Patrick Mahomes is currently contending with another ankle issue, while Josh Allen is facing a shoulder injury, and Geno Smith is grappling with a knee problem. These injuries are just a few examples of what transpired in Week 15 of the NFL season. The Detroit Lions are experiencing an alarming number of player losses, and other teams are also dealing with injuries to critical personnel. This situation reinforces the idea that often, it’s not necessarily the best team that emerges victorious at the end of the season, but rather the one that has managed to maintain the greatest health heading into the playoffs.
Mahomes is dealing with a mild high-ankle sprain but still intends to play on Saturday against the Texans. He has previously played through similar injuries, including during the 2022 playoffs, ultimately leading the Kansas City Chiefs to their consecutive Super Bowl victories. Meanwhile, Allen has received reassurance after undergoing a precautionary X-ray for his shoulder following a tough game against Detroit, where the Bills secured a 48-42 win. If Buffalo wins their remaining matches and Kansas City faces two defeats, they could secure the No. 1 seed.
Smith, along with the Seahawks, received encouraging news regarding his right knee; tests revealed no significant damage. Seattle is currently in a deadlock with the Rams for the top spot in the NFC West, with their potential for a division title resting on their upcoming matchup in Los Angeles.
The Lions have sustained the most substantial losses, as three pivotal players are facing season-ending injuries, and another starter has been lost indefinitely. Across the league, 49 quarterbacks have started games this season, reflecting how teams have opted for backups due to injuries or underperformance of starters.
The NFL expanded the regular season to an additional game in 2021 and is considering moving to 18 games in the future, pending approval from the players’ union. More games naturally lead to increased chances of injuries, but the league cites data suggesting a decline in overall injuries from last season through the first 14 weeks. NFL executive Jeff Miller has noted, “Building on a good preseason where we had the lowest concussion rate we’ve had in years, our injuries continue to be down.” He highlighted the importance of preemptive acclimatization and improvements in helmet safety protocols in contributing to this decline.
Moreover, recent changes to kickoff rules have led to a decrease in collision speeds, reportedly about 20% slower, thus contributing to a reduced rate of concussions and lower-extremity injuries in comparison to past seasons. Yet, these statistics offer little comfort to teams currently grappling with significant player injuries as they strive for playoff advancement.
For the Detroit Lions, the situation has been particularly dire. After losing Aidan Hutchinson in Week 6, they faced further blows with running back David Montgomery and defensive tackle Alim McNeill both suffering season-ending knee injuries during their game against the Bills. Special teams player Khalil Dorsey also faced a season-ending leg injury in that game, and cornerback Carlton Davis is out with a jaw injury. Prior to these latest injuries, the Lions already had the highest number of players on injured reserve in the league, with their defense notably impacted.
As for the Kansas City Chiefs, the potential absence of Mahomes poses a significant threat to their bid for a third consecutive Super Bowl victory. Carson Wentz, currently a backup, brings considerable experience having started for seven seasons and being recognized as a 2017 NFL MVP contender before an injury sidelined him. If Wentz can adapt to the offensive strategy while remaining cautious with his health, he has the talent to succeed.
The Pittsburgh Steelers also face concerns, with edge rusher T.J. Watt dealing with a low ankle injury; however, coach Mike Tomlin remains hopeful that he won’t miss additional game time. The Buffalo Bills, on the other hand, are monitoring linebacker Matt Milano’s groin injury as well as the absence of several starters due to various injuries sustained in their game against Detroit.
Lastly, the Philadelphia Eagles are managing quarterback Jalen Hurts’ broken ring finger, which, despite being a concern, does not seem to affect his playing ability.