The NFL playoffs are into the championship round and the injury report has updates for players like Rob Gronkowski, Greg Olsen, Jared Allen, Jerod Mayo, Chris Harris, Jamie Collins, Chandler Jones, Julian Edelman, Peyton Manning and Ted Ginn.
The Carolina Panthers are hosting the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC title game, while the Denver Broncos will host the New England Patriots in the AFC championship on Sunday. All four teams are dealing with injuries to players and the most serious one could be to Jared Allen, who is dealing with a broken bone in his foot. Allen could be out for the game on Sunday, while Greg Olsen is dealing with a shoulder injury after taking a hard hit against the Seahawks.
Olsen had a big season for the Panthers and had over 1000 yards receiving and having him limited at all would be a big issue for Carolina. Olsen looked to be in pain after taking that hit Sunday, but he was able to get back on the field and after the game the tight end said he was doing "fine." Rob Gronkowski came into the divisional round dealing with minor knee and back injuries, but he did not suffer any setbacks against the Chiefs. Gronkowski was on the field for the vast majority of the offensive snaps and was not limited against the Chiefs, ending up with two touchdown catches.
The Broncos lost Omar Bolden to a season-ending injury against the Steelers and the team also saw Chris Harris deal with an injury issue. Harris came into the game with a shoulder injury and after getting hit during the game against the Steelers, the Broncos had to change some things up on defense. Harris will be checked out during the week, but is expected to play, according to ESPN.
The Patriots are dealing with a number of injuries on defense, as players like Chandler Jones, Jerod Mayo and Jamie Collins are banged up. Jones came into the game with an abdomen injury and some off the field issues and he ended up suffering a right leg injury against the Chiefs. Jones played in about a third of the defensive snaps for the Pats and added a sack and a forced fumble in the game. Collins is dealing with a back injury, while May suffered a shoulder injury and both players will be evaluated this week.
Allen is listed as doubtful for the NFC championship game, as the defensive end is dealing with a fractured foot and may not be able to play against the Cardinals. Julian Edelman came back from a foot injury and played for the first time on Saturday and did not suffer any setbacks for the Patriots. Peyton Manning started after being out with a foot injury and escaped the Steelers game without any new injuries.
In injury news for teams that were eliminated from the playoffs: Ben Roethlisberger of the Steelers will not need surgery for his shoulder. Roethlisberger suffered a sprain and had torn ligaments in his shoulder heading into the game against the Broncos.
