Notable Injuries, News from Sunday’s Week 16 Games
Bears LT Braxton Jones Carted Off vs. Lions
Chicago Bears left tackle Braxton Jones was carted off the field with an ankle injury during the first quarter of Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions. Jones, a rookie second-round pick, has been a key part of the Bears’ offensive line this season, starting all 15 games at left tackle.
Initial reports indicate that Jones suffered a high ankle sprain, which could potentially sideline him for multiple weeks. If Jones is unable to return, the Bears could be forced to shuffle their offensive line, with Larry Borom or Teven Jenkins potentially moving over to left tackle.
The Bears, who are currently 3-12 and out of playoff contention, will need to find a way to replace Jones’ production if he is forced to miss extended time. The team has struggled to protect quarterback Justin Fields this season, allowing 55 sacks, the second-most in the NFL.
Sauce Gardner Hurt in Jets’ Loss
New York Jets rookie cornerback Sauce Gardner left Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars with a groin injury. Gardner, who has been one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL this season, was seen limping off the field in the third quarter.
The severity of Gardner’s injury is unknown, but the Jets are hopeful that he will be able to return to action soon. Gardner has been a key part of the Jets’ defense this season, starting all 15 games and recording three interceptions and 14 pass breakups.
If Gardner is unable to play, the Jets will be without their top cornerback. D.J. Reed and Bryce Hall would likely be called upon to fill in for Gardner, but neither player has been as effective as Gardner this season.
Other Notable Injuries
* **Tennessee Titans WR Treylon Burks (concussion):** Burks suffered a concussion in the Titans’ loss to the Houston Texans and is in the NFL’s concussion protocol.
* **Pittsburgh Steelers WR Diontae Johnson (toe):** Johnson aggravated a toe injury in the Steelers’ win over the Las Vegas Raiders and is expected to miss multiple weeks.
* **New England Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle):** Stevenson suffered an ankle injury in the Patriots’ win over the Cincinnati Bengals and is expected to miss the rest of the regular season.
* **Dallas Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs (knee):** Diggs left the Cowboys’ win over the Philadelphia Eagles with a knee injury, but he is expected to be available for next week’s game.
News and Notes
* **Lions snap losing streak:** The Lions snapped a six-game losing streak with their win over the Bears. Detroit is now 7-8 on the season and has a chance to finish with a winning record for the first time since 2017.
* **Jets eliminated from playoff contention:** The Jets were eliminated from playoff contention with their loss to the Jaguars. New York is now 7-8 on the season and has lost three straight games.
* **Titans lose Burks to concussion:** The Titans lost their leading receiver, Treylon Burks, to a concussion in the first half of their loss to the Texans. Burks has been a key part of the Titans’ offense this season, recording 63 receptions for 835 yards and four touchdowns.
* **Steelers keep playoff hopes alive:** The Steelers kept their playoff hopes alive with their win over the Raiders. Pittsburgh is now 7-8 on the season and is one game behind the Baltimore Ravens for the final AFC Wild Card spot.
* **Patriots clinch playoff berth:** The Patriots clinched a playoff berth with their win over the Bengals. New England is now 8-7 on the season and has won three straight games.
* **Cowboys clinch NFC East title:** The Cowboys clinched the NFC East title with their win over the Eagles. Dallas is now 11-4 on the season and has won four straight games.