NFL Championship Games Face Injury Challenges Ahead of Pivotal Matchups
As the NFL Conference Championship weekend approaches on Sunday, January 25, 2026, injury reports have revealed significant challenges for all four competing teams. The Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams will clash in the NFC Championship, while the New England Patriots face the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship, with both games carrying major implications for Super Bowl LX.
Seattle Seahawks Grapple with Multiple Injury Concerns
The Seattle Seahawks presented a substantial injury report on Thursday, with fourteen players appearing on the list. The team is dealing with various issues including knee injuries, ankle problems, and hamstring concerns. Only three players—wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, linebacker DeMarcus Lawrence, and defensive tackle Leonard Williams—were listed with "Not Injury Related/Rest" designations.
Key Seahawks injury statuses include:
- Quarterback Sam Darnold: Limited Participant [Oblique]
- Running back George Holani: Full Participant [Hamstring]
- Tight end Elijah Arroyo: Full Participant [Knee]
- Tackle Amari Kight: Did Not Participate [Knee]
- Tackle Charles Cross: Did Not Participate [Foot]
- Linebacker Chazz Surratt: Full Participant [Ankle]
- Guard Bryce Cabeldue: Limited Participant [Knee]
Los Angeles Rams Manage Limited Injury List
On the opposing side, the Los Angeles Rams reported only five players on their Thursday injury report. Linebacker Bryon Young was the sole player who did not participate for the second consecutive day due to a knee injury sustained during the Divisional Round against the Chicago Bears. Rams Wire's Cameron DaSilva reported that head coach Sean McVay indicated the team is being cautious with Young's recovery, though he is still expected to play against the Seahawks.
Notable Rams injury updates:
- Cornerback Emmanuel Forbes: Limited Participant [Shoulder]
- Linebacker Josaiah Steward: Full Participant [Knee]
- Tackle Rob Havenstein: Limited Participant [Ankle]
- Safety Quentin Lake: Full Participant [Illness]
New England Patriots Face Participation Challenges
The New England Patriots' injury report revealed three players who did not participate in Thursday's practice: linebackers Harold Landry III [Knee] and Christian Elliss [Hip], along with center Garrett Bradbury [Illness]. The team activated two players from injured reserve—wide receiver Mack Hollins, who participated limitedly due to an abdominal issue, and defensive tackle Joshua Farmer, who was a full participant despite a hamstring injury.
Additional Patriots injury notes:
- Running back TreVeyon Henderson: Full Participant [Shoulder]
- Tight end Hunter Henry: Limited Participant [Not Injury Related/Rest]
- Offensive tackle Morgan Moses: Limited Participant [Not Injury Related/Rest]
- Cornerback Carlton Davis III: Limited Participant [Concussion Protocol]
Denver Broncos Adjust to Quarterback Loss
The Denver Broncos face a significant setback as quarterback Bo Nix suffered a season-ending fractured right ankle during the AFC Divisional Round victory over the Buffalo Bills. Backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham will assume starting duties against the New England Patriots for the Conference Championship game at Empower Field at Mile High.
Broncos injury report highlights:
- Wide receiver Pat Bryant: Full Participant [Concussion Protocol]
- Running back J.K. Dobbins: Limited Participant [Foot/IR Return]
- Tight end Lucas Krull: Full Participant [Foot/IR Return]
- Linebacker Drew Sanders: Full Participant [Ankle/IR Return]
- Center Alex Forsyth: Limited Participant [Ankle]
Championship Game Details and Broadcast Information
The NFC Championship Game between the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams will take place at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington, with a scheduled start time of 6:30 PM ET on Sunday, January 25, 2026. The game will be broadcast on FOX and available for streaming on NFL+, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV, and FOX One.
Simultaneously, the AFC Championship Game featuring the New England Patriots versus the Denver Broncos will commence at 3 PM ET at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. CBS will televise the matchup, with streaming options including Fubo, Paramount+, DirecTV, and NFL+.
The winners of these two championship contests will advance to Super Bowl LX, scheduled for Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. These injury reports will play a crucial role in determining team strategies and player availability for these high-stakes games that will decide the NFL's final contenders.
