In Week 16 of the NFL season, several notable player statuses have emerged as teams prepare for their matchups on Sunday. Major injuries and lineup changes are driving the game plan for many teams. Perhaps the most significant change is the inclusion of Woody Marks. He is officially expected to be inactive with an ankle injury. Teammates of the most recent blusterers, Keon Coleman, Gabe Davis, and Mecole Hardman Jr., will sit out. At the same time, some major industry stalwarts with wounds are preparing to suit back up on the field.
Player Inactives
Woody Marks, considered by many the best player in the conference, is still recovering from a Week 1 ankle injury. Due to this, he will not be playing in today’s game. His absence is likely to be felt the most on the team’s offensive strategy. To make matters worse, Keon Coleman and Gabe Davis will be inactive this Sunday, robbing each team of one of their top playmakers even further.
Mecole Hardman Jr. will join him on the shelf with an unspecified injury. His leadership and expertise will be felt deeply by his crew as they prepare to blast off to victory. On a much better note, Van Jefferson was given the go-ahead to suit up today. His return is a massive boost for the team’s receiving corps, particularly after he fought through a back injury.
Key Players Cleared to Play
Despite a series of injuries affecting players across various teams, some key athletes have successfully cleared protocols and will take to the field. Now he has cleared concussion protocol and should be a big part of his team’s offense today. His return will be needed if the now-rebuilding team wants any shot at returning to the playoff-hunting days of yore.
Rashee Rice is another big name to watch, he too was in the concussion protocol. His impact on the field may be seen as key as his squad hopes to make the most of its scoring chances. On top of that, Quentin Johnston will suit up today despite dealing with a groin injury, as tight end David Njoku is active today, gameplaying a knee injury.
As for Alvin Kamara, his situation is up in the air due to a knee injury, which may impact his effectiveness, or even if he plays at all. Certainly his ability to play will be the biggest factor in shaping his team’s strategy as they go forward. Running back Devin Neal has been placed on IR with a hamstring injury. This compounds the team’s issues in depth at RB.
Impact of Injuries on Team Strategies
Charlie Jones is out with an ankle injury. Fewer targets should open up new opportunities for Mitchell Tinsley, an intriguing addition who could lead the team in them. Tinsley certainly has the tools to be that guy. His emergence has the potential to change the entire dynamic of the offense as the team continues to adjust without one of their usual starters.
With Tyquan Thornton inactive with a concussion, this makes it even more challenging for his team. Gardner Minshew will certainly need to rely on Xavier Worthy to go above, especially with other weapons out with injuries. One thing that could certainly limit Worthy’s potential to shine is the hamstring injury that has plagued him all season.
The Andre Baccellia injury settlement pushes Jalen Brooks squarely into that pipeline as a potential replaceable body if Weaver gets worse. This week, especially for depth in the receiving corps, Brooks’ readiness will be vital.
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