Key injuries that will impact championship Sunday
Injuries to watch in the conference championships
Greg Olsen, TE, Carolina Panthers: Olsen hurt his right shoulder on a big hit from Seattle safety Kam Chancellor near the beginning of the fourth quarter. The team listed its star TE as questionable, as cameras showed him in visible pain on the sideline. Olsen -- who was second among TEs with 1,104 yards this season -- returned to the game on the Panthers' next offensive series. The TE said after the game that he suffered a "burner" and is fine.
Chris Harris Jr., CB, Denver Broncos: Harris came into the Sunday's game with a shoulder injury, and it appeared to bother him during the game. He got hit pretty hard by his own teammate at the tail end of Martavis Bryant's 40-yard run in the first quarter. According to ESPN Broncos reporter Jeff Legwold, the team took Harris out of its base defense for a time.
Chandler Jones, DE, New England Patriots: Jones was on the injury report entering Saturday's game with abdomen and toe issues, and he exited the Patriots' win over the Chiefs with a right leg injury. Jones had a sack and a forced fumble against Kansas City and leads New England with 13.5 sacks this season.
Jamie Collins and Jerod Mayo, LBs, New England Patriots: Both Collins (back) and Mayo (shoulder) left Saturday's game in the third quarter and did not return to the field. With Rob Ninkovich, Dont'a Hightower and Jones also banged up, the Patriots figure to have five of their starters along the defensive front seven battling injuries this week.
Jared Allen, DE, Carolina Panthers: Allen suffered a broken foot in the Panthers' game against the Seahawks. According to ESPN Panthers writer David Newton reported, "The injury is similar to the one defensive tackle Star Lotulelei suffered last season. Lotulelei's injury required surgery and sidelined him for the rest of the 2014 playoffs."
Other notable injuries to eliminated teams
Randall Cobb, WR, Green Bay Packers: Cobb suffered a bruised lung on a 51-yard catch at the end of the first quarter that was negated by offsetting penalties. He was seen coughing up blood on the sidelines before being ruled out for the game. Cobb tweeted that he was discharged from the hospital on Sunday.
Russell Okung, T, Seattle Seahawks: Okung hurt his shoulder while trying to pass protect at the beginning of the second quarter. He immediately grabbed for his left arm as Mario Addison got around the left tackle to pressure Russell Wilson. The play resulted in an interception. Okung did not return to the game.