NFL Playoffs: Top Stories and Injuries for Conference Championship Weekend

Kansas City Chiefs

Joe Thuney ruled out for Sunday

Thuney will not play this week due to a pectoral injury. While this was fully expected, it's also a major blow to the Chiefs' offense. He is an All-Pro offensive guard and a key piece of the Chiefs' offensive line. There is still a chance that he would be able to play in the Super Bowl should the Chiefs advance past the Baltimore Ravens this week.  

Isiah Pacheco listed as questionable

It's worth noting that Pacheco is listed as questionable this week with an ankle injury, however, we fully expect him to be out there. If he were to miss the game it would be a crushing blow to the Chiefs' offense. Nonetheless, that would come as a major shock if he wasn't able to go. 

Skyy Moore will not return off injured reserve

There was some hope that Moore would be able to return either last week or this week. Unfortunately, he's still not ready to return from injured reserve. Even when he is ready to return, he is not much of a difference maker. 

Kadarius Toney questionable to play

In the least shocking news of the week, Toney is questionable for this week's game and may not be able to play. He was downgraded mid-week and is looking like a game-time decision. Few players are injured quite as often as Toney. While he has playmaking ability he is also at times a disaster. 

Willie Gay in danger of sitting out

Gay is considered questionable for Sunday but was downgraded from limited to a DNP on Friday. It's unclear if he suffered a setback or simply needed some rest before the game. He's an important part of the defense and is worth monitoring leading up to game time. 

Baltimore Ravens

Mark Andrews will make his long-awaited return

Andrews has been completely removed from the injury report and will return to action. Even if he's less than 100%, this is massive news for Lamar Jackson and the Ravens' offense. He is without a doubt their top pass-catcher and Jackon's favorite target. His presence alone will make a huge difference. This could be a game-changer on Sunday. 

Marlon Humphrey expected to play despite questionable tag

After getting in a full practice on Friday it looks like Humphrey will be good to go for Sunday. He is still listed as questionable but that looks to just be a formality at this point. Humphrey is one of the Ravens' most important defenders and they will be thrilled to have him out there. 

Detroit Lions

Frank Ragnow good to go for Sunday

In more outstanding offensive lineman news, the Lions will have their star center this week for the Conference Championship Game. He has been removed from the injury report entirely. This has been expected most of the week but is a big deal because losing him would have been a crucial blow. Ragnow is among the best centers in the game today. 

Sam LaPorta removed from injury report

LaPorta was always going to play but it's good to see him off the injury report completely. He has been wearing a bulky knee brace on the field but appears to getting closer to 100%.

Josh Reynolds expected to play 

Reynolds was never in true danger of sitting out this week, nevertheless, they need him this week against the 49ers. He serves as the true WR2 in Detroit even though Jameson Williams is the more intriguing fantasy option because of his game-breaking speed. 

Kalif Raymond unlikely to return this week

Raymond is yet to suit up in the playoffs and doesn't look like he's going to return this week. His absence is another reason Reynolds is so important. There is a chance he could return if the Lions advance to the Super Bowl. 

Zach Ertz's status up in the air

Head coach Dan Campbell stated this week that he does not know if Ertz will be active for the Conference Championship. He just signed with the team on Monday and his status is very much up in the air. 

San Francisco 49ers

Deebo Samuel removed from 49ers' final injury report

This is easily the most shocking news of the week. After exiting last week in the first half with a shoulder injury and coming out of the locker room in street clothes in the second half, Samuel looked unlikely to even be able to play this week. Now after getting in a full practice on Friday, he's not even on the injury report. It will be interesting to see exactly how healthy he looks during the game.