The NFL season is barreling toward the playoffs, and this is when the injuries start to feel a whole lot bigger. Whether you’re a contender chasing the Lombardi Trophy or a bubble team clinging to hope, every game matters — and every injury feels like a gut punch. From superstars like Patrick Mahomes battling through the pain to teams like the Lions and Dolphins limping into the stretch run, injuries are shaking up the playoff picture. 

So, who’s in, who’s out, and what does it all mean as we race toward the postseason? Let’s break it down.

Contenders at Less Than Full Strength

Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs) - Right ankle injury.

Mahomes suffered a mild high-ankle sprain, an injury that usually keeps players out for a month. Yet, despite the short turnaround for Saturday's game, he hasn’t been ruled out — a testament to his toughness and reputation for playing through injuries. Mahomes’ ankles, as many say, are simply built different. Backup quarterback Carson Wentz will be the starter if Mahomes is unable to go in Week 16.

Chamarri Conner (Chiefs) - Concussion.

Chamarri Conner suffered a concussion on Sunday against the Browns after taking a knee to the head. The Chiefs’ secondary hasn’t been particularly strong this season, and Conner’s absence only adds to their struggles. Against a Texans offense loaded with explosive weapons, Kansas City’s defense could be vulnerable through the air. Houston has the tools to exploit these weaknesses, creating a tough matchup for the Chiefs in Week 16.

David Montgomery (Lions) - Torn MCL.

David Montgomery tore his MCL in the Lions’ game against the Bills, a huge blow to one of the most explosive offenses in the league. Dan Campbell confirmed Monday that he'll undergo season-ending surgery. The Lions' running back tandem has become known as "Sonic & Knuckles" — Jahmyr Gibbs is Sonic and Montgomery is Knuckles — and Knuckles had been a force for Detroit’s offense, tallying 775 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, making his absence a huge blow for their playoff push.

Carlton Davis III (Lions) - Jaw injury.

The Lions' defense has been absolutely decimated by injuries this season, and Carlton Davis III's broken jaw only adds to the struggles. A key player in their secondary, Davis had been performing at a high level with a career-low passer rating allowed of 77. He’ll miss at least six weeks, a major blow to Detroit's hopes for a deep playoff run.

Alim McNeill (Lions) - Torn ACL.

Alim McNeill’s torn ACL is just the latest blow for a Lions defense that’s been battered all season. As a cornerstone of their defensive line, McNeill was a consistent disruptor with 3.5 sacks and a top pressure rate. His absence compounds Detroit’s struggles, leaving them scrambling for answers in a playoff push that’s grown tougher by the week.

Khalil Dorsey (Lions) - Ankle injury.

Khalil Dorsey’s season came to an abrupt end after suffering what was described as an “ugly” ankle injury. Carted off the field and taken to the hospital, the severity was clear from the start. Dorsey had been a versatile piece on defense and special teams, and his loss further depletes an already battered Lions secondary. Lions' head coach Dan Campbell confirmed after the game that Dorsey will be out for the year.

T.J. Watt (Steelers) - Ankle injury.

T.J. Watt’s ankle injury during the Steelers’ Week 15 matchup against the Eagles left Pittsburgh fans holding their breath. Watt was seen grabbing his ankle after the play and needed evaluation in the medical tent before heading to the locker room. Post-game X-rays came back negative, ruling out a fracture, and Coach Mike Tomlin later described the injury as a low ankle sprain — typically less severe than a high sprain.

Watt, a relentless force on defense and their leading sack artist, remains questionable for the next game against the Ravens. There have been some reports of him walking around practice comfortably, but with the Steelers already locked into the playoffs as Super Bowl contenders, Watt’s health is key to ensuring they can make a deep postseason run.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Seems like the news is good on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TJWatt?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TJWatt</a> 🎉🥳🍾<br><br>Completely possible that he has a low inversion ankle sprain on left during the millisecond that it is out of the frame. The lack of injury mechanism made me unnecessarily worry about a 5th metatarsal injury. Low ankle still an issue… <a href="https://t.co/XmInI80mQG">https://t.co/XmInI80mQG</a></p>&mdash; David J. Chao - ProFootballDoc (@ProFootballDoc) <a href="https://twitter.com/ProFootballDoc/status/1868459987300982911?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Landon Dickerson (Eagles) - Knee injury.

Landon Dickerson left the game in the third quarter with a knee injury, though the exact nature remains unclear. Early reports have described it as anywhere from a contusion to a strain, with further tests ongoing. Dickerson has been a massive part of the Eagles’ top-tier rushing attack, paving the way for their ground game week after week. If he misses time, it’ll leave a noticeable hole in both their protection and run-blocking. The team is hopeful for good news, with an official update expected by Wednesday.

Desperate for Wins, Desperate for Health

Geno Smith (Seahawks) - Knee injury.

