Wild Card NFL Injury Report
Here's a look the relevant injuries affecting the eight teams in action this weekend.
Quarterback
Andy Dalton, Bengals (vs. Steelers) - Out
Dalton (thumb) isn't expected back before mid-January, and has been declared out for this weekend. AJ McCarron will make his first career playoff start.
Running Back
DeAngelo Williams, Steelers (at Bengals) - Out
For the second season in a row, the Steelers are losing their top RB on the eve of their first playoff game, with Williams suffering a Week 17 foot injury that will keep him out of action. The little-used Fitzgerald Toussaint immediately ascends to the top of the depth chart, with Jordan Todman, who was inactive Week 17, likely in the mix as well.
Marshawn Lynch, Seahawks (at Vikings) - Out
Lynch has sat out since mid-November after undergoing sports hernia surgery; given that productive backup Thomas Rawls (ankle) was lost for the season, While initially expected to be back for the playoffs, his return will have to wait at least a week, as he's been declared out again. The trio of Christine Michael, Bryce Brown and Fred Jackson will carry the load on the ground.
Matt Jones, Redskins (vs. Packers) - Questionable
Jones (hip) sat out Week 17, and it remains to be seen if he'll be able to return to the lineup. Washington's crowded backfield also affords reps to Alfred Morris, Chris Thompson and Pierre Thomas.
Wide Receiver
Jeremy Maclin, Chiefs (at Texans) - Probable
Maclin (hip) returned to practice Wednesday, so his chances of facing the Texans appear good.
Martavis Bryant, Steelers (at Bengals) - Probable
Bryant (neck) isn't expected to miss the Wild Card game despite sitting out the second half of Pittsburgh's Week 17 win over Cleveland.
Tight End
Luke Willson, Seahawks (at Vikings) - Out
Willson sat out Week 17 with a concussion, and won't be back for the Wild Card round. Tight ends still heavily factored into Seattle's Week 17 offensive gameplan, with Cooper Helfet (four catches, 42 yards) and Chase Coffman (4-29-1) filling in.