Eagles’ Quinyon Mitchell and Rams’ Braden Fiske Out for Divisional Round
The Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Rams will each be without a key rookie defender for the rest of Sunday’s divisional-round matchup.
Philadelphia cornerback Quinyon Mitchell has been downgraded to out with a shoulder injury he suffered during the first half, while Los Angeles defensive end Braden Fiske has been downgraded to out with a knee injury.
Mitchell went down while hitting quarterback Matthew Stafford on a scramble, while Fiske had been in and out of the game during the first half with his knee issue.
Despite the personnel losses, the two teams traded punts to start the second half before Rams kicker Joshua Karty nailed a 34-yard field goal to tie the game 13-13 with 7:37 left in the third quarter.
Mitchell’s Impact
Mitchell has played a significant role for the Eagles’ defense this season, starting 12 games and recording 44 tackles, three interceptions, and nine pass breakups. His absence will be a blow to Philadelphia’s pass defense, which has allowed the second-fewest passing yards per game in the NFL this season.
## Fiske’s Impact
Fiske has also been a key contributor for the Rams’ defense, starting 11 games and recording 22 tackles, three sacks, and four tackles for loss. His absence will be a blow to Los Angeles’ pass rush, which has generated the fifth-most sacks in the NFL this season.
Outlook
The absences of Mitchell and Fiske are significant blows to both the Eagles and Rams, but they should still be able to field competitive defenses. Philadelphia has a number of experienced cornerbacks who can step up in Mitchell’s absence, while Los Angeles has a deep defensive line that can compensate for Fiske’s absence.
The Eagles and Rams are both favored to win their respective divisional-round games, but the injuries to Mitchell and Fiske could make things a little more difficult for them.
Injury Updates
In addition to Mitchell and Fiske, a number of other players suffered injuries in the early games of the divisional round.
**Buffalo Bills**
– Wide receiver Stefon Diggs (ankle), questionable to return
– Cornerback Tre’Davious White (knee), out
**Cincinnati Bengals**
– Quarterback Joe Burrow (knee), questionable to return
**Jacksonville Jaguars**
– Running back Travis Etienne (foot), out
– Wide receiver Christian Kirk (ankle), questionable to return
**New York Giants**
– Quarterback Daniel Jones (ankle), questionable to return
– Running back Saquon Barkley (ankle), out