Turkey Day 2018 football is here! Story lines abound with three divisional match ups. Can the Bears maintain their ascension to the NFC North crown? Will the Saints continue their dominance in the NFC South? In a wide-open NFC East, the Redskins and Cowboys fight for first place. The story lines are prevalent but will injuries play a role? Let’s take a look at the Thanksgiving Injury Report for the 2018 NFL action.
Alex Smith (Washington Redskins)
There’s no way to get around discussing quarterback Alex Smith’s horrific leg injury. Thirty-three years to the day, in a situation reminiscent of Joe Theismann’s infamous, career-ending injury, Alex Smith went down on a sack awkwardly and suffered a broken tibia and fibula. Smith immediately had surgery and has since been placed on injured reserve. It’s the type of injury that has career longevity implications. Smith has a long road to recovery ahead of him and the future is uncertain. Colt McCoy will start in his place with recently-signed Mark Sanchez filling the backup role.
Michael Gallup (Dallas Cowboys)
Rookie wide receiver Michael Gallup will play in Thursdays game against the Redskins after coming back from a death in the family. Gallup learned of the tragic passing of his brother in the locker room of Mercedes-Benz Stadium after the Cowboys’ win against the Falcons on Sunday. His absence would have been likely felt by an already struggling Dallas air attack unless the Cowboys can figure out how to get recently-acquired Amari Cooper more involved.
Marvin Jones Jr. (Detroit Lions)
Jones always seems to have the potential to get 100 yards receiving with the Lions offense. He has had a decent season so far compiling over 508 yards in 9 games. He sat against Carolina due to knee contusion and the last update to his status was that he was pursuing a second opinion. At this point, he is questionable for the Thanksgiving game with little indication one way or the other.
Aaron Lynch (Chicago Bears)
The Bears have been relatively lucky with injuries this season. Outside linebacker Aaron Lynch has not been as lucky. Lynch started the season banged up but has played well of late. He left the game against the Vikings with a concussion. Lynch is listed as doubtful but as concussion protocol normally takes a minimum of a week, the quick turnaround will likely keep him out. Lynch has been a contributor to the Bears’ defensive rotation and will be missed on Thursday.
Tre’Quan Smith (New Orleans Saints)
After having a breakout performance against the Eagles on Sunday with 10 receptions for 157 yards and a touchdown, wide receiver Tre’Quan Smith is listed as questionable with a foot injury. The Saints have been looking for a compliment to outstanding wide receiver Michael Thomas (even signing Dez Bryant, now injured) and they may have found that player in Smith. Saints fans everywhere hope the young receiver heals fast as the team hosts rival Atlanta.
Deion Jones (Atlanta Falcons)
Jones is still struggling with a foot injury that has plagued him all season. The Falcons recently activated him from the Injured Reserve/Designated for Return list but there are still questions as to his ability to play. The Falcons defense is playing better than it did at the beginning of the season but they could desperately use a player of his caliber. Jones has averaged over 100 tackles in each of his prior 2 NFL seasons and made a Pro Bowl last year. His speed and awareness are going to be key to help shut down the dynamic Saints offense.
