The second half of the divisional round is about to get underway. As you might imagine, all four teams in action are banged up heading into their 19th week of the season. On Sunday, the No. 2 seeds in both conferences will play after the top seeds were in action Saturday. The No. 2 Green Bay Packers will take on the No. 3 Dallas Cowboys in the afternoon game, while the No. 2 Denver Broncos will face the No. 4 Indianapolis Colts in the late game.
2015 NFL playoff 2015 injuries: Aaron Rodgers, Rolando McClain among those listed
Aaron Rodgers and Rolando McClain are among those listed on the injury reports heading into Sunday’s divisional playoff games.
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Fortunately, injuries haven't been particularly prominent during the playoffs thus far. The biggest loss was perhaps Le'Veon Bell for the the Pittsburgh Steelers, who lost their wild card game against the Baltimore Ravens. The teams playing Sunday are in decent shape, though a few notable names stand out from the injury reports, perhaps none bigger than Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Here’s a look at all the injuries heading into Sunday:
Dallas Cowboys
- OT Doug Free, doubtful
- LB Anthony Hitchens, questionable
- LB Rolando McClain, questionable
- DT Terrell McClain, questionable
- DE Jeremy Mincey, questionable
- LB Bruce Carter, probable
- TE James Hanna, probable
- OG Zack Martin, probable
- RB DeMarco Murray, probable
- QB Tony Romo, probable
- DT Nick Hayden, probable
- S Jeff Heath, probable
The Cowboys have a long injury list, but few of these players are in any real danger of missing the game. Romo and Murray are both listed as probable and will be suiting up after battling lingering injuries throughout the regular season.
The Cowboys’ defense may have big issues with McClain and Hitchens both missing practice time this week. Hitchens is dealing with an ankle injury, while McClain had to pass the concussion protocol before returning to practice Friday. Both players are expected to play despite their questionable status. Head coach Jason Garrett was optimistic that Hitchens would be able to suit up against the Packers despite sitting out the entire week with an aggravated ankle.
Mincey also had to pass the concussion protocol before returning to practice. If McClain, Hitchens and Mincey can be effective despite their ailments, it will make life tough for Rodgers, who himself is dealing with injuries.
Green Bay Packers
- S Sean Richardson, questionable
- DT Josh Boyd, probable
- CB Davon House, probable
- QB Aaron Rodgers, probable
- OG Josh Sitton, probable
The biggest name by far is Rodgers. He is officially listed as probable, which means he’s all but certain to play. Rodgers may be far from 100 percent, however.
As noted in this report from ESPN, Rodgers has a slight tear in addition to the strain in his calf, limiting his mobility. Both teams may be adjusting their gameplans as a result. Rodgers is one of the best pocket passers in the NFL, and has a strong offensive line ahead of him (though it is worth noting that Sitton is dealing with an injury as well). He will need to stay upright if the Packers are going to reach the NFC Championship game.
Indianapolis Colts
- LB Jerrell Freeman, probable
- C Jonotthan Harrison, probable
- LB Andrew Jackson, probable
- LB Henoc Muamba, probable
- C A.Q. Shipley, probable
- CB Greg Toler, probable
- LB Erik Walden, probable
You'll notice that there aren't too many offensive linemen on Indianapolis' injury report. That's because they're all on injured reserve. The Colts have started 11 different offensive line combinations this season thanks to injuries up front. The two centers on the report -- Harrison and Shipley -- are both reserves behind Khaled Holmes, who started in the wild card round and should start Sunday.
The Colts will start the same offensive line group in consecutive games for the first time in roughly three months. That’s big, but it’s worth noting that the line as a whole has played well despite its jumbled personnel. Even better news for the Colts is that there is not much else to pay attention to on the injury report. Everybody listed wound up practicing Friday.
Denver Broncos
- DE Quanterus Smith, out
- LB Brandon Marshall, questionable
- DT Mitch Unrein, questionable
- S David Bruton Jr., probable
- OT Paul Cornick, probable
- OG Orlando Franklin, probable
- QB Peyton Manning, probable
- C Will Montgomery, probable
- CB Aqib Talib, probable
- WR Demaryius Thomas, probable
- TE Julius Thomas, probable
- RB Juwan Thompson, probable
- S T.J. Ward, probable
- CB Kayvon Webster, probable
The Broncos have another long injury list, but just three players are listed as anything other than probable. Guys like Manning, Demaryius Thomas, Talib and Ward are no dangers to miss the game. There is one significant player whose prospects are looking a little worse, however: linebacker Brandon Marshall.
Marshall missed the final two games of the regular season with a foot injury and is listed as questionable on the injury report. The questionable designation is supposed to denote a 50 percent chance to play. Marshall did get limited practice reps throughout the week and seems likely to suit up. He was a big component of Denver’s improved defense this season.
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