As the NFL divisional round playoff weekend rapidly approaches, teams are anxiously monitoring the health of key players in the midst of a high-stakes postseason. The next few days will be crucial in determining which teams are at full strength and which may be forced to play with diminished rosters. With the conference championships and ultimately the Super Bowl on the line, injuries could have a profound impact on the outcome of these critical games. While many players are nursing lingering ailments, there are a few notable injuries to keep an eye on, particularly those involving some of the league’s top performers, including Zay Flowers, A.J. Brown, and David Montgomery.
Zay Flowers, the dynamic rookie wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens, has been a bright spot in a season where the Ravens have leaned heavily on their running game. However, Flowers was listed as questionable after a recent injury scare in practice. His status for the upcoming divisional round game will be closely monitored, as his speed and playmaking ability have been vital for the Ravens’ offense. Flowers has emerged as one of quarterback Lamar Jackson’s most reliable targets, and his absence could significantly affect the Ravens’ passing game. While the team remains hopeful that he will be available, his ability to participate in full practice sessions in the coming days will determine whether he suits up for the Ravens’ crucial playoff matchup.
Another significant player with an injury concern is A.J. Brown, the Philadelphia Eagles’ star wide receiver. Brown has been a key weapon for quarterback Jalen Hurts, contributing both as a deep threat and as a physical presence over the middle. While Brown has not been sidelined by the injury, he has been dealing with some lower-body soreness that could limit his effectiveness. The Eagles are hopeful that the extra time between games in the divisional round will allow Brown to recover and perform at his usual elite level. However, given the intensity of the playoff environment and the physical toll of the season, there are concerns that Brown’s injury could impact his explosiveness. If Brown is unable to go at full speed, the Eagles may need to rely more on other targets such as DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert.
In the backfield, David Montgomery of the Detroit Lions has been another player dealing with injury concerns ahead of his team’s upcoming playoff game. Montgomery, who has been the focal point of the Lions’ ground game throughout the season, was forced to exit the Wild Card round with a minor injury, putting his availability for the divisional matchup in question. The Lions will need Montgomery to be at full strength in order to control the clock and establish the run game, a strategy that has been essential to their offensive identity. Detroit’s coaching staff has stated that they are optimistic about Montgomery’s recovery, but his participation in practice over the next few days will give a clearer picture of whether he can shoulder a full workload or if the team will need to turn to backup running backs to help carry the load.
Beyond these key injuries, other players across the league are also dealing with minor to moderate injuries, all of which have the potential to shape the outcome of these high-pressure games. As is the case in most playoff scenarios, every snap counts, and one injury—whether it’s to a star player like Flowers, Brown, or Montgomery, or a role player in an unexpected situation—could tilt the balance of the game in favor of the opposition.
The teams that advance to the conference championships will be the ones who manage to maintain their health and play through the pain that inevitably accompanies such a physical sport. In the NFL, depth is tested in the postseason, and the ability to adapt to injuries is critical. Players like Zay Flowers, A.J. Brown, and David Montgomery are integral to their respective teams’ hopes of reaching the Super Bowl, and the next few days of preparation will be crucial in determining who is available and how effective they will be in their upcoming divisional round matchups.
Ultimately, while injuries are an unfortunate but unavoidable part of football, how a team handles them in the heat of the postseason can make all the difference. As the clock ticks down to kickoff, teams across the league are holding their breath and hoping their key players will be healthy enough to contribute to what promises to be an exciting and unpredictable divisional round of playoff football.