"Injuries Impacting the NFL Playoff Race"
Injuries in San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers, already without Trent Williams, Nick Bosa, and Deommodore Lenoir, saw Christian McCaffrey leave their Sunday night loss to Buffalo early due to a non-contact injury. It didn't look good, and he didn't return. Now, there's a fear that his season, which was already shortened due to Achilles tendonitis in both legs, may be over. All of the 49ers' key skill players on offense have missed time on the injured list this season, in addition to All-Pro tackle Trent Williams and key stars on defense. San Francisco, currently at 5-7 and 1-3 in the NFC West, will need a minor miracle to sneak into the playoffs after appearing in the last three NFC championship games.Christian McCaffrey's 2024 season started well but took a tragic turn. He was having a great game with seven rushes for 53 yards in the early going when he got injured. Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that it was a PCL injury. On Monday, the 49ers put McCaffrey back on IR, and with five games left in the season, it's likely we've seen the last of him this year.
Just four weeks after returning to the field, McCaffrey is out again with a PCL injury. Jordan Mason, who took over as RB1 after McCaffrey left Sunday night's game, is also going on IR after suffering a high ankle sprain. The 49ers are facing a tough battle to make it to the playoffs.
Injuries in Jacksonville Jaguars
In Jacksonville, the Jaguars are bracing for more news about franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence. He took an ugly, illegal hit on Sunday which led to him being carted off the field and Azeez Al-Shaair being ejected.The hit on Lawrence is sure to be talked about this week. On Tuesday, the league announced a three-game suspension for Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. He will appeal. On Monday morning, Al-Shaair apologized to Lawrence in a post on social media. But the 2-10 Jaguars, who were 9-8 last year and have underperformed expectations in 2024, had to finish up without their franchise signal caller.
Lawrence, in the first year of a five-year, 5 million extension, didn't return to the game after showing the fencing response on the field. After the game, he posted on social media that he was feeling better and resting at home. With the Jags going nowhere fast this season and Doug Pederson's job possibly in jeopardy, it'll be interesting to see if the Jaguars are cautious with Lawrence as the season winds down.
Other Injuries in the League
The Bears' cornerback Jaylon Johnson confirmed that he confronted Matt Eberflus after the Thanksgiving loss to the Lions. Details continue to trickle out from that disastrous game and the aftermath that led to Eberflus' dismissal.Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said that wide receiver Ladd McConkey "is working through a couple things" after he suffered a knee injury in Sunday's win over the Atlanta Falcons. His status for practice this week and Week 14 against the Chiefs is unclear. McConkey has emerged as the Chargers' unquestioned No. 1 receiving option as a rookie.
The Los Angeles Rams have claimed cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. off waivers. A first-round draft pick in 2023, Forbes fell out of the starting lineup after starting six games in 14 appearances as a rookie. He's still seeking his first NFL interception.
Dexter Lawrence's season is over. The Giants placed their defensive line anchor and rookie tight end Theo Johnson on season-ending injured reserve. Lawrence suffered a dislocated left elbow in Thursday's loss to the Cowboys and didn't finish the game. Johnson suffered a foot injury and his season is also done.
Taysom Hill is out for the year after suffering a knee injury and being carted off the field in Sunday's loss to the Rams. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports Hill has a torn ACL and "additional damage."
Baker Mayfield's status is up in the air. Todd Bowles says QB Baker Mayfield has a sore leg. He thinks Mayfield will be comfortable by Sunday's game but isn't yet sure about his practice status this week.
In case there was any doubt, #Jets interim coach Jeff Ulbrich told reporters today that QB Aaron Rodgers will continue to start for the team, giving them the best chance to win.
Azeez Al-Shaair apologized for the hit on Trevor Lawrence. He said he "genuinely didn't see (Lawrence) sliding until it was too late." Lawrence left the field on a cart but later tweeted that he was home and "feeling better." Al-Shaair could face discipline for the hit.
Seriously: Josh Allen threw and caught his own TD in the Bills' blowout win over the 49ers. The highlight was a memorable moment for the Bills and their fans.
Geno Smith was drafted by the Jets in 2013 and is now the starting QB for the Seahawks. Sunday's game against the Jets was a sort of homecoming for him. Led by Smith, the Seahawks pulled off a fantastic 26-21 comeback win against the Jets, securing the Jets' ninth-straight losing season.