NFL Championship Sunday Injury Report
Which injuries will impact the NFL Conference Championship games this Sunday? Will the Chiefs have tight end Travis Kelce for their matchup with the Titans? What about defensive lineman Chris Jones?
Travis Kelce, TE, Chiefs
Coach Andy Reid confirmed that Kelce will play Sunday versus the Titans. Not that there was much doubt about whether the tight end would play, but this certainly is big news for Kansas City, which is a 7-point home favorite versus the Titans in the AFC Championship Game.
Chris Jones, DL, Chiefs
While nobody truly believed that Kelce would miss the game, there has been major doubt cast on Jones’ availability for Sunday. After not practicing at all this week, Jones (calf) resumed practicing on Friday. He sat out of the Divisional round win over the Texans and practicing Friday doesn’t mean Jones is guaranteed to start on Sunday. But it at least gives him a chance to face Derrick Henry this weekend.
Jack Conklin, OT, Titans
The biggest injury news facing the Titans is the status of offensive tackle Jack Conklin, who is questionable to face the Chiefs due to a shoulder injury. He was downgraded during the week and is now shaping up to be a game-time decision on Sunday. A key piece on a Tennessee offensive line that has paved the way for Henry to rack up yards in chunks in each of the team’s last three games, the Titans need Conklin Sunday at Arrwohead.
Adoree’ Jackson, CB, Titans
Jackson is tentatively expected to suit up for the Titans after practicing this week in limited fashion. He could be their No. 1 corner and travel with Tyreek Hill, which is what he did back in Week 10. That said, the Patriots double-teamed Hill with some success in last year’s AFC title game and with Jackson at less than 100-percent, that could be the Titans’ game plan this weekend.
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George Kittle, TE, 49ers
While an ankle injury sidelined him for Wednesday’s practice, Kittle did practice in full on Thursday and should play this weekend when the 49ers host the Packers in the NFC Championship Game. Coach Kyle Shanahan said that Kittle was just dealing with “some” soreness when he sat out on Wednesday. The tight end caught just three passes for 16 yards in the Niners’ win over the Vikings in the Divisional round last week. That said, Kittle torched the Packers in the teams’ Week 12 meeting, catching all six of his targets for 129 yards and a touchdown.
Kwon Alexander/Dee Ford, 49ers
Dee Ford (hamstring) was sidelined for Wednesday’s practice while Kwon Alexander (pectoral) was limited. That said, both defenders played last week in San Francisco’s win over Minnesota and both are expected to play this weekend versus Green Bay.
Allen Lazard, WR, Packers
The only injury note for the Packers heading into Sunday’s NFC title tilt is Lazard, who was limited in Thursday’s practice due to an ankle injury. The Packers are seemingly just monitoring the injury, which is not believed to be serious. Green Bay is currently a 7.5-point road underdog for Sunday’s game.