Championship Sunday Injury Report
(The Spread) – What’s the injury status of defensive lineman Aaron Smith for this Sunday’s AFC Conference Championship Game? Check out our 2011 NFL Conference Championship Injury Report to find out.
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While he still has a chance to play tonight, it doesn’t look like Aaron Smith will play against the Jets. He’s been out for several months with a triceps injury and at least one Pittsburgh paper has already ruled him out. Even if he does play, it would likely only be for 20-25 snaps.
Troy Polamalu has been limited in practice this week but he’s in no danger of sitting out against the Jets. He missed the first game between these two teams and the Steelers failed to generate big plays. Pittsburgh will need him on Sunday.
For the Jets, Brad Smith (groin) practiced on Friday and will serve as the team’s kickoff returner this weekend. Antonio Cromartie was great in that role over the last two weeks, but the cornerback will have his hands full with Mike Wallace so Rex Ryan may decide to keep him off special teams.
Darrelle Revis (groin) fully participated in practice on Friday and Jason Taylor (concussion) also participated. Both players look ready to play against the Steelers on Sunday.
According to oddsmakers from online sports book Sportsbook.com, the Steelers are 3.5-point favorites against the Jets in this Sunday’s AFC Conference Championship Game.
As for the NFC Championship Game, Bears coach Lovie Smith said Friday that he expects safety Chris Harris (hip) to play against the Packers. He suffered the injury against the Seahawks last weekend. Other than that, Chicago is healthy.
The Packers are healthy, too – you know, outside of Ryan Grant, Jermichael Finley, Morgan Burnett, Justin Harrell, Nick Barnett and Mark Tauscher all suffering season-ending injuries earlier in the year.
The Packers are currently 3.5-point favorites on Sunday.
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