NFL
AFC Championship Injury Review: Bengals vs Chiefs and what's at stake
On Sunday the Bengals will take on the Chiefs with the AFC title on the line, but how will either team cope with mounting injuries to key players
Its NFL Conference Championship week and while there is no doubt immense anticipation on either side of the conference divide, all teams share a common concern about injuries.
The Bengals are facing injury worries.
The NFL regular season is grueling. We are now just over five months in and there are four teams remaining - two in each conference - in the playoffs with their sights set on a place in the Super Bowl. Needless to say, arriving to this point for each of them has been no easy breeze as both the Cincinnati Bengals and Kansas City Chiefs can attest. At the moment both teams are facing a race to have a handful of key players ready in time for Sunday's showdown.
As per reports on Wednesday, Bengals' Pass-rusher Cam Sample did not participate in the day's practice session due to a groin injury. While he was the only one absent, it should be noted that Wide receiver Stanley Morgan who is struggling with his hamstring and defensive tackle Josh Tupou whose knee concerns are still an issue, were limited participants. There was also quarterback Joe Burrow (knee) and wide receiver Tee Higgins (thumb) who were listed on the Bengals injury report as well, however, both participated in the session in full.
The Chiefs aren't free of injury concerns either
As out and out favorites to take claim the Super Bowl, one would think that Kansas City must be sitting pretty, however, that would be a little wide of the mark. Just like there opponents the Bengals, the Chiefs head into Sunday's game with a few problems of their own in the injury department. For starters there is Tyrann Mathieu who was unable to participate in the midweek training session on Wednesday. The safety remains in concussion protocol, however, according to Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, Mathieu is doing well such that there is a good chance he could be available come game time.
Unfortunately, there are some other notable injury doubts facing the Chiefs. Listed on the injury report we can see running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire who is battling with a shoulder issue, wide receiver Tyreek Hill with a heel problem and defensive tackle Chris Jones, who has struggled with a groin injury. Though all were listed as full participants on Wednesday, it's worth noting that they are not at 100%. Regardless of who's in and who's out, the Bengals and Chiefs will battle it out for the AFC title on Sunday January 30th at 3 p.m. ET.