As the NFL postseason narrows down to the final four teams, just three games remain, with the AFC and NFC championship finals taking center stage this Sunday.
Following the norm during this challenging phase of the season, injuries have become a significant factor due to the physical wear and tear of the NFL.
Prominent Pro Bowlers such as Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews, Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey and San Francisco 49ers versatile wide receiver Deebo Samuel are currently uncertain about their availability.
Kansas City and Baltimore Injured
The impending showdown between the Kansas City Chiefs and Ravens is scheduled for Sunday afternoon. Both teams are dealing with the impact of injuries to key players.
The Chiefs are facing their own challenges with defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi, receiver Skyy Moore and wide receiver Kadarius Toney suffering from various injuries, while linebacker Willie Gay Jr, safety Mike Edwards and guard Joe Thuney are dealing with their own health issues.
On the Ravens front, tight end Mark Andrews, a Pro Bowl selection, is in the recovery phase from ankle surgery, the result of an injury suffered in Week 11.
Despite participating in limited practices last week, he remained sidelined during the divisional round, maintaining his status on the injured list.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Andrews, there is a sense of hope within the Ravens camp as to his possible availability for the upcoming game. In addition, cornerback Marlon Humphrey is managing a calf issue.
Since suffering a calf injury against the Miami Dolphins in Week 17, Marlon Humphrey, the Pro Bowl safety for Baltimore, has been absent from the game, and did not participate in practice last week.
Despite this, Harbaugh expressed that the team's outlook on Humphrey's potential availability for Sunday is optimistic.
DUEL OF GIANTS! 🔥
ANNOTEN: American Conference Finals
Baltimore vs KansasSunday, January 28, 2 PM.
Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs will visit the home of Lamar Jackson and the Ravens.
It's going to be a treat. 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/MRwDtm6FL6- DIARIO RÉCORD (@record_mexico) January 22, 2024
Detroit and San Francisco Injured
The showdown between the Detroit Lions and 49ers is scheduled for Sunday night. Both teams are dealing with specific injury concerns.
For the Lions, LG Jonah Jackson is ruled out for Sunday due to a knee problem, while C Frank Ragnow is dealing with knee and ankle issues.
On the 49ers side, the focus is on Pro Bowl wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who suffered a shoulder injury in the NFC divisional round against the Green Bay Packers.
Samuel's status for Sunday's game will be determined later in the week, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan.
The importance of Samuel's presence is highlighted by the 49ers' performance metrics, as they have an 8-9 record when he does not play since his election in 2019, including an 0-2 record this season when he is unavailable.
The team's yards per play average increases dramatically with Samuel on the field, reaching 7.1 yards in 2023, compared to 5.6 yards when he is on the sidelines.
In addition, Samuel leads all NFL wide receivers this season with 8.8 yards after reception.
