance to the next round of the playoffs, he could return to action. With Brown out, DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert become high-end plays in DFS contests while Quez Watkins becomes a name worth sprinkling into tournament lineups.
Gabe Davis Injury Update
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott has ruled out wide receiver Gabe Davis (knee) and safety Taylor Rapp (calf) for Monday's wild-card playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Davis suffered a knee injury in the Week 18 win over the Miami Dolphins and is now being forced to sit out of the first playoff game in Buffalo. It remains to be seen if the 24-year-old would be available next week if the Bills advance to the Divisional Round.
In Davis' absence, it will mean more work for Stefon Diggs and Khalil Shakir, while Trent Sherfield should also see an increase in role as Buffalo's No. 3. Tight ends Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox (illness) could also see more targets in the passing game.
DeVonta Smith Injury Update
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (ankle) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Monday's playoff matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Smith sat out of the Week 18 loss to the New York Giants due to a mild ankle sprain.
Luckily, Smith was able to get through full practice sessions this week. He appears to be a full-go for this game, which is great news for the Eagles offense that is without A.J. Brown (knee) for Monday's game. That being said, Smith will be the No. 1 wideout for this game and a strong DFS option.
D'Andre Swift Injury Update
Philadelphia Eagles running back D'Andre Swift (illness) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Monday's Wild-Card game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Swift sat out of the regular season finale due to an illness. It's likely that Swift would've played if it was a playoff game, but the team didn't want to risk anything.
The expectation is that Swift will be back to his normal role. In fact, Swift could have an increased role as a pass-catcher with wide receiver A.J. Brown (knee) ruled out for this game.
Dawson Knox Injury Update
Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox (illness) did not participate in Thursday's practice due to an illness, but he was removed from the injury report on Friday and will be active for Monday's Super Wild Card Weekend game versus the Pittsburgh Steelers. Knox played second fiddle to impressive rookie Dalton Kincaid throughout the regular season, and that's unlikely to change during the postseason. 2023 was easily the 27-year-old former Pro Bowler's weakest statistical campaign, averaging 1.8 receptions for 15.5 yards (8.5 yards per catch) with two total touchdowns over 12 games.
Even with starting wideout Gabe Davis (knee) sidelined on Monday coupled with a cheap $2,900 DraftKings salary, it's not enough to make Knox relevant outside of single-game DFS showdowns as a TD-dependent dart throw. Unless you're searching for a contrarian option, Knox should be avoided.
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