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NFL News and Notes for December 28

After an exciting Week 16, the NFL playoffs are starting to take shape. In the NFC, five teams (Packers, Buccaneers, Rams, Cardinals, Cowboys) have secured playoff spots. With two spots left, six teams are still in contention in the NFC.

In the AFC, only the Kansas City Chiefs have secured a spot. In fact, three divisions (AFC East, South, North) have two or more teams still competing for titles.

While all eyes are on the playoff races, there is plenty of news off the field as well. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest stories from the week.

Rams Lose Running Back, Getting Another Back?

The Los Angeles Rams running back depth took a bit of a hit this week as Darrell Henderson hit the injured reserve due to an MCL sprain. This season, the third-year back rushed 149 times for 688 yards and five scores. He also had 29 receptions for 176 yards and another three scores.

While those numbers are solid, he had seemingly taken a back seat to Sony Michel in the run game. Still, Henderson’s absence is a big hit for the Rams as they fight for playoff contention.

The team is currently -290 to win the NFC West and +950 to win the Super Bowl.

While the loss of Henderson hurts, they may be getting some reinforcements. Adam Schefter reported that the Rams had activated running back Cam Akers, and there is a chance he could return in Week 17.

Akers is just five months removed from a torn Achilles tendon; however, it appears that he is healthy enough to give it a go for the Rams.

Last year, as a rookie, Akers rushed for 625 yards and had another 123 through the air. He had a combined three touchdowns.

Los Angeles currently ranks sixth in scoring, averaging 27.7 points per game but just 24th in rushing (103.1 yards per game).

Other Running Backs Injured In Week 16

Darrell Henderson was not the only injured running back this week. On Monday, Jacksonville Jaguars interim head coach Darrell Bevell confirmed that James Robinson suffered a torn Achilles.

This season, Robinson had rushed for 767 yards and eight touchdowns on 164 carries. He also had 31 receptions for 222 yards.

At 2-13, the Jaguars are the favorites (-400) to have the worst record in the NFL this season. With the worst record, that would be two straight seasons where the Jaguars would get the top overall pick in the draft after taking Trevor Lawrence last season.

Aside from Robinson, Miles Sanders of the Philadelphia Eagles also suffered an injury this week. In the Eagles’ 34-10 win over the New York Giants this week, Sanders broke a bone in his hand.

While Sanders will be out this week, the Eagles hope that he can still return this season. In 12 games this year, Sanders has rushed 137 times for 754 yards. The 24-year-old also has 26 receptions for 158 yards.

The Eagles are currently +7000 to win Super Bowl LVI.

Garoppolo Suffers Injury

The San Francisco 49ers took a bit of a hit this week as quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo suffered a thumb injury on his throwing hand. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Garoppolo is dealing with a chipped bone and torn ligament.

After a rough season last year, Garoppolo has played well this year. In 14 games, he has thrown for 3,494 yards, 19 touchdowns, and ten interceptions.

While no injury is good, this is especially tough for a 49ers team that is fighting for a playoff spot. Despite losing in Week 16 to the Tennessee Titans, they currently hold the sixth seed in the NFC.

Still, with two games remaining and plenty of teams on their heels, San Francisco still has work to do. If Garoppolo can’t go this week, it could be rookie Trey Lance getting the start against the Houston Texans.

Lance has played in parts of five games (one start) this season. He has thrown for 354 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception.

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