Geno Smith’s knee injury couldn’t have come at a worse time for Seattle, who are clinging to playoff hopes with every game feeling like a must-win. Sitting just outside the postseason picture with a 36% chance of making the playoffs according to NextGen Stats, the Seahawks can’t afford to lose momentum. Smith was knocked out of their Week 15 matchup against the Packers after an awkward hit, and while initial tests ruled out severe structural damage, his availability remains day-to-day. Head coach Mike Macdonald called the results “positive” and praised Smith’s toughness, but his practice reps will determine if he’s ready to face Minnesota in Week 16. With the margin for error razor-thin, the Seahawks desperately need Smith back under center to keep their season alive.

Jaleel McLaughlin (Broncos) - Quad injury.

Jaleel McLaughlin injured his quad late in the Broncos’ matchup against the Colts, and while he was initially questionable to return, he never made it back onto the field. Quad injuries can be tricky, which usually means taking it slow, keeping things light, and making sure he doesn’t push it too hard too soon. As of now, there’s no definitive word on his recovery timeline and McLaughlin’s status for next week remains uncertain. For a Broncos team almost assured a spot in the postseason, losing McLaughlin’s versatility and burst in the backfield is still a tough blow. The Broncos are in a solid spot heading into the postseason, but they can’t afford to let up now. 

Quay Walker (Packers) - Ankle injury.

The Packers’ defense has had its ups and downs this season, and Quay Walker’s ankle injury adds another layer of concern. Walker limped off early against Seattle, and it was clear right away he wasn’t coming back. Ankle injuries are tough to pin down — one minute it’s just sore, the next it’s weeks on the sideline — so the team labeled him day-to-day for now. Green Bay already has one foot in the postseason, with NextGen Stats giving them a greater than 99% chance to make the playoffs. Still, losing a key defender like Walker isn’t ideal as they look to fine-tune everything for January. His progress in practice this week will be something to keep an eye on.

Jaylen Waddle (Dolphins) - Knee injury.

Jaylen Waddle’s knee injury came in the second quarter of the Dolphins' matchup against the Texans, and his absence was immediately felt on offense. Thankfully, tests revealed the injury isn’t severe enough to require surgery, but Waddle remains day-to-day as the Dolphins carefully manage his recovery. Head coach Mike McDaniel confirmed that Waddle “dodged a major injury,” though his status for Week 16 is still up in the air. Whether he practices or not will say a lot about his chances of suiting up.

Grant DuBose (Dolphins) - Hospitalized with a head injury.

Grant DuBose’s injury was a scary moment for the Dolphins and everyone watching. After a helmet-to-helmet hit in the game against the Texans, play stopped as medical staff quickly rushed to his side. DuBose was carted off the field and taken to a Houston hospital for overnight observation. Thankfully, the team later confirmed that he had movement in all extremities, and early tests delivered positive results. Still, with head injuries as serious as this, his return is far from immediate. DuBose will need to clear concussion protocol and get medical clearance before stepping back on the field. For now, the focus remains on his health and recovery as the Dolphins navigate the remainder of the season.

Sam Hubbard (Bengals) - Knee injury.

Sam Hubbard’s knee injury was a bittersweet moment for the Bengals. On his first career touchdown catch — a highlight most defensive players dream of, but never get — Hubbard suffered a torn PCL, bringing his day to an early end. The Bengals immediately ruled him out for the rest of the game, and while Hubbard himself remains optimistic about avoiding surgery, there’s growing concern this could be a season-ending setback. Head coach Zac Taylor hasn’t ruled out his return entirely but emphasized the need for further evaluation. With no expectation of Hubbard practicing this week, the Bengals will have to plan without one of their most reliable players on the defensive front. With their playoff hopes all but dust, it's probably in his and the team's best interest to focus on a full recovery.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SamHubbard?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SamHubbard</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Bengals?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Bengals</a><br>Gets the TD catch and right knee PCL sprain on same play Sunday <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CINvsTEN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CINvsTEN</a> <a href="https://t.co/xDaIp4kYZn">pic.twitter.com/xDaIp4kYZn</a></p>&mdash; David J. Chao - ProFootballDoc (@ProFootballDoc) <a href="https://twitter.com/ProFootballDoc/status/1868831731165675732?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Alec Pierce (Colts) - Concussion.

Alec Pierce’s concussion in the Colts’ game against the Broncos was tough to watch. He left early and didn’t come back, leaving a noticeable gap in their offense. Now, he’s in the NFL’s concussion protocol, which means a step-by-step process to monitor symptoms and ensure he’s fully recovered before returning. Head injuries like this are always concerning, and with the AFC playoff picture essentially set — and them not in it — the Colts won’t take any chances with Pierce. For now, it’s a waiting game, and the team has to prepare as if one of their top receivers won’t be available next week.