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Injury Updates
What to do about Dez? On Monday, Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett told the media that the the team is still deciding if wide receiver Dez Bryant will be able to play in the season finale against the Redskins. “He’s going to have some further test and evaluations here in the next couple of days and we’ll make a better determination as the week goes on,” Garrett said.
About a month after having abdomen surgery, running back Marshawn Lynch could return to practice. “He’s got a big day today and a big day tomorrow working out, and we’ll see how that goes,” Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said on Monday.
New Additions to IR
Buffalo Bills wide receiver and special teams player Marcus Easley was placed on injured reserve after dislocating his kneecap and breaking his left knee in three places, according to coach Rex Ryan. Ryan also revealed that Easley is expected to fully recover before the start of the 2016 season.
The San Diego Chargers placed four players on IR this week. Safety Eric Weddle (groin), tight end Ladarius Green (ankle), safety Darrell Stuckey (knee) and defensive tackle Sean Lissemore (shoulder) will not play the team’s final game of the season in Denver.
Key Injuries
It might be the next man up, again, for the Indianapolis Colts. Quarterback Matt Hasselback suffered a sprained AC joint during Sunday’s win over the Miami Dolphins. Things got worse when the Colts placed third-string quarterback Charlie Whitehurst on injured reserve Monday, after he pulled a hamstring in that same game. According to head coach Chuck Pagano, Hasselbeck is doubtful for the final game of the season. The team signed quarterbacks Josh Freeman and Ryan Lindley to have two healthy options.
Other Injuries to Watch
The Bills will take things easy with running back LeSean McCoy. McCoy has been recovering from a torn MCL so coach Rex Ryan might not be taking any chances. The star running back might not play when the team takes on the New York Jets in the season finale.
Last week, the Carolina Panthers saw their first loss. The offense was without running back Jonathan Stewart and now they will be without Fozzy Whittaker. Whittaker suffered a mild high-ankle sprain against the Atlanta Falcons and won’t play in the regular season finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Panthers already secured a bye week for the playoffs so that should give both running backs time to recover. Head coach Ron Rivera said Stewart, however, looked good enough to return Sunday.
Ryan Tannehill’s 63-game starting streak could be in jeopardy. The Miami Dolphins quarterback suffered a left leg injury and is currently listed as “day-to-day” for Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots.
An MRI revealed that Bengals quarterback AJ McCarron suffered a sprained left wrist in Monday night’s loss to the Denver Broncos. Despite this, Bengals coach Marvin Lewis and his coaching staff expect the quarterback to play Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens, according to ESPN’s Ed Werder.
Good News
The playoff bound Patriots let out a sigh of relief after finding out that Sebastian Vollmer does not have a severe ankle injury. The offensive tackle left Sunday’s loss to the Jets in the first quarter. Vollmer was carted off the field and immediately ruled out for the rest of the game. Now, he is expected to return for the playoffs.
Be sure to check the comments section for updates throughout the week.
