The NFL is in it's second to last week of the regular season in week 16, and multiple teams across the league suffered some significant injuries this weekend. Below are reports and the latest news on injuries that have occurred throughout the NFL during week 16.
Indianapolis Colts QB Matt Hasselbeck - The Colts backup quarterback was not able to return to the field on Sunday, as he suffered an AC sprain in his right (throwing) shoulder, head coach Chuck Pagano said after the game, according to Colts reporter Kevin Bowen. Hasselbeck said that he is not too optimistic about his chances of being ready for the team's regular season finale, according to Bowen. The Colts kept their slim playoff hopes alive with the win over the Dolphins 18-12 and also lost their third-string quarterback Charlie Whitehurst, who was unable to return with an undisclosed injury, according to NFL reporter Conor Orr. Fourth-string quarterback Stephen Morris finished the game for the Colts, and it will be interesting to see what Indianapolis does going into their final game against the Tennessee Titans.
Houston Texans LB Jadeveon Clowney - The former first round pick left the game with a foot injury and was ruled out for the rest of the game, according to the team's Twitter account. Clowney has struggled to stay on the field since entering the NFL as the top pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. The Texans linebacker said after the game that he feels good and is all right following the injury, according to Texans reporter Aaron Wilson. Clowney has 39 combined tackles with 4.5 sacks and is a crucial piece for Houston heading into the postseason. The Texans control their own future, and with a win over AFC South rival the Jacksonville Jaguars next Sunday, they will clinch a playoff berth. Houston pulled out an impressive win of the Tennessee Titans 34-6 on Sunday, and Clowney was seen after the game wearing a boot on the injured foot, according to ESPN's Tania Ganguli.
Green Bay Packers DT B.J. Raji - The Packers lost Raji for Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals, as he suffered a concussion and now is in the NFL's concussion protocol, according to the Packers' team Twitter account. Raji took a hit to the head from safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix when the two were trying to make a tackle. Raji is a big piece of the Packers defensive front and now will have to clear the NFL's concussion protocol before he can return to the field. The Packers face the Minnesota Vikings in the regular season finale, and depending on the outcome of Sunday's games, it could determine the winner of the NFC North division.
New England Patriots OL Sebastian Vollmer - The Patriots offensive lineman had to be carted off the field with a leg injury. The Patriots fell to the Jets 26-20 on Sunday after a controversial decision to kick in overtime. New England has battled with injuries all season and has had to move their offensive line around multiple times this year. New England faces the Miami Dolphins in the final game of the regular season and are looking to hold onto the first seed in the AFC playoff picture. Newly signed offensive lineman LaAdrian Waddle replaced Vollmer following the injury.
Tennessee Titans OT Taylor Lewan - The Titans offensive lineman suffered a concussion and will now have to clear the league's protocol before returning to the field. The Titans are currently in the top spot for the 2016 NFL Draft, and a loss to the Indianapolis Colts next week will put them on the clock for the first pick in 2016. It will be interesting to see what Tennessee does with key players this week, as their season has been over for some time now.
