With the NFL playoffs in full swing, teams are managing injuries as they prepare for critical matchups. Here’s a look at the injury reports for the Kansas City Chiefs, Houston Texans, Detroit Lions, and Washington Commanders ahead of Saturday’s games.
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Houston Texans
- Date/Time: Saturday, Jan. 18, 4:30 p.m. ET
- Location: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
- TV: ABC/ESPN
- Spread Favorite: Chiefs (-7.5)
Chiefs Injury Report
The Chiefs (15-2) are dealing with several injuries but appear to have their key players ready for action.
Notable Injuries:
- Chris Jones (DT): Calf, full practice
- Patrick Mahomes (QB): Ankle, full practice (3,928 yards, 26 TDs in 2024)
- Isiah Pacheco (RB): Rib, full practice (310 rushing yards, 1 TD)
- Mecole Hardman (WR): Knee, limited practice (12 games played)
All other players listed, including cornerback Trent McDuffie and offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor, participated fully in practice and are expected to play.
Related: Ranking the Top 10 Kansas City Chiefs Players of All Time
Texans Injury Report
The Texans (10-7) face challenges with key contributors sidelined or limited.
Notable Injuries:
- Robert Woods (WR): Hip, did not practice
- Shaq Mason (OG): Knee, did not practice
- Nico Collins (WR): Rest, limited practice (1,006 yards, 7 TDs in 2024)
- Dalton Schultz (TE): Shoulder, limited practice (532 yards, 2 TDs)
Key defensive players like Will Anderson Jr. (hand, full practice) will need to step up for the Texans to stay competitive against Kansas City.
Related: The 15 Best NFL Coaches of the 2024 Season
Detroit Lions vs. Washington Commanders
- Date/Time: Saturday, Jan. 18, 8:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
- TV: FOX
- Spread Favorite: Lions (-8.5)
Lions Injury Report
The NFC-leading Lions (15-2) have relatively minor injury concerns heading into their game against Washington.
Notable Injuries:
- David Montgomery (RB): Knee, full practice (775 rushing yards, 12 TDs)
- Kevin Zeitler (OG): Hamstring, did not practice
- Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (CB): Hamstring, did not practice
With Montgomery back to full participation, the Lions’ rushing attack should remain effective.
Related: 10 Reasons Why the Detroit Lions Will Win Super Bowl LIX
Commanders Injury Report
The Commanders (12-5) have a lengthy list of injured players, raising concerns about their depth.
Notable Injuries:
- Bobby Wagner (LB): Ankle, did not practice (132 tackles in 2024)
- Dante Fowler Jr. (LB): Rest, did not practice (10.5 sacks, 14 TFL)
- Zach Ertz (TE): Ribs, did not practice (654 yards, 7 TDs)
- Jamison Crowder (WR): Hamstring, did not practice
Players like Marshon Lattimore (CB) and Frankie Luvu (LB) have returned to full practice, providing some relief to Washington’s defense.
Related: The 15 Greatest Comebacks in NFL Playoff History
Game Changing Injuries for the Texans and Commanders?
Injuries could play a major role in these Divisional Round matchups. While the Chiefs and Lions appear healthier, the Texans and Commanders must overcome notable absences to pull off upsets. As Saturday’s games approach, teams will look to their depth and adaptability to keep their playoff hopes alive.
