Conference Championship Injury Report: Key Absences and Question Marks Ahead of NFL’s Final Four
Championship Sunday is almost here, and with just three games left in the 2025 NFL season, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The matchups are set - Patriots vs.
Broncos in the AFC, Rams vs. Seahawks in the NFC - and while playoff football always comes down to execution, coaching, and a little bit of luck, health is the X-factor that looms large over both showdowns.
Let’s break down the final injury reports for each of the four remaining teams and what those absences and question marks could mean with a Super Bowl berth on the line.
AFC Championship: New England Patriots at Denver Broncos
Sunday, 3:00 p.m. ET on CBS
This one already had a major wrinkle heading into the week: Denver will be without rookie quarterback Bo Nix, who suffered a broken ankle in the Broncos’ win over the Bills. That’s a massive loss for a team that had leaned on Nix’s poise and efficiency all season. Now, Denver turns to its backup in the biggest game of the year.
But Nix isn’t the only key Bronco sidelined. Running back J.K.
Dobbins, who’s been out since Week 10 with a foot injury, was limited in practice all week but ultimately won’t suit up. Linebacker Drew Sanders (ankle) and tight end Lucas Krull (foot) are also out, thinning Denver’s depth on both sides of the ball.
The offensive line is a bit of a question mark, too. Starting center Luke Wattenberg (shoulder) practiced fully all week and is listed as questionable - which usually leans toward playing - but his backup, Alex Forsyth (ankle), was limited all week and is also questionable.
That’s a potential issue if Wattenberg suffers any setbacks during the game. Wide receiver Troy Franklin (hamstring) and safety JL Skinner (quad) are both questionable after limited participation in practice.
On the Patriots’ side, the headline is the absence of Harold Landry III. The team’s 2025 sack leader (8.5 sacks) has been ruled out with a knee injury after not practicing all week. That’s a significant blow to New England’s pass rush, especially against a Denver offense that may lean more on the run and short passing game with Nix out.
Cornerback Carlton Davis III remains in concussion protocol but did practice fully on Friday, giving him a real shot to play. Linebacker Marte Mapu (hip) and wide receiver Mack Hollins (abdomen) are also questionable, with both players being limited or absent in practice during the week.
Key Takeaway:
Both teams are dealing with big losses, but the Broncos’ injury list is longer and more impactful, especially with their starting quarterback and lead back out. If New England can take advantage of a banged-up Denver offense, especially with Landry sidelined, they’ll have a real shot to punch their ticket to Levi’s Stadium.
NFC Championship: Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks (-2.5)
Sunday, 6:30 p.m. ET on Fox
The Rams enter the NFC title game relatively healthy, but the one name on their injury report is a big one: edge rusher Byron Young. The Pro Bowl pass rusher didn’t practice Wednesday or Thursday due to a knee issue and was only limited on Friday.
He’s officially questionable, and his status could swing the balance of this game. Young led the Rams with 12 sacks this season and is the centerpiece of their pass rush - if he can’t go or is limited, that’s a huge break for Seattle.
Los Angeles will also be without veteran right tackle Rob Havenstein (ankle), who was limited in practice late in the week but didn’t make the cut for Sunday. That’s a hit to the Rams’ protection, especially on the edge.
Seattle, meanwhile, gets a boost with quarterback Sam Darnold fully cleared after being listed as questionable last week with an oblique injury. Darnold played well in the divisional round, going 12-of-17 for 124 yards and a touchdown, and he’ll be under center again with no injury designation this time around.
But the Seahawks aren’t completely healthy. Running back Zach Charbonnet, who tore his ACL in last week’s blowout win over the 49ers, is out for the season.
Linebacker Chazz Surratt (ankle) is also out, despite practicing fully all week - a bit of a surprise. Offensive tackle Amari Kight (knee) is doubtful, and swing lineman Josh Jones (knee/ankle) is questionable, leaving Seattle’s offensive line depth in a precarious spot.
Key Takeaway:
Seattle has the home-field edge and their quarterback healthy, but injuries on the offensive line and the loss of Charbonnet could test their depth.
For the Rams, all eyes are on Byron Young. If he’s out or limited, that could give Darnold the time he needs to operate cleanly - and that might be the difference.
Final Thoughts
With Super Bowl LX just two weeks away, every snap, every substitution, and every injury matters. The Broncos and Patriots both limp into the AFC Championship with key players sidelined, while the NFC clash hinges on whether Byron Young can suit up and whether Seattle’s offensive line can hold up.
It’s been a long road - 272 regular-season games and 10 playoff battles - and now we’re down to four teams, three games, and one Lombardi Trophy. Strap in. Championship Sunday is almost here.