The release of the Wednesday injury reports gives us an idea of where the Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Rams are sitting health-wise heading into the Super Bowl. With the likes of Cam Akers, Tyler Higbee, Van Jefferson, and C.J. Uzomah all on the injury report, there are certainly some things to keep an eye on as the week goes on.
Los Angeles Rams vs. Cincinnati Bengals Injury Report | Bengals
The Bengals took to the practice field in Los Angeles for the first time, and fortunately for them, there were not many question marks ahead of Super Bowl 56. Only two players were listed as either limited or as non-participants, with three other names appearing on the injury report but listed as full participants.
C.J. Uzomah (knee) remains a big question mark for the Bengals
When Uzomah left the Bengals’ game against the Chiefs on the cart, his season looked like it would be over. However, after the diagnosis of a sprained MCL was revealed, there was some faint hope he could suit up for the Super Bowl. His absence from practice is a concern, but it does not mean he is ruled out. We could very well see Uzomah play no part in practice but still be active Sunday.
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If Uzomah is active, he’s a very risky play in DFS lineups this week. MCL sprains can be tricky for a player to manage in the game, and Uzomah could easily just be out there as a decoy. Additionally, there is a decent chance of aggravating the injury and missing significant time. If he is not active, Drew Sample lacks the upside of Uzomah but could be a relatively cheap, touchdown-dependent option. Additionally, Tyler Boyd could see increased targets if Uzomah is absent.
Other Bengals on the injury report
- G Jackson Carman (back)
Questionable - WR Stanley Morgan (hamstring)
Full - DE Cameron Sample (groin)
Full - DT Josh Tupou (knee)
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Rams vs. Bengals Injury Report | Rams
The Rams had four intriguing names listed as limited or absent from their practice report Wednesday. It’s worth noting that this is just an estimation, as the Rams did not practice Wednesday, so things may change when they take the field on Thursday. There is also a fifth name of note in Darrell Henderson Jr., who is not listed on the injury report due to being on injured reserve. But he could be set to suit up Sunday.
Cam Akers (shoulder) appears set to play Sunday
During his media availability on Monday, Cam Akers told reporters that his shoulder was improving, and he had a better range of motion. Akers also revealed that his absence from practice last week was as much precautionary as anything. On Wednesday, the focus from Sean McVay after his team’s walkthrough session was more on the availability of Henderson than Akers, indicating he has little concern over the availability of Akers this week.
Darrell Henderson Jr.’s (knee) potential return clouds the picture at running back
All indications heading into Thursday are that Henderson will play Sunday. After McVay stated he thinks he will be good to go, he added, “So, you’ll have Cam (Akers), Darrell, and Sony (Michel). You’ll be able to see a good three-back rotation, based on how the game unfolds. The situations that arise will dictate which one you’re seeing. Like anything else, if we’re able to get into a rhythm running it, we’re going to go with the hot hand.”
The Rams have leaned heavily on Akers since his return. He has 54 carries and 6 targets in the playoffs, while Michel has just 24 carries and 4 targets. However, the return of Henderson complicates the picture for fantasy this week.
If Henderson is looking good, he could remain in the game. His price point this week is extremely low ($1,600 on DraftKings), making him an intriguing gamble option in a lineup. In contrast, Akers ($6,400) is a risky play at that price point — he is averaging just 2.8 yards per carry in the playoffs.
Tyler Higbee (knee) and Van Jefferson (knee) were both listed on the injury report Wednesday
The situation with Higbee is remarkably similar to Uzomah. Both are dealing with sprained MCLs and did not practice on Wednesday. However, Higbee could be slightly ahead in his recovery having missed the NFC Championship Game. He could yet be active, but he will be a risky play if he is — the lack of practice time likely limits his ceiling. If Higbee is absent, Kendall Blanton at $4,600 on DraftKings becomes an intriguing option as a low-priced DFS play.
Jefferson was limited in practice, and right now, the expectation is that he will play barring a setback. Jefferson is a boom-or-bust DFS option this week at $5,200 on DFS. He will need a big play to return value, but he could be a tremendous differentiator in your lineup if he does go off.
Joseph Noteboom (chest) headlines the other names on the injury report
Listed as a non-participant in the practice estimation was Joseph Noteboom. On Wednesday, Noteboom was off to one side working on conditioning, but he did finish with the team drills. Noteboom’s role is backing up Andrew Whitworth at left tackle. Yet, if he’s inactive, his absence would be felt by the Rams’ offense in the event anything happens to Whitworth during the game.
The remainder of the Rams’ estimated injury report were all listed as full participants ahead of Super Bowl 56 against the Bengals. Appearing on the report were: CB Grant Haley (quadricep), CB Jalen Ramsey (shoulder), S Taylor Rapp (concussion), LB Christian Rozeboom (elbow), and T Andrew Whitworth (quadricep).
