NFL Week 16: Breaking Down Thursday Injury Report

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Week 16 brings plenty of matchups with playoff implications on the line. 

The Redskins are two wins away from making the playoffs. They control their own destiny.

How is RGIII recovering from his knee injury? There are a bunch of key players on playoff-hopeful teams who may or may not suit up Sunday due to injuries.

Let us take a look at who is on track to play Sunday and who isn't.

Jordy Nelson and Alex Green Miss Practice

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This coming from Pete Dougherty on Twitter:

Packers practice update DNP: Green (concussion), Starks (knee), Saturday (neck), Lang (concussion), Kuhn (unknown), Crabtree (illness)

— Pete Dougherty (@PeteDougherty) December 20, 2012

 

Nelson (hamstring), Wilson (knee), Worthy (hamstring)

— Pete Dougherty (@PeteDougherty) December 20, 2012

Jordy Nelson hasn't practiced with his teammates since pulling his hamstring back in Week 13. I wouldn't expect to see him until the playoffs.

Alex Green is suffering from a concussion which will likely hold him out of Green Bay's Week 16 matchup with the Tennessee Titans. Look for a lot of Aaron Rodgers in this game as the backup running backs won't get it done for the Packers.

Torrey Smith Participated in Thursday's Practice

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This news comes from Ravens Insider Aaron Wilson on Twitter:

 

Marshal Yanda and Torrey Smith dressed out and back at practice

— Aaron Wilson (@RavensInsider) December 20, 2012

 

This seems to be good news for Ravens fans. Torrey Smith is needed for the Ravens to clinch the division this weekend. Their matchup with the Giants this weekend won't be easy.

The Steelers need to beat the Bengals Sunday. The Ravens need to beat the Giants. If both things happen, the AFC North belongs to Baltimore. 

Ahmad Bradshaw's Knee Keeps Him from Practicing Thursday

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Courtesy of Jenny Vrentas of The Star-Ledger on Twitter:

 

Tuck (shoulder) is on the bike again. Bradshaw, Baas and Snee are not out on practice field. Second straight missed practice for all 4. #nyg

— Jenny Vrentas (@JennyVrentas) December 20, 2012

 

It is looking better and better for David Wilson's fantasy owners. Ahmad's status is completely up in the air.

Whoever gets the start at running back for the Giants in this game will play well. The Ravens rank in the bottom 10 in the NFL against the run this year. 

Brandon Pettigrew Still Not Practicing

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Special thanks to Chris McCosky on Twitter:

 

Pettigrew only player absent from practice Thursday

— Chris McCosky (@cmccosky) December 20, 2012

It is becoming more and more likely that he will not play this weekend. He hasn't played since injuring his ankle, back in Week 14. This opens up a slew of possibilities for Tony Scheffler, who has emerged as one of Matthew Stafford's top targets in Pettigrew's absence. 

Robert Griffin III "Moving Fine" on Thursday

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It is becoming more and more likely that we will find Robert Griffin III under center on Sunday in Philadelphia. Rich Campbell of the Washington Times reported today that Griffin "moved fine at Redskins practice Thursday morning."

Campbell also stated that head coach Mike Shanahan is "expected to elaborate on the extent of Griffin's participation in practice" later on this afternoon.

The Redskins will try and win their fourth consecutive NFC East game on Sunday. Their opponent, the Philadelphia Eagles, are all but done at this point.

They do have the chance to play spoiler for their division rivals. 

Having RGIII under center would make things much easier for the Redskins. We will find out more as the week progresses, but things are looking good right now.