The NFL injury report from Week 17 has updates for players like Tom Brady, Julian Edelman, Marshawn Lynch, DeAngelo Williams, Muhammad Wilkerson, Peyton Manning, Andy Dalton, DeMarcus Ware, Todd Gurley and Danny Amendola. The playoffs are ready to start next week and players like Dalton and Lynch are hoping to make returns for their teams in the postseason.
Tom Brady suffered an ankle injury in Week 17 against the Miami Dolphins, but the quarterback is expected to be ready for the Patriots when they play in the divisional round of the playoffs. According to Adam Schefter at ESPN, Brady had an MRI on his ankle and the testing revealed a sprain, but no fractures or any structural damage.
Brady was injured after a hit from Ndamukong Suh, but he will have time to recover, as the Patriots have a first round bye in the AFC. Julian Edelman is nearing a return for the Patriots and he should be able to come back for the first game for the team. ESPN reports that Edelman is "on track" to play in the divisional round.
Peyton Manning started off on Sunday as the backup for Brock Osweiler after dealing with a foot injury that kept him out for the Broncos, but he came into the game against the Chargers and helped lead his team to a win. Manning threw only nine passes, but he was able to get through the game without any issues and there is a good chance Manning will start for Denver in the playoffs. Manning has been out for a stretch with a foot injury, but he was healthy enough to play in Week 17 and now the Broncos will have an extra week off after clinching the top seed in the AFC.
DeAngelo Williams was injured for the Steelers against the Browns and will have an MRI on his ankle, according to Adam Schefter at ESPN. Williams has been the starting running back for the Steelers since Le'Veon Bell went down and the team is hoping that he will be okay for the wild card round of the playoffs. The Steelers made it in after winning on Sunday and seeing the Jets lose and the team will know the extent of the injury once Williams has an MRI.
Marshawn Lynch has been out for the Seahawks after having abdominal surgery, but the team is hopeful that he can return for the playoffs. According to Seahawks.com, Lynch is expected to rejoin the team this week after rehabbing away from the team over the past few weeks. Lynch has not played since Week 10, but head coach Pete Carroll said that Lynch might be able to return for the playoffs. The Seahawks will play against the Vikings in the wild card round.
Quick hits:
Muhammad Wilkerson was injured for the Jets and broke his leg during the loss to the Bills on Sunday. Wilkerson will be a free agent this offseason. Andy Dalton was out for the Bengals in Week 17 and the team is hoping that Dalton can return in the playoffs. Reports have Dalton likely missing the wild card round for the Bengals. Todd Gurley was out in Week 17 with a toe injury.